Roku ... A new way to watch TV!

Roku.com

I've nearly cut the cord on cable.  I went from satellite TV with a DVR to the most basic cable (included with my internet), plus my Roku boxes.

What's Roku?  It's a device that connects to your wireless network and streams video via apps... anything from news to subscription-based services like Hulu Plus, Netflix, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime Instant Video.  You pay for the box, and then it's just whatever you want to subscribe to or watch.

I've found that I don't even watch the cable TV, since I don't have a DVR.  I catch up on my network shows on Hulu Plus, watch the latest DVDs via a 1-disc Netflix subscription, and watch BBC costume dramas free with my Amazon Prime membership.  I watch significantly less TV (goodbye, Bravo and the Housewives!) and find I read a lot more.  It's been a healthy switch for me, and it's significantly cheaper... Hulu and Netflix combined are costing me $15/month, and my basic cable service is $10/month.  Compared to satellite, it's a steal...  plus I'm much less addicted to the boob tube.

Have you ever thought about cutting the cord on your TV?

Fairfield Glade

My family spent a gorgeous (albeit HOT!) summer weekend at Fairfield Glade, near Crossville, Tennessee.  Mom & Dad were able to golf, and it was only a short two-hour drive from Franklin for me!  Fortunately, Sissy was able to fly out and join us, so it was a great reunion.  We cooked family breakfasts in our kitchen each day, and explored the surrounding area.

A few activities we enjoyed:

• Trail ride at Wildwood Stables
• Climbing the Minister's Treehouse - an amazing thing to experience!
• Tastings at Stonehaus and Chestnut Hill Wineries
• Seeing The Music Man at Cumberland County Playhouse
• Swimming and sunbathing at the lake

The weekend went by too quickly!  I can't wait for our next family vacation... Christmas in New Orleans.  :)

Arkansas BBQ

Wish I'd taken a photo like this awesome blogger...

My business travels recently took me to Arkansas... someplace you'd never know was a huge hub for business!  Since Walmart and Tyson are headquartered in Arkansas, TONS of companies have outposts in the area; basically, anyone who would ever have contact with those two companies has an office.

Business travel isn't glamorous.  Because air travel isn't glamorous anymore.  You fly, get a rental car, stay a night in a hotel, and eat at whatever restaurants are on hand.

I don't know what I expected from Arkansas, but I do know what I liked... Whole Hog Cafe.  President Bush (W) ate at the one I went to, and the Pulled Chicken Sandwich I had was top notch.  The tables have six kinds of sauce on them.  It's so good that Fodor's "Don't Miss" list for Arkansas... so good thing I visited, right?  It's won Arkansas Times' reader's choice for best BBQ since 2001, without missing a year.


I had the pulled chicken sandwich, and it was Southern heaven.  All I can say is, YUM.  Finger-lickin' yummmmmmmm.

Business travel isn't glamorous... but at least that means you can lick BBQ sauce off your fingers.