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Hero of the week. The Stanley Ski Team SST

January 30, 2016 by Last Pair of Boots

As we prepare for our 36th annual trip together, it’s only fitting to spend a moment in nostalgic reflection recalling this powerful example of true lasting friendship.
This reblog of a 2012 post still says it best of all!

Last Pair of Boots's avatarJim Dailey

Stanley Ski Team …. SST

Here is the note I sent to my ski buddies after the 2012 ski trip.  We have been going on a trip each year for over 30 years. Stanley is the last name of the original founding father of SST.

 Once again, it was a special treat to be with the best friends in the world.  In a very small way, I miss skiing with the group but in a very big way I enjoy our time together and will do all I can to attend for as long as the Good Lord allows.  I certainly don’t wish to be maudlin, but John made a prophetic and profound statement when he said “we will probably not be doing this ten years from now”.

 The evening discussions, especially the evening discussing family histories was a highlight for me … as different as we may be…

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Arkansas’ Incredible State Parks

January 28, 2016 by Last Pair of Boots

Visits to Mount Magazine, Woolly Hollow, Lake Ouachita and Old Washington

There are a few of our state parks I have not visited, but as an Arkansas State Parks and Tourism Commissioner, I’m attempting to remedy that.  Just in the last 10 days I have visited the above parks with some of our staff, including the new Director, Kane Webb and new Director of Parks, Grady Spann.

A few highlights along with a picture or two for each of these four parks.

Mount Magazine State Park … highest elevation in Arkansas.

This beautiful state park has wonderful cabins, a magnificent … I should say …  Grand Lodge, miles of hiking trails, beautiful vistas and a cool retreat when it is hot and humid in the lower elevations of Arkansas.

 

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Woolly Hollow State Park

This park is a serendipitous surprise … with a lake, swimming and fishing, camping plus miles of hiking and off road mountain bike trails.

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Lake Ouachita State Park

This park has one of the most inviting settings on the crystal clear Lake Ouachita surrounded by National Forest. With hiking, camping, major boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, there is plenty to do.  My buddy and I did what the State Parks calls “First Day Hike” on January 1, 2016.  We did the hike and then were treated to a tour by the Asst Superintendent and lead Interpreter. At this park, they are trying some new models of Restrooms and Camper Cabins … Bravo!!

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Historic Old Washington State Park

This is just like stepping back into Arkansas History.  In fact this Park/Community was the Arkansas Civil War Capital.  Today it is a well maintained premier historic village staging interpretive tours with character and clothing of the mid 1800s.

Several staff and commissioners were “persuaded” to provide entertainment for everyone else by re-enacting an 1800s jury murder trial. Kane and I shared the Prosecutor role. My wife was a trooper and served as a witness for the prosecution..IMG_3485.jpgIMG_3488.JPGIMG_3494.jpgIMG_3514.JPG

For more detailed info one Arkansas Parks go to:

Arkansasstateparks.com

Posted in Mayor Jim, Trails | 2 Comments »

Ok … So I’m Crazy about Charlie Brown

December 26, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

IT’S YOUR 50TH CHARLIE BROWN …

I just watched this TV special celebrating 50 Charlie Brown Christmases.  I must admit, I love it.  Clearly I’m not alone … however, I do claim a special relationship with Charlie and Snoopy and the Gang.  Why, because “my gang” just celebrated the sixth  annual Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Decorating Backpacking trip way out in the wilderness of Arkansas’ beautiful Ozark Mountains.    Plus, I have my own Charlie Brown Christmas tree … and to prove it the attached photo shows my tree in front of the real Charlie Brown tree as seen on the ABC special.

How could it get any better?  See for yourself!

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As a reminder below are a couple of pictures of previous Charlie Brown in the Ozarks Christmas Trees.

DSC00156The Gang … with “The Tree”

IMG_7492The First tree with the founding characters … Jim, JC, Bryan

IMG_7534Year two … maybe year three!

DSC01284The beauty of Richland Creek … even Santa loves it!!

DSC08935As I said … I love Charlie Brown.  I also love Christmas and especially Christmas Lights.  In fact I’m already getting nervous because today is December 26 and folks will begin taking down the Christmas Lights.

