Goodrich, TX (Pop. 248)

Our night in the Chili’s parking lot went without a hitch.

I had a slightly longer day planned, so I wanted to get a rather early start. I headed out at 7:45 under cloudy skies and 66-degree weather. There was some light rain forecast, but it seemed as though it would be brief. Soon, I felt some spitting moisture and hoped it would stay at that level. It never got any heavier, and after about 45 minutes, even that ended. I wove my way through the small town, and soon I was out in the country.

The route primarily followed country roads, but don’t kid yourself—the speed limit was 70 mph at times. Fortunately, the traffic was extremely light, and most drivers seemed willing to move to the left and give me plenty of room. Of course, there’s always that one person who thinks that anyone costing them a precious 12-second delay deserves a honk during the wait and then another honk as they pass this poor old soul on two wheels. I blessed him as he passed, and I’m sure I will never slow him down again.

The countryside was quite bucolic, with green fields, cows, horses, and barking dogs. After a while, I reminded myself to actively look for the beauty in the world and the things that bring me life, rather than assuming everything is just normal. Dana and I have talked about the fact that there is beauty everywhere if we take the time to find it.

I saw a sign for a blueberry farm. Immediately, I was reminded of summers spent blueberry picking with Mom and several of my siblings. When I record my podcast, I usually try to ask interviewees about a "favorite childhood memory." This would certainly be one of mine. I still love the smell of blueberries, and the memory makes me feel good all over.

Dana tends to find beauty in flowers and other random structures, trees, and other details in nature. Finding beauty has become a good discipline for us, and it’s something we should do all the time. Maybe it will even become a lifelong practice—one we should have started sooner.

The day was rather routine, but successful, as I arrived safe and sound. We are heading toward Austin and will likely take a zero day there.

We have landed at a truck stop for the night. Our PLUM looks a bit small, but here we are.

Be well, y’all!Baca lagi