Two Eggs and Jerry Jeff: A Family Moment

Two Eggs and Jerry Jeff: A Family Moment

So I just finished a four mile run—well, actually more like a one mile jog and a fast walk. I hate the hot weather! After I was finished, I collapsed in my chair in front of the computer and almost fell asleep. I did manage to get up and take a shower. As I was getting out, I was trying to think of what to eat—something quick and light. I settled on a fried egg sandwich.

That means two eggs on toast… which in turn leads my mind straight to Jerry Jeff Walker:

“Well, it’s two eggs up on whiskey toast…”

Yesterday we went to Surf City for the traditional July 4th potluck picnic with my wife’s mother’s side of the family. It had been rescheduled from the 4th because of the weather. This was the first time in many years that most of my children could attend. Unfortunately, Nick couldn’t make it on Saturday because of his work schedule. But the young man that everyone wanted to meet—Oliver—was there, and he didn’t disappoint.

My wife took a series of pictures of Oliver with her Uncle James Browne. Thinking about it, Jim was really the only one of our aunts and uncles around except for Kathy’s Uncle Roy, who lives in California. So here is Oliver with his grand-uncle:

Yes, Oliver flirted with several of the women, but he was entranced by only one thing… the iPhone!

That’s his dad holding him as he stares happily at my iPhone!

While I was looking for these pictures on my Facebook page, I also came across photos of my daughter Elizabeth and my wife’s mother, Ruth Browne Clarke. I knew there was a strong resemblance, but I didn’t realize just how strong:

One of my biggest “I only wish that…” moments in life is that my children never had the chance to know Kathy’s parents, Bob and Ruth Clarke. They were two wonderful people who would have had such a positive impact on our family. I know that their spirit has been passed on to our kids through Kathy, but still—it would have been nice if they could have done it themselves.

Ruth Browne Clarke died of breast cancer in 1981 at the age of 48, and Robert Nelson Clarke died of a heart attack in 1993 at the age of 60. Damn.

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🎵 Related Family Moments:
Jerry Jeff’s music has popped up at other family milestones too—most memorably at Peter’s wedding, where a JJW song found its way into the celebration.

PS: Funny side note—about the only Jerry Jeff song my wife actually likes is “Navajo Rug.”
Of course, it’s not really a JJW song at all—it’s a cover of the Ian Tyson and Tom Russell tune.
But I’ll take the win—if it gets Jerry Jeff playing in the house, I’m happy!