crispy crittr

This is from my front yard, just west of Little Rock, AR, last Thursday morning. It took me two hours to go the seven miles from work to the house last Wednesday afternoon. If we had left any later than 12:30 it would have probably taken twice that long. I don't even remember the last white Christmas we had here and I hope I forget this one also. It is beautiful, but we are not equipped down here to get the roads cleared in a timely fashion. Then, only the main roads get done. I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Ryan, I grew up in the liquor business. My Dad retired (almost 20 years ago) as a salesman for a wholesale liquor distributor here in Arkansas. My grandfather was a represenative here (called on the distributors) for Seagrams (I think) for several years after prohibition. One thing about liquor is that every state is different when it comes to their laws. You should check with the state liquor board. Here in Arkansas it is called the Alchohol Beverage Control board (or ABC). They decide on all new licenses for liquor stores and any type of drink permits for restaurants and clubs. You even have to go before the ABC if you want to move your store. All of this is after the city folks approval. When it comes to dealing with distributors, you will have to deal with all of them. Each distributor probably has an exclusive on the lines he handles. That is how it is here in Arkansas. I will say this, the most fun job I've ever had was the semester I worked in a liquor store while at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in the mid 70's. The regular customers were some of the most interesting people I have ever met. Also, dealing with the other students and the football players was always fun. I have stories I still love to tell. Ryan, best of luck. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Happy Birthday!!, Beth Did you get anything special as a gift? Did you have a relaxing day? Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

http://www.snopes.com/photos/bugs/camelspider.asp Here is a link with info on the picture. If I was a Newbie, I would find another line of work. What am I saying, I am in another line of work. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Congratulations Jon, Henry is correct, but sometimes you need to be quick. Like I always say when a new baby arrives. Changing a diaper is like riding a bicycle....................., every once in awhile you have to deal with a major blowout. And depending where & how the blowout occurs, you can get dirty. Grandkids are like borrowed bicycles, the owner should do the fix. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

I 2nd the respirator. Bird droppings can also contain Histoplasmosis(sp?). Almost 2/3 of the people in the south are carriers and most are never affected in a negative way, but when you are it is no fun. You breathe "the bad stuff" in. If it affects you, it is usually your lungs or even rarer in an eye (the retina), like me. I see my retina Doctor every six - eight weeks and he billed right at $10,000 last year treating my eye for "presumed ocular histoplasmosis". So wear your respirator! Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

I'ts Springtime in Arkansas!! Chuck Cleaner Times magazine

I saw it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Took me a minute also, but I got it. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

I know how too... and I won't tell either.

Beth, Rod & Everett, Glad you guys are all okay. If I wasn't so far away I would show up with my chain saw. Although not what you wanted, "tree partys" can be fun. They are excellent opportunities to bond with your neighbors, especially the newer ones. Everyone else affected by Isabel, let us know how you fared. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Check this out. http://www.snopes.com/photos/shark.asp I go to this site a couple of times a week, to see if need to reply to "broadcast emails" I receive. Stay safe folks, Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Dave, Those are beautiful. I can almost smell them now. Peonies are my favorite for the aroma. They bloomed here in Arkansas about a month ago. My parents have them in their backyard, always have. I remember growing up how my Dad would go out every couple of years with a pitch fork and just "lift" the bulbs up a little. He always said if the bulbs were to deep they wouldn't bloom as well. All they have left now are white ones, but I always liked the purple ones best. Thanks for the pictures guys, Chuck

Hello Everyone, I don't get a chance to meet very many of you in person (much less your families), but I did have the privilege of meeting Morgan and his family in March. They are five of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Thank you Beth for starting this thread. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine

Morgan, Not only are your daughters three of the cutest girls I have ever seen, but also three of the nicest (your wife, too, for putting up with the "Memphis Group") and best behaved children I have ever been around. I wonder how many of us have strories where God came through just in time and within just a few dollars of that financial (or whatever) blessing we needed. I know I have two stories. You and your family will be in my prayers. Chuck Cleaner Times Magazine