Jiggle the Handle

Sutton, Elizabeth, and Jonesy (their dog) have been with us for a couple of days.   They are here through the week, move out for a week, back for a week, and return later in the summer.  Such is the life of a travelin man and his support team.

Their first Michigan show at the Deck Down Under last Saturday was a great success.  Many of their local friends showed up and several family members were on hand.   The lovely LuLu made her singing debut and she hit it out of the park.  She’s busy preparing for her next gig with Sutton at The Boatwerks in Holland.  I’m not sure the Dutch are ready for her.  We may have created a monster.

Sutton will be singing next in Detroit at Eastern Market Brewing.   Sutton’s brother, Steve, has been marketing Sutton to all of the executives at Ford Motor Company.  You  better get there early and plan to stay late.

Meanwhile, much of this week with us will be focused on regrouping.  This is their week to do all of the things that you don’t have time to do while traveling from town to town: updating and mailing flyers regarding upcoming “gigs”, cleaning the truck after twelve weeks of travel, reconnecting with Michigan school friends, chillin in the lake, visiting favorite local watering holes, and planning for new stops on the winter swing through Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, and a four month stint in Florida.

We were recounting their many stops during Sunday dinner.   Sutton likes to cook and he hasn’t had the chance to do so for the past twelve weeks.   Our kitchen is open to his talents and we’re looking forward to reaping the benefits of his culinary skills.  They are living their dream right now and, for the most part, enjoying the journey.

During last night’s dinner discussion Elizabeth told Sutton, “When my dad starts jiggling the door handle, we’ll know it’s time to leave.”

During my childhood years there was an extended group of young parents who met through their support of activities at Lincoln Elementary School, or our church, St. Dennis.  They all had children of similar age and interests.  They often gathered at each others homes to play cards.   They all took turns hosting the group.  The “go to games” were euchre and pinochle.   Joe and Helen was one of the couples in the group.

My dad recounted a story that more than once when the group was at Joe and Helen’s, if the night grew too long for Joe, he would go to the front door, jiggle the handle, and thank everyone for coming. It was a not so subtle, but very effective, way of ending the evening and sending everyone home.

I don’t expect that Ruth or I will jiggle the handle for Sutton, Elizabeth and Jonesy.  We’ll enjoy them while they’re here, welcome them back on their swings back through, and hope that their experience is their dream come true.