Please Know How Much I Appreciate Your Encouragement and Good Wishes

Martha Fulton's baby, Curry

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your loving good wishes. Martha, you are the most prolific good wisher I know. You too, Carla, Laine and Elaine, JP and many others.  I really thought this time had a chance. But it wasn't meant to be and, again, it is much better to have caught the latest fault in the transmission here in Oklahoma City than for me to have experienced it in the desert.

I was at the Aamco shop, bags in hand when they took the Rialta out for one more test run after receiving the new gear cable from VW Huston and installing it. That was before I reached the shop. About 15 minutes into the test run the computer started kicking up a fuss and announcing that something was wrong with 4th gear among other things. Ugh! They won't let me take it until it has an absolutely clean slate for which I am obviously grateful. They also said they were going to take a look at possibly fixing the door latches while I'm gone. I know they are as sad about it as I am. I am flying back to SFO tomorrow after hustling to get a ticket for myself and one for Bobby to go in cargo. We leave at 6:00 am. and have to be there at 4:00. Poor Anne is delivering me.  Aamco will have to fix what's wrong, store my vehicle in a secure place because they don't have room to store it at the shop and then wait for me to fly back and retrieve it.

These people have been so careful and conscientious,  but stuff happens. The acting manager, Doug, spent about an hour helping me get Bobby a reservation in United cargo and then in a completely different department, a ticket for me. He was incredibly helpful in a situation that was frustrating enough to make anyone cry. I didn't, but sure felt like it. Mike is going to meet me at SFO and drive me to Fort Bragg. That means taking one night off from his job so he has one very appreciative mother. I'll at least have two days to get ready for the gang that is arriving Sunday night for the Kumihimo Festival. Again, a thousand thanks to all who wrote and those who sent emails with so many good hopes, wishes and encouragement. I am grateful beyond belief.

Love to you all,   Jackie

It's Just A Feeling

This bird at Anne's neighbor's

seems to hang out and observe everything 

Then he takes off for a while

Seems to me they're always smiling

We had a tasty brunch Sunday

Anne happily fed

One big grooming  project

Nobody knows better than I how this saga has drawn out to the point of wondering why I think it will ever change. Well, I just have a feeling. I was supposed to be on my way yesterday and then this morning for sure. But Robert from the Aamco shop called me this morning and informed me that while they were doing the test run prior to my going over there, the gear cable broke in two. That's about the last straw one would think. But both Anne and I have now decided that it was a good thing it happened on the test run here in Oklahoma City rather than between Amarillo and here or out in the desert of Arizona far from help. So, here I am, still all packed and ready to go. Robert talked with Mike this morning because Mike wanted to better understand what happened. At first Robert was defensive and thought Mike had called to criticize but he soon understood once Mike was able to get a word in edgewise.

So, back to my feeling. I took Bobby for a nice walk down to a lovely park with a stream wandering through it and when I came back I spent two hours reading Pinskey's wonderful anthology of poetry. My sense of depression started to fade away and a kind of conviction began to emerge. Robert ordered a new cable from VW in Huston and they promised that it would be here tomorrow at 8:00 am and that they would have the old one out and would be ready to install it the moment it arrived. He said I'd be on my way by 9:00.  Let's look at it this way. Either it will happen that way or it won't. I feel that it will for some reason, though recent experience should lead me to a different conclusion. If it doesn't arrive I get on the phone and reserve a ticket with United. One for me and one for Bobby. An expensive one for Bobby. More than twice what it cost to bring him up from Mexico.  ???????  I hope it doesn't happen that way but I'm resigned that it might. So, all of you who have checked in with me with your lovely supportive wishes — try just one more time, OK?

Whiling Away A Saturday

Regal Libby

They love to pose

They seem to like everything including coffee

I am so chomping at the bit to get going that any distraction is a welcome way to pass the hours. That doesn't sound like the usual Jackie who never feels there are enough hours in a day to accomplish what she'd like to do. I've done almost (one thing left) all the mending I could do with what I have carried away from the Rialta. And I walk Bobby at least three times a day.

