Our 32nd Anniversary and an Orange Family at the Buttermilk Jamboree

How it started:

On the morning of our 32nd anniversary, my wife and I split up—traveling in opposite directions.

Driving west I realize the irony. I’m heading to Delton, MI to play in the Buttermilk Jamboree Music Festival and my wife is driving east with our 21-year-old son to take part in a wedding. Two very different outcomes for two very different people joined in holy matrimony 32 years ago on this very day.

This is my destination—a family-friendly music festival on the west side of the state.

The attire for this music festival includes anything you would wear camping unless you want to stand out like my good friend Biski who is a fun-loving, free-spirited, self-proclaimed hippie. I’m not trying to brag or anything, but I think I perfectly captured the essence of Biski in this portrait.

My wife’s destination: A wedding in New Jersey. The attire here’s a little different, and that’s my son in his new suit. Photo credit: My brother-in-law

Above: my new tent—a Father’s Day gift from my boys. This is one of those 2-minute tents from Costco. All the poles are attached. It folds up like an umbrella and is super easy to put up and take down. I love it!

And then everything turned orange!

WWBD? What Would Bluesdad Do? I hope no one is asking this question! Better yet, what would you do if you ran across a campground like this one?

I’m pretty sure you would do the same thing I did:

Give your 2nd cousin $20 to purchase as many oranges as he can—placing them all over the campsite when the family’s gone. Admit it. You’re not that different from me. You want the “Orange Family” to come back home after a hard day’s work of festival fun to find oranges planted all over their campsite. Surprise!

I Should Have Quit While I was Ahead!

After placing oranges on chairs and tables, I made the mistake of saying out loud, “I want to get a picture of the tiger tray.” Why couldn’t I keep quiet!

“The mom’s coming.”

There we were—walking very fast from what felt like an orange crime scene while mom’s closing in on us. “Is she still behind us?”

“Yes.”

On a positive note, you don’t really get to know your much younger 2nd cousin until you feel the heat. That’s when one’s character is revealed.

Was it worth it?

I could have left once I piled them up, but no—I had to go back to get this picture to show all of you the orange tiger tray!

But did we ever find out why this family decided to go orange?

Yes, we did.

There’s so much more to this story like stakeouts with my aunt and a security couple named Josh and Jesse. Plus, there’s mushrooms and monarch butterflies and a great happenstance that ties this tale all together. Maybe one day, I’ll tell you “The rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say. For now, though, some things probably shouldn’t be written down.

Looking ahead to next week:

This is Scott Shadow’s debut performance as a solo artist. Some of you know him as Emmon Scott. He’s quite the talent. I like to say he’s Bruce Springsteen on piano.

Bob Dylan-style harmonica meets piano lounge music.

He’s earthy.

He’s mysterious.

Chris McGorey and I will be playing our music, as well. We would love for you to come out and see us. If you do, you can also meet my sister who is in town from San Diego. Thursday June 26th from 7:00 to 9:00. No cover. Put it on your calendar.

I’ll have more to say about the festival next week.

Thank you for reading.

Have a great week people!