Posting from the Past

As you may have noticed, this blog post is a day late.  Or maybe half a day.  Or a quarter of a day.  The point is, I’m writing this knowing that it will actually appear on the sixth day of our journey instead of the fifth.  Why, you ask?

Godzilla.

Actually, there’s just no internet at the place we’re staying.  (Yes, that is an ominous soundtrack playing in your head as you read those words.)  But that’s perfectly okay, since it’s an absolutely adorable B&B in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  More on that later.  Unless I forget.  Now on to the blog post I’ve been writing in my head all day.

America, let’s talk about names.  Now, I’m not talking about Andromeda, Shoshanna, or Calliope (the female trio that runs opposite of Tom, Dick, and Harry) but about town, park, and other such names.  America, you’re ridiculous.  The names of places are ridiculous.  Today alone we drove past “Texarkana” and “Toad Suck Park.”  I wish I was lying.  You’re off the chain, America. 

Those were some of the highlights of driving today.  We left Memphis a little late—around 9 in the morning—and promptly crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas.  We made a stop at a Waffle House just before Mom keeled over from hunger.  Crisis averted by my brilliant map reading (there was no map involved).  The Waffle House was very waffle-y.  I just kept thinking of Der Waffle House from “Dead Like Me” and chuckling on the inside.

We got back onto the highway and headed to our stop at the Clinton Presidential Library.  I finished another 25% of my puzzle and destroyed some piggies with angry birds as Mom jammed out to some tunes.  The library was cool, but we were both a little surprised at how little it actually contained.  Mom knew a lot of the information.  I kept marveling at Bill’s snow-white hair, which I aspire to have when older.  One of the exhibits was a Lego exhibit.  It was half awesome, half hey wait I could totally do that.  But still pretty interesting.

I’m not entirely sure what it had to do with Bill Clinton.  Just go with the flow, people.

After we had a quick lunch at the Library—our first salad and first vegetables in days—we headed out over a bridge that crossed the Arkansas River.  It was nice.  Then we meandered in the Wetlands that are nearby and kept in the name of Bill.  “Wetlands” is a bit of a stretch, by the way. I would call it a decent-sized pond with some marsh grass.  But what do I know.  

Next we piled back into the car.  I was driving, so there was some groovage and a slight disregard for the speed limit.  Martha guided us faithfully towards Fort Smith, where we were meeting up with Debbie Groom, another member of the Civil Chief Mafia.  I’m getting in deep with this mob, guys.  You may need to stage an intervention.

Debbie gave us a lovely tour of the US Attorney’s office.  Mom was jealous of the decorated walls and such.  I tuned out much of the law talk that followed and at first was afraid—no, I was petrified—that I had left my phone in the car.  BUT I WILL SURVIVE.  We all chatted a bit and it was quite lovely, then we followed Debbie over to the B&B place that she’d arranged for us.

It really is a fantastic little place.  The Beland Manor used to be a manor (duh) but now functions as a B&B.  Our bathroom is the cutest thing ever.  It’s sky blue and I just want to do some handwashes in the tub.  But I’m not quite domestic enough to actually do it. 

We chatted a bit more.  We’re talkative folks.  Then Debbie led us to Rolando’s, a South American restaurant with some fantastic food.  Look, you can even see how fantastic it is and be jealous of us!  

That’s always a good thing.  We realize we’re getting towards the land of Mexican food, but I could eat Mexican until I drop and never be upset about it.  So there.

 Finally, we returned again to the B&B, where we said goodbye to Debbie.

Mom and Debbie, bein' Civil Chief friends.

I discovered the white noise machine.  It has a heartbeat setting, which is both hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.  I wanted to re-enact “The Telltale Heart.”  Denied.  Which is lame.  I’ll add pictures to this post tomorrow (when I can actually post it) and then I’ll get to sit down and write ANOTHER post, just because I love you all so much.

By the way, green apple Jolly Ranchers are great.  Thanks, Holiday Inn Select!  We love you too.

Postscript from the next evening, aka tonight: dear lord I really must love you guys.  I'm exhausted.  But I'll give you another update anyway.  

Don't start a riot while you wait.  It'll happen when it happens.

Mileage, etc, comes on the 14th.  I wrote it down and left it in the car.  Oops.

Mileage today: 286 miles
Total mileage:  1741 miles

A postscript from Gretchen: It is always interesting to see what Becca chooses to write about. My primary recollections from the Clinton Libraty were the replica of the Cabinet Room, and sitting in Miss Reno's chair for the Department of Justice, and the incredibly happy kids sliding down the hills outside the library on pieces of cardboard. It was just like traying at college, except that there was no snow and no cafeteria trays. They had such a great time that every other child that came by was begging his or her parents to let them join the fun. It was clearly such fun that you had to smile.

We continue to enjoy ourselves and the experience of seeing the country by car (and eating our way through Road Food and Diners, Drive-ins ands Dives). Becca continues to be a great traveling companion who is up for anything.

Postscript about Mom's postscript: I FORGOT THE HAPPY KIDS.  I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING I MEANT TO POST ABOUT.  It really was like college.  Just less beer.  I guess I'm seeing into my future, since I don't think I can live without sledding.