By GENIE HANSON
As you may know, I went on my sabbatical to Arkansas in June as “my Norwegian” went on his, called fishing, in May. Arkansas is a beautiful state. Things green up so much sooner than in Minnesota—the corn in June was already knee-high.
It was very hot when I left Albert Lea, so I drove Bob’s red “fire truck” HHR. The air works real well and it has more bells and whistles than my older HHR. I drove as far as Marshall, MO, where gas was cheaper. The hotel parking lot was being redone, but I found parking in the shade.
I walked over to Applebee’s for supper; too hot to shop! I had the most refreshing lemon infusion with fresh strawberries. After breakfast at the motel, I left early. I got to Harrison, AK early, so I made a stop to shop at Cato’s with my “mad money” from Bob. I found some good bargains. Then I went to cousin Sandy’s. When we’re together it’s like we were never apart—lots of talking and laughter.
On Friday I drove partway up Ozark Mountains following Zoe and Sandy to Lo-Gap-Café for lunch with the rest of the gals attending the Harmony in the Ozarks women’s retreat. It was warm and we ate outside on an open deck.
This year our group consisted of 17 strong, bold women. I’m the only one from Minnesota, so I have an accent. Our theme was “Blossoms of Hope.”
After lunch we drove through more curves and switchbacks up the mountain. Our caravan of cars made quite a sight! (I was proud of my driving up the mountain to our Harmony Retreat Center—I’m definitely a flatlander!) We got our rooms and luggage all into this three-story retreat center. We unpacked all the food and snacks—enough for at least a week. We never go hungry!
Some were planning to go canoeing, but the river was too low, so they went swimming in a pond and then joined us. We eat well, snack some, nap, play, go for walks, laugh and talk a lot, and do Zumba and crafts. We take turns making meals and doing cleanup. (Some great cooks!)
Blossoms water ball was a big hit; we became a giggling mess. The game is played like badminton, and we used flyswatters for rackets and a balloon for the shuttlecock (birdie)—more fun!
We had a bonfire after supper and sang songs. A whippoorwill sang, too. The time goes so fast in this beautiful place of harmony.
On Sunday we went to brunch at the Cliff House Restaurant that overlooks the grand canyon of the Ozarks. We always take a group picture on our trip; Karen gets us all organized. This year we took three different pictures—one with fans, one with flower headbands, and one with hats. Susan gave us all fans and explained the language of fans.
There was a bear about during our stay but we never saw him. We probably scared him off with our laughter and talking.
Three of us stayed over Sunday night, and Monday morning we cleaned things up and drove down the mountain. I spent two days with my cousin, and then I drove home. I drove as far as Marshall, MO—not so hot now. I shopped at Goodies, a department store we don’t have in Minnesota. I ate at Applebee’s again (shrimp) and got home the next day in time for supper.
It was a good trip—made some good memories. Hope to do it again in 2019!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.