Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a nice couple from Michigan who not only enjoyed Tucumcari, they took time to support the class of 2016.
Like many travelers who come to our city, they had a little trouble pronouncing its name. I worked as a clerk at a fuel station for several years so I've become used to this and am always ready to help people pronounce Tucumcari.
Mel Townsend was sitting in the Elks Lodge eating a bowl of spaghetti and could have possibly just been photographed as another local, until a parent of a senior pointed him out.
My interest was instantly piqued; here was a guy who came all the way from Michigan to travel Route 66 during his retirement, which had somehow landed him at the Elks.
So doing what has always come natural to me, I walked over, introduced myself and asked if I could join him and pick his brain for a bit.
Turns out we had something in common. He, too, was once a member of the press, a journalist from Michigan. If he had said he was from Detroit and a Tigers and Red Wings fan I have a feeling a certain editor might even push this column to the front page.
Townsend was eating alone, not by choice, but the tasty meal he was enjoying was out of the question for his wife who has a gluten allergy. That means pasta and wheat products are pretty much out of the question.
Which made me think and laugh about a coworker who has a similar allergy and despite the risk was craving a bag of sun dried tomato Sun Chips. Alas, like many led astray by the call of temptation they were not thinking straight and pressed A4 instead of A5 and were "stuck" with Cheetos.
I have strayed off topic again, which happens from time-to-time. OK, being truthful, it's more often than not.
Charlotte Townsend was a few blocks away eating at, where else, McDonald's. That's right, those golden arches are the universal fall back meal.
We spoke about a variety of subjects, including where I grew up, the local agricultural economy, and newspaper histories and were even asked to participate in a magic trick at one point.
I walked out with the couple and we continued to talk as we made our way to our vehicles. I've always been a talker, just ask all of my elementary teachers — they will vouch for that fact.
One of the best parts of this job is meeting new people and having the privilege to hear their story.
It may have only been a half hour conversation to some. To me, it was a chance to meet two good natured people who understood why Buddy was so blue without Peggy Sue.
Thomas Garcia is a senior writer with the Quay County Sun. He can be reached at [email protected]