Jolly Old England

Ok, they're not that old, but they ARE jolly and they ARE from England! We had such a great time with these two guys who, on their Route 66 travels between Chicago and Albuquerque, had the good sense to stop in to Afton Station. They were delightful and they certainly kept us entertained for a while as we heard their humorous take on some of the people and circumstances they have encountered in the U.S. They won my heart when they told us that they're planning to stop at the home office (which just happens to be in Tulsa) of the rental car company they're using and give them a piece of their minds concerning certain issues like hidden taxes and the ridiculously high "drop off" charge for cars not returned to the office where they're rented. We completely agree with them on those issues, and I think that if anyone can get through to the powers-that-be at headquarters, it will be these two Brits. Oh, by the way, they're from Bromsgrove and Solihull, two towns near Birmingham.

The other visitors to Afton Station today came from Crosbyton TX, Chippewa Falls WI, Contoocook NH, and some local folks from Afton. The two gentlemen from Wisconsin were seeking antique cars to purchase to start a vintage car museum near their home. Unfortunately, at this time none of ours are for sale, but it was enjoyable talking to the fellows.

Afton is at it again. With no prior notice, the backhoe pulled up this morning and started to tear up the land between the Station and Locust St., which is the side road next to the Station. It's the locale of what we call Lake Afton, the "perpetual puddle" I've mentioned before. We've become somewhat fond of the puddle, since it's become a bathing spot for many local birds. Even during the summer drought, there has always been a pool there for them to splash in. Even so, we recognize that it needs to be repaired.

After the guys had dug for a while, Ron M. went out to take this photo, and the workers told him that they couldn't find an underground leak, so they were going to close up the hole and leave. We now have an ill-graded mess next to the Station, with hills and valleys of mud preventing entrance to our portico from that side. I'll give the Town of Afton the benefit of the doubt and hope that they'll return to smooth things out, but I'm not holding my breath.

It was a fairly quiet day, but I had the company of Ron M. and Tattoo Man, and that's always a good thing. And thanks to Robin, we now have shiny floors. It's amazing what a good waxing will do. While Robin worked on the floors yesterday, she also visited with 18 visitors, from Seattle WA, Switzerland, Indianapolis IN, Washington DC, Kentucky, Dallas TX, and Grove, Commerce, and Wyandotte OK.