A Monday in Arkansas

Maddie, Victor and I left the hotel and headed to the Clinton Library on this Veterans' Day 2007. We found the volunteer staff to be outrageously friendly and talkative, to the point of Maddie and Vic possibly missing their flight as they could not get away... Seriously though, I was impressed by the building and contents. Highlights for me included being able to pull out an archival binder containing Bill's daily schedule (every day began with "Jog - TBA", so I've added that to my own schedule), the secret service sunglasses, and the reproduction of the 3.6 billion year old moon rock in the reproduction Oval Office.

Also impressive were the vacuum cleaner marks on the reproduction Oval Office rug which you may be able to see in this photo. Remember that it is in someone's job description to create these vacuum patterns.... hmmm.








Once back in the car, I decided to call a spa in Hot Springs, AR to see if I could schedule a mineral bath and swedish massage. Things seemed pretty slow in town (though not as slow as a Sunday in Arkansas) and I thoroughly enjoyed my 1pm appointment.

I was on the road at 3pm and made it to Austin by 10:15pm. On the way I saw a monster cockroach in a restroom and it kinda freaked me out a little. It is my understanding that they grow them big in Texas. And don' t mess with Texas.

Calcite in the Rough

Maddie, Victor and I took a road trip to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. I met two diamond finders at the sluicing station, but we decided to find calcite instead.

On the drive home we stopped at Hot Springs, AR and learned that no businesses in Arkansas decide to open on Sunday.

Why I'm in Arkansas

Congrats to my awesome godson Adam and his lovely bride Erin! Thanks for all of your hospitality. I am so happy for you. True love rules.

Cross Country Adventure Begins

Today I embarked on a cross-country drive. I am spending my first night in Elizabethtown KY and drove about 11.5 hours today. I also met a mad cute Irish Wolfhound while getting gasoline in Ohio. (Forgot to snap a pic, sorry!) Next stop is Morrilton AR for my cousin's wedding, with the rehearsal dinner at 6:30pm. That is 8 hours drive from here... let's see what time I get on the road.

Also a shout out to Turissa and her cool pooch Rufus... she let me invade her home/garage with all my stuff during the last week after moving out of my house. A million thanks!

I will be sure to have my camera ready on the rest of my trip. Now time to sleep! Zzzzzzz.