By the Campfire

Sometimes it lies folded in my car. Sometimes it hangs in the closet. Sometimes it is draped across the back of a chair. Usually I am wearing it. Never is it far away from me once the weather turns chilly. It is my go-to coat unless temps drop below 40º.

The old black leather aviator-style jacket is scratched and scraped by 30 years of life, each mark a memory etched in a long dead cow’s hide. I think it was given to me for Christmas, but by who escapes me. Most likely it was either my in-laws or my wife. It was so long ago I cannot remember. It was not my parents, I know. We were Naugahyde people. Continue reading →

Perhaps rednecks are changing. Even though they have always had less than normal proclivities – usually involving beer, fire and some type of explosive or gun or a combination of all three – they used to be somewhat civil and mannered, at least when sober. It was not a political leaning like it is now. It was not a religious statement like it is now. It did not even require camo or a truck. Okay, maybe it did require a truck, but a beat up El Camino would do just as well. Come to think of it, you might need some camo too. You did not, however, need everything you own covered in camo. I know a lot of rednecks and not one got married wearing a camo tuxedo. Not one has a camo recliner or camo couch or camo countertops in the kitchen. It definitely required dogs, probably trailers, a love of anything fried, a lot of denim and a pack of Redman or Skoal. Recently, however, I am finding redneck behavior rude and embarrassing. Perhaps you always found it rude and embarrassing. If you are one of those people, I hate to tell you it has gotten worse. Continue reading →