Day 21 - On the Machinations of Florida's Politicians, Advertisers, and Bugs

Throughout the course of my life, I have lived in Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts. These states have in common their moderate climate, low religiosity, and reliably liberal political stance.

In Portland, I worked for a high profile women's health organization. Despite the controversy surrounding the organization, protesters were few and they never interfered with my ability to get to work and do my job. Patients were fully able to safely attend their appointments without fear of harassment. We understood that we disagreed, but we both respected each others right to be there.

Politically, Portland leans left, but other than the stupid paper bag ban, it is rarely shoved in people's faces.

Religiously, Portland has its share of synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, etc. and there are plenty of people who attend. For most people, it seems to be a portion -- but not a consuming portion -- of life. We are good, but not necessarily god fearing people. (My favorite evidence of that is the Catholic church near my house that offers confession once a week from 4:00 to 4:15.)

When it looked like I was headed to Emory University in Georgia, I was warned by several people that I would experience a culture shock moving to the South. A former student at Emory explained to me that while people are very vocal about their religious beliefs, their actions do not always reflect their professed values.

The differences between the states I have called home and the South became most clear as I entered Florida. I have never thought of Florida as part of the South, but at least the northern portion can be considered solidly Southern.

On my way from Baton Rouge, I passed many billboards. One stood out as it was not advertising any upcoming petrol station, motel, or outlet mall. Then I passed another. And another.

In my first 3.5 hours in Florida, I passed 7 anti-choice billboards.

The absurdity of these billboards is beyond discussion (Why put them on the highway? What effect do you think they are really going to have? Do you really want someone making a life-changing decision based on a billboard? Would you feel any differently if the person in question was an undocumented immigrant? etc.). There is certainly a discussion to be had here, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with a sign along the highway.

Along the road, I also spotted several more roadsigns I'd first encountered in Austin, but don't ever remember seeing in the Pacific Northwest.

Does this look familiar?

It's like those signs that I thought were reminding bus drivers that they need to pick up a kid at an upcoming bus stop, but only recently realized that it was notifying drivers behind the bus that it would be stopping soon. Except for church.

When I arrived at my hotel, I turned on the TV and chuckled to myself as it was tuned to Fox News. Silly previous guest, I thought. After I located and spent some quality time with the Food Network and HGTV, I turned off the TV and went to dinner. When I came back, the TV did not return to Iron Chef or House Hunters, it was back on Fox News. The TV was set to start with Fox News.

During the course of the evening, I watched the programs I usually watch . . . plus many more political ads. It dawned on me that this is a swing state and it became clear that residents are bombarded by messages all day telling them that America is going down the toilet unless you vote for THIS guy. No! America is fine, but it will go down the toilet if you vote for THAT guy.

It's clearly crazy making.

When I was a kid, I spent a good deal of time on the computer with Mavis Beacon. Her goal was to teach me typing and one of the games included in the program involved typing words you passed as you drove along in a car. If you typed something incorrectly, a bug would smash against your windshield in glorious CGA detail.

Passing through Florida is literally and metaphorically like that.

(I'll spare you the pictures.)

Tomorrow, I head to Hogwarts at Universal Studios!


Odometer Start: 39073
Odometer End: 39330
Miles Driven Today: 256
Miles Driven Total: 5492
Today In/Around: Orlando, FL
Tomorrow: Orlando, FL again
States Visited: 12 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida)
Anti-Choice Billboards Passed: 7
Bugs Who Sacrificed Their Lives Against My Windshield: So, so many

Day 20 - I Do Not Heart Torrential Rain (I Heart Radio)

This was the weather report I woke up to:

My plan was to drive to from Baton Rouge to Tallahassee and the following day to Orlando, but I wasn't sure if that was going to be possible.

The weather people kept emphasizing that the storm was likely to stay put as there were no systems present to scoot the storm on out to the ocean (or off to lands we care less about).

I called ahead to the hotel and they said the rain had stopped, but that it might come back in the evening. The weather forecast in Tallahassee predicted thunderstorms that night and plenty of thunder and lightening in to the next day there and in Orlando.

I decided to take a chance during the break in the rain with the alternative of getting the heck out of there if the going looked treacherous.

However, I am pleased to report that I drove all the way to Tallahassee without encountering a drop of rain. (Although the rain that fell caused quite a mess before I got there.)That night's promised thunderstorms never appeared either. I don't know what happened, but I'm enormously thankful that it did.

