Ook, so we made the temporary (I hope) move to Arkansas.  The weather is great, especially right now when I know my homies are in single digit temperatures, and it is still 20 degrees warmer here.   That is really the end of my “What is great about Arkansas” story.

Besides culture shock (I better not go into all the gory details of that right now), we had quite a time getting here.  First as I was following my husband thru Kansas, and had to watch as his little train of a Ford Excursion  and 2 trailers decided to see what the highway looks like going down the road sideways.  Miraculously, he and the truck were fine, and of course the only couple of things we owned that I really cared about were smashed…no it could NOT be a sign.  That sign looked like “Welcome to the middle of Kansas, pop. 3″

Then we get to our destination to find an ant infested leaky roof!  Off to a really good start.

But now I have managed to find my way around, scout out where everything is, and that took about 10 min.   WALMART is the heart and soul and ALL of Mena.  It is the social gathering spot, (just try to find a parking place on Sunday after church, don’t even consider Black Friday).  The feeling seems to run here that if Walmart doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.

But the highlight was when I learned of a Mall just 10 minutes away….

Big Fork Mall - the Ultimate shopping Experience

Now you want to know how I’m staying sane, right?

Well, I decided that I am on Sabbatical.  Yes, just doing nothing..that lasted a couple of days.  So next I got out my brushes and have diligently been painting my van, even joined the local Art League.  (This could end up being a really GOOD thing…)and No, I didn’t get new paints at the Mall.

Many of you have been patiently waiting for me to write this blog and tonight is finally the night only because the heater keeps trippping the breaker and if I go to bed we may freeze to death by morning and I refuse to do that here.  Can just see the headlines “Yankee that keeps sending emails to Editor correcting misinformation that local paper prints is finally out of our hair”

Yes, I have had too much time on my hands.  Oh, and I now have first hand knowledge about the effects of poison ivy and EVERY plant down here has “3 leaves!” (For those that missed that reference in my days I was always told that you’d know poison ivy by the groupings of 3 leaves)

Had to get a pair of “muckboots”.  The town of Mena does not carry boots for women in any size but 4 or 11.  So, thank God for the internet.  Got a pair to match my van and got a poem to go with them:

(I also bought a pair of  overalls, but I don’t fit in as they are not camouflage.)

Oh I just remembered something wonderful. For the last couple of years, none of us could enjoy the hug of the supreme comfort of Spice Tea since Tang changed their formula. (Yes, I did email them too) But I found a replacement here, (I know it’s amazing..arkansas, who’d a thunk it) Email me if you want some.

I believe that is enough for now,

Until later,  Danette
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Ps. (2 pm same day) I forgot to show you what I’ve been painting on the van!