Handsome and I have traveled to Colorado often, and we drive the same route, taking the Adora-poos with us. Along the way, we found places and things that intrigued us, and I had to share.
Wagonseller Road – Long ago, I wondered how this name came to be. To me, the implication is a wagonseller lived on this road, and people went to him to purchase their wagons—right? Curious, I once emailed the local town for information but never heard back. That was disappointing because I wanted to know the history.
Windmills – Lots of windmills dotted The Panhandle. Sometimes, they looked like energized ballerinas clothed in white tutus, their arms skimming the bright blue sky.
The Boring Part? – Lots of people told me the part of the trip where we crossed the border from Texas and drove to Raton, New Mexico bored them. But I never thought so. Yes, the land looked flat and mostly, not that interesting; however, chunks of blackish rocks littered the landscape. Then I realized all I saw was a dark mountain for miles and miles.
On a long-ago trip, my sister, #2son, and I took this same route, and on the reverse journey, we were intrigued by Mt. Capulin so much, we drove to the top of the U.S. National Monument. We walked around the cone and studied the topographical display, describing the other extinct volcanoes nearby.
On another occasion, we saw a bulldozer pushing tumbleweeds to the side of the road. The thick weeds covered the blacktop and blocked cars and trucks.
On a different trip, I steered the car from Raton to the freeway, leaving the gloomy gray sky behind us and welcoming the sunshine. About ½ mile later, boom! A super-dense fog descended, and we crept the entire way to the Texas border.
Animals – Not only did we see the volcanoes, but I found antelope too. Some can be a challenge to find— Darn, it’s a rockalope.
I spotted lots of dead skunks on this recent trip, which brought to mind the song lyric, “Dead skunk in the middle of the road.” <scrunchy nose> So what explained the dead pigs I once saw?
Resting in a field, I spied a black cow and her baby, lying side-by-side, facing the sun rising in the east. Truly, a peaceful scene.
Sad House – Most likely, houses leftover from the dust bowl days. The wood–weathered to silver. Windows broken. Roofs caved in. Dry weeds abounded. Loneliness enveloped all. So, whenever Handsome and I spotted one of these dilapidated places, we said, “Sad house,” knowing somebody no longer loved it.
Off in a field, a barn caught my eye for a different reason. It had been painted orange and white stripes—just like Whataburger stores.
Do you take road trips and study the scenery?
Take a road trip with Hattie Cooks and her newest employer in Temporarily Out of Luck:
Great job. What man? And murder. Newly employed at Wedding Wonderland, Hattie Cooks is learning the industry from a woman she greatly admires. When her former brother-in-law is found dead in his luxury SUV, all fingers point to Hattie’s sister, who is planning her own I Dos.
Detective Allan Wellborn is caught between a rock and a hard place—Hattie’s family and investigating the murder of a well-connected Sommerville resident, the same loser who was once married to Hattie’s sister. Determining who’s the bad guy—or gal—isn’t going to be easy and sure to piss off someone.
Can Hattie beat the clock to find out who murdered Tracey’s ex before she is charged with the crime and her wedding is ruined?
Find Temporarily out of Luck at:
E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=2940162304227/
Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=9781509233373/
Target Print: https://www.target.com/p/temporarily-out-of-luck-a-hattie-cooks-mystery-by-vicki-batman-paperback/-/A-83285527#lnk=sametab
Word by Word 
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLike
Maybe the name “Waggonseller Road” origins from very smart people living there. They wanted to earn money at the easy way. So they used to dig holes into the street, and most of the waggons of strangers need one or two wheels repaired. 🙂 xx Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s funny. You never know.
LikeLike
I love road trips! And it’s killing me not knowing more about Wagonseller Road!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I did find when I googled the name a family lived there. However, it was typical of last names to come from professions like Baker. So….
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Vicki Batman – sassy writer of funny fiction.
LikeLike
Ok, Vicki, you got me curious. I googled Wagonseller Road and *think* it was named for a state senator Wayne Warren Wagonseller who held the setting a national filibuster record of twenty-eight hours in the Texas State Senate in 1955. He was a third generation of the Wagonseller family who settled in Bowie.
Liese
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Liese, This sounds accurate to me. Around Bowie, Texas we almost always see the Wagonseller’s Farm Stand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok i didnt see about the senator, rather an older lady with the name. Still, it is an unusual last name.
LikeLike
Hey, Vicki. I’m very familiar with the area you’re describing as we’ve made many trips to Red River, NM and a few up into Colorado and through Raton Pass, which in the winter is terrifying. I described the windmills as space aliens in my book TAINTED, but I like your description, too. I’m always in awe of the people who made the crossing of this bleak land in wagon trains. Really amazing. Great post. I’ve shared.:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Marsha! Have you been to the extinct volcano? I was so surprised when I saw them.
LikeLike
I love a good road trip! The hubs and I drive from Kansas City to Los Angeles a few years ago and had the best time stopping along the way! Getting out in nature and exploring new places is always great for story inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Darlene! That trip sounds fascinating. I would love to drive Route 66 someday.
LikeLike
Hi Vicki, enjoyed your descriptions of the country you traveled. Spending most of the time on the west coast, my scenery is very different. The area and the sad houses sound like great opportunities for unique photos. Hubby and I have driven from Southern California up to and into Canada and back with the kids but no dogs on the trip. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Reggi! So glad you enjoyed my travels. The Adora-poos just want to stop for a respite and a drink. They do great in the car and sleep. Jones has been a little car sick a couple of times on the winding roads. I would love to drive Highway 1 to Canada. Lots of plans over here.
LikeLike