I scream

Another installment of "America's Still Out There"

20 JUNE 2008 - Somewhere in Central Missouri... Bismarck, MO

I had planned on riding the "Great River Road".  I have had rerouting because of flooding all trip.  John and I upgraded the alternator and went for a ride the day after.  We were turned account high water a few times.  This is the next day. I give up and head away from the Mississippi River at Hannibal. It's hot, humid and so very green.  I miss the green as it's already brown in Montana.  Missouri has had so much rain it is really really green.  The hazard of dodging the mowing machines on the shoulder of the county roads is there.  I blast along and spot a buckboard... missed the pic a bit.  Wait, a buggy in the front yard caught my eye... then a sign... "Hand Dipped Ice Cream"  I jam on the brakes.  Circle around and park in the side yard I discover the classic old farmhouse has a addition.  Turns out the old boy has bought the old soda fountain from when the drugstore went out of business (Yes, there is a WalMart nearby)

Now I like Ice Cream but not a lot at a time.  I ask for just one scoop.  I get three scoops in a milkshake glass.  Buck and a half. This would be $4.50 in California. I head outside into the shade to the patio table.  The owner follows me out.  Is it the classic glass I have?  I don't think so.... he lights up a cigar... nice... downwind... nicer.  We talk (imagine that)  I ask him what he did before he got into the tourist business.  He was a barber for 40 years. I say, I usually get a close haircut before I ride on these trips.  I'd give $10 for a haircut.  I get no change in expression.  I manage to choke down all the ice cream.  I stand up and start getting ready to leave when he asks if I want a haircut or not.  Cool.  I'm not sure if he's really set up for it when he pushes the shrubbery aside to reveal a tiny barbershop on the very back of the building. Can you see the barber pole?

Now, if you have never had an old style haircut and shave... straight razor, lather, scalp massage, toilet water... the works.  I understand the girls and the spa thing now.  Refreshed, get ready to leave.  I give him $10.  He gives me $2 back.  I try to not take it.  He's says, "Haircuts are eight dollars."  I say, "Then two dollars are a tip"  He stuffs the two dollars in my hand and says, "Haircuts are eight dollars"

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"America's Still Out There"