Tulsa, OK

5. Woodland Hills Mall - the best place to window shop/walk in any weather. Woodland Hills Mall is located at the corner of 71st Sreet and South Memorial Drive, less than two miles from Highway 169 and just four miles from Interstate 44. Woodland Hills Mall is a 2-level, 1.2 million square-foot, super regional shopping center anchored by Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears. The center features more than 165 fine stores, including over 80 stores you won’t find anywhere else in Tulsa. The extensive selection includes Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Fossil, Gap, Hollister Co., J. Crew, J. Jill, Kirkland’s, Sharper Image, Steve Madden, Talbots, Victoria’s Secret and many more. Among the Woodland Hills Mall’s amenities are a children’s play area, a glass elevator and a food court with selections to suit everyone’s tastes!

4. Utica Square - the best window shopping in warm weather. The christmas lights are pretty nice, too.
It’s hard to believe that Utica Square was once thought to be on the “outskirts” of town. Over fifty years later, Utica Square is an anchor of midtown Tulsa and one of Tulsa’s most treasured attractions.

Even in its conception, the developers of Utica Square had the community in mind. The village-like design was developed to be inviting to the customer without alienating neighboring residents. This new concept was considered risky but Utica Square opened on May 22, 1952 as Tulsa’s first suburban shopping center.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. purchased Utica Square in 1964. Almost immediately, Mr. Walter H. Helmerich, III commissioned the planting of over 300 trees. He simply wanted to “make the Square beautiful.” Today, Utica Square is not only known for its quality stores and restaurants but also its beautifully manicured gardens and trees.

Utica Square may be known for its great stores and restaurants but it is the Utica Square events that are quickly gaining popularity. Over the years, Utica Square has established many events including Lights On!, Summer’s 5th Night, and Art in the Square. These free events allow the Utica Square Merchants Association and Helmerich & Payne, Inc. to give something back to their customers and the community.

Whether you’re a frequent shopper or visiting from out of town, you can’t help but be touched by Utica Square’s charm and beauty. The Square’s many clocks remind you of times past while the chimes reflect the songs of the season. And the garden’s bronze fountain and statue are favorites of the young and old alike. Utica Square promises a shopping experience like no other. Come see why we call Utica Square a special place.

3. Riverside Park- best place to enjoy the river. Spread along miles of the Arkansas River, as it flows through Tulsa, River Parks provides some of the metropolitan area’s finest outdoor recreation. More than 20 miles of asphalt-surfaced recreation trails weave past picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and sculptures.

The park’s landscape ranges from manicured lawns to the rugged terrain of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Recreation in River Parks includes fishing, rowing, kayaking, frisbee golf, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

During warm weather months, a variety of outdoor events are offered for the public’s enjoyment. Entertainment opportunities include concerts, festivals and the state’s largest free fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Park facilities are also available for rental for activities such as runs, company parties, weddings and convention entertainment. Contact them at:
717 S. Houston, Ste. 510, Tulsa OK 74127 or 918.596.2001

2. Chandler Park - best frisbee golf course in town.

6500 West 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
Ph. 591-6053

Chandler Park hosts a variety of spcial events from a car show, serenades in the park to disc golf tournaments. Great trails to explore interesting rock formations (excellent rappelling as well). Wide open spaces to jog or walk through, be sure to bring Fido along. Chandler Park maintains an outdoor-lighted basketball court, ball fields, shelters, cookout grills, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor theater/concert area, disc golf course (my personal favorite), and horseshoe area. Plenty of fun playground equipment with beautiful scenic views.

1. Tulsa Zoo in Mohawk Park - our award winning zoo and the biggest, best park in town. The Tulsa Zoo is owned by the City of Tulsa and is part of the Tulsa Parks Department. The zoo is located on 78 acres within Mohawk Park, which is the third largest municipal park in the United States. Currently, nearly 1,500 animals (436 species) are on exhibit, many of them rare and endangered. The Tulsa Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums, with a goal of being an accredited Botanical Garden as well. Nearly 600,000 visitors tour the zoo each year. That number includes approximately 80,000 school children.

