Good things on a Saturday

1. We have a couch! It's only been two months. When we left for Germany we got rid of our living room furniture--which I liked--because it didn't make sense to store it for two years. We figured we'd get another used couch in our next place, only there aren't many used places in this town, despite the university. I've been haunting garage sales and the few stores I can find, and I found one yesterday. The lady working there was about the best customer service person I've ever met. Just smart and friendly and personal without being annoying. I've been in there three times now, and every time I've watched her greet everyone who comes in and I don't know, exude friendliness and welcome. There is a little boy there--her son?--who looks to be very close to kindergarten age. He is very friendly, too, and desperate for kids to play with. Each time he's walked right up to my littlie and wanted to play. So if you're in northwest Arkansas and need used furniture, I recommend This and That, located in Johnson. Anyway, the couch is worn but structurally sound, it's not plaid, and well, it only has to last until we move again, right? I do wish that someday we could land somewhere for good, throw out the boxes and get a real couch that we actually want to keep, but for now this will do. We might actually use the living room now.

2. I tried to take my kids to the Pea Ridge battlefield today, only er, I kind of flubbed the directions, and we ended up in Siloam Springs, which is one mile from the border of Oklahoma (hello, lillpluta !). (Er, the battlefield is actually in Garfield, AR, up by the Missouri border. Oops.) So instead we came back and went to an arts festival in Springdale. If you're ever in NW Ark, again, I recommend the Jones Center, where this was held. Free swimming pool, ice skating, senior center, playground, basketball court and indoor track. Also a chapel. We glanced inside the open doors, and on the big screen was--football. If you've ever been here, you will see that it isn't all that strange.

3. Garage sales are cool. My kids are doing crystal growing and sewing. I found a couple of decorative cloths for end tables in faux suede, and it was just enough to make a pair of baby lederhosen. If it fits, I'll post a picture. (He's asleep now.) Yes, I'm losing my mind. But the alternative to painting and doing projects like this is thinking about the whole culture adjustment, so we do what we have to do.

4. Tomorrow is Organ Day again. Wish me luck. I have some hard songs.