It reminded me of a day in middle school when we were all sent home from school early because of the chance of wind. As I recall, we ended up getting a nice breeze, but that was it.]

It was a fairly boring day of driving and listening to the weather reports, so instead of writing about the non-excitement of that, I'd like to write about what else I've been listening to. As I just passed the K/W dividing line, it feels appropriate.

Back in 2004, I decided it was time to do something with my life. When I searched my soul for what I was truly passionate about, and the answer came back: women's health and radio.

We know which path I chose, but I still have a love for listening the radio. Starting in second grade, I went to bed with the radio on every night. I remember deciding that it was time I developed a taste for popular music out of Seattle and began listening to pop on Star 101.5. Later, I made the switch to Young Country at 96.5 and ultimately decided I'd rather be friends with people who listened to alternative music on 107.7 the End.

When I moved to Massachusetts, I searched the Internet for a station that would play music and allow me to listen to Loveline at night. I found and fell in love with 94.7 KNRK out of Portland, OR. I was most fond of the morning DJs, Gustav and Daria. They were witty and intelligent, and every morning Daria told a story (often from her mischievous childhood) that led to recommending a local business.

I was thrilled to move to Portland and be able to listen without being next to a computer. In 2004, their one "shock jock" said something a bit too controversial and was fired, and KNRK restructured to become the perfect radio station. Except part of their restructuring included splitting up Gustav and Daria. Eventually, Gustav was brought back and Daria resurfaced on 105.1 the Buzz (a bit more pop-y than 94.7, but still decent) and Daria's Local Entertainment Guide came with her.

At the University of Puget Sound, I finally got to try my hand as a radio host on 90.1 KUPS. I was host of the Theme Park -- a twice weekly one hour program with a theme to every show.

When I returned to Portland, I tuned back in to 94.7 and discovered a treat on Sunday mornings. Greasy Kid Stuff is a show devoted entirely to awesome music for the kidlets. And while kids are the target audience, I'm not ashamed to admit I enjoy it quite a bit myself. Since bands like They Might Be Giants have gotten in on the game, kids music has gotten pretty darn cool.

It was Greasy Kid Stuff that introduced me to pirate rock in the form of Captain Bogg and Salty:

Although my favorite song of theirs doesn't have a video, but you can listen to it here. "Scurvy" is also the source of the ubiquitous "Eat a Lime" bumper-sticker found all around town.

When I left on this here adventure, I said goodbye to my car's preset radio stations (but I am still able to visit them via an app on my phone). I was determined to say hello to the local radio as I crossed the nation.

I encountered comedy radio in Austin, TX. Comedy 102.7 plays nothing but stand up clips 24 hours a day. It's fun for a few minutes, but I think any longer than that would be classified by torture.

In Louisiana, I happened across retro Voodoo 104.1 which plays a lot of songs I haven't heard in decades. (I noticed something was up I heard a string of Boyz II Men, Bell Biv DeVoe, and Tony! Toni! Toné! all in a row.)

And certainly crazy-making talk radio can be found anywhere, but I've noticed it more on the FM dial here in the South. One particularly inexplicable conversation I listened to while coming back from the Watermelon Thump. They were talking about "the environmentalists" so I knew it was going to be good. The caller stated that the question that always stumps them is, "How do we know it wouldn't be a good thing to kill the last black rhino? Maybe nature has a plan!"

I had to change the station when the host signed of to commercials saying, "The crazy part is, all these environmentalists are going to vote for Obama . . . and he ate dog!"

(I'm not quite sure what one has to do with the other. We're not running out of dogs.)

Later, I heard a one-sided debate on the need to reinstate mandated prayer in school. I will quote the dearly departed Paul Harvey and say as long as there are math tests, there will be prayer in school.

I'm a little sad to have made the last time warp into the eastern time zone, the land of W_ _ _  and Eddy's ice cream with no immediate plans of turning around. I am still a Pacific Northwesterner at heart and each time I adjusted the clock in my car, this move became a little more real (although maybe I could have stayed in denial a little longer had I let it be like the woman I met in Atlanta whose car still thinks its in California). 

Well, at least I'll know the news three hours before it happens in the Pacific Northwest and "Saturday Night Live" will actually be live!

Tomorrow, I attempt to make it to Orlando as long as the weather holds.


