6 minute read
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD
PLAY a day in the life of dad
Tick Tock
Advertisement
BY BRANDON FOREMAN
OK, so I have told my daughter for as long as I can remember that when she turned 13, I was installing a countdown clock in her room that counted down till her 18th birthday, and that she had to be out of the house when that happened. No, I really don’t mean that, but I do mean that I want and will have my children out of the house and being productive members of society and not living with me forever. And yes, I understand there are exceptions and this may change, but as of now, this is the plan of action. The thing is, I have been saying this forever. What I have now come to realize is that as much as I always meant for that to be a countdown clock for her, I never once thought of it as my countdown clock. You see, it always seemed so far ahead in the future that it was nothing to worry about. You know, like when people talk to you about retirement when you’re 20? It’s like, for real? That is so far away; I have plenty of time. Well the funny thing is, time, just like Christmas, sneaks up on you, and just like Christmas, it’s the same amount of time. It’s the same day. You know when Christmas is every year; they never change the date. It never moves, but somehow you look up and it’s December 20th! Well, this month is my December 20th, as my daughter is turning 13 and I’m supposed to hang up the clock and get her moving, but for the first time, I am now looking at this as it’s not her clock to be out or ready to be out. It’s my clock staring at me, saying, “Hey, big guy, you have less than five years to make this young girl ready for the real world.” That freaks me out. I mean, I have not even started, and you all know the world we live in today. Even if I can get one major life lesson in with her every month, that’s only 60. I don’t even know where to start, as so many of these things, she is not ready for. She is my “little girl.” I’m not ready to break the news to her on some of these things, but then again, I’m here to be her dad, not her friend. So, get ready, Kylee, because here we go. We have tires to change, accounts to balance, lessons on saving money, rules of 72, how to treat friends, and that girls can be mean and that’s ok (they won’t always be.) Don’t even get me started on how she should be treated by boys, what a real date looks like, and how she can protect herself, and the fact that, “It’s ok because he loves me,” is not an excuse for anything in the world if it hurts you both physically and or emotionally. Wow, this is going to be a lot. Let me know what’s missing, my veterans, as this is my first rodeo. As they say in my favorite movie, Top Gun, “The clock is ticking, and as of now, we are keeping score.” Text me at (225) 292-0032 because I can use the help. Pray for me. ■
She is my “little girl.” I’m not ready to break the news to her on some of these things, but then again, I’m here to be her dad, not her friend.
PIC OF THE MONTH
PLAY out & about
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
BY LINDSAY MILLER PHOTO BY ARKANSAS TOURISM
AFTER word had spread about the “healing” waters in the local springs, Eureka Springs, Arkansas was founded on July 4, 1879. Thousands soon flocked to the town in order to build shanties for the expected guests, and now, there are many places to visit in and around Eureka Springs. See Victorian homes and tour the entire downtown area, which all has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. With one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, museums, and restaurants, this small town is sure to accommodate anyone who decides to visit.
WHERE TO STAY
The Heartstone Inn Bed & Breakfast is a homey B&B located on the Historic Loop of Eureka Springs. With just a short walk to downtown, there are many activities and restaurants to visit nearby. Their attention to detail, amenities and personal concierge service sets the Heartstone Inn apart. With 11 modern and traditional rooms to choose from, there is sure to be something you will love. To top everything off, there are expansive decks, porches and a gazebo, so that you can take in the Ozark Mountains that surround you.
WHERE TO EAT The Filling Station Restaurant
This small, local diner is a great place to stop and get some lunch or brunch with your crew. What sets The Filling Station apart from other brunch spots in the area is that it is a casual, inexpensive, but quality diner. Serving both breakfast and lunch, the restaurant has some great choices alongside their breakfast buffet.
Local Flavor Cafe
The Local Flavor Cafe is a 10-minute walk from the Heartstone Inn B&B. Dishes are derived from Southwest, Italian, French and American influence, but they make sure it is known that their first priority is the freshness of each dish. The restaurant is a great stop for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, and they cater to all tastes.
Coordinates: 36.4012° N, 93.7380° W Distance from Baton Rouge: 540 miles Flying Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes Driving Time: 9 hours, 32 minutes
reka Springs & North Arkansas Lunch/Dinner Train is a must. Each train ride offers a full-course meal as well as a two-hour train ride. The train operates from June through October. Each dinner train starts at 5 p.m. and each lunch train starts at noon. There are also excursion train rides which last for an hour. Children must be five years old for the dinner excursion.
WHAT TO DO
At Onyx Cave Park, there are 30-minute self-guided tours through the Onyx Cave. Discovered in 1891 and toured ever since 1893, the cave has a rich history being the oldest toured cave in Arkansas. Other activities the park provides include panning for semi-precious gems for younger guests and axe throwing.
Only a few steps away from the Heartstone Inn B&B, the Ozark Mountain Ziplines are a must for adrenaline junkies. You will zip down 10 ziplines, cross one swinging bridge while standing on suspended platforms, all while being 250 feet above the ground. Reservations for this activity are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Founded in 1992, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a big cat rescue, is one of the largest in the United States and has grown to one of the top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs. There are countless, large enclosures meeting the needs of each species, including lions, cougars, leopards, tigers, and bears.
About a 30-minute drive from the center of Eureka Springs lies Hobbs State Park, the largest state park in Arkansas. This beautiful park holds over 50 miles of trails, including mountain biking and horseback riding trails. The park is also connected to Beaver Lake which provides scenic views and is a great place to launch kayaks. ■
