The 101 is a dusty road in November, the farthest point from rainy season until any day now when the clouds get black and start crying over brushfires. Of course water can be trucked in and lots is, so the dry golden hills have swatches of verdure patchworked on the flatland at their feet. This particular pattern is called broccoli.
Sean MacDonald and his first child, Briar. Sean is about to get on the 101 and head south to Oildale via Bakersfield. The destination is Trout’s, a good ol’ bar where Red Simpson plays every monday evening from 7 till 10.
The dry dusty highway we told you about.
It holds surprises.
A whole different way of life than what we’re used to.
Even the people look different.
However, the sun will rise and set the same all over the world.
Yes, even in Bakersfield.
In a little town on the outskirts of Bakersfield a man named Merle Haggard was born in the abandoned boxcar his family lived in. Years later another man, Red Simpson, wrote songs for Merle to record and had a string of hits himself. Truck driving country western songs, a genre that exploded in the CB radio 1970′s. This little town is called Oildale and Red was here onstage at Trout’s to play for all the folks who cared to listen.
Happy Birthday Sean!
Isn’t Sean’s birthday next week?
Comment by Lyle_S — November 1, 2006 @ 7:39 pm
it is. thanks, lyle. you’re sweet.
Comment by sean-0 — November 1, 2006 @ 7:41 pm
Happy Birthday Sean! Oh yeah….howdy John….been awhile,,,
Comment by daniel d — November 2, 2006 @ 4:29 pm
Daniel Dent, I believe I saw you riding a bicycle about a month ago. in the mission.
Comment by jon — November 2, 2006 @ 10:05 pm