On the road again! It is wonderful to exchange the chaos of the house for the familiar tidiness of the Minnie. It was good to see the monks again after our longest absence in 10 years. They have their own anxieties to deal with since they have sold the monastery to the Coptic monks and now need to find a new home. A property down in Banning looks very good if they can raise the money to help them resettle.
It seemed so usual to park the RV in our customary spot behind the outdoor chapel. In addition to catching up with what the monks have been doing we got the chance to visit with a friend who might best be described as a native desert original. To protect his identity, I’ll just call him “Frank.” “Frank’s” life could be the inspiration for 3 generations of Country/Western music. He drives whatever pick-up truck is running at the time, his Grandma taught him the Bible, and yes, he has done time in prison for a crime he didn’t do. Well, he did it but if ever the “Texas Defense” applied, it was in this situation.
“Frank’s” Christmas was ruined when an ex-girlfriend appealed to his chivalrous nature to help her rescue her cat which was being held hostage by an angry boyfriend. Since “Frank” had a soft spot for said cat he went to the lady’s aid. The belligerent boyfriend who had been swigging down entirely too much Christmas cheer was threatening to burn the cat alive. Apparently there was some aggression but the cat and girl were rescued. And how was the noble “Frank” repaid? The ungrateful wench went back to the abusive boyfriend and then filed a false police report on “Frank.”
By the time “Frank” had been sprung from the hoosegow all his friends had eaten every morsel of the grand Christmas spread provided by “Frank’s” employer. Nothin’ worse for a man than a cold-hearted, ungrateful woman. However, I was very impressed by “Frank’s” ability to grasp the mathematical nuances of the Three Strikes sentencing laws in California as well as the breadth of his knowledge of jailhouse law. I also learned a new expression—“Choo Choo Charlie.” One need not elaborate any further. Desert folk can be a tough crowd and I’m glad we can call “Frank” a friend!
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