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Emmy & Maggie in the Southwest

Gallup-ing Along Oct 8, 2011

Inertia struck this morning and I gave in, so I'm still in Gallup. I've been feeling sad. This was probably my last day of freedom "on the road," as I'm pretty sure I can make it to Gloria's, in Prescott, tomorrow. The biscuits and sausage gravy the Comfort Inn served for breakfast eased my pain. Ramah. Ever heard of it? Look at my pictures and you'll never have to go. I've captured a good percent of the heart of the town in two photos: a vacant building and the Stagecoach Cafe. Ordinarily I avoid independent restaurants. I always feel out of place. I know, they have the best food, it's the only way to find out what a place is like, blah, blah, blah. I don't care. It doesn't scare me to drive across country by myself but I'm chicken when it comes to strange restaurants, OK? I went to the Stagecoach Cafe because I was falling asleep and I had to pee. Ramah is 42 miles from Gallup and there is nothing—nothing—between the two, and I didn't fancy pulling over to the side of the road. Did they look at me funny? Maybe, maybe not. I'll say this: They were not friendly. No smile, no chit chat, just a big cup of coffee to go. They knew I didn't drive a truck decorated with an American flag. They may have suspected that I voted for Someone Else for President. Whatever, I got in and out pronto. Horses! Across from the cafe were three horses, although I think one had a little mule or donkey in him. On the way back to Gallup a horse grazed calmly by the side of the road. On some Indian reservation all livestock, not just cows, can range freely. Fry bread! Have you ever had it? It's crunchy and doughy and neither sweet nor salty. I bought three pieces from a stand by the side of the road. Daughter waited on me, mom threw the bread in the fryer, and dad was hammering the rickety wooden structure, getting ready for winter, I guess. It makes the hotel room smell a little burned. Hot tub! I availed myself of the one at the motel, as well as its pool. I'd met a local artist who invited me to come to Art Walk, which Gallup hosts the second Saturday of every month. She said the art scene in Gallup is blossoming, that the new mayor supports the arts. I loved a mosaic and beaded turtle made from the bottom of an aerosol can, but I didn't love it $65 worth. Maggie is awake! I cleaned her cage this morning, the first time since the incident when she jumped and landed on the floor. Today was uneventful, thank goodness. P.S. I know what I said about Ramah is unfair. If you know anyone who lives there I'd love to know what it's really like. And please don't tell them what I said.

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