When I was a little girl, I remember my Dad listening to Johnny Cash. His songs filled the house with a loaded atmosphere. My Dad would blow circles of smoke into the air and close his eyes. My Dad admires everything about country&western music and movies. I think it all makes him feels like a cowboy. I remember many a night where I stayed up a bit too late, watching western movies with my dad. Curled up next to him on the sofa under a blanket. My Mum used to work late shifts at a factory, so the deal was that I could stay up until I heard her steps by the door, then I had to make a leap for my bed and pretend to be asleep, otherwise my Dad would be in trouble. The first thing I heard her say to my Dad was “Is Anne asleep?” and then she’d peek into my room. I’d lie still in bed listening to the sound of galloping horses from the TV until I entered la-la land.

Happy bday, Dad!