Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Super Bowl 60 … LX … was no exception. Over 100,000 fans at the game and more than 100 million glued to their TVs sets. Obvious question … if it’s so big, why would a group of guys, for 20 plus years, choose this weekend for a camping adventure? Easy answer … we will all be home! BLIMEY BRILLIANT!!! …. Camp Friday and Saturday, break camp Sunday, return home for the game.
Until the past few years we have backpacked to a camp site or campground, pitched our tents, built a campfire using downed trees and cooked our meals with coals from our campfire. We have enjoyed beautiful weekends and we have weathered less desirable weekends of severe cold, heavy snow, wind and “gully washer” rain storms.
Now, we still camp but depend on the backup option of staying in a private home overlooking the amazing beauty of Arkansas’ Ozark mountains near historic Jasper and the Buffalo National River.
Our hiking group. Twin/Triple Falls … very little water. Same falls, another day. Sunday Sunrise.
Super Bowl weekend. Another successful adventure in our beautiful Arkansas Mountains.
Here’s a copy of the message I sent to our four children …
Probably no other property owned by Dalton and Ellen Dailey has more history and meaning than 308 Rock street… the home of Dailey’s 50,000 sq ft friendly yellow building.
Today marks another historic moment … our family no longer has ownership interest in 3rd and Rock. Earlier this afternoon, the sale of Rock Street Lofts was closed to an out of state buyer with plans to continue operation as a residential apartment property. The new owners like this type of property and intend to preserve its history, architecture and character… I know Dalton and Ellen would be pleased. I assure you Patti and Jim are.
There are so many memories … I would like each of you to send your mom and me some of your favorite memories. I plan to post my memories and yours in a blog post.
With fond memories and mixed emotions, I send you this major event in the Dailey family life.
Love each of you
Mom and Dad.
This blog announcement is written mainly to preserve this significant moment in our family history.
It will be followed in a day or two with a list of responses from our children…
Laura,Donna, DJ, Jeff
Each has already been sending me pictures and treasured memories of growing up in and around this Historic building that has been part of our family for sixty years.
A short sample from Laura, our oldest:
Wow! I’m having some mixed emotions as well! Ty for sharing the news with us! Can’t wait to hear everyone’s memories!
-I’m picturing opening that front door and the bell ringing… Shirley is sitting at the front desk. I always loved going to see grandma at her desk and wondered what she did all day. I felt so special and like such a proud daughter and honestly felt close to you, dad, when i would go into your office as a young girl!
-I always loved the Christmas open houses… seeing all the people who came… grandma and grandpa loved showing off their grandchildren. I think I ate my weight every year in those Christmas tree cookies with the sprinkles on them!
-Loved how the old hardwoods creaked…
-Riding that elevator … always loved taking customers up in that bc it was such a great conversation starter!
-picking out our school supplies there ( although I was always bummed grandpa didn’t stock Trapper Keepers)- as a parent of 4 I know what a blessing it was for you all to get to have a discount on school supplies!
-I loved working there as a young adult… as soon as a customer knew I was a Dailey, most would have a story about how they acquired their first piece of furniture… or some gift item Grandpa gave them.
God’s gift to those in need. First United Methodist Church Downtown Little Rock
On beautiful crisp days like yesterday, I love to “get my steps in” by walking around downtown. Often, like yesterday, I make a serendipitous discovery … this time, the First United Methodist Church Community Cafe. Of course, I had to go in! What did I find? … two delightful ladies, Judy and Jane. They could almost be two lovable characters from a Doctor Seuss book. Instead they were two amazing volunteers serving coffee and snacks and an overflowing of grace and love for people in need.
First United Methodist Church
It was actually my pause to take this photo that resulted in my discovery of the Community Cafe. As I studied the juxtaposition of this 1899 National Register of Historic Places building of worship against a backdrop of mid century modern secular skyscrapers, my first thought was to visit the sanctuary. Unfortunately, it was locked. Undaunted, I marched on to the administrative office area hoping to seek permission only to be side tracked by the sign above. Upon entering the first door open, I was greeted by the welcome smiles from Judy and Jane. I was stuck by the large number of people doing just what the sign offered … enjoying a place to rest, some snacks and a fresh cup of Java.
I tip my hat to these two ladies and to the leadership of the First United Methodist Church. You are doing the work of Jesus … one smile, one snack, one cup of coffee at a time.
THANK YOU FOR CARING.
PS:As I walk the downtown sidewalks of our Capitol City, I’m reminded of the uniqueness and significance of urban cores … the history, the architecture, the diversity … the Heart! In addition, I am resolute in my belief that city, county and state governments must continue support for adaptive reuse, historic preservation, housing, the arts, entertainment, commerce, tourism and public safety… just to mention a few.
You will hear more from me on this topic. For now, be grateful for the Judy’s and Janes that have already rolled up their sleeves to make Little Rock downtown a better place for all. … one cup at a time.
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?
That leadership of Republicans and Democrats would actually listen face to face and commit to stay in the same room until a solution acceptable to both sides is achieved.
That Our divided society would focus on Love and unity.
I think I enjoy all seasonal decorations… a lot! I especially love outdoor Christmas lights … the more the better but today my focus is Halloween. Here are two tasteful examples seen this morning on my walk in the neighborhood.
Contented Couple Neighborhood spiritGift from Bryan and Krista.
The first two were neighborhood front porch and front yard displays. My guess would be, the front porch couple was not the traditional house full of kids. The second, very well could be a household with kids …maybe even one or two parents that enjoy the spirit as much as the kids. To support my thought, keep in mind that my photo captures only about 25% of the total display. It was Halloween impressive!
