Cecil's Excellent Adventure

Part One

Cec left for DC Tuesday afternoon. He has had laptop problems, cell phone problems, and last night around midnight dictated the following, which I have copied and pasted from Giovani's World.

"Day #1. Cecil did not leave until this evening to avoid daytime traffic. Will probably get our first update from him around noon-time on Wednesday the 10th. Cecil checked-in a short time ago. He has made it safely to Kentucky.

Day #2. I am fully aware that this is day 3, let me explain. Cecil ran into some problems that you are about to read about, and his lovely wife did not contact me until late last night, after I had gone to bed. What you are about to read is from Cecil’s trip yesterday. First, his wifes explanation, then Cecil…"

You’re probably in bed but I wanted to get this to you. Just spoke with Cec. He’s about 50 miles out of DC. He had a letter all ready to send to you, to me, and to a couple of friends. Just as he was about to hit the “send” button McDonalds shut down. So he found another McDonalds and discovered he can’t get an internet connection. And—his brand new laptop won’t copy and paste. So he dictated to me and I put on the speaker and typed like a maniac. The following is what I came up with, extrapolating from my eshorthand. Tomorrow, first thing, he’s visiting Best Buy and I’m really glad I don’t have to be there to see the blood. To top it off, his cell phone isn’t charging the way it should. I think it will probably resolve, or he can find a phone booth. Do they even exist anymore? Can anything else go wrong? Probably. But he’s almost there and we’ll find a way to get the news to you. Here’s what he wrote to you and dictated to me. Do with it what you want. Thanks again for your prayers.

Jan


                                                    09-09-09


The last thirty hours have been great. At hour 24 I find myself 902 miles toward the goal—DC and some serious business. I have done much more traveling than the average bear as a matter of choice, so please don’t worry that I am driving so much; I truly love it.


In three million miles I have driven in all fifty states, Canada , Mexico , and, long ago, Europe over a two year span. While the bulk of it was business, a huge amount was pleasure of seeing our magnificent country. Kentucky & West Virginia are both examples of under appreciated areas. Nowhere in this land are properties manicured and lovingly kept. No matter how humble the dwelling each is trimmed like a mansion with a gardener. In fact, I’m tempted to believe care is in direct disproportion to value. A recent topic of discussion has been lack of acknowledgement of American exceptionalism. It is visible everywhere.


We are not just another country. Every possible consumer product is available within the scope of each person’s resources. Our infrastructure, though cited in need of repair, is unparalleled anywhere. Much of that is tax money which managed to filter down for local projects. I have a secret path from central West Virginia to Front Royal which winds up and down in a narrow roadbed. It also saves 100 miles by not having to go around those difficult mountains. Imagine my surprise when I found much of it now as a superb 4-lane highway on WV 55. No doubt the result of the largesse of Sen. Byrd with assistance from U.S. taxpayers, it is a wonder nonetheless. In passing let me note that Kentucky celebrates one of its historical primary industries—the distillers. On the Bluegrass Parkway are signs which read more like a call shot list than informational signage. They point out Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, Old Overholt and my personal favorite, Maker’s Mark as well as every other still in the state. It certainly brought back some memories, some of which I’d love to forget.


Coming across both states it appeared that every town big enough for a McDonalds has at least one college or university. I observed that most local schools appear to have been built within the very near past. New post offices, city halls, government buildings and community facilities dot the land. All of this to me demonstrates once again American exceptionalisn. I am sick to death of listening to officials apologize for America. I readily agree that we are not perfect but we are not nearly as callous, injudicious and selfish as some make us out to be.


I need this ride periodically to remind me how consistently great our nation is. We’ll get down to more serious matters tomorrow.


In His abiding love,


Cecil

This morning he got a new battery for his phone, my internet went down, his laptop started working—sort of—and I started working from his desktop (a real antique) which does the basics, but no more. He'll be writing about the lack of information among the Virginia and beltway natives. He considers this his mission to the captive CNN viewers. Please pray for a successful weekend in DC. More later.

Love,

Granny