Odometer Start: 38625
Odometer End: 39073
Miles Driven Today: 448
Miles Driven Total: 5236
Today In/Around: Tallahassee, FL
Tomorrow: Orlando, FL
States Visited: 12 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida)
Raindrops Falling on My Head: 0

Day 19 - Home of Pirates, Drunks, and Whores . . .

(Skip to 15:40 for the song)

New Orleans!

On Monday, I set course for tacky, overpriced, souvenir stores, and my first visit to the Big Easy.

The drive there from Baton Rouge was surprisingly beautiful. I just can't get over the rich greenery that lines the roads.

I drove through the downtown and saw Tulane University where a friend of mine might be going for graduate school. Then, the tall buildings and modern architecture gave way to two-story buildings and classic facades.

I used an app on my phone to find close, decently priced parking (if I'd parked across the street, it would have been twice as expensive) and found myself right in the middle of the French Quarter.

Not knowing exactly what to expect, I'd done some research the night before. I can't say I wasn't prepared when the FAQ for the area includes questions like: Isn't the French Quarter dirty? and What's that smell?

My first destination was a place to eat. As I searched, I used the same strategy from Tucson (walking for a bit and ducking into shops for free air conditioning). I would try to find the air vent and stand under it looking very interested in purchasing whatever was around me.

One of the first shops had a mountain of items I don't need because I have one already -- passed down to me from my maternal grandmother. My guess is that the vast majority of tourists have no idea what they are, as it's not written anywhere and it took me twenty questions to figure out what it was when my mom presented it to me.

50,000,000 points if you can tell me what these are
(Put your hand down, Mom)

I had a cafe in mind, the Green Goddess, as I read that it had some nice vegetarian options. Along the way I saw some sites. 

Live art making

"Witty" t-shirts

A living portrait on a smoke break

I found the alley where the restaurant lives, but there was some construction blocking the way. I walked around to the other side of the alley and was stopped by police officers who had blocked off and were guarding the area.

On my way to what I thought was going to be my lunch spot, I had passed a different cafe that looked interesting. However, trying to find it again proved rather difficult. I didn't remember the name of the restaurant nor the street it was on, and ended up wandering for another hour or so.

I wasn't able to find it as all I could remember is that it was next to one of the yelling guys. There were guys yelling that I should eat at their restaurant (no thanks, I don't want oysters), guys yelling that I should drink their drinks (no thank you, I don't want to drink in the middle of the afternoon), and guys yelling that I should see their naked women (no thanks, I have one of my own).

I ended up going to the Somethin' Else Cafe, as I heard someone behind me say it was pretty good.

I had no problem finding something delicious to eat, but I think "vegan" doesn't mean what they think it means.

Mozzarella AND mayonnaise?

My friends Kris and Deana/Dina just returned from a vacation in New Orleans and I received some tips from them while I was standing in the middle of the street wondering where to go next.

I started by looking for the voodoo shop they recommended, but after walking up and down the block twice, I couldn't find it (I think my internal GPS is on the fritz). I did find the Voodoo Museum and figured that was good enough.

In memoriam for a python 

An alter to Mary Kay?

Voodoo dolls

They make a point of saying that most dolls
are used for "love, healing, success, and money" . . . 

. . . then this says it's important to keep the doll hidden
or the target will take action to reverse it.
Why would the target want to reverse all that good stuff? Hmm?

I didn't ask if it was for sale,
but it looks like someone made an offer(ing)

This dude is apparently terrified of frogs

You'd think having the head of an alligator, they'd be buddies,
but maybe they have a reptile vs. amphibian thing going on

Further wandering led me to a great little paper and pen shop called Papier Plume. When I arrived, there was a gentleman in there with a pronounced twang who was interested in getting some personalized stationery. It became clear that there was a language barrier between him and the shop owner, a genuine Frenchman. 

At one point the owner asked he'd like the heading centered and the customer replied, "No, I don't want it scented."

Once they'd worked out the kinks, I spent a good deal of time with the owner talking about pens and ink. They had some beautiful feather dipping pens and inkwells. I liked the design below but the burgundy feather I liked was a little rumpled. 

He went to the back to find another burgundy feather pen and it too was a little less than perfect. When I asked if he had another one, he just looked at me and said, "Shoshana, it's natural." I don't think he's going to follow through and have a talk with the bird for me.