Oh well, the positive spin is this … we have once again celebrated the Spirit of Christmas, the spirit of this Holy Season and the spirit of love and giving and sharing.  Let’s let the Spirit continue now and until next year.

One closing celebration I want to mention … Patti and I, along with Charlie Brown, are celebrating our 50th Christmas Together.

Posted in Mayor Jim, Tributes | 2 Comments »

Charlie Brown VI …An Ozark Backpacking Tradition

December 18, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

IMG_5245The Backpack …

Yes, it really is a backpacking and camping event with tents and campfires and complete lack of  convenience facilities … just God’s wonderful wilderness …and a crazy idea to hike into the wilderness, set up camp and decorate a living Christmas Tree… for the sixth year in a row.

IMG_5434The Campsite …

It was a crystal clear weekend with a Saturday morning low of 17 degrees. However, it warmed into the 50’s … perfect weather for hiking.

IMG_5494The Bow on our original Charlie Brown Tree …

Our routine is the same … decorate a tree with food items for the birds and animals: suet, popcorn, peanut buttered pinecones, candy canes, pretzels … you get the idea.  Then we put on decorations that will be removed when we pack out on Sunday: garland, glow lights, bows, ornaments, etc.  And, just for passing hikers, we usually leave one ornament such as the bow from six years ago.

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2015 Charlie Brown Santas …

We’ve had as many as eleven in the past … this year six … DJ,  Jim, John, and back row, Daryl, Bryan and JC.

IMG_5326The Charlie Brown Tree …

This is the third year for this tree, a beautiful cedar that has grown at least a foot and a half.

IMG_5265The Natural flowing Falling Water Falls …

This creek flows into Richland Creek, one of the most natural and colorful streams in the State of Arkansas. Of course, I had to have my picture in Charlie Brown Christmas attire standing by this special place in the Ozarks.

IMG_5454The massive boulders and clear turquoise of Richland Creek …

IMG_5365Charlie Brown Tree at night …

IMG_5523A tree, A campfire, glow lights … what a weekend.

Hopefully, this tradition can be continued for many years to come and hopefully others will copy the idea, come join us or simply get outside to enjoy the wonders of our universe.

I wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas …

Jim/Charlie Brown.

Posted in Mayor Jim | 1 Comment »

Historic Hoga is Here …

November 24, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

Lately I’ve been fascinated with WWII history. Well, yesterday, WWII history came to North Little Rock Arkansas in the form of a small tugboat that was right in the middle of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Not only was the Hoga there but she was actively involved: fighting fires, firing at Japanese Zeros bombing and strafing plus towing wounded American ships to shallow water to avoid sinking.
The Navy Hoga now joins the USS Razorback Submarine as part of the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock.
Of note is the fact that the Razorback was in Tokyo Bay for the surrender signing … the Hoga was in Pearl Harbor the day the war began. BOOKENDS TO WWII.

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Hoga in North Little Rock

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Hoga under the Bridges

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Hoga near downtown

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Hoga on Arkansas River

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Mayor Hays and John Gill


Credit for bringing the Hoga to Arkansas goes to a host of folks that worked for over 10 years, but I must make mention of my good friend, former Mayor Pat Hays who had the vision for the Maritime Museum and worked tirelessly to bring the Razorback and the Hoga to Arkansas. Many refer to him as “Admiral”. THANK YOU ADMIRAL!!

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Commissioners Dailey and Gill

I also wish to acknowledge my friend and fellow Commissioner of the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission, John Gill. In the closing days of the trip to North Little Rock … Commissioner Gill literally took on the role of “Maritime Lawyer” averting a potential loss of the Hoga over Maritime Law. THANK YOU JOHN!!

Finally, I want to thank Kelley in our office at Flake & Kelley, for several of the pictures from the 35th floor of our building in downtown Little Rock. From that vantage point we saw the little tug arrive. Then, of course I had to go across the river and set foot on this incredible piece of history. WE ALL WELCOME THE HOGA !!!

PS: It is truly worth the time to visit the Inland Museum. Well Done North Little Rock.

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No Man is an Island … Ask Not For Whom the Bell Tolls

November 15, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

As People of Paris hurt, we hurt too …

Arkansas State Capitol

We stand united

When I took this picture last week, I was immediately struck by the awesome beauty of the sky and also by the powerful symbol of our Democracy … the Arkansas State Capitol.