Today Anne and I met three of her friends for a quickie lunch and then a movie titled, "Enough said." It starred a rather heavy set man who starred on the Sopranos and whose name I can't remember and certainly couldn't spell. He was superb and the movie is worth seeing. Very sweet. It helped fill the day. We went to do a little shopping on the way home after which I spent time in the back yard with Bobby while Anne made us a wonderful dinner with pork chops laced in the center with pesto. A baked sweet potato, caramelized onions and beautiful green beans completed the feast. Bobby has fallen in love with the wolfhounds' food. It's a brown rice and chicken kibble with all kinds of goodies added but no corn.  Anne looked up sources for me and found that Fort Bragg Feed carries it. So, Bob, as soon as we get home, the good stuff you shall have.

Anne's dogs continue to amuse me so I'm posting three of her pictures of them tonight for your enjoyment. A sister of Libby (the female) just won a big championship so we're living with royalty at this moment. Hope you enjoy the pictures of the new objects of my affection.

Never Over 'Til It's Over

Conner snuggling up to Mama

Look at those eyes

Is that adorable or what?

I've been busily planning on carrying out my departure from Oklahoma City tomorrow morning. Just an hour ago I received a call from Robert at Aamco telling me that two parts held them up and the putting back together is just finishing up. But, he says that getting it back in the Rialta is going to be more difficult than they had foreseen. Therefore, Monday most likely, or Tuesday  is what I am told will be the new ETA. Needless to say, this makes me nervous, sad, frustrated and anything else you want to insert. 

Poor Anne. She isn't home from work yet so doesn't know that she's going to have me two days more than she bargained for. And it looks like I might arrive home one day before the Kumihimo class begins. And I thought I had given myself two weeks wiggle room for this trip. So please join forces and send your most positive wishes and vibes this way for the next few days.

There's nothing to do but roll with it. Just please let that be the very end of the delays. I'm making calls to my credit card banks to pay my October bills by phone. So far so good in that department. I'm learning more than I ever wanted to know about doing things on the phone and on line. They say it's never too late to learn. I like learning as you all know. But some of this I could just as easily do without.

Had a great visit with Anne's handsome son who arrived at the door and was ever so careful not to frighten me by just walking in the house as I worked at the dining room table. Anne also had a short conversation on the phone after Mike called me this afternoon earlier. So our families are getting to know each other and I feel comfortable and as relaxed as possible in this lovely home away from home. 

Another thing that makes me feel so comfortable here is that this is a very dog friendly family and home. Bobby is feeling quite relaxed and began to give Anne's son the what for but soon stopped and began making his usual "let's make friends" moves before long. Anne has two adorable Irish wolfhounds. They are like small horses with huge, expressive eyes. I loved them from the get go. So picture me in a dog house of the best possible kind. And let's all send my gods and guardian angel the most positive messages and see where it takes us.

Out of confinement

Bobby enjoying the bed in Anne's inviting guest room

This was my salad today — Featuring salmon and breaded okra

Anne and Carla

Jackie and Bobby relaxing in Anne's lovely home

            Check out earlier posts. I have finally been able to add some new photos of the trip.

No wonder my children are practically ready to adopt Anne, my new Oklahoma City friend formerly referred to as "A." Kathy has invited her to come and stay in Trinidad any time. Thanks, Kath. There is no end of generosity to this busy lady.  She's off to court, them to the motel to pick up Bobby and me so that we can live with her for the next three nights. Then we're meeting a lovely colleague at a cafe with very tasty and nicely presented food. That was yummy and I owe thanks to Carla who insisted on treating us to lunch. What more can I say about this Oklahoma City hospitality. Yesterday Anne and Linda took me for Thai food and Linda treated. I'm having a hard time paying for anything since the first night at the Mexican restaurant where I was thankfully a little quicker on the draw.

Anne and I took one of her Irish wolf hounds and Bobby for a trial walk down the street together. I was amazed. It worked and the two of them spent time in their back yard while we were at lunch. Bobby somehow did one of his famous escapes and when we drove up onto the driveway, he cheerfully ran to us from the direction of the back yard. Little scamp. But he is smart enough to stay close bye. For sure a little worrisome, however. We haven't tried to bring Bobby and Anne's older male wolfhound together. I'm not so optimistic about what that outcome might be. As Anne says, Bobby just doesn't know when to roll over. Maybe we'll postpone that meeting.

