I had just left the Ocean Eleven Casino in Oceanside. The Casino is nothing to speak about. It was eight o'clock and I felt hungry. In back of me a few denizens were picking horses for the seventh race at Los Alamitos. The Casino had on-track betting.
I had to wait for fifteen minutes for a waitress to get my order. The burger and fries for eight ninety five was not worth it. Black Jack was the main card game at this Casino which is located must off the the 5 and a block from Mission Blvd.
My head felt numb and my body wobbly so I decided to go to a flop-house hotel next to the Oceanside Transit Station off of Highway 101. This old flop house couldn't charge more than fifty, I said to myself. A man playing cards gave me a queer unwelcomed look.
"Do you have any vacancies?...How much are the rooms?"
"Eighty Five dollars."
The manager knew that anyone wishing a room at this late hour would succumb for any rate. Without batting an eye I left this outcast hotel and went to my car. Mad as hell, I decided to venture another evening at the rest stop just outside of Oceanside.
The rest stop had been completely remodeled. There were two large buildings that houses the toilets. I remembered my homeless days when bedlam hit my life. It saved me one nights lodging to rest the night there. My legs were so cramped in the back seat of my car I could not get them to walk for a few minutes.
My second night proved better than my first. A troubled family problem caused me to toss and turn all night. I had dropped down the passenger seat of the car and reclined. My tormented mind would not allow me any peace of mind, but yesterday was different. This time I took half of a sleeping pill and that seemed to put me into a deep slumber.
I thought about the events that led up to my encounter homelessness again but then reminded myself that I had nickel-and-dimed it so I would make it to the first of the month. My retirement check this time would go to an apartment in Encinitas.
And it wasn't that bad. The smell of the ocean air and the tall fir trees swaying in the Santa Ana winds too my mind off of my weeks horror. Why it isn't everyday a dotting father is thrown out of his daughter's apartment, but it happened. Now it was my turn to throw out some of my own baggage and get on with a brand new life-one with my own apartment allow my significant other one to get a life or her own.
"Buenos Noches." My Mexican wasn't too good but I had a wonderful time speaking to others who park here. My car was the oldest and was dripping white paint. There's were black SUV's and each had a cell phone in hand while there wives dashed for the restroom. It felt like Xmas time here as each Mexican seemed to have a larger belly than the previous one.
I envied their vans. They could spread out and I felt like in a vice, but this time I surrendered to sleep. Earlier I had taken the Metro-Link into Los Angeles for ten dollars for the day, and return. It felt great to learn about the underground and do more work at the downtown Riordan Library. But now I wasn't watching a computer, It was the scene at this rest stop.
Cars constantly came and went. Everything seemed well organized. I found the bathrooms modern with even toilet covers and faucets than ran with a tip of your finger. Each time I entered the floors were being mopped or the commodes cleaned again.
I felt like in the middle of a Mardi Gras since everyone seemed to be celebrating. I listened in to the Spanish to pick up a few phrases. It felt good to keep my spare money in reserve in case I needed it.
The next morning I celebrated. I did it and drove from the 5 freeway to the Tip Top Restaurant. I ordered the lox and bagel minus cream cheese. It felt good to get a good meal under my belt. I bough ta Bic at the corner Seven Elven and saw my pal Chris. We meet often at the Encinitas Senior Center.
"I saw Big John and he could barely walk. He has lost lots of weight and don't think he has too much time left. He was with his wife yesterday."
Big John began the eatery many years ago and is the busiest in Carlsbad. The food used to be enough for two but times have changed.
"Got to leave and go to church in Old Town. Father Ecker always presents a captivating sermon that makes my day go smooth." The drive wasn't worth it since another had taken his pulpit I returned the north and knew a quiet night would be spent at the Motel Six next to Denny's and the 5 freeway.
Now I will go to the Tip Top for burger and baked potato before picking up some clean clothes from my storage bin.
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