As I follow the brutal attacks on innocent people in Paris, I am reminded once again of those who wish to destroy the fundamental foundation of our Democracy, liberty and our freedom of religion.

In his poem “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND”, John Donne assails us to acknowledge that everyman is a piece of the continent and the death of anyone diminishes us for we are all part of “the main”… mankind. As I have seen on TV, Newsprint and Facebook today, people across the world exemplify this spirit standing unified in support of families and friends of those killed or injured. Likewise, I sense a renewed resolve to stand together with France and our allies to defeat these radical forces.

My personal editorial comment is how important it is for us to never forget 9-11 or the attack on Paris. Typically we humans, forget in a few days and move on … in this case we cannot, must not move on until these evil forces are eradicated.

Fifty State Capitol buildings along with our National Capitol building stand as symbols … may they also stand as monuments to our passion and resolve to protect our freedoms and liberty as One Nation Under God.

Symbol of Democracy

Symbol of Democracy

Posted in Mayor Jim, Tributes | 5 Comments »

100 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

August 25, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

46 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP … 100 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Rainbow Surprise

100 years of marriage and 46 years of friendship

One might find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but one will never find anything as valuable as a lifetime  friendship or the celebration of a golden wedding anniversary. We were blessed last week to have all three: rainbows, friends and our 50th wedding anniversary.  We also enjoyed a profound realization while at lunch with our friends who celebrated their 50th last year … At our lunch table we represented 100 Years of Marriage. 

Keystone Evening

Above, the four of us pose in front of The Keystone Ranch, our anniversary dinner location.  In the series below Patti and Gwen creatively reenact a wedding ceremony … only this time the church was Colorado outdoors, the bouquet an array of Blue Spruce twigs recycled from the ground cover.  Gwen was Matron of Honor, JC was Best Man and three women who happened to be there provided music to the tune of “Here Comes the Bride”

Here comes the bride

Bride with bouquet

Wedding party

Above … The Wedding Party

ATV excitement

These Old Married Couples have still got the spirit of adventure as shown above. Tune in for 2016

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Once in a Very Blue Moon … and My Birthday

August 1, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

Yesterday was my birthday

It was even more unique … maybe even special because there was in fact a Blue Moon. For those who do not know, a blue moon is not actually blue. It looks like any other beautiful full moon. However,the so designated Blue Moon is special because it is the second full moon within one calendar month.

Blue Moon Blue Moon

Needless to say, there were many reasons to feel special on my birthday … my wife, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my health … yes, many reasons. I guess the Blue Moon just made me stop and think for a minute about how very blessed I truly am.

Oh, one other mention: I love the music of folksinger, Nancy Griffith . Her song “Once in a Very Blue Moon” is a favorite of mine. In fact,so much a favorite that I presented her a Key to the City when she performed in Little Rock. That evening she did not sing the song on stage but did sing it for me backstage … A cappella.

As Paul Harvey would say at the end of his broadcast: “Now You Know the Rest of the Story”

Posted in Mayor Jim, Thoughts, Trivia | 2 Comments »

Arkansas Coach, Bret Bielema, Teaches Character

June 28, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

I’m proud to call Coach Bielema my Alma Mater Football Coach …

I’m proud … not only because he is building a good team of good ball players but because he is building a great team of young men with character. I’m proud not only because of Bowl invitations but because of Life Invitations. I’m proud not only because of good contact on the field but good contact lessons for the future …. for career opportunities, for stable family life, for unselfish community involvement. Richard Davenport’s article below says it better than I have. This article should be proudly read by every Razorback Fan, every business leader, every church and political leader … for that matter EVERYONE!

This is the way to not only build a team but to build Arkansas.

Coach Bielema … You are my Hero pick of this week. Thank you!

My Hero ... Coach Bielema

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Drivin’ Miss Patti … 5650 miles West, NW, and Home

May 31, 2015 by Last Pair of Boots

West to California, North to Washington, East to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Home …

What could have been an easy four or five day trip to Portland by air, morphed into an eighteen day driving adventure as part of our year long celebration of fifty years of marriage. It was wonderful.

