On The Road Again - South We Go

We’ve had a nice visit with my dad and sister; and have made sure the two younger kids are all situated. Heili is the one I wanted to make sure would be okay, though. She is only fourteen, and I wanted to give her every opportunity to change her mind about staying with my dad. She is a very determined young woman, which makes me very proud of her. As parents, we all have our doubts and hopes with our children. It’s good to get the reassurance that our children are headed on a good path through life.
On our way once more, we are headed into Arkansas towards Malvern to visit with one of Al’s daughters and her two youngsters. We stopped off at Siloam Springs along highway 412 to play at the Cherokee Casino and have dinner. Neither of us are really gamblers, which I believe I’ve stated before, but we both enjoy the entertainment of the slot machines. We limit ourselves to $10 each, which isn’t but the price of a night out at the movies. The buffet at the casino was excellent. Southern cooking at its best, with Mexican, Asian, Barbecue, a Local Favorites, Salad, and Dessert bars; the selection just about covered every taste. They even had a nice selection of sugar free desserts, a must for Al who is diabetic.
We continued on the first night to I540 until we reached the Hilltop Truck Stop to spend the night. Free Wi-Fi was a bonus to be able to check e-mails and play on Facebook. Both of our families subscribe to this internet community, so it is an easy way to see updates on family members and friends, see the latest pictures of grandkids, and post our own comings and goings. I am heavily addicted to Farmville, a game sponsored on the site, since my eldest daughter sent me a virtual cow. Now I grow virtual crops, care for virtual livestock, and build or expand my virtual farm. I also can help my virtual neighbors who are also friends and family. My only problem is playing a little too long sometimes. When Al and I looked at the clock and it was 3:00am, we figured we’d better head to bed.
The next morning found us only a few miles from I40. Al spent some time outside the bus checking things over and chatting with neighboring truckers. I did some last minute e-mails, and then it was off again. It was slightly greener along our route but the leaves are definitely turning and some trees are already bare. I love the Ozarks anyway for their absolute beauty, but fall is really a time they shine. The “hills and hollers” with farmsteads and little towns provide a picturesque scene. My fingers itch to paint them, but not while we’re moving. Al can take some pictures for me to paint from before we leave the area. Just off I30 and south of Little Rock, Malvern is a bustling community. We stayed parked at the Wal-Mart near the interstate, since maneuvering the bus through city streets is not for the faint of heart.