I know I promised I’d call you
so I decided to call now.
I didn’t want you to think I lied.
Are you busy?

That’s good.
I was thinking about our past–
Our families were so connected
all those years.
Dad preached all those years at the church.
You had a sister named after my mother.

Yes, that’s right.
Your dad and Edgar were known to drink.
We had that Christmas play and they showed up
full.
Your mother and Josephine were furious.
Josephine was mean.

You mean she threw rocks and broke the mirror
on your side for dropping Edgar off?

So she blamed your dad for getting him drunk
when it was one time he was innocent?

I remember Uncle Nobe. That shiveree. I was up the road.
Dad was there. We could hear that laughter.
You dad was driving, pulling metal, a car hood.

I remember it was a car door.
Thanks for reminding me.
Edgar was shooting his shotgun…

It was a single shot you say?
He shot twice as they passed.
I heard later that Uncle Nobe was standing
by the window, pistol in hand, ready to shoot back.

So it ended when your dad called him out?

It’s a wonder he took it that way.
Uncle Nobe was 30, 31 years older than Christine.
If you remember, dad married them at Willie
and Ella’s…

Thanks for reminding me of that.
Mt Union was know for its singing.

Ella could really sing and play piano.

Uncle Nobe did teach shape note singing.
you’ve reminded me of that.
Did you remember Uncle Nobe said I do
and then said let’s sing?

Anyway, I’m down there occasionally.
My cousin Gene Latham eats at the Junction
every day from 11:30 to 12:00.

The last time I saw Wayne to talk to him
was at the Junction.

You know I’m 80 now and you are a few years
behind me?

I thought you were. Since they operated on my
knee, I’ve finished therapy and walking daily.

So you ran that much before you got sick?

You ran from the barn to the house?

That’s right, the metal garage.
I have a woman who rides with me
places.

You aren’t looking in the right places then.

That’s true. I’ve got to cook.
You know I’m an hour later than you.

I live on 150 now.
I look forward to you doing that.
When I first moved here, I bought the house
and 0.88 acre.

That’s too much for you too manage.

Yes, I remember Mr. Young.
It good that his son promised to cut
and roll your hay. That’s good for you and him
both.

When I met my first neighbor here,
she said we’ve got the biggest lot
in this subdivision.
I took that as being pride.
I said big is not always better…

Come when you can…