Ah, high'an'lonesome, you touched a chord with me about great Uncles!

I can't write songs, but I always wished someone would write a song about my great uncle Elwin Reynolds.

Born in Larue County Ky with a serious handicap, Uncle Elwin became a railroad bum, or hobo if you wish the kinder word. He followed a set route on the rails thoughout the year, and always came into town and stayed with us in the summer every year. I always knew when he was coming as a little girl, because Mom and Dad and Gran would start whispering about him.

He called me "Little Bright Eyes", and played an open back banjo with tiny dancing girls on the head. He played Uncle Dave Macon style, and when he rapped his hand on the head of the banjo, the dancing girls would kick their tiny legs into the air. My best memories are sitting with him on the front porch, mesmerized by the little dancing girls. I remember Soldier's Joy, and Angeline the Baker.

I know he would borrow money from my mom and dad, and then give a quarter to me!

Robin