It’s Saturday morning; early. Opening my eyes I realized that at least the ”Truckin’ Bozo” show was off the air and thus, even if still pitch-dark, morning was here.

What I heard next on Marcia’s – always on – radio was Brad Paisley singing – You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.

Having just returned from spending a week and a half with Kirstin, Derek, and Kellen, the song hit me.

”Where the sun comes up about ten in the morning
And the sun goes down about three in the day
And you fill your cup with whatever bitter brew you’re drinking
And you spend your life just thinkin’ of how to get away” ~ Brad Paisley; You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” as written by and with Darrell Scott.

Harlan, KY – The year was maybe 1973. Marcia and I were driving our VW camper-van to meet friends in North Carolina. One year old Kirstin was sleeping on the bed in back, darkness had set in. We’d been looking for a motel for at least an hour when we dropped off of that Cumberland Mountain into a ‘holler’ called Harlan. 

It was in Harlan where the cop made us stop. He smelled of booze, took my Driver’s License and without saying a word started walking circles around our van. His flashlight targeted the sleeping Kirstin. That’s about when he spotted a vehicle coming into Harlan from the other side of the mountain. Without saying anything he tossed my Driver’s License through the open window onto Marcia’s lap and waved us on.

That was 1973 and our baby was sleeping peacefully. Wednesday I left Kirstin as she was still processing her goodbyes to the love of her life, her husband Vince, who was now at peace. 1973; 44-years had gone by since that trip through Harlan, both an age and at the same time just a flash.

In short years I had watched our baby, grow into adulthood, marry, raising a family, and now standing ever so strong guiding her own.

I guess that every life has times where we drop into a ‘holler’, times where darkness close in, when you’re just; “thinkin’ of how to get away.” But, with help we’ll begin to spot lights coming down the other side of the mountain and we find ourselves waved back on our way.

Finding Footing – Ever since I got back home I’ve had difficulty finding my footing. The simple culprit is the one hour time difference, but I know better. Sleep is elusive. I’ve forced myself back into my walking routine but realize that I am quickly down to half speed. Leaving, Kirstin shoved a book under my arm and I believe it to be my best medicine. I am thoroughly enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

Bananas – Some of you are aware that a nutcase in our building filed suit  against me about a year ago (one of many of his vexatious lawsuits). This summer I was dismissed from the case which continues with the portion of the case involving the city Police Department. Fast forward to Thursday, Marcia was at her knitting group and she brought up my dismissal. The part that brought smiles to the knitters’ faces was the fact that Mr. ‘Vexatious’ was allowed, by the Court, to interrogate himself. The key word one of the knitters tossed out was “Bananas”. Sooooo, last evening Marcia and I watched the 1971 Woody Allen movie; Bananas. We rolled around belly laughing. By the way, the courtroom scene is dead on.

Finis – This week we’re having Vai and Vili over for a few nights as Adrianne and Tevita head off for a wedding. Marcia has hidden the dolls which normally sit in the guest room as they seem to scare Vai “to death” (something about the eyes). In preparation they’re taking us out for dinner.

Make it a great week everyone.

Cheers.

Dirk