Mohawk Park’s 1,665 acres also contain Mary K. Oxley Nature Center, a large playground with a water play area, several shelters, and many picnic areas, all surrounded by it’s 9.1 mile walking/jogging trail. The park added 2 disc golf courses in 2005, Redhawk and Blackhawk. And we can’t forget the Mohawk Park Golf Course.

Tulsa’s most historic public courses awaits you at Mohawk Park Golf Club. Featuring 36 holes of challenging golf.

The Woodbine course was designed in 1934 by Floyd Farley, who designed more than 100 layouts, most notably Quail Creek Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City. It plays 6585 yards from the Gold Tees and has generous landing areas.

Pecan Valley is shorter and tighter than Woodbine and plays 5702 yards from the Gold Tees.

Recently added to the Mohawk Park facility is the First Tee of Tulsa Course. First Tee is a national organization whose goal is assisting youth. The front nine of the Pecan Valley Course was modified slightly with additional tees added to accommodate beginning youth.

Although the course was built primarily to serve as a learning ground for youth, it serves a multitude of golfers of all ages. The First Tee course offers nine hole rates any time of day, seven days a week.

And that is exactly how I feel too. I made it through the job interview and computer testing yesterday. But, when I woke up this morning, I felt even worse than yesterday. I hurt all over and my stomach apparently hates me. I hope I feel better tomorrow. We all want to go to the zoo this weekend.

After that horrible ice storm the zoo was forced to close for several days. Once they got everything repaired and ready to reopen, the Zoo announced they would be open and free for the rest of the year. That was pretty cool, even if it’s just a couple of weeks, it’s still a couple of weeks of free zoo access. That’s always a good thing. I miss being a zoo friend and going to the zoo all the time. So any chance we get to go to the zoo these days is all good.

I woke up sick as a dog this morning. It just figures, I have a job interview this morning so of course I must wake up feeling dead. That is so the story of my life. Oh well, we do what we have to do, don’t we? I just wonder what made me sick. Was the cool whip too old? Did the ham set out too long while we ate? I don’t think it’s the flu, it doesn’t feel quite the same.  Whatever it is, I hope I get over it quick, and don’t barf during my interview. That would not be good. Although, Scott always says it’s better to go in sick and let the boss send you home when you have a job, I’m not sure that applies to a job interview. Whatever, wish me luck on my interview.

We had a great Christmas this year. Santa scored big. Everybody got what they wanted, and then some. The kids both got new bikes from Santa. Although the girl seems to think hers is an accessory instead of a toy. She asked us if she could, ” just stand next to it?” She was all for taking pictures of her and her new bike, but no way did she want to ride it. That was just crazy of us, to expect her to actually ride that thing.

Morgan got the pc game he wanted, plus a new PS2 game, clothes, books, and the Transformers movie on dvd. He loved his new bike, even if it took James and I an hour to assemble it. Who knew hand brakes were such a pain?

James got a massaging seat cushion, the kind you can use in your car. But he was nice and left it on a chair here at the house so that Mom and I can use it. Wasn’t that nice? Morgan gave him a cool poster of Smaug and Bilbo from The Hobbit. I gave him a video game that we all wound up playing until 11 last night. Well, all except Mom, she doesn’t do video games. Maegan did really well, and both of the boys were very nice to her. It was nice to have everyone getting along that well while playing. It made a nice change from the usual video game spats.

Mom got several new (and one really old) Santas for her collection. Scott scored big this year with Mom. He found this Viggo Mortensen book that she’s been really wanting. I’m sure that cost him. I wish I’d had a video camera so he could see Mom’s face when she realized what Scott’s gift was. Priceless.

I got several books I wanted. Santa got me several things that I needed and wanted. I got a great lasagna pan, so I can toss the cheap, bent piece of crap I’ve been having to use. We’ll all enjoy that lasagna pan. Four of us got mp3 players, too. The boy didn’t take five minutes to have his loaded and playing. I have to get mine and James set today. James was a little disappointed that I didn’t get around to it yesterday. But, between visiting, cooking, assembling bikes, and helping the kids with their stuff, there just was not enough time yesterday. I could barely keep my eyes open playing that video game with them all last night.

All in all, it was a pretty great day. Lots of good cheer around here. Everybody was happy, the food was great and plentiful, company was enjoyable and the day just could not have gone better. A big thanks to Santa and everyone else who helped to make this a very merry Christmas indeed. I hope everyone had one just as nice.