After I came to terms with the imperfection of nature, I picked out a couple inks to match. He mentioned that all the inks were mixed on site. I have a ton of inks at home, but the colors were so deep and rich, they perfectly complimented the grandeur of my new pen. Plus, I had a few more inches of space left in my car.

As we were completing the sale, I asked about the production of ink. I was wondering if he had a bunch of powders that he just mixes with water or whether it was a more complicated process. It turns out that it is a MUCH more complicated -- and political -- process.

Apparently, ink walks a fine line between needing to be safe for paper, pens, and people as well as being beautiful, long-lasting, and color-fast. Great sorrow has befallen those who have been victim to a bad batch of ink. Formulas are made from precise concoctions of chemicals and even using tap water can make the ink go all brown and furry.

White is the hardest of all inks and the formulas seem to be constantly changing as lobbyists get laws altered to help themselves and hurt the competition.

So, yes, the inks are mixed there, but there's no way he's getting into the ink making business. (And I guess now, neither am I.)

It is an interesting mix of upscale, chain, and tchotchke shops. In honor of my friend Sarah, I stopped at Lush and was fiddling with what I thought was soap when one of the sales people came over to explain it to me. It is actually a big ol' hunk of cocoa butter that smells good and has magic beans in it. It's solid lotion.

At the checkout counter, I mentioned that unless they had explained it to me, I totally would have gone home and used it like soap. The woman behind the counter said, "Oh no, you don't want to do that. It will seal the dirt in!" So, for the public good, if you notice that you are just as dirty after your shower as before, you may be using your lotion as soap.

At this point, I'd spent all afternoon walking around and I decided it was time to wrap up my visit and head back before dark. I am sure that the population and dynamic of the French Quarter change dramatically at night, but I wasn't interested in drinking and it seems like something best experienced with a buddy. (Also, I was terrified of theft even in broad daylight. I'd already stuffed two credit cards and my passport card in my bra. I would have stowed my driver's license as well, but it would have been a little awkward as every time I used my credit card, they asked for ID.)

I took one more lap around and saw some more sites.

Lagniappe is one of the words in my word quilt,
I bought a postcard there and found out they don't take it literally

Pretty

More "witty" t-shirts
(I'm really hoping that one on the left doesn't come in kid sizes)

Be sure to file your receipt under "G" for "gumbo"

Aw Kris, if y'all had stayed longer,
you could have seen the Flaming Lips

My last stop was another K&D recommendation. I don't usually drink coffee, but I understand that a visit to the Cafe Du Monde is a must. I got an iced cafe au lait and an order of beignets (after quickly doing a Google search to makes sure I was pronouncing it correctly).

As I was waiting, I noticed the mountains of remaining powdered sugar at abandoned tables after beignets had been eaten.

This would have been an awesome picture of a pigeon pecking
at the plate in the background, if another tourist hadn't forgotten that cameras
have a zoom button and tried to get really close to it.
Please use your imagination.

My lasting impression is that the French Quarter was similar to Las Vegas in ways that I didn't like, but it had a lot more charm to make up for it. It really is another world in the middle of a modern city.

I didn't get to the garden district or the museum exhibit of the Katrina disaster and relief -- but they are on the list for next time. 

I just need to make sure I leave town before I start sounding like Bobby Hill.

Wednesday, I'm off to Tallahassee!

Odometer Start: 38476

Odometer End: 38625
Miles Driven Today: 149
Miles Driven Total: 4788
Today In/Around: New Orleans, LA
Tomorrow: Tallahassee, FL
States Visited: 9 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana)
Birthdays Today: 1.5 (Happy birthday, Micah! And it's exactly 6 months until Christmas)

Day 18 - Which Way to Bon Temps? (I Want to Make Sure I Avoid It)

(BTW: I'm totally confused by this website. What happens if you actually follow the directions?)

Most of Sunday was spent enjoying the home where I'm staying, the company of my hostess, and the outlying neighborhood.

I set out for a walk around noon. The neighborhood around the house is so idyllic. The homes complement each other without being too Edward Scissorhands.

No, thank you

Yes, please

All the homes have that great Southern look, with lots of brick, columns, lanterns, and wrought iron. I passed a house that was for sale and found the asking price to be very reasonable (about $550 a month per bedroom). I can absolutely see why the people who live here live here.

When the heat became too oppressive, I went inside and camped out by the air conditioning vent.

Around dinner time, Dianne came over. Strangely, I've met Dianne before . . . in Guam. She was living there in 1996 when my dad and I were on our way to Palau via Guam.

