I'm Going Home

I'm in Florida.

Back in the land of Minimal Clothing. Back to where my license plate matches everyone else's.

I still have a long way to go. I'm in Crestview, the exit for Eglin AFB. In the Panhandle. It's a very long panhandle. Then I head south again, through this giant peninsula of a state. It's a very long peninsula.

Home is 600 miles away.

Last night, coming through Mobile, the sun was setting. By the time I hit Pensacola it was dark. I haven't seen the I-10 bridge in person since the hurricane collapsed it and that trucker went over and died. I wasn't sure I was ready for it now, even; I have a huge capacity for viewing disaster scenes, but I know full well I need to be ready for it first.

In the dark I could see huge cranes in the air, one after another after another, a dozen or more. They've finished building one span and sent two-way traffic over it, as they complete the second span, which will become the westbound bridge. The surface I was on was fresh and new, that perfect smooth asphalt you're so glad to encounter on a long road trip.

After a while I came upon a brilliant light, something used for night construction, like they had on at the World Trade Center site. I saw work vehicles moving on the westbound span, driving in a line.

I drove on.

There were few lights up. The overhead lights on the roads and the businesses and houses one usually sees in a populated area were sparse. It was very dark, and I was glad.

I slept well last night, in a hotel, using the last of my carefully hoarded funds. But it's Social Security day today, and I'm full up again, ready to go.

I'm exhausted and the pain is bad, slow slow slow. I get frustrated with myself sometimes when I get like this. But the hotel was very nice about me checking out 45 minutes late, and told me where the cheapest fuel was. On the way I spied me a nice little drive-through espresso place.


And does k just love drive-throughs? Oh my goodness yes.


I pulled up and gave them my order. I always think it's complicated, but I tell you, these folks know their complicated orders. To them I'd guess I'm mostly just old-fashioned.

Hot milk, hot heavy cream, 4-6 shots espresso, no sugar or flavors.

And a blueberry muffin.

They were the sweetest, cheerfullest, fastest, smartest, funniest, prettiest espresso sluggers I've come across yet. And THAT, my friends, is saying something.


It's for sale! If those coffee cowgirls come with, folks, this one could be a winner.


See? So cheering.

I'm going to run by the hotel parking lot and see if my free hotel wireless will still let me post this.

And then I'm on my way.

Home.