The Aamco shop called with perhaps the final estimate for price and ETA. Price for the transmission rebuild and a lube job: About $5200. They seem very earnest about not letting me go until they are certain that I will have a safe and successful trip back to California. The ETA is currently some time Saturday, hopefully morning. This means that I have essentially lost another nine days. It's going to be a close one and there is nothing I can do about it. 

I also am beginning to try to psych myself into feeling some enthusiasm for getting back on that highway. Anne tells me I have seen the worst on the Tulsa/Oklahoma City turnpike. I hope she's right. Every day that goes by leaves me with less zeal for being on the road with those giants again. I'll definitely stick to the right lane for some time while I get my nerve back. As Anne says, It's a lot like needing to get back on the bike or the horse right away. But with my vehicle perched high up on that steel pillar, no chance. I'll just have to tough it out when it's ready.

Anne insisted that I leave the hotel today and come here to get away from the unfortunate Motel 6 situation. I couldn't be more grateful and hope she will show up on our coast one of these days soon so we can all show her the same hospitality and consideration she has showered on me. Kathy's right. She is an angel.

Low on endorphins

One of their original silos

These monumental bronzes commemorating the big land grab are amazing

Beautiful girl celebrating her coming of age

I hold tight when there are railings

We ate catfish here

One of the tour boats cruising the canal — Just like being in Venice

He was saying for his passengers not to frighten the horses

"A" took these pictures  for me during our visit to the canal because my  camera wasn't with us. Thanks so much, "A"

I'm not exactly gliding along, fueled by endorphins as I was for the trip up to and across Canada. When I got completely locked out of my car because of broken latches at Bar Harbor and then tried to get help from the high end VW dealer in Bangor, there began a slow descent. There were obvious exceptions while driving through New England and being wowed by all that delicious color, but somehow things were never the same as when I was on such a high while discovering the geologic and geographic wonders of coastal Oregon, Washington and Canada.

Only a few miles away, they are working on the complete rebuilding of my transmission. Steve says that will add value to the vehicle. Nice. Art has gone to Wikipedia and discovered all sorts of points of interest in this city where I am stranded. Very nice. My generous new Oklahoma City friend who prefers not to be named  (We'll call her "A"), took me on a marvelous tour of her city at dusk on Saturday. We finished with dinner along a winding canal that meandered through gardens, sculpture, foot bridges, restaurants and other points of interest. We both ate catfish prepared different ways and enjoyed breaded Okra which I've never had before.

"A" then drove me around the center of the city and passed all kinds of buildings with interesting architectural histories.  We drove right by what I think I remember her telling me was a pedestrian bridge featuring a spectacular rising structure which the locals affectionately call the Fly Catcher bridge. You'd have liked that, Art. And speaking of birds, there must have been 10 different kinds of ducks happily parading down the curving stretches of the canal where we walked and ate. There was also a black bird that looked like a raven but carried on an amazing song like conversation with another bird  that was perched way high in a tree. I must start learning some of those songs.

"A" is an attorney and she practices in the halls of justice downtown and has an office at a different location. It is so kind of her to take pity on me being stranded here but I don't want to become a burden to her even though she laughingly says I am her current "project." She is about the age of Mike and Steve and of course I relate to her very much like I do to Kathy. I hope some of you will have a chance to meet her on one of her trips to California. I may be her project but she is my current Angel.

Because of the effort to solve the "latch" problems I ended up rushing through a few places I wish I could have lingered. And now that I'm in a three storied kind of prison, I have a little too much time to ponder the various choices I felt I had to make. Don't misunderstand me. My room is large and perfectly adequate. There are rather pitiful lawns outside where I can walk Bobby. But it is not well cared for on the exterior or the interior halls so I do feel a little locked in. There is an OK neighborhood on the non-highway back side of the hotel, but their streets have no sidewalks. Not too inviting for a casual walk of your dog at sundown.