The first two days were “pedal to the metal” to Flagstaff, Arizona. After that it was relax, enjoy, stop at historic sites, eat in off the main road cafes, take pictures and truly “smell the roses.”
In Amarillo, the first night, we “forced” ourselves to have dinner a Napoli’s Italian Restaurant in downtown. If you are in Amarillo, this is a must … especially the bread.
In Flagstaff, not much of note except “beware of curbs with rebar protruding from the concrete.” Fortunately we made it on the full size spare until we found a Michelin dealer in Henderson, Nv.

Upon leaving Flagstaff, we drove the scenic route along the Grand Canyon Rim and miraculously got a room in the 1905 El Tavor Lodge … “right on the rim”. I think my mom was with us on the entire trip. When she was alive, she wouldn’t put down her rosary beads until each of us kids was home safely. As a reminder, at our dinner meal, the young lady pictured below attended our table. Of course, her name was “Ellen”, my mom’s name.
Thank you mom!

Ellen at the El Tavor

El Tavor

The Historic 1905 El Tavor Lodge

Below are a few of the hundreds of Grand Canyon Photos:

Patti and Jim on the rim

canyon panorama

Canyon Sunrise

Historic Watch Tower

Historic Watch Tower

Two Billion Year Time Line

Two Billion Years

bird on branch

Elk

Bright Angel Trail

Switchbacks on Bright Angel Trail

On to Hoover Dam and Death Valley …

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam

Scalers

Tribute to the High-scaler daredevils

below sea level

Death Valley … 190 feet below sea level

I found Death Valley National Park to be one of the most interesting stops on our trip. Not only was it beautiful with the stark colorful moonlike hills and mountains but historic and unique. It vividly brought to my mind the old TV Show, “Death Valley Days” reinforced by this sign and the knowledge this is the mining site for Borax.

Twenty mule team

Twenty Mule Team

Desert Hills

Moon-like Desert Beauty

Yosemite Tioga Pass

Yosemite Tioga Pass

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bishop to redding

Bishop, California, Yosemite and North

Sonora, California to Grants Pass, Oregon

Along the way we saw some of the most beautiful country side in addition to some of the most interesting and historic towns located on secondary roads. Towns and cities like Sonora and Grants Pass made us fully aware of the challenges and successes as the West was settled. Most concerning is the extreme drought in Southern California.

Sonora Inn

Sonora Inn where we stayed one night.

low lake levels

Low lake levels in California

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A highpoint for me was simply “strolling” on the Pacific Crest Trail …

the Pacific Crest Trail

One should dress for the PCT

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laundromat

Picnic Lunch in a Laundromat … Grants Pass

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On to Portland and the American Trails International Symposium…

Oregon State Capitol ... Salem

Oregon State Capitol … Salem

Bigfoot Lives in the NorthWest

Bigfoot Lives in the NorthWest

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Zombie Control

Zombie Control

American Trails Exhibit Hall

American Trails Exhibit Hall

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Portland's bridge ... no cars allowed ... bus, train, bike, people.

Portland’s bridge … no cars allowed … bus, train, bike, people.

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Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana are so green and lush …

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600 foot Multnomah Falls

600 foot Multnomah Falls

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Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho

McDonald Lodge ... Glacier National Park

McDonald Lodge … Glacier National Park

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Battle of the Little Bighorn National Monument …

This stop while driving thru Wyoming was a special treat. I would probably not have gone out of my way to see it but … here it was … and oh, what a pleasant surprise and acknowledgement of this time in history when the Native Americans were systematically forced to leave their lands …

The vast open land and burial ground

The vast open land and burial ground

Native American burial markers as well.

Native American burial markers as well.

In Closing …there are so many more pictures, stories and aspects of this trip that I could literally fill a travel magazine. In summation, I suggest this kind of up close and personal trip for anyone who wishes to really see America and meet the wonderful people. In addition, it was a special time for me and my incredible wife of 50 years. Just when I begin to think fifty years is a long time, I recall the hike along the canyon rim covering one million years in one long step.

Until next trip … blessings to all

PS:

Don't miss Tad's Chicken' Dumplins on the old historic highway 30 at Troutville on the way to Multnomah falls.

Don’t miss Tad’s Chicken’ Dumplins on the old historic highway 30 at Troutville on the way to Multnomah falls.

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