The Winklers' World: These are a few of my favorite things

Now, thanks to the title of this blog, I am singing in my head, ala Julie Andrews...sheesh! I decided not to go to Thursdays at the Cake tonight due to my ~~sad, empty wallet~~ desire to save some money this month before my road trip home to Arkansas. I can't believe in less than 3 weeks I'll be home again! I am really excited to cook for the fundraising dinner for the Justin M. Estes Memorial Scholarship; so far, we're expecting about 100 people! A friend told me the other day that I should start a catering business. I guess the 30th of July will be a test for me! I don't think I'll run a catering business per se, but maybe I'll do it for special events for friends. We shall see.

So! Back to my point. A few of my favorite things is a little mash-up of things I love or wish to have. I'll try to restrain myself from going nuts and making my dear readers ~~eyes bleed~~ fall asleep!

*Puppies...I know, this is a given because what kind of ~~communist~~ person doesn't like puppies, but seriously, I love them and I reeeeeeeeeeeeally want one. HINT, HINT, Marc! I have some great friends back home in Arkansas who breed golden retrievers, and every time I go home, I make sure to stop to see Paul & Paula to visit, and play with puppies when they have litters there. Aren't they the cutest, snuggliest little things ever???

image courtesy of vinanches.com rachelJenae Photography

*Lake Ouachita in Montgomery County, Arkansas. This lake is about 10 minutes from where I grew up. I have such great memories of taking the boat to the lake with my family and tubing or waterskiing all afternoon. The lake is huge, and so beautiful. I am hoping to get to go there while I am in Arkansas at the end of July! It's so beautiful! I will definitely be bringing my camera to get my own Lake Ouachita Sunset photo.

Image courtesy of mvk.usace.army.mil

*Traveling. I'm sure it's no secret. Marc and I both really enjoying going new places and seeing everything there is to see. We especially love to try to local fare and learn the history of the places we visit. I LOVE ancient architecture. I've noticed that most of the pictures I take when we travel are of buildings or monuments. I think it would be amazing to just be a "fly on the wall" and go back in time to see how things really were done, and not just have to guess. I think of that often when visiting an ancient ruin, like Rome or Greece. I still want to go to Egypt and many more places. We were supposed to get to go to Egypt when we went on the Mediterranean cruise back in March, but about a month before we were to leave is when all of their political upheaval began, so we were not allowed to port there. I'm disappointed, but understand that a volatile country is no place for a photo-happy tourist.

Bridge in Japanese Gardens, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Japanese Gardens, Monte Carlo, Monaco

*Cooking. Another no-brainer if you know me...I LOve to cook, especially for people who love to eat. I think that sharing a meal with friends and/or family is one of the greatest ways to pass the time. Marc and I both enjoy time in the kitchen. My spice cabinet is pretty large, but it's already overflowing to the next cabinet beside it. I like to experiment with new flavors and old favorites...

Chocolate chip & bacon cookies, Anyone???

*Clean Sheets. There is nothing like snuggling down into fresh, clean sheets on a freshly made bed.

*Arkansas Razorback Football! I seriously can't wait until Marc and I move down to Arkansas when he retires. I miss going to games on Saturdays and calling the HOGS! Football up here in ~~Yankee land~~ New York is nothing like what it is back home. Some of the colleges don't even have football programs! For shame!!!! Marc played football in college, and he is a HUGE fan. He roots for the hogs with me and has gone to a game at Razorback Stadium. We will be fixtures there once we get moved!!

Image courtesy of Arkansasrazorbacks.com

*Sunsets. I'd probably enjoy sunrises too, if they weren't so darned early in the morning. I am NOT a morning person. I usually go to bed after 3 AM. I am the epitome of a night owl, and have a bit of a toxic personality before 10 AM. Just being honest.