Dueling Banjos

I stood there in the unusually balmy eighty degree March sunshine feeling both excited and bewildered. My pleasant mood slightly changed -- I felt my chin lock and my brows furrow as the UPS man called me a Norton hillbilly. No fault of his own. I guess.

When we were house hunting, we accidentally drove through Norton. We stopped at a restaurant on route 123 called Harry O’s – the current site that now houses the very chic and popular bar and restaurant.

We had never heard of Norton – being from the south shore -- we certainly thought we were in the middle of one of the many “borough” towns.

And honestly, it felt a little like the middle of nowhere...

But, as we drove through Norton, we thought it was a quaint little town. A diamond in the rough... so to speak... And thus, we began and ended our home search here.

Anyways, the UPS truck brings a level of excitement and curiosity that no other truck that travels down our little road does.

We do very little internet or on-line shopping in this house (I know..) and those who used to send packages via the US postal service have dwindled – a rare and passing breed.

 So when the UPS truck pulls up outside our home – it is always cause for excitement.

Even the neighborhood children drop their bikes and run over to see what is being delivered to the Holloway house when the UPS truck pulls up outside. Like they are stopping to see an enigma of sorts, or a rainbow etc...

I admit, that when the truck pulls up to a neighboring residence I am always slightly disappointed...

But not today! Today was our day!

As I stared at this man, I watched as the crows feet on the sides of his eyes were made visible by the grin on his face. He seemed as happy to see us as we him. Like a long lost relative coming to visit …  

This particular driver is polite and courteous. He always beeps his horn for the kiddos and waves. He drives the speed limit down our road – which is rare – most residents race down this dead end road like it is a highway.

I have a friend, whose husband is a UPS driver and delivery man and his hours are brutal.  Although the work is physically labor some, I always think that it must be so great to be a UPS driver. People always happy to see you… Like being a fireman – everyone is always happy and relieved to see a fireman.

Ahh, but my thoughts distract me...

Back to the delivery, the UPS man carries out the large box and says joyfully, “Looks like someone is going to play the guitar? My daughter and I play a little guitar together, she is only 6 years old, but she has some talent – like her Dad!”

I smile patiently, waiting for him to actually hand the package to me—watching as the crowd of curious kids around his truck grows...  The man looks at me expecting an answer to the question he had asked hidden within his friendly conversation.

I am in no rush. It is a Wednesday. On this particular Wednesday --the only day of the week where the Holloways had nothing to do except run and play after school in their yard – I had nowhere to be. It felt wonderful.

 The afternoon school pick-ups were over and everyone was home. The sun warmed my bare feet and the breeze gently carried the sweet smells of Spring to my nostrils. I was happy.

I politely answered this brown uniformed Santa Clause type man saying, “A banjo."  His reaction was surprising... “Wowsers! No kidding!”  He announced as he slapped his knee with his right hand. “The banjo? I love you Norton Hillbillies!”

What? I stood there shocked. Did he just call me a hillbilly? Hey! First of all, I am an educated, well versed New Englander. Second of all,  Norton houses the prestigious , multiple coffee shops, , the ... the .......

Then my 8 year old speaks up (slightly lisping through a toothless grin) and says, “Hey Momma, Daddy is going to be so happy with his banjo! He can now play that song he had us listen to! The one you say is awful, just awful!!!??!”

And we all know the song...  That classic popular banjo song  -- the only song that reminds me of that terrible movie... I refuse to discuss it further!

With that the UPS driver, climbs back into his truck, winks at me, lets out a hearty laugh while simultaneously shaking his head and says, “I love it!”

I don’t. I’m going to get even with my husband – if it is the last thing I do!!!!!

I was set up!

Hillbilly?!

I watch as the kiddos (Three of them not mine, but still tallying seven) chase the UPS truck as it drives away...

-  And me standing barefoot on the driveway holding a banjo…

I hang my head in defeat. There is no point in arguing. The scene here speaks for itself.

Although I’ll never officially admit to being a… ahemmm…  hillbilly.

I decided to take my husband’s new toy inside and Google the sheet music for “Dueling Banjos."

I might as well learn to play it on my acoustic guitar...