Day 12: Danville, AR

Ah, it's been so good to spend some time again in Arkansas with Paul's folks. (And I'm not just saying that because I know you're reading this, Sara.) I am so comfortable here, so at home, that it feels very much like coming to my parents' house. Of course, I don't know my way around the town, and I barely know any of the neighbors, but I love sitting next door and hearing the stories over coffee and apple cake. It feels good to become more familiar with some place that will always be such an integral part of Paul.

It was a relaxed few days: a couple of games of Rummikub, two enjoyable breakfasts out, a trip up Mt. Magazine on a foggy morning... And I got to do some cooking and baking, which was a lot of fun. Jean and Sara gave me a fantastic bread baking book for my birthday (how's that for a little alliteration!): The Bread Baker's Apprentice - Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread. It's been a wonderful read. Who'd have thought that learning how to bake bread could be exciting, but I am just having a blast with it.