While trying to catch up with some paper work I have, as I said, I've been thinking of the places where I wish I could have lingered or driven to but felt I couldn't. First of all, I had to plan from the get go not to go to Vancouver Island and environs because I knew there wouldn't be time to visit everyone once I got there. That prevented me from visiting at least four good friends. I had really wanted to stop and see Archie and Susan's exhibit in Ottawa. I  went through after hours at dusk and horrific commuter traffic time. Really didn't have the courage to go back through those freeway interchanges again. So sorry Susan and Archie. I hope I can see those pieces somewhere on line. Possible?  Another thing I had hoped to do was to drive down south a little and visit Lynn Cosell at her new house. I'd love to have done that and definitely considered it until all that time was lost. The next stop I pondered was during my short cruise through Indiana. I hadn't identified where my friends from Oaxaca, Pat and Jim, had bought a new house just last year while we were all in Mexico. It looked like a charming, inviting and well designed home on the edge of a large pond or lake. As I drove around some dark streets (roads?) with names like North side, North lake, etc. looking in vein for a certain campground, I wished I felt I had the time to just pull out the map and their address and see if they revealed any possibilities. But I never did.  And amazingly, I just received an email from Pat telling me that they are going to be in California just as I get back (I hope) and that they'd like to come and visit. We talked on the phone yesterday and it sounds like a possibility. Oh, the emotional ups and downs you can experience when you are in confinement. Good thing I always like to write, eh? Who knows what there might be just down the road?

There's gotta be a pony in there somewhere

Remember that old joke that separates the optimist from the pessimist? I'm at that nervous tic stage of probably laughing at too much more than I should. I seem to have a skill for that. There is actually nothing very funny about my current situation. But I can't help myself. I keep thinking of all the things that almost or could have happened and when put in that perspective, what's left to do? I'll get right down to it and let you be the judge.

It's all a bit of a fog but I  think I last wrote to you from the lobby of the Aamco shop in Oklahoma City. They were in the process of analyzing the condition of my transmission. When the head man (Robert, I believe) called me from another branch of theirs to give me the bottom line, I'm glad I was sitting down. I was sorry not to have Steve or Mike or Art with me as I listened to the details, half of which I think I understood. Most men speak that language better than women do. It seems that one thing leads to another by way of electronics, links, filters and transmission fluid turning darker and darker and more and more dysfunctional. The bottom line is that I need a completely rebuilt transmission. I thought seriously of calling one of my new friend's mechanic contacts to get a second opinion, but at the time, everything Robert told me made pretty good  sense. And these guys have a top notch record on line So I told him the last four digits of my social and gave my approval.

I'm in a nearby Motel 6 because the shop guys wanted to call someone for me and I had just stayed at such a reasonable and clean one in Joplin. It didn't dawn on me that I should have checked out what the traffic or available restaurants or  food stores might be within reasonable walking distance. My new Oklahoma friend  (who just called me as I was writing this sentence!) offered to have me stay with her and I so much appreciate that but Robert says Thursday is the earliest I can expect to escape and I really couldn't do that to a lovely new friend who picked me up (or  visa versa) in a parking lot, could I? She just called back and we're going (with Bobby) to check out a few things in Oklahoma City. Now that I think of how an earlier dog of ours nearly ate up the insulation in our car while we went in to visit an artist friend in Mendocino, I think I'll leave him in the motel room instead.

So Mike is checking out my future itinerary to calculate how far I can keep going with the Route 66 thing and when I need to swing off (probably in Barstow) onto Highway 5 and hightail it to Berkeley and then up the coast. That's best case scenario of course. Anything is still possible. To be continued for sure.

Perils of Pauline?

No, no, no! Has to be worse than she ever had it, I've decided. I mean, really. I feel embarrassed to even recount one more of these ridiculous situations to you. Enough is enough, right? I guess not. Somebody's definitely testing me out. So here goes, since you say you want to know all and I can't get wifi here where I could otherwise be doing my Kumihimo Festival related work that's weighing on me. 

I'm sitting in an Aamco waiting room with Bobby on a chair next to me, rolled up in a sleeping ball. What a good, patient little guy.

I reached Tulsa yesterday afternoon of the good reverse gear fix-up in Rolla, MO. After I left Tulsa I began feeling there was something strange sounding or feeling about the drive and 3rd forward gears. A few clunking sounds as I shifted down or back up to drive. Then somewhere a little later I could have sworn I was experiencing a partial revving of the motor in drive. It also seemed to be losing power. It was extremely windy and you know I was keeping company with the big 18 wheelers that make every kind of noise and cause all kinds of vibrations as they pass me. So I couldn't be sure at first. It was turning toward five thirty or six and I was also dealing with that blinding, straight ahead low sun trauma while trying to figure out what was  happening.