We all had a lovely chat and she gave me some names and numbers of people I may wish to contact during the rest of my trip.

After she left, I set out in search of my own dinner. I suspected that this area would be the most difficult in terms of finding non-meaty food.

(Note: I'm not offended by meat serving establishments or meat eaters. I'm mostly screening for establishments that would be offended by me. I'm trying to avoid issues like I had at Durgin Park in Boston, where they do offer a vegetarian option, but it is called the "bale of hay.")

When I searched Yelp for "vegetarian" I came up with results like "this place is not very good for vegetarians." I ended up choosing the Chimes, as it is a local institution next to an educational institution -- it's right next to the LSU campus.

My hostess, Sybil, is on the cusp of 90 years old. Since I've been here, we've gotten to know each other and several times she's shared with me that getting old is for the birds. Speaking of birds . . .

On my way out, I discovered that I'm not the only house guest keeping Sybil company.

This little winged one seems perfectly content to live on top of the garage door opener. Opening and closing the door doesn't seem to bother birdie at all.

Waving goodbye to my new feathered friend, I set out to explore the heart of the college campus and beyond.

I greatly enjoyed all of the greenery after passing though so much desert. And, again, I witnessed a beautiful sunset.

My waitress was kind enough to explain some of the more foreign foods to me (boudin balls are decidedly not vegetarian friendly). We settled on a hush-puppies and a garden burger prepared like a jalapeno burger. I think it was my first time trying hush-puppies, but now I certainly hope it won't be my last.

On the way home, I passed more weeping willows and under some of their friends. Many of the trees grow together and form a canopy over the road. It would be really pretty to get lost around here.

I came back to the house and chatted with Sybil some more. She told me which of her relatives was coming by tomorrow. I am so impressed at the care everyone makes sure she receives. She's a joy to be around, but it's clear how much her family cares for her and it is wonderful how they each take turns to coming by to make sure she's okay. They aren't even her children! They're nieces, and cousins, and so on. And every night  one of her daughters calls to say goodnight.

Getting old may be for the birds, but if you're going to do it, this seems like the way to do it.

Tomorrow, I venture into the Big Easy.


Odometer Start: 38459
Odometer End: 38476
Miles Driven Today: 17
Miles Driven Total: 4656
Today In/Around: Baton Rouge, LA
Tomorrow: New Orleans, LA
States Visited: 9 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana)
Friends Starting Nursing School Tomorrow: 2 (Good luck, Abby and Gena!)

Day 17 - Don't Tread on Me

On Saturday morning, I set out to solve the mystery of the thwacking sound coming from my car.

Before I checked out of the hotel (and said goodbye to the crickets), I was watching some TV show about flipping real estate. The second episode I watched featured a woman who assumed everyone was out to cheat her because she's a woman -- although she didn't do herself any favors when she said, "Everyone treats me like I have S-T-U-P-I-D written on my head. Wait, is that how you spell it?" . . . Yeah.

So, I prepared myself to deal with auto mechanics, with the tiny concern in the back of my mind that I might be treated differently because I wear skirts.

The front desk clerk at the hotel recommended a break fixing place nearby, and since the last time my car made this sound it was presumed to be the breaks, I headed over.

I discovered that I was able to relocate my bags from the passenger seat to the back, and if I rested my feet on the cooler, I could sit more or less comfortably in the passenger seat.

But before I took my scrunched up seat, I waited inside for the mechanic to join me in a ride around the parking lot. As he washed his hands, he asked if I'd hit anything before the sound occurred. I told him I had not. Then he said, "Come on, where you texting and driving?" I told him, "Absolutely not, sir." And I couldn't help but wonder if he would ask the same question to a man. (But I'll also admit that I have a stuffed hippo hanging out at the corner of my windshield that doesn't exactly scream "sophisticated lady". But, hey, it was a goodbye present.)

He took it around and raised it up. I watched from the waiting area as three mechanics gathered around the rear of my vehicle. I was really hoping they would reach up and pull out a branch or something, but they didn't. They did, however, discover what was making the noise:

Well there's your problem

A strip of tread had shredded off and was thwacking against the undercarriage each time the wheel rotated forward. It might have even cracked a plastic shield mounted above it.

The mechanic lowered my car and recommended the discount tire store nearby. (My car has a light that will let me know if the tire pressure is low and it had not gone off. We both figured that if the tire had gotten me to the Thump and back without blowing, it would get me to the tire shop.)

