Good Companion

-

Back when I was a younger man I used to make long drives from Buffalo to Baltimore or Buffalo to New Haven.

There were months when I made those long commutes at least every other week.

That’s a lot of time in the car.

Back in those days I would pop in a tape or a CD and listen to music.

Bruce was featured a lot.

I spend time in the car these days too, but it’s usually just a couple of hours at a time. I don’t make many 5 or 6 hour plus drives these days.

But Friday I packed the car and headed out.

I didn’t have any cassettes or CD’s with me, but I programmed “Western Stars” first.

Great record.

Before long I was in Pennsylvania.

A beautiful sunny day. Music up loud. Hot coffee. Surrounded by green hills.

“Letter to You” followed as I thought about old college friends.

I called one.

“We gotta’ get together soon.”

I made my way into West Virginia and then smoothly transitioned into Virginia.

“What a beautiful country.”

And though I’d been dreading so many miles. I relaxed and sang along and let my mind wander.

Thinking of the kids, the pets, work and the beautiful wife.

I passed by a lot of Trump signs and that set my mind a flutter for quite awhile.

What a long strange trip it’s been since those long rides in the 80’s.

Bruce was still in the car.

Singing along with me.

“What a companion,” I thought.

I got out of the car at a rest stop. My ears were ringing a little.

My back was stiff and sore.

Wasn’t like that in the 80’s.

On the last leg of the trip I saw the sign for Charlottesville.

I wonder if 1980’s me would’ve even believed this last 5-year stretch of being an American citizen.

Probably not.

Lots to think about.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more