Jim Dailey

Livin’ the Farm Life (well sorta) for the weekend.

The romance and spirit of adventure just happened to land on Patti’s Birthday weekend.  She wanted to do something … maybe rent a cabin … and spend the weekend with our good friends, Gwen and JC.  However, she specifically said “No Cooking”.  Well, since i’ve become a big fan of Ruth Pepler and she has been coaxing me to bring Patti to the Dogwood Hills Guest Farm … Perfect!  As good fortune would have it, Dogwood Hills had a cancellation in the three bedroom cottage … in addition, Ruth said Patti could have her wish … No Cooking. 

Pictured above right to left, Ruth, Thomas and Grace Pepler, owners, operators, cooks, farm hands, construction workers … they do it all and at the same time make guests feel at home.  We loved sitting around the big kitchen counter top visiting, taste testing and then enjoying as fine a meal as one can get anywhere.

This is a “hands on” working farm … so, the four of us jumped right in and milked one of the cows.  

One can easily tell by the look on this cow’s face, we were new at the art of milking.  Fortunately Grace took over … happier cow I’m sure!

There were plenty of other Farm type duties … animal and otherwise. 

Possibly most fun was what we called The running of the chickens!

There were lots of other farm animals but now I want to turn to meal time … exactly like one would expect on a farm … only in this case better than expected, more of it and true farm to table.  Wow!!

Elk meatballs and spaghetti, buffalo brisket that melts in your mouth and special desserts such as apple pie, rhubarb pie and Birthday cake for Patti.

And then, as if all that wasn’t enough, this morning, Grace treated us to the most amazing Crepes i’ve ever eaten.  Wow again!

This is one of the most unique weekends we have ever shared with our friends … plus we now feel like we are family with the Peplers.  I will just wrap up with a collage of more photos … Thank you Ruth, Grace and Thomas … you are Arkansas Treasures.