I actually wrapped coins before our trip to Coos Bay and added some extra cash to my traveling money in hopes that I would find lots of treasures for Christmas gifts, after all daughter Pat and I were going to walk in a real true mall with big name stores which is something we do not have in our little town of Brookings. We took off as soon as it was bright enough to travel, man, it was cold, way down in the thirties, not at all like our usual December weather. Lucky I thought to pack a heavier coat than the favorite jacket I like to wear as it came in handy believe me.
Our first stop was in Gold Beach where we pulled into the parking lot of the Book Store. The pictures are of daughter Pat looking over the newest editions . . . since when did books go up to twenty-five and thirty dollars each . . . I write books (short novel paperbacks) but give them away as I am afraid my fan club would disappear if I put a hefty price on them. My first book "The Blakely Field Stories" was published by Publish America and I learned, the hard way, that they own your work for seven years, put a price of $12.95, then put it on sale for $9.95 and sell you your book if you need copies, or send you e-mails that tell you that they can get your book to Oprah, or even to the men and women overseas but you have to order a certain amount and pay for them in order for them to be so benevolent. Something is not 'right in Denmark' as the old saying went. I digress, sorry about that. Well, I feel strongly about some things.
In the bakery case are scones, berry scones, $2.95 a piece, steep but I have to admit they are very, very delicious. I don't know who makes them for the book store but she deserves every nickel as they are scrumptious. How can we stop and have a coffee break without ordering a scone. There are other choices in the case, all delicious, but we voted the scones number one.
After our break we drove along the highway (101), all familiar roads as we have been up and down the coast so many times over the years and it is always different as the seasons change and the landscape and the creatures change right along with it. Fields of tiny white lambs in full coats and cows by the hundreds in the open fields. The aspen trees have lost their golden leaves and now the white bark looks gray and the nubs black. We followed a yard sale sign that led us into a very narrow dirt forest road that seem to lead nowhere so you know we found a turning spot and got out of there quickly. Reminded us of our lost ride a year or so ago when we were looking for the town of Agnes and found ourselves in the back country of high narrow dirt trails overlooking a canyon. Once was enough.
Macy's had a one day sale so we found a few things to fill Santa's bag. We had lunch at the little restaurant which changed hands and believe me it will not last as the food was abominable. Yuck! They lost two customers right away. But we found a luncheon place the next day that is worth the ride all the way up there as it had great food, plenty of it, all cooked to perfection and served with a special muffin of your choice, heated and served with a pat of butter and homemade applesauce. . . wow, um . . . how could I be hungry again.
That money I put together disappeared as all good money does and I must say I had a wonderful time spending it. The store got some, but, the casino go more. I play four card keno and sometimes win a five or a six spot so get my money back plus a little to spare. I could have come home with money but then I would have to give up playing and then I wouldn't have any fun. I won. I lost. I won, got my money back . . . did I have enough .....nah! I had to try for the BIG one....did I get it...NO!!! BUT, did I have fun?. . . Did I leave my hard earned money behind?...YES; am I sorry?....NO, I had a great time trying all kinds of combinations and was royally entertained. My machine made so much noise giving me one less than I needed for a win the man next to me took over my machine when I left in hopes he would win the big one. I wonder if he kept my numbers. I should have given him my name and address in case he won, then he could have split the winnings . . . ha! ha! ha! Fat Chance!
So, I hope you plan a road trip soon and get away for a day or two as it really truly gives you a new perspective on life. It is just a small change in your routine and it is enough to bring a smile to your face . . . so, go for it.
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