Last Thursday was the first time in a while Bella Vistans saw clear skies, and several residents took full advantage of the weather.

Debbie Devoti was out with her dogs, Lilo and Stitch, walking along the Tanyard Creek trails.

"It's a beautiful day," she said.

Devoti said that she's originally from Connecticut but lived in Florida for some time -- though she declined to retire there because of the intense heat and humidity.

A pleasant surprise, she said, was that Bella Vista has more places she can go with her dogs -- like the Tanyard Creek trails, where dogs are permitted so long as they have a leash.

Bella Vista residents Craig Patton and Malia Putman were out for a walk, Putman said, because it was too nice out not to.

"Savor the moment," she said.

Putman said she tries to get out and go on regular walks.

Patton said he was just glad to see a day without rain.

"It's killing my fishing," he said.

Further down, alongside the creekbed, splashes and excited shouts could be heard as Anthony Olivera, 5, and Brielle Olivera, 7, checked out the cool, shimmering creek into which the family dog, Ollie, was eager to jump.

Kaitlyn Olivera, the kids' mother, said the dog has always been a fan of water.

"He's an island dog," she said, "he came from Guam."

The dog was adopted by her husband, Angel Olivera, who is in the navy.

Anthony Olivera chucked a rock into the water and caused a big splash and, further downstream, Brielle Olivera took a closer look at the clear running water.

"We just figured it was a beautiful day," Kaitlyn Olivera said, "and we were tired of sitting inside for the rain."

General News on 03/07/2018