Wednesday Jam: I've been waiting to awaken from these dreams

Before the tune, first a story.

On Wednesday, I heard the news that I knew was coming but didn't really want to have to face -- Putnam County had suffered its first death in the COVID-19 pandemic.

And so I got to work, pulling out my computer right were I was and starting to craft the story for our website and paper.

In the midst of this rather heavy task, my phone rang. I picked it up to a familiar voice on the other end.

Dad? Can I dig a hole?

You want to dig a hole?

Yeah, can I?

Um ... yeah ... go ahead. Where do you want to dig a hole?

I don't know. Where can I?

Just not in the front yard.

I don't want to do it in the front yard anyway. Probably out by the fence.

OK. Just not near the tree. You'll have trouble with roots.

Thanks, Dad.

What's the point of this all? Nothing except that I guess life keeps moving forward. It was a nice day. My kids got outside for "recess" in the midst of being stuck at home.

We have to enjoy the familiar voices on the other end, the pointless inquiries from 9-year-olds and the chance to dig holes on a spring day.

As for today's music? I learned last night that Jackson Browne had been diagnosed with COVID-19, so I spent a little time this morning looking through his catalog.

I considered some heavier stuff like "Late for the Sky" or "Before the Deluge," and both felt appropriate.

But at the last minute, I decided I didn't want more downers. Sure, "Doctor My Eyes" is a bummer lyrically, but the tune always gets me tapping my toes.

Like a phone call from a 9-year-old, it brightened my day just when I needed it.

Enjoy the song, then go dig a hole or something.