Heading over to Frank’s for a few hours after the kids enjoy their Santa gifts. Then we’ll come home and eat and unwrap the family gifts. Hope everyone is having a great day, wether you’re celebrating or not. Peace and love to everyone.

I’m more or less ready for Christmas. The presents finally got wrapped last night. Dinner has been ready and in the freezer for awhile. It just needs taken out and heated. Hopefully, that will make for a relaxed, and easy, day tomorrow. I hope everyone has a great day, wether you believe, celebrate this holiday or another, or don’t do anything at all.

The Castle of Muskogee has a lovely Christmas Kingdom this time of year. This year has a new drive through Christmas wonderland filled with thousands of lights and hundreds of inflatables, big and small. Best of all, the drive through display is completely free, they do accept gratuities to help with expenses.

This is the second year in which they have more than doubled in size. They’ve also added a horse-drawn carriage ride and several other indoor events this year.

Horse Carriage Rides - Starting Friday, November 23rd and continuing Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru the 31st from 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. This ride starts in the parking lot of the Castle and travels through a very special part of the village that is not accessible to cars. You will see Inflatable scenes that you do not get to see driving through the normal route.
Cost: $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child, or take advantage of the Family Four Pack (2 adults & 2 Children) $25.00.

Gift Shop - Weekdays from 9:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M and weekends and holidays from 5:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. inside the Castle. A wide assortment of Castle merchandise and inflatables are available.

Christmas in the Garden Room - Nightly from 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. inside the Castle. You can walk through the Garden Room and enjoy the lighted display including many of your favorite inflatables.

Cookies & Hot Chocolate - Nightly from 6:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M. inside the Castle. You can stop inside the Castle and sit by our fire, treat yourselves to cookies, hot chocolate, soda and more. You can visit with our Christmas Kingdom staff and take a tour of the Castle.

Tea & Cookies with Mrs. Clause - On Saturday nights at 7:30 P.M. in the Chalice hall, inside the Castle, come and enjoy Tea & Cookies with Mrs. Clause.
Cost is $ 5.00 dollars per person

Artisans - Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. inside the Castle. There will be several great merchants, who make wonderful hand made gifts.

Tractor Drawn Hay Rides - Starting nightly November 22nd from 6:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M. This ride starts in the parking lot of the Castle and travels through a very special part of the village that is not accessible to cars and is different from the carriage ride as well. You will see scenes that you do not get to see driving through the normal route via car or carriage. Departures on the hour and the half hour.
Costs is $5.00 per person, children under 13 are free.

Visit with Santa Clause - Santa will be at the Castle from Nov. 23rd – December 22nd from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
There is no cost to talk to Santa, but pictures will be available at a nominal fee.

So, I’m watching tv last night with my husband (yay! electricity!), and while we’re watching “A Holiday Celebration at Ford’s Theatre” I notice that every couple of minutes the camera cuts to the audience. Now I know they are trying to impress us with all the rich, famous, and powerful that they’ve managed to put in the seats. My problem is, that I can NEVER afford tickets to an event like that. So stop making me watch the spoiled rich people who CAN afford tickets instead of the show. I want to watch the talented people onstage, not the over-indulged socialites in the audience.

So please, please, please - stop cutting to the audience during performances on shows like this. It’s annoying at best.

Okay, that’s my rant for today. Now to get back to cleaning up from the storm. The inside of our house is pretty much back to normal, but the roof needs repaired and the front yard is still covered in tree debris.

It’s going to be ages before Tulsa has it all cleaned up. I get sad every time I have to drive anywhere lately. There isn’t a street in town that isn’t full of shattered trees and devastated limbs scattered on the ground.

My kids have taken to saying, “Have a Merry tree and power killing Christmas this year”. I heard that so many times last week, that I just had to tell them to “stop it, it just isn’t funny anymore”. Of course, on your fifth or sixth day without power, not much is funny.

Ran across this yesterday on a political list I subscribe to. This guy is great, and I love the “Headlies” tag, so much more true than the “Headlines” we see all over the MSM.

