Random Thoughts

Sorry, No Water

On recent drives through Georgia, I've found an annoying pattern of convenience store gas stations with out-of-order restrooms. They are always Middle Eastern or Indian-owned, and these locations are fine if you need to get gas or some snacks, but if you need the restroom, my advice is to choose a truck stop, a chain such as RaceTrac, Circle K, Buc-ees, or a fast-food restaurant. Of course, you can wait for the next rest area, but sometimes they just aren't where you need them to be. Note: This is NOT an indictment of the Middle Eastern or Indian owners—just advice for travelers based on my experience.

Sick of Cicadas

I spent May at my Dad's near Cumberland Lake in Kentucky. He lives in a rural area about a mile from the state park. In general, it's pretty quiet, with the usual light traffic along U.S. 127 and a nearby neighbor's barking dogs and crowing roosters for background. The first couple of weeks, the occasional sound of a few cicadas would break through, but nothing annoying.

But the May 17 tornado outbreak seemed to blow in a major invasion of the little noisemakers. From the occasional sound of a few cicadas here and there to the constant cacophony of thousands in 24 hours, it was impossible not to notice and nearly impossible to tune out. Birds will eat them, but Alfred Hitchcock could not have produced enough birds to eat that many cicadas. Even Dad's cat got tired of chasing them around the yard. There were so many that it sounded like someone had left a faucet fully open. I hated leaving Dad's place, but I loved leaving the Cicada party.

Cicada Party

Mahalo.

©2025 Brian G Parker