There, they found several tires that would work as a replacement. The sales guy offered to check all of my tires, but as this was an unexpected expense, I chose to stick with just one tire, please.

When I thought my school choices were between Yale and Emory, I did some "just in case" shopping for a car that would work in the snow. I bought my Mazda 5 right before Snowpocalypse 2008 and discovered that it is not a good snow car.

As I love it in all other conditions and will be ending up in snow country (though not at Yale) my solution is to buy darn good tires and try to drive as little as possible when winter comes.

So, I needed a tire that could get me the rest of the journey, but not necessarily another 40,000 miles.

The technician working on my car came over a couple times to give me updates (each time referring to me as Miss SHO-SHE). After he had my car raised up and was putting on the new tire, he told me he had some bad news. He said two of the other tires were looking pretty bad and that I should replace them, too. Or at least replace the other rear tire. His concern was that the remaining tires would shred at any moment like the tire that brought me in.

He said he'd found another tire for the back (different from the new and the existing tires) that would work, but was just a tiny bit bigger than the others.

Now I'm no tire expert, but I'm pretty sure it's not recommended to drive on three different tire brands, two old, one new, one used, and with one that is slightly bigger than the rest. I politely declined and asked that they just replace the one.

He then pulled out the, "I wouldn't want my girlfriend to drive on tires like these," and I declined firmly.

I appreciated the warning and will stay alert for the low pressure light and/or the thwacking sound going forward. But, I have a full-sized spare, I know how to change a tire, and I have AAA. As I didn't gamble in Vegas, I am going to gamble on this one.

I got back on the road with one new tire and crossed my fingers that the new tire and its friends would get me to Louisiana.

This is my first visit, but I will be staying in a home owned by a family that is very familiar with the bayou state. One of my dad's fraternity brother married a woman from Baton Rouge, and while they lived the majority of their lives in the Seattle area, they plan to retire back to Baton Rouge. In the meantime, the home here is being kept company by her mother.

Her mom is 89 and absolutely lovely. I arrived safely and soundly a few hours ago and I already feel at home (it is a beautiful house that seems perfect to enjoy not working from).

It was another long day of driving, but I did get to see an old friend.

Ah, hello water!

I did not, though, get to see a totally not old family member on the anniversary of her birth.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Note: This photo may not exactly be recent
but it is still totally adorable

Even though I wasn't there, please know that I was thinking of you and sending birthday hugs from the road.

I'll be staying in the Baton Rouge/New Orleans area for the next few days. I'll see what kind of nifty whatnots they have that might work as a worthy birthday gift.


Odometer Start: 38016
Odometer End: 38459
Miles Driven Today: 443
Miles Driven Total:  4639
Today In/Around: Austin, TX and Baton Rouge, LA
Tomorrow: Baton Rouge, LA again
States Visited: 9 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana)
Times I Spilled the Same Diet Coke on Myself: 4
Teeth Owned by the First Mechanic: 4 (or maybe I'm underestimating, he could have some in a drawer somewhere)

Day 16 - CHOMP! THUMP! THWACK!

For the last week or so, I've had the restaurant search page for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives as my homepage on my phone. Friday was the fist day I found a good match and ate at a Guy Fieri approved establishment.

I chose the Magnolia Cafe, open 24/8, with the motto "Sorry, We're Open."

I went to the location closest to my hotel and found a cute, tchotchke filled diner, with plenty of booths and plenty of things to look at.

Including a pterodactyl in a top hat

They are an all day breakfast kind of place and I was torn on what meal to order, but I ended up going with the reviews I'd read, and ordering the veggie reuben. (I didn't even have to augment it!)

As I waited for my food, a woman came over to me and -- after explaining that she was not hitting on me -- told the that everyday she tries to compliment someone on something. Today, she was complimenting me on my cute (and unintentionally) retro look.

I thanked her kindly and thought it was only a little bit creepy.

My meal came shortly -- a standard reuben, minus the meat, plus peppers, onion, and avocado -- and it was totally delicious.

Mid-bite, the woman came back to my table. This time she was asking for a dollar to help tip the waiter. She said she didn't have any more cash left and she didn't want to put $1 on her credit card because of something having to do with child support. I gave her the dollar.

After my meal, I went to the shop next door to peruse souvenirs.

