Arkansas Living

Jack and I joined a club the other night – Applebee’s of Benton. Membership was free but required if we wanted to stay to have dinner. We buried the hostess in questions and when we paused to breathe she informed us that Saline County was “dry” and Applebee’s had a bar. Seems it is illegal to bring alcohol across the county line and those choosing to do so and risk getting caught, face a very steep fine. And they do ticket! The only way to drink in Saline County is to go to a club. I am now a member of my first Arkansas club! I told Jack there is no reason for us to go back there – except that I really like their Oriental Chicken Salad! Another reason not to go back; I like Coke products and the Applebee’s here only serves Pepsi.

It seems unreal that we have been in Arkansas a week. My washer and dryer were delivered today so I am happy. Funny how having access to washing clothes makes everything rosy! I have unpacked what I want and stuffed the rest in corners, closets and along walls. Eventually we will need to move the boxes into the garage. I figure there is no point in unpacking all the photos, albums, books, and the plethora of garden accessories we own. These can stay in boxes until the next move. The guest bedroom is set up and the bed is made – we are ready for visitors!

I can’t believe I actually mentioned the next move – I haven’t recovered from this one yet! We have no idea when the next move will take place as it looks like no decisions have been made on the location of the Walgreen’s depot. If the depot is located in Little Rock we will stay here longer, if it’s located in Benton, we will start building our house next year. Currently the “depot” consists of a closet in a 24 hour store and a recently added storage space somewhere in Little Rock. Jack got his new phone on Monday but no computer yet and he has a vehicle, but no gas card. He is talking about building a work bench in our garage so he has a place to work on equipment. His boss has to approve that first!

I have been taking stock of what is available in Benton, Arkansas – population 27,000. There are no psychic groups or classes, no new age stores, no CJ Banks or Sprint stores. Our nearest US Bank is in Little Rock. We do have all the basic eating establishments like Arby’s, Mac Donald’s, Burger King and KFC. And, unless I want to commute (30 miles) to Little Rock; my employment opportunities consist of retail at Wal-Mart, Best Buy or Home Depot. I was very happy to find a Home Depot about 3 miles from our house! It’s my favorite store so Jack is leery of me working there. Something about never seeing a paycheck…We found a Course in Miracles evening class and a Unity church – both in Hot Springs – population 35,000. Hot Springs is about a half an hour drive from here and when we move again, will be what we consider our home town. Our land and favorite quartz mine are 45 minutes and an hour away, respectively.

I still can’t talk to the kids on the phone without crying and we were sad that we couldn’t be with Jack’s parents after their nasty car accident (they are fine) or with Jean (our dear friend) as she went through surgery. Saturday, Jack is taking me to the mine for some crystal digging. Yup, it’s supposed to hit 60 again by Sunday! And, by the end of next month, I am told spring comes to Arkansas.

It’s all coming together – with time.