Random Drive-by Shootings

February 24th – Fort Morgan, CO to Sioux Falls, SD

Okay, it's our second last day on the road. [If typos are prevalent on materials at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, I suppose it's okay to find them on the entries to traveller facilities on Interstate 80 in Nebraska. So what, do you imagine, is a "Urnal Room?" A place where men can work on their blogs, as in "Urnaling?" I just wish I knew what the Braille characters indicate.]

Dad was up shortly before 6 a.m. As soon as I heard him enter the washroom, I got up and readied myself to follow him on his re-emergence. He gave me a goofy wave as we passed in the hallway – and this was a foreshadowing.

Upon re-entering the bedroom, I found Dad again under the covers, so I sat quietly and reviewed a few emails. While on the topic of catching up, I should let you know, Lawrence Klippenstein (Woodhaven Toyota), that we were most surprised to find a marked change in the gas mileage in the past few days. By the time we reached Flagstaff, we had rung the odometer up to about 8,000 km. Even with chasing around and up & down the mountains at 75 mph, that first post-8,000 km fill showed a 19% improvement to 41 mpg (Imp. Gal.). It looks like the return trip will deliver that level of improvement.

The drive today, as with yesterday's, was somewhat more subdued than previous days. I imagine each of us has been mulling over the events and significance of this road-trip, traveling some interior highways, letting the events sink in. For awhile, my folks listened to a couple of religious radio broadcasts, but the FM signal eventually gave out.

During the mid-morning dozies, I put in my ear buds and listened to some music. I noticed though, that neither Dad or Mom were snoozing, so I introduced them to Suzzy and Maggie Roche's album, "Zero Church." I have to thank you again, Geoffrey Hayes, for the fine music you have introduced me/us to over the past ten or so years of Christmas gifts. I again listened to a number of them during this trip: Keith Jarrett's "The Melody at Night, With You," and Metheny & Haden's "Beyond the Missouri Sky" to name just a few. Both M&D commented on or asked about various songs on "Zero Church." A little connect of a different sort.

While most of the songs on this album are strong, "Each of Us has a Name" always gets to me... even more so given the words of the first stanza with this shared listening:

Each of us has name
given by God
and given by our parents

Each of us has a name
given by our stature and our smile
and given by what we wear

Each of us has a name
given by the mountains
and given by our walls

Each of us has a name
given by the stars
and given by our neighbors

Each of us has a name
given by our sins
and given by our longing

Each of us has a name
given by our enemies
and given by our love

Each of us has a name
given by our celebrations
and given by our work

Each of us has a name
given by the seasons
and given by our blindness

Each of us has a name
given by the sea
and given by
our death

We stopped in North Platte for brunch at the Village Inn. Other than for the obscene portions – again, and as always – I should let you know, JD Powell, that I didn't spend that $1 bill you gave me in Sedona as you suggested. I used it to buy a shamrock to help send Jerry's Kids (and how appropriate is that) to camp. The significance of the dollar bill is that it is traceable. I made note of the serial number, JD, but not the bill series (year). If you have it, could you let me know, and I'll post it so others can follow the bill, too?

Dad decided to take a turn behind the wheel after brunch so, for 82 miles, I got a chance to check things out from the co-pilot's seat.

At about Mile 310 on I80, we got the special musical treat I'd promised my folks. Suddenly the car was filled with the strangest drone music, caused by a constantly-changing groove pattern on the road. Ruth and I encountered this phenomenon in January. What we didn't do was try for a duet and, much to my pleasure and the folks' amusement, straddling the two east-bound lanes created a rare musical moment.

The third musical event occurred shortly after entering Iowa. I don't recall how I puzzled Dad, but I finally got him to follow my twisted thinking, and he appropriately broke into what I think of as his hallmark song; a tune I recall him strumming and singing from my earliest years:

I was born on a farm out in Ioway
A flaming youth I was bound I would fly away
I packed my grip and I grabbed my saxophone

Can't read notes, but I play anything by ear
I made up tunes on the sounds that I used to hear
When I'd start to play, folks used to say
"Sounds a little Goofus to me"

(*) Cornfed chords appeal to me
I like rustic harmony
Hold a note and change the key
Hey, but that's Goofus



Not according to the rules
That you learn in music schools
But the folks just dance like fools
They sure go for " Goofus"



Got a job but I just couldn't keep it long
The leader said that I played all the music wrong
So I stepped out with an outfit of my own



(**) Got together a new kind of orchestree
And we all played just the same "Goofus" harmony
And I must admit we made a hit
"Goofus" has been lucky for me

Repeat (*)
Repeat (**)

Well, that's about it. The clock says I have once again stared this computer into a new day. It's now officially the last day of this adventure. Mom & Dad have already snuffled their way through a few hours of sleep. Time I join them in that non-endeavour.

Night all. Love to all who have followed us. I'll post again in the next couple of days.

And, by the way, it would be heartening for Mom & Dad if those of you who have hitched along on this blog would leave a comment so they can read them when I print it up for them. God – and Gord – bless.