The third photo shows an inflatable puppy dog … given to Patti. We’ve got him posted at our front door… but I must admit, there is a “somewhat” humorous back story. We’ve had many pet dogs thru the years from Great Danes (heck of a lap dog) to Yorkies. My wife and I have agreed our flexibility is better now without owning a dog. However, Patti wavers from time to time so our friends have opined, when I die, she will stop at the animal shelter on her way home from the funeral and pick up a rescue puppy. I guess, that proves “a dog truly is a man’s/woman’s best friend.
Serendipitous visit with Middle Eastern Cuisine owners Fifi and Mamdo
Today I had a little extra time before lunch and decided to walk along East Markham and make a quick stroll through the River Market hall. Both Markham St and the River Market hold memories and significance in my life … one because our family had an Office Furniture dealership on Markham at Laharpe for many years and the other because I was Mayor when we developed the River Market for food vendors, farmers market and an outdoor entertainment amphitheater.
I’ve not been to the Market Hall in sometime so I was anxious to see what food vendors are there now … more importantly, to see if Middle Eastern Cuisine was still there. Well, it’s there … and the friendly faces pictured, above still greeted me with smiles and a small plate of the best baklava I’ve ever eaten.
She came to Little Rock to participate in a conference sponsored by Little Rock Zoo and University of Arkansas Little Rock .
As Mayor I was honored to meet her and receive the above pictured T-Shirt … one I have treasured all these years. She was here to present and discuss her life long work and research with Chimpanzees. What an amazing life commitment and person. When I heard the news that she died, I fondly remembered our visit and fortunately located the gift tucked away on a shelf in my closet.
The faces and names of the chimpanzees brought a smile and a feeling of gratitude. Her legacy will live on forever.
Three of my friends took the first three beautiful photos. I’m happy to share these and some of mine.
Work of art by Leesa Renshaw.Perfect timing by Nancy Rousseau Campsite by Renie BressinckLittle Rock Skyline Arkansas State Capitol A Little Rock Christmas Ethereal sunset White Sands New MexicoSt. Louis Gateway Arch. Lake Ouachita JC…RIP
This is my first time to publicly show part of my sunset/sunrise library. I was moved to do so by friends who shared their art with me.
When I started writing this blog, some 13 years ago, my intention was to highlight trails (travels), thoughts and tributes. I’ve journaled family events – birthdays, holidays, weddings, vacations; guy’s adventures – Charlie Brown Christmas hikes, SST annual ski trips, Fall National Park hikes; tributes to special people in my life … I call each, My Hero!
Hank and Stephanie Kelley
Full disclosure, Stephanie, is my sister; Hank, my brother in law. I have another wonderful sister, Kathy … but that’s for another blog. Today, my highlight and hero declaration is Hank Kelley with whom I’m associated at Kelley Commercial Partners. His birthday was yesterday. Today our KCP Team surprised him with a little birthday fun, fresh fruit, LR pictorial Cake, custom caps and lots of love for our leader.
On a personal note, Hank Kelly is an easy pick as my hero. He is a foundational cornerstone of our combined families … a hard working, smart, caring role model. He is one of the most respected business leaders in Little Rock having built one of the largest, most successful Commercial Real Estate firms in Arkansas. He is generous with volunteer community leadership … my guess is if you ask for the top 25 individuals you would want on your team… those you could count on, those who will speak frankly but fairly and in the best interest of all … I don’t care what the project or cause, Hank Kelley will be on that list.
He is a dedicated, caring, loving father, husband, friend. He is fun, competitive, inspirational, compassionate … most of all … Godly.
I’m blessed he is part of my life. Hank Kelley is MY HERO!!
Our world, our family, our City are better because of him.
Growing up Catholic, I’ve always had an abiding interest in The Papacy. During my lifetime, I’ve experienced the teachings and spiritual guidance of 7 Popes, the longest terms being Pius XII (19 years 1939-58) and John Paul II (26 years 1978-2005).
As an impressionable young person in Catholic Elementary School and High School, Pius XII is etched in my memory, even if only because his picture was prominently displayed on the wall in each and every class room.
Pope Pius XII
Pope John Paul II (below) in many ways was personally most impactful, serving during important middle years of my marriage, family growth, business development and political career.
Pope John Paul II
Patti and I had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II in Chicago. We were there for a meeting at the time and stood shoulder to shoulder with tens of thousands along Michigan Avenue cheering his arrival while gratefully receiving his Papal blessing.
Some years later, while Bill Clinton was President and I was Mayor, I received a call from the White House inviting me to be in Denver when President Clinton greeted Shepherd One, the papal plane and Pope John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II
I covered this in an earlier blog post The mayor meets the pope. My son, Jeff, found the photo while he was working in the White House.
This was and still is a surreal moment in my life. Simply writing about it, is a humbling experience.
People from all over the world join in sadness and gratefulness commemorating the life, service and goodness of Pope Francis. Clearly, he was “The people’s Pope.” Now the Conclave gathers to prayerfully seek guidance from The Holy Spirit in choosing our 277th Holy Father … Pope ???
MAY 8, 2025 … we have a new Pope! …….. POPE LEO XIV ……..
What wonderfully emotional and spiritual day yesterday was as I and millions watched the billowing of white smoke announcing the selection of a new Pope.
Jim Dailey is just an ordinary guy who has travelled many trails, met a bunch of heroes along the way and finally decided to write TRAILS, TRIBUTES AND THOUGHTS before his LAST PAIR OF BOOTS bite the dust.
Jim grew up in Little Rock, AR., owned a furniture store, has a wife of 50 plus years, four grown children, six grandkids, is VP of Government Relations with Kelley Commercial Partners, served as Mayor of Little Rock for 14 years and Director of Tourism for the state of Arkansas
Jim Dailey 