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Crowden Satz's avatar

Okies. Yeah, as I alluded to in one of my recent posts, that's what humans are great at. Wrecking their environment and being forced to move on after doing so. My example was the Middle East but the dustbowl is a great example as well. Millions of acres, perfectly happy, until people came, ripped out all the windbreaks, overworked the soil, and ultimately caused it all to blow away. The dust storms were deadly (literally) and the dust worked its way all the way to the East Coast. So ... one can feel sorry for the Okies, having to uproot and migrate, or one can say "well, what did you expect? You made your bed - now sleep in it."

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

I’ll have to catch up on that post, Crowden. I’m afraid humans in general are short-sighted or we wouldn’t be in all the environmental, social and political pickles we’re in. I think the Dust Bowl migrants were in desperate circumstances because of the Depression and either didn’t know or had to ignore more advisable agricultural practices—plus there was a drought going on. History will tell us (and probably already is) the errors of our ways. Thanks for weighing in.

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Sally Showalter's avatar

What a glorious trip. Hubby and I did the annual Rt 66 Fun Run from Seligman to Kingman for 14 years in a row. Our last few years were in our 1969 Chevy Nova SS which we still have and drive. I look forward to seeing and hearing about this adventure!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Wow, that’s very cool, Sally! I wouldn’t be surprised if we run across folks doing the same en route.

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Lisa Dearen's avatar

What an amazing road trip! I pass through Barstow quite often - it’s our lunch stop on the way to Mammoth. Can’t wait for updates!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Where do you stop for lunch in Barstow, Lisa? I'd love to know! Thanks so much for weighing in!

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Lisa Dearen's avatar

Nothing fancy … we usually stop at the In n Out, which is considered to be one of the biggest in the entire chain. But it’s clean and usually good for people watching.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Lisa! Burgers and people watching is the name of the game on Route 66!

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

What a fun road trip! We’ll just miss you- we are at a campground right off Route 66, near Albuquerque, but leave on Saturday. I look forward to following along here!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Oh, so sorry to miss you, Rebecca! It would have been fun to meet up! Maybe we’ll manage it on a future road trip! Thanks for following along—and kudos on creating such an interesting newsletter from your nomadic life. I have some catching up to do, but I’ve loved the stories and recipes you’ve shared.

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Clarice Dankers's avatar

Wow! You have a lot of miles ahead of you. It will be fun to read your stories along the way. A lot of Europeans I've met are also fascinated by Route 66, and some have actually made the journey, too. I hope you have a wonderful, safe and fascinating journey.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks for your good wishes, Clarice! There is a fascination with the America of that time, especially the mystique of the open road—and it’s interesting that it transcends borders and continents. I’ll be curious to discover if that America still exists—or if it ever did.

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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

If you possibly can Ruth, spend a night at La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona . Architect Mary Colter regarded it (not Hearst Castle) as her masterpiece.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

We’ll definitely check it out!Unfortunately, as the trip is being sponsored by BW, we’re duty-bound to stay there, but I just looked up La Posada’s history and it’s a must for a future visit. Thanks so much for the tip!🤗

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Vicki Smith's avatar

How wonderful to be combining history, literature, art, and a meet-up with Jolene on your road trip. I look forward to your food discoveries along the way. Bon Voyage!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Vicki! It promises to be a great trip. I'm hoping the walking will counteract at least some of the fries, pies and shakes we're bound to consume! The meetup with Jolene will be a definite highlight!

Hoping you had a wonderful Easter.

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Marg Moon's avatar

I am absolutely thrilled to get a shoutout in your newsletter! Thanks so much and have a great trip. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I hope you get enough time to re-read The Grapes of Wrath on your journey.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Always pleased to mention your excellent newsletter, Marg. I hadn't realized that John Steinbeck was responsible for naming Route 66 the Mother Road. It's in all the promotional literature, so that makes the novel a perfect companion for this trip. And, yes, I do hope to reread it along the way (it may end up spattered in coffee and grease, which seems appropriate!) . It will be interesting to contrast 1930s Depression-era America with the state of the States today. Thanks again, Marg!

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Julia Matusik's avatar

Happy travels, Ruth. Look forward to hearing all about it and your catch up with Jolene!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Julia! It will be fun—and I’ll share the tale at some point.

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Moira Nelson's avatar

Ruth, I would love to try that scacchi. It looks amazing! (And I have lots of matza left...)

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Moira, it was a surprise hit! When I get a moment I’ll send it to you! It will now be a Passover standard, along with matzo ball soup!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

What a fun road trip!! And so cool you'll be hitting all the cities from that song. I especially love Tucumcari, just the way it sounds. Especially in that Lowell George song.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Jeanine! We’re researching that song right now! I love the name of that town too! This will be quite the odyssey!

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Donna Gottlieb's avatar

Sounds like so much fun. Loved today’s blog and the tips on matzah ball soup!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Donna! Maybe I can bring some next time we meet! 💕

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Judy Graham's avatar

Have fun. Looking forward to reading all about it.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks! Coming soon!

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Kate McDermott's avatar

What a wonderful journey! I just messaged you with several restaurant recommendations for Gallup and Albuquerque from a local friend there.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Kate! I’m going to check it out!😘

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Planet Carnival's avatar

Have a fab trip!. Can't wait to read about your journey along 🎵The Highway That's The Best🎶

I have a sentimental attachment to this version. Hope it helps you both "get your kicks" 🙂

https://youtu.be/bnPdIQbFHmM?si=L0yJjIWNRdhvQcfT

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Just had a chance to listen to this version. Reminded me a bit of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire,” though perhaps a little less wild. And have a great soundtrack for this trip! Thanks again!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

We love it too! It’ll be on constant replay during our travels, I’m sure! Thanks for the comment!

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Cannot Wait!!! 😃❤️

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

SO excited! See you soon. Happy Easter!🐣🪺🥚

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Jolene Handy's avatar

🐣😃

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