No need for more blow by blow. I reached Oklahoma City, hoping to see a motel six or anything similar along the way. Finally I saw from the I 40 skyway, a Walmart in a mall, below. I limped along at about 30 mph to the next exit and found my way, really limping now, to that "Home away from home," The Walmart Parking Lot.
It's rapidly becoming a love affair between me and these lots. 

I thought that I should immediately find out about my exact location to tell AAA or 911, whichever seemed necessary.

I looked over at a woman parked in her car nearby, ready for departure. I walked over to her closed window and put on a friendly smile, hoping she wouldn't just freak and drive away. She decided to receive me, we talked, I explained, and before we knew it, we were discussing the fact that we had all sorts of things in common. — We ended up leaving Bobby in the Rialta and driving in her car to a great Mexican restaurant for a delicious dinner together. It was the old "meant to meet each other" thing before we knew it. She and a friend are scheduled to be in Calistoga for a mineral spa experience in late October. She has invited me to stay with her tonight if I need the layover. Life can be so beautiful even in the midst of experiencing disaster. Speaking of which, though it is very hot right now, a huge front is being predicted on the radio for tonight or tomorrow when, of course, I was hoping to be reaching Amarillo.

Pauline, move over. This story will eventually reveal its outcome and you'll be the first to know.

Joplin is the place to be

Anything and everything — 66

Fran Spencer — The owner of this great cafe with her old  jute box

Good old time part of the job in Joplin — Stopped traffic for almost 10 minutes 

for a funeral procession to pass and turn the corner — Someone important or just the usual?

My very clean, comfortable Motel 6 in Joplin

This bus in Galena has some special history — It has a whole vacant lot to itself

Nearby Galena seems pretty deserted

Back in Cooper's 66

One theme only

Inside Coopers — All Route 66

Cooper's 66 — Good food and a welcoming visit

Hi  everybody. I'm back on the road, no small thanks to the men from the big rig shop in Cuba, MO. They are Midwest Petroleum —Ambest Service Center. As I think I told you, they spent at least an hour trying to figure out what my transmission problem was. They called around and came to the conclusion that the only people who could help me would be the VW dealer in Springfield. It was getting late and after a discussion with AAA and Steve I settled in out on the "lot" with the big guys for the evening. What a roar those engines produce all night. I guess they get used to it. I'm not sure I would.

So, after dinner in Dottie's diner at the truck stop, and breakfast there too, I went in to see the shop guys to try and figure out the next step. Another man was in charge the next morning so he started out by getting the story from me. He picked it up without batting a eyelash and called Springfield VW to see if I and my rig could appear before them that morning. (140 mile trip actually). Not unlike my experience with the slick shop in Bangor, they wrote me off immediately and said there wasn't anything they could do for me because the Rialta was too big (22 ft.) for them. That was a bummer, but I'm beginning to get used to it. So much for VW dealers.

Then someone suggested that what I should be doing was calling transmission shops. So Warren began looking up transmission shops in that part of Missouri on Angie's List.  He was determined that I not get towed to a place that wouldn't give my problem serious attention. He had customers coming and going but he made the calls himself and handled it all with such grace. Eventually he found an Aamco shop in Rolla, 25 miles down Highway 44/66 from Cuba. They said they would definitely take it on.  Fortunately turned out to be a slow day at that shop in Rolla. I called AAA again and they arranged to have me towed within the hour. Bobby had to stay in the RV while I sat in the tow truck because of the risks for pet sensitive people who might be bothered by his having been in there. Makes sense, actually and he weathered it very well.

He made quick friends with Dave, the saint of very few words who somehow brought my reverse gear mechanism back to life. He performed every test known to man, pondered the electrical system and asked me if I had heard the back up warning sound when the reverse failed. I honestly couldn't remember and he couldn't either since it had been an afterthought. But in summary he decided that there probably was a correlation.  They collected a very reasonable fee and sent me on my way with instructions to try to avoid parking my car where I couldn't drive out in forward motion and to please follow my Route 66 plans and have a good time. He may have been a man of few words, but he is a saint in my book. Just like Andrew, Warren, Tom and Todd at the shop in Cuba. They are the only reason I am here in the nice  Route 66 town (city I think) of Joplin, known for its famous visitors of days gone bye. You hear of Clark Gable a lot.