When I was planning my trip eastward, I tried to plot a route that would avoid Texas as much as possible. Austin is the only city that I felt comfortable visiting, and I'm glad that I did.

It was from Austin that Portland stole it's most famous bumper sticker:

The original turned into . . .

. . . and then kind of went off the rails, becoming . . . 

. . .  and . . . 

. . . yeah, I think we're meeting our goal.

They had a few t-shirts with the Austin motto, but I chose a coaster with Pee Wee Herman on it. (I'm sure I don't need to justify that to any of you.)

It turns out, I don't

_________________________________________________________________________________

After shopping, I refueled and bought a car wash (that'll teach me to park under a popular bird hang out).

And just to give you a better idea of this cricket thing they got going on:

Those are not wood chips 

With a mostly washed car, I headed south to the crazy summer event I couldn't miss. (PS: Phyllis, don't smell this post.)

The Luling Watermelon Thump

I stumbled upon the above article and scoured it to figure out if any events would match up with my trek. The Watermelon Thump fit perfectly.

I arrived just as the festivities were beginning. I began by wandering around, taking in the sites.

They really take this watermelon thing seriously. There were:

Watermelon banners

Watermelon bathrooms

Watermelon buckin' broncos

Watermelon umbrellas

Watermelon shops

Watermelon crazy hats
(Look how excited they are to be wearing them!)

And even actual watermelons

It seems this festival has been going on for some time. At least since 1954.

It was also a real carnival with rides, games, booths, and foods.

Ride

Game

(Although I'm not sure how lucky those fishies are)

They were lucky enough not to be taken home by the family that bought
a bucket of balls and wasn't able to land one in a fishbowl

Booth and food
(This booth of republicans would nuke a plate of nachos just for you!)

I purchased a souvenir pendant, but passed on the "My First Thump" t-shirt.

After stumbling upon the Spitway, I caught the tail end of the seed spitting contest for ages 1 to 5.

Here's the windup

And the pitch!

That seed went almost 20 feet

That little girl won 3rd place and received her trophy from the Watermelon Thump Queen and Princess.

Here is the official Watermelon Thump Queen garb:

I bought a slice of actual watermelon from the booth of junior high cheerleaders. It was served with salt -- something I'd never tried before, but now highly recommend.

I ate my slice under a watermelon umbrella.

And as I was admiring the rich wood-grain-like pattern on the seeds . . .

. . . (hold on, the story takes a turn here) . . . a kid at the hamburger stand in front of me fell down. He spilled his shaved ice and was shaking slightly. I realized he was likely having a seizure.

It was one of those times that should have a soundtrack, but since it didn't everyone was just kind of awkward and unsure what to do -- it didn't seem like the kid was known to have epilepsy.

His family got the kid up and over to the table where I was sitting. I did my part and got up and out of the way. The Thump safety officers and paramedic arrived just as I was leaving.

I felt totally useless at the moment, but it reminded me that I'm on this trip to learn how to help people like that . . . except not children and probably not in Texas.

Later that night, I was reading one of the latest posts from Jen of Cake Wrecks whom I mentioned in an earlier post of mine. She's shared the details of some of her medical issues in the past, but this time she poured her heart out. Her story, and others like it, is why I am choosing to dedicate my life to gynecology and not midwifery.

Women's health has to be done well, I think I have the capacity to do it well, and I'm on my way to find out for sure.

_________________________________________________________________________________

On the way back to Austin, I was accompanied by this beautiful sunset:

I was also accompanied by a twack, twack, twacking sound that seemed to be coming from the right rear of my car.

It seemed to be speed up when I sped up slow down when I slowed down. I pulled over and looked for a branch or something, but all looked clear.

Still, thwack, thwack, thwack all the way home.

I'm hoping it is one of those automotive problems that goes away by itself by tomorrow morning. I'm sure all will be well after it rests in the parking lot to the soothing sounds of crickets. Right? Right?!

Saturday, I will be in Louisiana for the first time (if my chariot will still ride). Wish me vegetarian food!


Odometer Start: 37915
Odometer End: 38016
Miles Driven Today: 101
Miles Driven Total:  4196
Today In/Around: Austin, TX and Lulling, TX
Tomorrow: Baton Rouge, LA
States Visited: 8 (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma)
Points Awarded to Anyone Who Can Tell Me What the Watermelon Thump Refers to: 50,000,000 (I made sure to ask before I left)