What’s in Clovis NM besides fields full of cows? The rodeo. That’s right I diverted our trip home 250 miles south to see the Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo and it was worth every mile. It was 2+ hours of nonstop entertainment. There was bare back bronco riding, roping competitions, stunt riders, barrel racing, bull riding and mutton busting. I would go again.
Mutton busting is when a little kid gets on the back of a sheep and holds on for all they’re worth. It doesn’t take long for the sheep to shed the kid. The sheep are happy to be rid of the child and they are none the worse for it. The kids get big applause, an official competition bib and a score, so they are tickled pink. It sounds strange, but it’s cute as heck.
Now it really is time to start heading North and East. Saturday, we make our way into Oklahoma. It’s pretty here. Unlike New Mexico and Texas, there are lakes and streams. The fields are bright green, where the soil is exposed its terracotta red. It seems like you could scoop up a handful of soil and mold it into a clay pot. There are deciduous trees everywhere. Towers of leafy green goodness. I’ve missed trees.
By the time we arrive at our campsite it is apparent that I have an infection. I have become adept at picking up the early signs. I’m on antibiotics 2-4 times a year. First thought; Great, I’m in Fornicating Fly, Oklahoma and I need to locate a medical facility. Second thought; Why is this happening? Are my blood counts out of whack? Do I have leukemia? The cold stab of fear catches me off guard. After all these years I’m still anxious?
The unfamiliar surroundings have thrown me for a loop. I locate a clinic 20 miles away. They close at five. I drive like a bat out of hell to get there. When the young attendant takes my blood pressure she exclaims “It’s really high.” She looks at me like I’m an overfull water ballon that could burst at any instant. The second reading is also high. Eventually, the nurse practitioner takes my blood pressure manually. It has come down to 150/90. Still high, but not scary. I explain to her I’m a little amped up and why. She is casually efficient; calm and competent. She sends a couple of prescriptions to Walgreens. The pharmacy closes at six. I zip over there and get the goods. The health care system in this country is tremendous. I was examined, diagnosed, and had a prescription in hand in a little over an hour.
The night brings heavy rain. Thunder booms and the rain pounds our camper. I realize that I’ve missed rain too. Our little Winnebago holds up fine. No leaks, thank God. Sunday I am not feeling chipper, so we content ourselves with some souvenir shopping. I had hoped to go for a bike ride in the large state park. Oh well. Sometimes you must accept what life gives you. Tomorrow we will be in Oklahoma for another night and then on to Missouri. We’re closing in on home.
Whoops! I spoke too soon. We’re unable to travel Monday because of tornado warnings in most of Oklahoma. We’re in the southwest corner of the state so hopefully we’ll be safe here.
Stay tuned…