Happiness is a road trip with a good playlist.

     I'm home from a 3 day 1300 mile road trip.  The trip out was long, rainy, the radio stations were generally crappy, but I was saved by a wonderful new CD called "Mock the Vote" by the Capitol Steps, an American political satire group. There is nothing like laughing for two solid hours across I 80 in Nebraska.  (Thank you, Ben, for the CD--I love it).

     The trip ran the gamut, like all road trips. There was the enjoyment of being with my family, and the happy and sincere smiles of new graduates ready to start their adulthood and enjoy all those firsts in their lives. (Congratulations Mike and Jack). Then there was the inevitable looking back on my own life.  I've traveled this road and made this drive many times, and have already accomplished most of those firsts.

      I watched Mollie B's Polka Show on television.  I love experiencing a different life through the eyes of others....experiences I will never have. I discovered that I love the concertina, that all the best polka bands have an excellent tuba-player, and that polka equals happy.  Dancing with the Stars has nothing on Mollie B.

      On the trip back it rained. I was surrounded with cottonwool fog, brimming rivers, standing water, and puddles reflecting my headlights as well as my mood.

      At 6 AM I found a local radio station playing what they called "Hillbilly Country."  They included John Denver and Jim Croce in that group.  The music was mellow and matched the rain.     

      Then came hours of big-rig/RV leapfrog. It is an interesting game.  It keeps your mind sharp, and if done well, keeps everyone alive.  Radio stations were playing great classics. Because it is Memorial Day weekend they replayed some of the best of Casey Kasem's and Dick Clark's Memorial Day weekend shows. Playlist matters!

      Upon reaching "Welcome to Colorful Colorado," the vista opened up to miles and miles of sage-brushed rolling hills.  I drove right into the pages of the book "Plainsong," which you should read if you haven't. Blue skies showed up for a couple of hours before disappearing into my rear-view mirror. Then, I got to skirt just to the north of a wicked thunderstorm with tornado warnings. It is always exciting to watch those take place, but just out of my reach.

     Thus I am home again with my crazy Charleigh-dog, who is now sound asleep in "Charleigh's Chair."

     I'll leave you with a little road trip, toe-tapping "Hillbilly Country" music.  Enjoy this Hank Snow classic.