I love electricity. Really, we should all just admit to our addiction now. After last week, I can imagine life without and it sucks. I’m going to be cleaning for days. I must have at least 3 days of laundry, when normally I could do it in one.

We found out yesterday that we’re going to need a whole new roof. And we’re lucky there, some people still don’t have power(and it may be days until they do), and are being told it will be weeks before anyone can even look at their house. Some of our family and friends have power, but by no means all. Even the ones who have power are in trouble. Food has spoiled and none of us have money to replace it, we spent our money on candles and batteries, or on gasoline for the generator if you were lucky enough to have one. I should get back to work, so this is it for today. I hope everyone is warm and safe out there.

We finally got the power back on.  I can not believe we had to go nearly a week without power, and some people still don’t have it. It was cold, it was dark, and I am just now starting to thaw out. We were lucky. We had lots of blankets and candles, and each other. I can’t imagine trying to deal with this situation completely on my own. I have tons to do still, so this is it for now.

I have to keep this short today. We’re lucky to have power and internet at all this morning. Over 100,000 people are without power this morning. Trees are down everywhere because of the ice. Two of our trees are down, one in the front yard and one in the back. The tree in the backyard is partially on the roof, but we don’t think it caused any real damage. We’re so lucky, it could have taken out the roof and the walls of the laundry room.

The dogs did not want to go out this morning.  I opened the back door, they took one look at the frozen tree laying there, and turned around. No way were they going out there. I actually had to push Bailey out the door. We didn’t make them stay out long though, it’s just way too nasty out there.

Stuff is still falling down, too. The only thing you can hear when you open a door is the sound of wood cracking everywhere. It’s scary. Here’s hoping we don’t lose power. If there’s no blog entry tomorrow, you’ll know we lost it.

All Souls Unitarian Church, the host for this event, is one of my favorite churches in the whole Tulsa metro area. It’s just beautiful, plus I have friends there, and that never hurts. I love the inclusiveness of unitarians. It wouldn’t hurt any of us to learn to be a little more openminded and tolerant of others, especially at this time of year.

I’ve always thought it was interesting how many different faiths have holidays (holy days) during this part of the year. I personally think it shows that whatever your path is spiritually, no one way is the only way, and they almost all have something of benefit to someone. Unfortunately, they all can be twisted and abused as well.

If we can just remember that it’s the people that are important, not what faith they do or don’t follow, then maybe, just maybe, the world would be a better place. I know we’ve all heard this before but, “Can’t we all just get along?”

Here’s a short list of December holidays:

• Hanukkah (Jewish) — Begins at sundown on December 4 (ends December 12)
• Saint Nicholas Day (Christian) — December 6
• Ramadan — Began September 13
• Eid al-Fitr (Muslim) — October 13
• Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican) — December 12
• St. Lucia Day (Swedish) — December 13
• Yule (Pagan) — December 21
• Christmas (Christian) — December 25
• Boxing Day (Australian, Canadian, English, Irish) — December 26
• Kwanzaa (African American) — December 26 to January 1
• Omisoka (Japanese) — December 31
• Eid’ul-Adha (Muslim) — December 20-22
• Epiphany (Christian) — January 6

I have not actually been to the Dennis R Neill Equality Center at 621 E 4th St., but I have heard really good things from all my friends who have been there. They have regular events as well as special occasions.

Here’s what’s going on this month:

New OkEq Program: Beginner’s Yoga Mondays, 6-7pm
Center Yourself with OkEq’s new weekly beginner’s yoga class, instructed by Certified Yoga teacher Janet Parachin. The class will cost $10 per session or $50 for 6 sessions paid in advance. Students are advised to please bring a yoga mat. To enroll, download the form and fax, mail, or bring it by the Equality Center.

OCCJ New Leadership Roundtable meeting
Tuesday, December 4, 6-7pm
The Oklahoma Conference for Community and Justice (OCCJ) is offering a New Leadership Roundtable program for young professionals interested in the OCCJ mission: fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. At the core of this Leadership Roundtable is honest diversity dialogue. The second general meeting will focus on committee structure and development. For more information contact Adrienne Watt.

