I had a pot of coffee ready for Meat and Tater when they showed up on my doorstep this morning. That's what neighbors do.
I'm pulling your leg.
The truth is, since my last coffee statement, I've transitioned from java free to one cup a morning. 10 fluid ounces works for an eye opener. So it really wasn't all about them.
But it's a rare morning in Elkhorn for me lately and I was hoping they'd brighten my door. I wasn't disappointed.
"Morning. You two are looking bright eyed and bushy tailed. I expect you've been standing back and standing by since the debate."
Tater rolled her eyes and Meat smiled at me while holding his coffee mug out to fill. I'd say they'd already finished two pots. "SJ you know we're always standing by."
I turned the pot up over his mug. "No doubt" I added.
Tater waved me off when I motioned the pot toward her. "First presidential debate in U.S. history with a unanimous loser. Unfortunately, that would be us."
Meat pitched in. "Them boys ain't got much to be proud of if they were that desperate for a slogan."
Tater looked at him. "We've moved on from that."
Meat shrugged, "I'm just saying!"
Tater looked my way. "Well it's a beautiful day and it's October, can you believe it?"
I shrugged and opened my mouth to say "No, I'm stuck in May" but Meat got the Trump on me.
"SJ did you ever think your boater buddies would be able to buy beer right here in town?"
"No and neither did you." is what I wanted to say but Meat only let me get No a... out before stating, "Man it might be a new day or it might not mean a thing. Somebody's got to make something before it takes off. Over thirty release seasons now and just selling them the first legal beer."
Tater poked him in the chest. "Just stop yammering man." She threw back her head and laughed, then looked back in my direction.
"Did you see how much money the blue team raked in after that debacle? All Joe had to do was stand there and let Putin's puppy yap. The majority of voters want the next president to fill RBG's seat, not this one. We're going to flip the senate." I realized at that moment Tater looked more relaxed than I'd seen in a while. Not bad when you live with Meat.
Speak of the devil, he stood up and looked out the door. "She thinks it's over but I ain't so sure." He turned back around toward me.
"So it's whitewater season man, what's the plan?"
"No big events, there's a pandemic you know. The Lord of the Fork race will happen on the fourth Saturday like always. Two Friday releases and a mighty beautiful opening weekend starting right now. I'm going boating."
It's October and whitewater season on the Russell Fork. If you haven't spent a Saturday or Sunday in the Breaks Park in a while, this is a great month to do it. There is no more spectacular place in two states.