He sipped his beer and began to talk about the last several years. The movie piano changed to a John Hartford tune - "Steamboat Whistle Blues." He'd chased no dreams - just tried to scratch the itch in his foot. But he never did get "Blind River" out of his memory. Always knew in his heart that he'd come back someday. The fear of not having any family left, or those that were wouldn't let him back, always kept him outside the loop.

It was good to see Shane McB hadn't changed. The first time he'd seen him drunk was in the first grade - the teacher had put McB in the corner with a dunce hat on because he was caught sneaking under her desk for a peek at her panties. If he hadn't farted while crawling under he'd of got away with it too! It felt good to see the old routine still operating. Lots of UK folks too. How the hell they got there was always a mystery - but they were nice people. Except for that wicked stuff they liked to drink.

Now this Buttwiper - that was a good beer!

And the music had improved. This fiddler - and the guitar guy (if he'd just learn to tune the damn thing) were making some pretty good dancing music. The mouse was loving it!

And then the answer to the question he'd been most afraid to ask . . . . .

And now folks we'd like to take this opportunity to pause for a refreshing stretch. Toilet's in the rear, bar's open (of course), and our concession stand has lots of goodies to entice even the most discriminating palate. And now for intermission break is the 'Dirty Ernie Review' playing a medley of those best loved tunes by "Cryin' Bob Haslett." We'll be back!