Hey, gang. I'm here at Dusty's, finally getting my net fix taken care of. He and Kath took us out to Sadie's for dinner a about pitcher of margaritas; God bless them.
We are going to catch some Z's, and head out as soon as we wake up.
So far, the trip has been really fine; we've seen some really pretty scenery, and the desert is in bloom. Magnificent country.
We are headed for Covington, located about 20 miles above NO, to hook up with the Mendocino chapter of Veterans for Peace. Our other cars are somewhere well behind us, and the truck won't even be leaving until tomorrow. It took them a while to track one down, but the upside to it is that somebody, maybe my friends Tom and Yvette, has given them a motor home, and the Hog Farm is sending their mobile kitchen which they were going to use at the Earth Dance Festival next week. That is really cool, and it may even give me a chance to hook up with some friends when we get down there.
People have been great.Dane got lots of stuff from the hospital; originally,he had offered to buy stuff, but when it started showing up on the loading dock, he was told it was all over-stock, or expired, and the only cost was picked up by the supervisor of Materials Management. What a gal.
Dane has been keeping in touch with our local public radio, and they have been airing his reports. We've had a lot of support from the community, so it is nice to be able to stay in touch. I'm not sure what I mentioned earlier, but Laytonville filled up my entire truck with supplies, and gave us plenty of money for gas and for relief supplies. My boys actually started it; when I went to talk to them about taking care of my place, they, plus my neighbor and their buddy Eric, gave me about $300. I tell you, my kids done me proud. But, they may have been put to shame by Dane's baby, almost 3 year old Sasha. When she saw that I had a few of the Mall Rat's old dolls, she went in and brought out 2 dolls, one of them her favorite. Not only that, but Dane is going to miss her third birthday. Quite a young lady; a real sweetheart. His other two gave some toys, too.
We spent last night in Needles, Ca; today, we made it to Dusty's, and we will head out very early in the morning. The other cars are somewhere behind us; maybe a day. Strange caravan :>).
When we got to Albuquerque, Dusty took us to a free concert for the survivors of Katrina who came here; maybe 100 so far. He said a few of them have decided to stay here, and already have jobs. He made them introduce us, so we each said a few words. What a guy; he started a collection at work for gas money for us. People have been just great .
And thanks to Sioux, who has been our communications director.
Love y'all.
Mike |
