We are in Mena Arkansas

We left Betty & Berry in Stillwater Oklahoma for Mena Arkansas to see Roxanne’s Cousin Bruce Strong and his wife Gloria.
Bruce has been raising a steer for Berry. Betty & Berry decided to follow us to Mena Arkansas to see the progress on their investment. Seems the steer is on track with weight but has short legs. I haven’t decided exactly what that means but everybody seems a little concerned. After visiting Saturday and part of the day Sunday, Betty & Berry left for home with a five-hour drive ahead of them. UPDATE: On their way home Betty came back into cell range and had a message to call the nursing home where her dad was staying. Upon returning the call Betty was notified that her Dad, Albert Fischer had passed away. Our condolences and prayers are with Betty and Berry during this sad and difficult time.

Bruce has a pond about 75 feet from the house. The pond has Bass, Crappy, Bluegill, and turtles. There is also a creek behind the house. I took some time and panned for gold. I also set up a sluice box. The creek gave up NO gold.
We had a Bar-B-Q Sunday afternoon with Bruce, Gloria and neighbors Van & Lee and their three children. The storm Gustav arrived about 7:30 PM in Mena and our Bar-B-Q was cut short. We all went inside. We had a really nice visit with everyone Sunday Evening.
It’s now Monday morning about 10:00 AM and the rain has not stopped and is expected to go on till next Saturday. So far it’s been a gentle rain but it’s becoming a downpour.
We have 3 more storms headed our way. The news says they are Hanna with 70-MPH winds, IKE with 60-MPH winds, and Josephine with 40 MPH winds. All this means we are a little hesitant to leave Arkansas and go 10 hours closer toward the Storms as they hit the Gulf Coast.
We decided to leave and arrive in Mississippi before the storm arrived. The thinking is we will be able to get fuel food and roadside help before the storm hits and once it hits we could run into problems like no power at gas stations to pump fuel and we could be stranded. So....... We're on the road again. First we are going to stop at the Peabody Hotel in little Rock Arkansas to see the ducks walk the red carpet. The whole show takes 15 minutes and it's on the way to Mississippi so we'll waste a little fuel to see a duck?? See you in Mississippi.
Quick rundown on the pictures here in Arkansas.
UPDATE: UPDATE: UPDATE:
I started the truck and while it was warming up Roxanne and I went to say our goodbyes and get hugs. Maddy in the truck was at the window and stepped on the door lock button. It was raining, the truck was running, Roxannes keys were in her purse locked in the truck. The delay is going to cause to miss the @$#@$#%@ DUCKS and it's ALL MY FAULT! (somehow) So there we were trying to call the dog to the window to step on the UNLOCK button. Wasn't happening? I went to call the auto club to break in. The order was placed and I saw Roxanne running towards the house with a big grin. Seems that Maddy had stepped on the passenger window down. Roxanne opened the door and we canceled the auto club dispatch. We lost a half hour. If I drive fast we might see the ducks. The road trip is getting a little tense. 37 years of marriage is in the balance. If I make it in time we may last another week!
0. Country life in Mena Arkansas from a chickens perspective.
1. Velma Strong. Wife of Roy Strong (Bruce's Dad)Lives on property with Bruce and Gloria.
2. Maggie Little Rat Terrier Gloria's dog
3. Jake and Sadie Bruce's dogs
4. Roxanne keeping in touch with family back home.
5. Fish for dinner
6. Me with fish for dinner.
7. Train Station Mena Arkansas
8. Bruce shows Roxanne Little Mo Falls
9. 10. 11. More pics of little Mo Falls
12. Roxanne doing what shey enjoys most, cooking for family.
13. Bruce enjoys a little TV
14. Pigs Porkchop and Hambone wait to be fed.
15. Bruce's pond about 75 feet from the back door of our camper.
16. Our camper with pond in background.
17. Bruce and Gloria's home.