You can learn and change...it's weird

The BFT at Durango KOA

DATELINE DURANGO, COLORADO --- As much as the rule of thumb is so-oft true about bugging out of Las Vegas, most weddings, and a majority of family functions within a strict 48-hour period (to savor the joy and prevent the, well, you know) leaving Cortez and some of our folks was a real bummer (but there is good news). We took the air, had good coffee and lox and bagels and reluctantly bade a slow farewell to Dean and Fran and Ben "Benny Benny Binon, Big Ben, Benny Hannah, Ben Hur" - the bearded collie. Dad and Fran and the Benster made it home to Phoenix safe and sound. Mike and Bobbie headed to Durango to visit friends and we hatched a plan to camp again together at the KOA outside Durango. Very nice facility. Don and I ran errands in town all day after a nice lunch date for two at the Carver Brew House - on the shaded deck - and then I called a former student who works at the Durango Herald. Jimmy and the investigative reporter partner Jordyn came to camp and regailed me with stories about the former crew from CSU. There are only a few times in the life of a teacher - not that I ever really called myself that - when one is privy to some of the long-term good work that she or he did. Jimmy and Jordyn turned out well. They care about newspapering and doing it well. Proud of both of them - she is the business and in-depth reporter and he the part-time sports reporter and page designer. Naturally, Jimmy rued about having to type sports agate and whined about an anal-retentive editor but I shared that I, too, started in sports, typing agate and working for an editor who knew how important scores, standings and trades are... Alas, Jimmy may drive south to Ignacio, 30 miles or so, and try rally work with us later this week. We set up in Ignacio tomorrow and I have faith. Talked to Bo the Pin-striper today and he will meet us in Texas. Dragon the Nor Cal wrench will see us in Reno and I must shoot plenty of pics for Terri and John, the TNT Tattoo crew who we hope to see in the off season and beyond. If anyone is unclear about our rodeo, rent the HBO series' Carnivale and Deadwood. It's the Wild West/slash/Americana/depression/roadie life. Gotta get keyed up on rally time. Send up supplications or bow to the buddah or kiss the dirt - whatever it takes - we need the offerings. Thanks everyone, it's appreciated. When we make a buck or two on the road, after paying The Man, it will be a hellava party on us....Cheers from road....Ding, Hol, Thumper and the BOB