8:12 p.m. - 2008-05-25
Panhandlers
So yeah.......
Driving through Arkansas, Oklahoma, and half-way across the Panhandle of Texas today was...interesting.
What was most disturbing was the plethora (neener) of dead armadillos on the side of the road. Are they stupid or just slow? And they all seem to die on their backs with their feet in the air. Poor things. I hope I don't come back as an armadillo in my next life. I would really like to come back as an award-winning novelist. I wouldn't have much need for crossing freeways at night if that was the case.
Once we hit the Panhandle of Texas, the flatness and the tedium were more than apparent. But, sticking out of the ground miles ahead of us was a giant cross! We saw a billboard for that cross, and we simply had to see it!
So we headed for Groom, Texas. When we pulled into the town, it was quite apparent that the citizens had tried to capitalize on the fact that Route 66 once went right through town. Not anymore. Not even close. The town is about 95% dead.
Hence, it seemed a good place to put a giant cross, eh? The truck is in the shot to show perspective.
We chose to visit this shrine right after a huge storm had blown through, and the northerly winds were strong enough to lift us off the ground. Almost. I was very relieved to know that the cross is made out of steel and can withstand strong winds. My only real concern is how much lightning it can attract under the right conditions.
The clown shoes also visited Harry Truman's birthplace the other day. We were in the neighborhood and thought "why not see Harry Truman's birthplace?" The shoes really wanted to do it, so off we went.
The house was closed for the holiday, but we still had a good time. Here they are hanging on the closed door.
Looks like it's time for a little paint, eh?
Harry didn't grow up with indoor plumbing.
No, siree.
And then, someone thought it would be nice to immortalize Harry in concrete. I especially like his glasses.
And that's it. Coming to you live from the Super 8 Motel in Amarillo, Texas. There is a make-your-own waffle iron in the lobby! It makes waffles in the shape of Texas! This is too exciting for words. Breakfast is sure to be a thrill.
And then.....off to Roswell.
WOOT!
