Thoughts from a Route 66 Business Owner

I guess the moon looked ever so slightly un-round this morning, but as eclipses go, this one was a bummer.  But then, the last 24  hours have been somewhat of a bummer too, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  Yesterday Blogger, who runs this blog site, decided to tell me, without warning, that it no longer supports my browser.  Surprise!  I could read my blog but couldn't write on it.  No explanation given.  After massive grumbling, hyperventilating, stomping around, and using some S-words and F-words not appropriate for my ordinarily reserved demeanor, I apparently pushed some magic button that told me I could regain custody of my blog if I joined Google Chrome.  With no choice in the matter, I did.  Very clever recruiting device, Google!  The feeling of not being able to continue blogging was akin to turning the key on a cold morning and the car not starting.  That, at least, didn't happen to me yesterday.

I drove to Afton this morning in a scrim of fog so thick that I'm surprised I didn't end up in Albuquerque.   Actually, I kind of wish I had.  I'm here at Afton Station now, freezing my knees off, and reading the note from Robin, who had only two visitors and zero sales yesterday.  Why do we even bother in the winter?

I guess we bother because I refuse to have a "closed for the winter" kind of business as long as I have the strength, gas in the car, and money to pay Robin on Fridays. Besides, I like it here, despite the shivering and blue toes.  And those two travelers who did show up yesterday deserved not to be met with a locked door.That is unacceptable!  Route 66 is a 365-days-a-year treat, even for those silly enough to travel in December.

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The fog, and my spirits, finally lifted.  As I sat reading an article in the latest issue of Cowboys and Indians Magazine about the 100th birthday of Roy Rogers, people appeared at the door.  First it was Robin and Phil, who decided to stay and keep  me company all day (hooray!), followed by seven visitors!  They came from  Valley Center KS, Grove OK, and Almont MI.   None were specifically taking Route 66 trips, but all were most interested in what we have to offer at Afton Station.   As it turned out, it was a fine day after all, and I drove home on a clear, sunny, crisp 45-degree day, ready to go back tomorrow and hope for more visitors.  

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The new business down the road, right on the 9-foot alignment of Route 66 at the corner of the old alignment, has chosen the name Route 66 Truck and Trailer.  Excellent!  The more of those Route 66 shields we can display in Afton the better.  The owners of the rather large business, which services and  builds trucks and trailers, are very supportive of Route 66.  In Afton, it's about time!