Restaurant Opens in Oak Grove

We have a new business in Oak Grove! It's called, "MiCasita Panaderia Restarante". It's only been open a week.
Today, our family went there for lunch. It was really, really nice! Not at all what you'd expect to find in a tiny town like Oak Grove.


The restaurant is located in the old store building, just west of the stop sign. When I was a small boy, this was the "Plumlee and Callen" store. It was an old fashion store that sold everything from groceries to cattle feed.

These are the restaurant owners, Jane and Lasaro Hernandez. When you visit the establishment, be sure and read the interesting story about how Lasaro came to the US. He is a native Cuban, and came here in 1982 with 5 of his friends on a 6'x3' row boat! The full story is written on their menu. Not only is this a restaurant, but they make many types of caribbean style breads. They also have good chocolate chip/pecan cookies! Save room for one (or two) after your meal!

Two photos above is our family (or part of us) at the restaurant. We were missing one daughter and two son-in-laws. The business really looks nice on the inside. A lot of work has gone into making this a very comfortable place to eat.
This is their "Carne con Papa". Beef and Potatoes Marinated and Stewed in a robust tomato sauce dressed Cuban style!

"Carne Asada" (caribbean style).Marinated Grilled Steak.
Ooops, forgot the name of this one. Steak with grilled onions. Also a fried fruit, something similar to bananas.
"Mojarra Frita" (Guatemalan style). This was what I ate, very good! Tilapia, marinated and friend to crispy perfection.
You have your choice of white or yellow rice and Cuban or Central American Style Black Beans. I sampled both beans, both were good, but the Cuban style was my favorite.

There menu says, "We offer a warm, cozy home away from home atmosphere. Elegant dining in a clean, fresh, newly remodeled building in Oak Grove, AR with all meals made to order fresh daily."
They are open 7 days a week, 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Group rates for 10 or more people if a reservation is made 24 hours in advance of arrival.
Phone # is 870-749-2260.
Click here to view their special week day lunch menu.

The Granddog and Grandcat

Reagan is not the only new resident around our kid's homes.
This is Reese, Kayla and Jerod's puppy. He is well behaved when he visits our home. Ok Kayla, he is cute.
This is Keith and Kelly's kitten, Davis. He did favor Garfield when he was little, so they named him after Garfield creator, Jim Davis.

Davis defending his home territory. The blurry blob in the foreground is Reese.

Grandbaby Reagan

Gee, what can I say?

Santa and Reagan

Our granddaughter, Reagan, got a visit from Santa on Christmas day.

Tony Snow Visits College of the Ozarks.

On December 6, Tony Snow, former Bush Presidential Press Secretary and former host of Fox News Sunday visited the College of the Ozarks. We were once again honored to have been chosen to cover the event for the college. The visit began with a tour of the college, and then a lecture to the journalism students. That was followed by a press conference and dinner. A convocation was held in the gymnasium, where he addressed a large crowd of students and many others from the community. A VIP reception followed in the Keeter Center, where we did photos of Mr. Snow with specially invited guests. During the tour of the college, and old friend of Mr. Snows dropped in to say "Hi", and join the tour. I was sure glad I didn't embarrass myself. I didn't recognize the "guest", so I asked the College President's assistant who the fellow was. She replied, "That's Larry Gatlin". (That's as in country musician, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.) Not long after that, he turned to me, shook my hand and ask, "What is your name?". I replied, "I'm Larry Plumlee". He replied, something like, "I think I can remember that name". I would have been really embarrassed had I not known who he was and said something like, "Any you are?"
One of the favorite places to tour on campus is the Ralph Foster Museum. The original Beverly Hillbilly's car was donated and is on display in the museum. You can get your photo taken in the car. I once photographed former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the car on her visit to the museum. Anyway, we did a few photos of Mr. Snow in the car, then Larry Gatlin hopped in with him. If only I would have had a video camera, I would have gotten a great clip for YouTube. The two of them began singing the them song to the Beverly Hillbilly's tv show! It was hilarioius!!!!
Tony Snow addressing a large audiance at the Keeter Gymnasium. I really enjoy listening to him. He talked a lot about his faith, and his battle with colon cancer. It was very inspirational.
This is the type photos we take at the VIP reception. This is my daughter Karla, and her husband Jason. They were my assistants, helping me with equipment. I always get to take a photo of the VIP with my helpers.

Baby Reagan

First family portrait at home.

Getting her started out right in her Razorback t-shirt.

Baby update. Kelly and Reagan came home from the hospital last Saturday afternoon. Mom and baby are doing fine. Reagan seems to be a very calm baby, seldom is fussy. Sleeps fairly well at night. Lajunta and Kim stayed with them the first few nights.

I'm A Grandpa!

Grandma Lajunta says she's beautiful, and can tell she's going to be very smart!
Reagan is only one hour old in these photos.
Kelly, Keith, and Reagan. Their first family portrait!

I am officially a grandpa for the first time! It happened December 13, at 9:11pm. Reagan Mae Dwyer came into the world weighing 7 lbs, 5 oz. She is 19" long.

Welcome to the family, Reagan!