We had Mom's services today in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. It's the town where she grew up and a place that she dearly loved. About 30 of us gathered together under a small awning at the new cemetery. That's a real small-town direction, isn't it? "It's not at the OLD cemetery, it's at the NEW cemetery!" Most … Continue reading Remembering Lory Martin
At the beginning of 2020, the first half of my year had several excursions on the books. I was going to Springfield, Missouri for a Route 66 conference in March, we were taking Mom to Disney World in April (her first time back since 1998), and I planned to finally see Wyoming as part of … Continue reading A Worthwhile Journey
I miss a lot of things in the COVID-19 World. I miss seeing my friends, I miss taking road trips, I miss eating out. One of the things I miss most, at least the way it used to be, is grocery shopping. For most of my adult life, it's been an almost spiritual experience. I … Continue reading Comfort Foods
On March 20, 2020 I made an impulse purchase. It had been eight days since Mom's unexpected passing. My brother and I had decided to postpone the services due to COVID-19. Her ashes had just been placed on the fireplace, next to her Dad's mandolin and her Mom's tambourine, where they still wait for interment. … Continue reading Animal Crossing
This is an emotional, personal post. I'm not sure when I'll return to my travelogues, especially considering current events. Just a heads up! On Thursday, March 12th, I learned that my sweet mother passed away. It still doesn't feel real; the news was completely unexpected. We have had to postpone her services due to a … Continue reading Dearly Departed
The eastern portions of 11th Street in Tulsa (also known as Route 66) resemble more of a rural highway than a city road. Homes and empty fields make up most of the landscape with an occasional church or small business hanging on to life. Near 133rd East Avenue, a sign on the south side of … Continue reading The Story of Thrifty
Note: I meant to post this in October, but I accidentally left it in Draft status. Oops! Anyway, here's the second part of our trip to Colorado. The first part is here. Manitou Springs is just as beautiful in the morning as it is at dusk. Instead of neon lights, it's the sunlight on the … Continue reading Mountains, Dwellings, and Gardens
Originally posted to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association blog on 11/7/19 When it was announced this summer that the contents of Afton Station were going to be auctioned off, I was tremendously sad. Afton Station had been a great asset to Route 66, not just in northeast Oklahoma but throughout all 2400+ miles. It wasn't … Continue reading The Waldmire U-Haul
Every year for our wedding anniversary, Samantha and I plan to take a trip. Not that I ever need an excuse to hit the road for a few days, but the celebration of our marriage (and our first date) is a great reason to spend a little time away from home. This year, we went … Continue reading The Centennial State
Driving from Bluff, Utah to Raton, New Mexico makes for a long day. When Mom and I woke up on October 2nd, we had to decide whether we were going to drive back into New Mexico, through Taos, or take the road through southern Colorado. Mom left the decision up to me so I picked … Continue reading Going West with Mom (part four)
