I had lunch today with some college buddies, Keil and Chris Cadieux and Leslie Boyd Keeler. We were all in the University of Oklahoma Drama Department together not so long ago, so lots of good times to rehash.

I made a point of driving back to the northeastern edge of town so I could follow the old route through Tulsa before I headed west. Tulsa has many touches of the old days remaining, but one has to keep one's eyes peeled. I came across a funky little antique shop, The Browsery, with a 66 sign out front so I thought I'd stop and take a look. Along the way, I've made a point of stopping at just about any spot that carries souvenirs from the old road. They offer, for the most part, the same selection but every now and then, I've come across something unique. The woman who owns the store was outside working in a flower bed; "I'm closed today," she said. "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" I explained that I was traveling the entire length of 66 and was hoping to see her selection of memorabilia. "Well, c'mon in," she replied. "I'm always willing to help out someone on 66." The selection of items was a good one but I'd seen most of it before. I did have a nice chat with the store's owner, Betty Turner, and her friend, Debbie Higgs, who owns the Route 66 Diner a little farther down Eleventh St. We talked a bit about my road experiences and theirs and before I left, Betty gave me a T-shirt from her store and Debbie sent me to the diner to pick up a cap for half-price. Nice folks, these; when you're in Tulsa, stop in and say hello and tell 'em you read about them in BRETTnews.

Just west of Tulsa is Sapulpa, home of at least two 66 landmarks. The first one is the Frankhoma Pottery plant and showroom. The plates, bowls, trivets, and other items you find in the store are made right there in their plant, which has been going strong since 1938.

I picked up a 66 trivet and moved on to Norma's Cafe a little further east. Norma has been serving good 'n' cheap eats here for 40 years and she's still going strong. There's something special in being served lunch or breakfast (the cafe doesn't serve dinner) that was prepared by the man or woman who owns the place. That's the kind of meal served with pride you'll only find on the old roads. It's difficult to imagine pride ever entering the equation at those cookie-cutter fast food spots on the interstates. Having already eaten lunch in Tulsa, I only stopped here hoping to chat with Norma but, alas, she was out. Next time.

I passed through Bristow, where the Thurman Motel, a longtime 66 establishment, is closing its doors. On through Depew, Stroud (where the Rock Cafe is still serving Bar-B-Q), Davenport (with its brick-lined Main street) and on into Chandler. One of the best-kept motor courts you'll find anywhere on the route is here, The Lincoln Motel. In operation since 1939, the Lincoln is comprised of 20 little cabins, each with a tiny American flying and a couple of yellow metal lawn chairs for watching the traffic go by. Not a bad way to spend an evening but I was bound for Oklahoma City.

In Arcadia, I stopped at the Round Barn, a landmark since before the inception of Route 66. Literally thousands of snapshots have been taken over the years of this unusual structure, which has stood here since 1898. In addition to its barn-ly duties, the Round Barn has played host to generations of local dances. It recently underwent a major facelift and now fairly sparkles, so stop by, when you're in the area, and take a look.

I rolled on into Oklahoma City. This is where I spent the first 24 years of my life and it still feels like home. After ten years in the Big Apple, I suppose one could call me a New Yorker but inside, I remain an Okie; I'll always be proud to say I'm from Oklahoma.

Continue on the American Odyssey.
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