Asking For Vision (Day 1)

We got out of California with a four car/van/RV wagon train. My sixteen year old niece was working her learner's permit on my RV, with me in the navigation seat. I told her the only difference between the bus and the car is that the bus is bigger. Other than that, driving doesn't change much. Especially when the road is pretty much a four lane interstate for the next 300 miles. I told her that when we reached the Papago rez I would take over because I can slide into the fueling bays easier, knowing where the intake nozzles are and stuff. She asked about the road music and I told her that the only rule in my bus about music is "No Complaint Rock." She looked puzzled and I said "You know, those I'm so young and full of pain jerks, like Stain'd. I told her that my iPod has a very eclectic mix and if you put it on random there's hardly ever more than four minutes of dreck to wade through. Luckily the very first track is Bessie Smith proving out her billing as "Empress of the Blues."

We rolled under the Desajunes Solos sign still in a group in good time. Waiting for us, with dinner prepared were Medskool Girl, The Boy, the Sgt. Major and his family, and the Pool Girls with their gorgeous daughter, Harper Jooni.

It's 28 December, my sister the nurse's birthday, and we finish up exchanging some christmas gifts along with the birthday hoopalah. We are about to start up a cutthroat family game of "Pictionary" when the phone rings. It's my cousin, the brilliant attorney calling from the rez. He tells me that all is ready for our naming and adoption celebration with one new wrinkle. He tells me that Silas, the haattaallii is there and that he wants to speak with me. Silas gets on the phone and says "Did you bring me truffles?" I tell him that I am not naive enough to expect him to love me for just being me and he laughs. He says "I look forward to my truffles every year. I like you fine, but your truffles are better. They're less trouble and don't whine so much."

He then tells me that he's also expecting the Sgt. Major and his family. I tell him that this is very short notice and I don't know if they will be able to attend. Silas just tells me to tell them about the invitation. I do, they accept without hesitation. That's how Silas works, you'd think I would have figured it out by now.

I tell Larry and his wife that they can take over the RV and that I can bunk in the horse trailer with ease. I ask The Son if the horses are ready for traveling and he gives me the "Jesus Dude, don't you think I know anything?" look and I tell him thank you. My new niece wants to go out and see the legendary horses. She is fascinated, it's the first time that she's been close enough to horses to touch them and learn their names. The Sgt. Major's twins are with her, telling her about each horse and showing her how to give them the treats they expect. I kick the lights in the round pen on and ask if anyone wants to take a short ride. Bareback pads are produced and we all are soon riding around the training pen in the crisp winter night air.

The Pool Girls and the beautiful girl say their goodbyes and Larry and I work out our coodination for the morning's trip up to the rez. I tell him that if his girls would like to make the trip in the bus we will be having a marathon "Old Maid" session happening, along with a continuous loop of movies on the TV. He smiles and says that he and his wife have a lot to talk about and would appreciate some alone time on the drive. I tell him we'll be serving country breakfast right about dawn and that they are always welcome to join in.

There has been a lot of excitement and new faces running at my little niece. She's wound tighter than a banjo string already, throw in the Dr. Pepper the Son sneaked past my sister's watchful eyes and bedtime looks to be a long way off. Medskool Girl keeps rolling her eyes over to the corner of the living room and I finally ask her "What's up with the faces darlin'?" She goes over to the corner and picks up my lap harp and says "I think it's getting close to bedtime, would you play for me a little while?" I tell her that she is very wise along with being brilliant and beautiful. She smiles and tells me that she had to grow up smart being around such a clueless old man.

PJ's are donned and quilts are snuggled. I strike a chord and begin to play

Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann

Chorus (curfa in gaelic)

Báidín bídeach, Báidín beosach,
Báidín bóidheach, Báidín Fheidhlimidh,
Báidín díreach, Báidín deontach,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann


Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Toraigh,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh d'imigh go Toraigh,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann

Curfa

Báidín Fheidhlimidh briseadh id'Toraigh í,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann
Báidín Fheidhlimidh briseadh id'Toraigh í,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh 's Feidhlimidh ann

Curfa

(rough translation)

Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it

Chorus:

A trim little boat, a lively little boat,
A silly little boat, Feidhlim's little boat,
A straight little boat, a brave little boat,
Feidhlim's little boat, and Feidhlim in it.

Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.

Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it

3B's