My husband has been in search of a classic older pickup for years.  Recently he has become a bit more serious in his search.  His criteria is a bit loose.  Somewhere in the 1963 to 1972 range, preferably a Chevrolet, but he would consider a Ford.

We had an appointment in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon and while we were there we planned to look at a 1971 lilac pickup.  Yes, it was painted lilac, but it was the right price range and the right year model.  Then he discovered a 1969 blue Chevy in Waco.  The ad for the Waco pickup said, runs good and well it wasn’t purple.  So even though Waco is about 100 miles north and slightly East of Austin and San Antonio is approximately 80 miles south and slightly west of Austin, we decided we had time to see both vehicles.

We arrived at the dealer in a small town just outside of Waco a few minutes before it opened.  We wandered over to a Walgreens to kill time.  As we were passing the dealer we were glancing at the cars on the lot, when my son said, “Hey that Jeep has a bench seat on it.”  Literally, someone had welded an actual bench on the back of a Jeep.  Hmm, you don’t see that every day.

In Walgreen’s we roamed over to the clearance aisle, past the “as seen on TV aisle” and on to the toy and candy sections.  I took a minute to check out all the pens and pencils.  I love shopping for new pens and pencils but I managed to resist purchasing anything except an extra-large bag of M&M’s and some birthday and graduation cards!

Back at the car lot, we parked.  While my son and husband got out to look at the truck, I waited in the car.  I watched a pretty blond “girl” inside the building.  She was wearing cut off shorts, a black tank topped with an unbuttoned white shirt.  She stepped up to a mirror, gave her boobs an upward push while pulling downward on her tank top.  Smiling I watched her fluff her hair and saunter out to the pickup.  I’m sure she is very good at her job and knows a lot about cars, but she couldn’t quite get the hood to open and it wouldn’t start……   She wasn’t able to open the passenger door but she did have a beautiful smile.  After a few minutes, one of her male associates came to assist but still the pickup didn’t start.

About 30 minutes and more patience than I would have had, my husband and son finally said thank you and stepped away.  I asked if they were sure the vehicle had gas and was informed that yes, the plastic tank sitting in the bed of the pickup had plenty of gas.  Uh, oh my!  We left that pickup behind.

To get to San Antonio we took Highway 190 over to 281 which is a lined with beautiful Texas wild flowers and is much less congested than Interstate 35.  Along the route there is sign after sign proclaiming numerous ranches.  We briefly debated what is required to call your home a ranch.  Just outside of Kempner, TX a sign proclaimed miniature donkeys for sale.  When I commented, “Look, we don’t have one of those!”  My husband and son said in unison, “No!  And we don’t need one!”

As we passed through Burnet, TX we spotted a sign for a farmer’s market.  It was a small market with probably ten vendors, but it looked like it might be worth stopping in.  We started browsing the stalls when we noticed the wind was picking up.  Just as we stepped in front of the Texas Herb Company and Crafty Threads, a huge gust of wind lifted the canopy and flipped it upside down behind the tables.  Handmade soaps and other craft items were scattered all over the ground.  Everyone rushed up to help.  No one was injured and the table was righted with crafts stacked atop.  I was amazed no one was injured by all the flying products and was heartened how quickly everyone rushed to help. Still willing to try shopping, we wandered to the Sage Creek Farms booth where we bought a lovely mahogany rolling pin.  It turned out to be a successful stop after all.

When we got to Marble Falls we started searching for somewhere to eat.  I spotted a food trailer that looked promising.  Lee’s Food Trailer sported ads for a philly sandwich, gyros, catfish dinners and more.  It seemed as if I wouldn’t have any trouble finding a non-meat food option.

I had the Falafel gyro, my husband had the beef and lamb gyro.  My son had a classic philly sandwich.  Lee’s did not disappoint.  Everything was delicious!  As we drove away completely satiated, my husband proclaimed, you know if you ever wanted to double back there to eat, I would go!  High praise indeed.

Somewhere along the backroads of Texas, I discussed my funeral plans.  All my nephews should be prepared.  I requested they all show up with 1980’s shorts, tanks and sweatbands as I am laid to rest in my running clothes.  Seemed fitting to me!  I also learned that if you are going to honk at someone, you should always use the Chicago honk or just don’t bother.  You should hold the horn down for at least 2 minutes.

We arrived in San Antonio finally, laughing and talking.  After our appointment, we checked in on the lilac truck only to find out it was not on the market anymore.

So we have to start over on the pickup search  but since it was mother’s day weekend, I was treated to a buffet at India Taj Palace where they have tasty dishes and serve warm from the grill naan bread made after you arrive and carried immediately to your table.

It was a wonderful day of meandering!  I look forward to many more days just like it.