Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Road trip -days 1 and 2

Monday, April 16 - flew to St. Louis. Rabbits in the median - apparently they are everywhere here. Excellent service at the Enterprise car rental agency with a free upgrade to a back-friendly car. Wonderful Evergreen Club hosts Tom and Julie in St. Louis - dinner at their favorite neighborhood Italian place, hours of conversation on a wide range of topics. Art realized he hadn't packed his pajamas. I lost my cellphone and found it again.

Tuesday, April 17 - Art dropped off the first copy of our book at the Vet Center in St. Louis. He was warmly received by the team leader. Lovely drive south. Lunch at Lambert's, known for its "throwed rolls" - our first occurrence on this trip of difficulty finding something healthy like vegetables on the menu. I settled for chicken and dumplings and picked out the chicken. The server, when giving us our check, said, "God bless you, and have a good trip." Haven't ever heard that in a restaurant.

Crossed over the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers into Kentucky, down country roads to our second Evergreen Club stay in Clinton, Kentucky, population 1700. Walter and Sue. Very Kentucky, conservative, southern. Very little conversation other than pleasant chat. Dinner at their local diner where they knew everyone in the place. I, a progressive, am listening to Fox News in the next room. It's good for me to experience differences!

Got a note from a bed and breakfast owner offering us a free place to stay two nights from now - they got back to me later than the people from Shelbyville, and I am committed to speak at the Lions Club there, so we'll miss out on the B&B. Still, keeping my commitment is the right thing to do.

Drove 200 miles today, three quarters of it on interstates. Light traffic everywhere.


10 comments:

Terra said...

It sounds like your trip is very successful and productive thus far, and that you have nice places to stay.

Arkansas Patti said...

The way you travel, you do meet such a variety of people. A good experience. Sometimes it is good to see the other side of the fence.
So far, it all sounds good.

DJan said...

Other than not getting healthy food, it sounds like a good beginning. I am a progressive, too, and try to remember to turn on Fox News every once in a while but then I end up screaming at the TV. Bad for my blood pressure. :-)

Out on the prairie said...

I tend to keep a cooler with good foods while traveling.This sounds like you are in a nice area.

Rosaria Williams said...

Always a pleasure to read that people are hospitable, friendly, and appreciative too.

Galen Pearl said...

Love hearing about your travel.

Ms Sparrow said...

It looks like now that your eyes are "back in commission" you are making good use of them! Enjoy your trip!

Sally Wessely said...

It sounds like you are having a good start. I bet you were relieved to find the phone!

Finding healthy food is hard on some road trips, but at least you are finding lots of helpful, caring people. Enjoy. Safe travels.

Suzanne said...

Hi Linda, I read a few of your posts and was curious about all the references to "Evergreeners," so I Googled it. Wow! I have so much to learn about being over 50 and retired.

It seems fascinating to travel/host in this way, but I am a cautious sort and not sure... ever had any problems?

I admire your spunk.

Linda Reeder said...

I listen to Fox radio when traveling sometimes. It gives me a different perspective. Not that I don't still think they are all nuts!