Coffee and bacon—to him those two things had always stood for home. They were intimate and companionable.”
–James Oliver Curwood (The Valley of Silent Men a Story of the Three River Country)
“Jingle bells are ringing… ’cause Christmas time’s a-comin’… and yuh better watch out an’ not pout.” Why, Pard that’s singin’. It’s called a medley, and that’s what happens when I go t’ singin’. I just let ‘er rip, and the words just come from out there somewheres. What are yuh sayin’, that’s not a medley? Well, what is it then? A mess! Pard yuh just don’t appreciate the way my mind hears music.
Does that mean yuh don’t wanna partake of my coffee? It’s on the stove, just needs to be poured. I’m not sure if bacon is intimate and makes for good companionship. Why bacon just don’t stay around long enough to become a companion unless yur a-talkin’ about what it does to my figure.. Coffee, it’s sure ‘nough companion, and brings grand thoughts of home. Grandma always had a pot on the stove, she didn’t drink it herself, can you imagine, but just in case company might come by she was ready with a cup for them.
Home! Ain’t that quite a word! There’s lots of houses, and buildin’s, but homes have to be made. I don’t mean of bricks and mortar, but with blood, sweat, tears, and prayers. Home is where the heart is. Hmmm, what a thought. I wonder how much we think of heaven as our home. Don’t seem that many out there think of it much. And along with the other troubles in buildin’ a home, some are sayin’ that we shouldn’t necessarily be meetin’ in our homes on Christmas or we need to wear one of those blamed masks. Pard, if’n I should wear a mask how would yuh see my grin, or I yur bootiful face?
Yuh better drink yur coffee as I’m about to commence my singin’ again. One thing for sure there is a list bein’ made. Part of it might be if’n yur naughty or nice, but there’s sure one book that’s all important–the Lamb’s Book of Life. Yuh want to make sure yur name’s written in it.
Ride safely home, Pard. If’n yuh need to get shoppin’ done don’t let it wait ’til the last minute. Why then yuh might get to hustlin’ and bustlin’ around and forget to check yur cinch.
Vaya con Dios.