Dirt & Corn in Arkansas

This past Saturday we had a break in the 100 degree weather - still abundant sunshine but with a nice cool breeze to break up the heat. So when my IL's asked if we wanted to check out their new land on four-wheelers, it felt like a wonderful idea!

Forewarning, there are a lot of pictures. But since it's our families newest venture, it definitely seemed worth documenting.

Off to a remote stretch of land near the White River.

Where we found rows and rows of corn.

And dirt. Lots of dirt.

But set up under bright blue skies and perfect clouds.

EH was eager to finally let his fourhweeler spin it's wheels.

EH being the perfect navigator like always.

Rows and rows of corn. Each field had different heights - these were probably me sized - so 5'5" give or take a few inches.

Everything was going great until we tried to start the IL's set of wheels - luckily EH always carries jumper cables! After a little while we were all up and running!

Well, up and running right after my FIL accidentally popped a wheelie that spilled my MIL's drink all over her head. Woops!

This was my MIL's attempt to see a beaver that had just crossed our path. Don't worry - the four wheeler wasn't moving!

The views here were spectacular - amazingly quiet - just the sound of corn stalks in the wind, frogs in the water and the hum of four wheeler engines. 

This is where we ran into a little trouble. A whole section of land that looked impossible to get to.

But we made it! Into a huge field with grass as tall as our vehicle.

Which led to more dirt - we were covered after trailing behind these two! But this portion of the land was special - little fingers tucked back making hidden coves. 

Which may not look like much but it is!

The sun still high but later in the day, we packed up and headed home. Covered in dust but happy and content.

And of course we had to stop at Ms. Lena's for a big piece of coconut pie.

All in all, a perfect day. 

Piro Brick Oven & Barroom

I really love pizza. I could probably eat it every day since there are so many options, and literally I love them all. Well, except pizza with pineapple. That's still weird.

So a couple of weekends ago when I was craving pizza but still wanted to try something new and local, we decided to hit up Piro Brick Oven & Barroom.

Piro is in the evolving SOMA district, home to other favorites such as South On Main. It's fun seeing this area growing!

Photo Courtesy of www.arkansasbites.syncweekly.com/

 Not a huge space and not jam packed with tables - on a Friday night it was hopping but we were still able to be seated immediately. 

Our table was by this fun apothecary chest, now filled with plants! Which immediately made me want one for our house.

Starting out of course with cocktails - beer for the guys, and white wine for me.

The menu has the usual - appetizers, salads, pizza, sandwiches and dessert. But their spin on each item is what makes the menu special.

I've been once before and ordered the Burrata - a large sphere of mozarella with balsamic reduction, olive oil and sourdough bread - heavenly! This visit we opted for the meatballs, also served with sourdough.

So good! If the bread had been toasted just a little it would have made these a 10/10.

For entrees, the three of us decided to split two pizzas. A good ole' fashioned Pepperoni and the fabulous H.A.M.Cetta. 

Pancetta, smoke chiles, farm eggs, pecorino with arugula and olive oil. You break the eggs up so they coat each slice.

As you can tell, it was several slices into this pizza before we even thought about the pepperoni!

Though the pepperoni was pretty delicious as well.

We didn't try any dessert but several came out of the kitchen that looked delicious. It's definitely going to be on our regular rotation - perfect for a group outing or a date night. Their wine and beer selection is great and the atmosphere and staff were both really pleasant.

Locals, have you tried Piro out yet? If you're not local, tell me about your favorite pizza place!

Recent Happenings

It seems like the warmer the weather gets, the more active we become. Not like, workout active, of course. Though we have plans for that!

Last Friday after the longest work week ever, we met up with friends to celebrate those who had taken their PE test. PE = Professional Engineer test that happens twice a year and is a huge deal in the world of engineering. I remember all too fondly how stressful the preparation for the exam is (second hand of course) so fingers crossed our friends passed their first round!

Saturday we headed up to NWA for another friend's birthday. It's always nice to get out of town, even for a night. Two weekends ago was Hot Springs and just now NWA - I will take any part of the Natural State!

On Sunday, we did what we usually do when in Fayetteville and that was hit up Feltner Brothers.  This classic fresh burger joint opened up the year EH and I moved down to Little Rock and we crave it all the time.

EH had already taken a bite out of his before I could snag a picture.

In the years since we've moved, Feltner Brothers has moved from their off-Dickson St. location to one off College. It lacks the energy and modern feeling of their previous location but I was relieved that the food was even better than I remembered.

Driving back home we stopped for a few furry hitchhikers.

Hopefully you know Moose but that patchy-furred fellow behind him is Bailey! He's staying with us for a few weeks. The only time I can get EH to agree to a second dog. :)

We also stopped for what was said to be the most delicious, creamy, pineapple flavored treat ever. Oddly specific, right?

Arkansas Pineapple Whip! In Conway, AR if you happen to be passing through.

The menu is small - basically your choice between two flavors (Pineapple, of course, and the day we visited - also cherry) then it's either cup, cone, or float. Ooh, and you could twist!

Wait, swirl. Twist or swirl, they both sound fun!

For 2.50 you really can't beat it. Not quite ice cream, not quite frozen yogurt. Very refreshing.

I was worried about the dogs scoping out my treat but they both were passed out from their adventures.

Moose requiring not one, but two dog beds. That's sort of his whole thing when Bailey is around apparently. All mine!

But they at least tolerate each other which is all I can ask for.

Isn't his little face cute? Bet you can't guess how old he is! Go ahead, try!

Just don't try and guess how long it's been since that back door has been washed, okay? Appreciate it!

While they tolerate eachother, Moose has suddenly come quite cuddly. Which we'll take!

I've heard that having more than one Pomeranian is called a Puff. I finally have one, even if only temporary!