In a way, it was tempting to return to Cuba  from Rolla and make the drive down again in the Rialta on the side road. But I decided I shouldn't stretch my luck as I did in the back woods escapades of wrong turns. So I continued on to Joplin and I like it here very much. The reason for not wanting to leave the rolling wooded slopes of the Ozarks is that there were many artisans along that road I'd have enjoyed visiting. And I kept hearing of a gigantic rocking chair on display somewhere along that stretch of road. As if I actually had time for that now. I made the right decision by moving on but it gives me a little pang.

The plan for this afternoon after lunch is to drive to Tulsa and perhaps part of the way to Oklahoma City. We'll see how that goes. I had such a good night's sleep, lovely shower and did some washing and catching up on chores last night and this morning that it is tempting to find another Motel 6 out there.  The price for one person is less than many of the campgrounds I visited. Especially that one in New York's Adirondacks that ran $62 before tax. Somehow the 6 thing goes right along with my current travel theme. So we'll see what develops.

Who are these gods?

That's The Grass I Walked Bobby On

Dottie's Truck Stop Restaurant From My Booth

The Truck Stop Shop Working At Night

Size means a lot

You know me. I always say I have a guardian angel. Or, my gods take pretty good care of me. Uh huh. I'm sitting in a truck stop (big) all night restaurant with only 50% available on my computer. So, where to start. As directly as possible, I guess. I crossed over into Missouri this afternoon and was able to track down a good map with Route 66 references.  I had lunch at a fun restaurant about an hour after St. Louis. My nice waitress gave me some grilled chicken for Bobby that was slightly overdone for her customer and one of the other waiters googled for campgrounds around Springfield and wrote down the directions as well. A pretty good day, as Loudin W. Jr. says. So I'm heading at a reasonable clip toward Springfield and finally thought I should stop at a rest stop near St. Claire for Bobby's sake as well as mine.

That went well and we got back in the car and I put her in reverse and stepped on the gas.  You expecting something? .....not so good? You're RIGHT! It just revved but did not engage. In other words, this great machine I've been raving about (except for the locks), had suddenly called it quits when it comes to reverse. Three nice men said they'd push me out into the road and I could drive in forward gear to one of the towns down the line.

I stopped first at a Mobil station in Bourbon, being careful not to stop in a place I'd have to back out of. A good Samaritan offered to take a look at things, which he did. He said he could find everything but the transmission fluid, which he suspected had something to do with the situation.  He could do no more and gave me directions for driving down the line to a town named Cuba. He directed me to take the "service road" which was the real Route 66 and it was lovely to be on it for 9 miles.

At the end of that drive came the first wrong turn, leading me up into farm lands and woods and unable to go into reverse. it only gets worse, so I'll spare you parts of it. But I must say, I made some clever moves before I made my next wrong turn.  It was a trying hour or two let's say. I came out of it alive, got myself to a wonderful truck stop in Cuba where the nicest guys alive puzzled over the Rialta for at least an hour and refused to charge me a penny. One (of the 3) finally  went to the internet and provided me with the name of, directions to, etc. for a VW dealer in Springfield because VW makes these things so that only they have the parts and tools to fix them.

Bobby and I are sleeping next to the shop with three big rigs parked right next to me. This big restaurant, johns, showers, store, etc., is open all night and is amazing. I finally decided that that is what this is all about. I obviously needed a little more education. Elaine had told me that I could always stop at one of these big rig operations. I just did this for you, Elaine.

So, after two or three conversations with Steve, two with AAA I'll say, "To be continued."

I couldn't go on any further even if I knew more because a group of four men and two women just pushed two tables together right about four feet from my booth and I am so completely taken by their conversation I can hardly stand it. Don't mind me. I'm just a home grown Bay Area product of California and when I get expose to a genuine Missouri accent times six, plus general overall phrasing, I have trouble behaving  myself. They're talking about everything from snow plows to lice and automobile gas milage. Also some great references to driving their rigs into the "wrong neighborhoods," and picking up the wrong loads, etc. It hardly matters what they're saying because I'm so fascinated it wouldn't necessarily even matter. Four of them make up two middle aged couples. Happy co- drivers no doubt. And they seem like really good people. But I can hardly contain myself, they are so genuine and so funny. May the gods forgive me.

Like I said,  "To be continued."