December Gallery Opening: “Totally Tulsa”, by Karen Greenawalt
Thursday, December 6, 6-9pm
Our December gallery opening reception introduces photography of Tulsa by Karen Greenawalt. Meet the artist and get the first glimpse of her work at the Equality Center during our monthly receptions, first Thursdays at the Equality Center. For more information about our gallery, including volunteer opportunities, visit our website.

Oklahoma Deaf Spectrum Holiday Party
Saturday, December 8, 6-9pm
OkEq’s new outreach program for deaf and hard of hearing LGBT individuals invites you to their first annual holiday party. Attendance is free, please bring a wrapped item between $5-20 for gift exchange, and a dish for the pot luck. Kids are welcome! For more information on ODS, visit our website. To RSVP, contact party coordinator Brandie at (text) 402-8926, Oklahoma Deaf Spectrum coordinator Ethan, or assistant Ashley.

Game Night @ the Center
Saturdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday evenings just got more exciting at the Equality Center: it’s Game Night! Coordinators Kaye Smith and Richard Haley introduce a new game each week. No RSVP necessary, just drop in!

Medicare Part D Enrollment Clinic sponsored by LIFE Senior Services

Monday, December 10, 3-5pm by appointment

Are you confused about Medicare Part D and not sure which drug plan is the right plan for you? LIFE Senior Services will provide an enrollment clinic to eligible individuals at the Equality Center. To sign up for your free, personalized counseling session, call Cindy Loftin at LIFE at 664-9000 x452.

DBAT Hosts Holiday Reception
Wednesday, December 12, 6-9pm
The Diversity Business Association of Tulsa (DBAT) members, as well as those interested in DBAT, are invited to attend a Holiday Wine and Cheese Reception. You do not have to be a current member to attend, but you must RSVP to get on the guest list. Due to state alcohol regulations, individuals not on our list cannot be admitted on the day of the event. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to make available for your new acquaintances!

Free Flu Shots
Thursday, December 13, 6-9pm
In lieu of our monthly health screening day, OkEq and the Tulsa City-County Health Department are providing free flu shots at the Equality Center. There is no cost and no need to RSVP.

Mark your calendars! In January, nurse Constance and her team will provide free blood pressure and glucose screening, and February she will feature $10 cholesterol screening.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
Friday, December 14, 7-10pm
Strap on your spurs for a wild Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, presented by the Tulsa Lambda Bowling League, benefiting the League and OkEq! Admission is $15 and winners get great prizes! For more information, download the flier or contact Rick at 694-1082.

PFLAG / OkEq Holiday Dinner
Monday, December 17, 6:30pm reception, 7pm dinner, 7:45 entertainment
Join PFLAG and OkEq in celebrating the holidays at a pot luck dinner at the Equality Center. There is no charge for admission, but please bring a dish to share if you are able to. PFLAG will furnish the turkey, dressing, ham and punch, and the very talented Council Oak Men’s Chorale will entertain us all!

Be sure to also check out the PFLAG volunteer opportunity below!

Expanded HIV Testing Hours
Weekly: Monday - Thursday 6-8 and Saturday 4-7
Now also available by appointment, contact AmeriCorps member Blakely Adams at (918) 743-4297 x223.

Equality Center Closings

• On Monday, December 10, the David Bohnett CyberCenter will be reserved for Medicare Part D enrollment from 3-5pm.
• In honor of the winter holidays, the Equality Center will be closed Saturday, December 22 through Monday, January 1. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, January 2.

Volunteer for OkEq!

Oklahomans for Equality is always looking for smart, dedicated, energetic volunteers to help run the Equality Center, facilitate programs, and assist and support other OkEq operations. If you have a special skill or would like to donate some time to OkEq, check out our website or contact volunteer coordinator Rick Spring.

…and this one is free, too!

Dean Wyatt, a native of Tulsa, currently resides in Owasso and serves as President of the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition. Wyatt refuses to be labeled as a landscape artist. He states, “Although I can certainly see those elements in my work, when I’m painting, the landscape aspect is secondary—I’m more focused on the mood, the emotion of the piece.

This beautiful acrylic abstract art will be showcased in the Tulsa PAC gallery throughout the month of December.

Showtimes: Dec. 6-30 M-F 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and during Chapman Music Hall events

Venue: PAC Gallery

Presenter: Dean Wyatt