July 1, 2001
For the last two days, people have been asking me when I was going to leave because they wanted my spot for Canada Day. I left early.
I learned a lot today:
(1) Always consult the map before you venture out. I went the wrong way up a one way street in Sault Saint Marie. There was a lot of yelling and gnashing of teeth. Luckily, I had my windows rolled up.
(2) Joni Mitchell wrote “Both Sides Now” when she was young and, according to my radio, will be performing it today at age 57. Win, lose. Up, down. Young, old. I hear ya, Girl. I still don’t understand all of it either.
(3) Listened to a great story on NPR about a guy who discovered a seedling growing in a dirty crevice in his car. He became obsessed with it. He gave it water during his lunch break, kept the windows open when it was hot, and parked in certain spots for maximum sun exposure. In the middle of the night, he would go out and start the engine and the heater if there was danger of frost. He finally was able to transplant it into his backyard. It grew to be some sort of Japanese tree. He had no idea where it came from. I laughed so hard listening to this crazy story that I got looks from passing motorists who I’m sure thought I was a little nuts.
(4) I need to smile more. The guy at the toll booth told me I had a beautiful smile. Woo,woo! This old girl ain’t dead yet!
The Autonomous Traveler 
I certainly can relate to getting lost while driving… I love the GPS in my car, a definite MUST option. While I would not consider a car without a GPS, I experience exciting discoveries will driving in Bretagne, France and found the most quaint villages while getting lost which became some of my best memories. Sault Ste.Marie brings fond memories of travelling back home: Lévis, Quebec… in anticipation and excited to see my family, I couldn’t wait for the double lane pass and entreprised to pass a transport truck at high enough speed of course, only to come at parked OPP radar ready & BINGO a steep fine at the start of my holiday. It crushed my enthusiasm a little but not my happiness to go back home visit my parents with my children passing the time with the game ‘Yellow Punch Buggy, no punching back’ and plenty of song singing. The good old days of family travel…
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Love your posts. Thanks, Michele! Happy 4th of July from America!
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Never throw a plant that might have hope, with makes me think, is that olive bush with the mass of yellow flowers still behind your home ? More stories Pilgrim.
Zeus
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