Russell County...

I'm comfortable in Russell County. Without a doubt, it is the place for me. Ironically, it is also the place I once desperately desired to leave. Now, it would take the audible voice of God to move me out.

Once upon a time, I longed for the excitement of bright lights, busy highways, and high-caliber restaurants. Today, I sit in a Louisville waiting room with construction equipment beeping and banging in the background, still recovering from the mental trauma of yesterday's battle with traffic. (There's one black Corvette in particular, I look forward to never again drafting alongside.) Thus, let it be made official that I have no desire to hear the bustling, blaring, horn-blowing activity of this city or see this cold, rigid, unwelcoming skyline again any time soon.

Sure, there are things I sometimes wish Russell County served as home to: A Red Lobster or Sticky Fingers would be nice, but my waistline is better off without either of them. A mall would be appealing, but my wallet probably couldn't handle my wife's weekly visits. A spa would be relaxing, but I'm spoiled enough the way it is. A social club would bring connectivity, but I'm a loner anyways so its an unnecessary perk...

Ah... The lack of traffic each morning in Russell Springs is refreshing. An occasional blockage of my hurried pace on the Old Columbia Road can be navigated as I tailgate a Massey-Ferguson with my mind reflectively racing through the bordering fields. Guthrie's, The Cove, The Front Porch, Rowena's Landing--not five-star--but they have effectively faciliated a never dying appetite for more and a bulging waistline that increases its mass daily. Fred's and Kmart, I appreciate you. I walk in, I walk out--never wrestling seven people for a pack of razors. The Links is close enough to a social club for me. Do I golf? No, but the occasional golf cart excursion, while mocking the pitiful swings of my friends, has at times been like a drive through heaven. As for the spa, my neighbor has an above ground pool that I mischievously dive into when he's not home, so all is well...

Russell County, I'll be back on Wednesday afternoon and I may kiss your ground. You are surely missed by this man who has fallen head over heels in love with you...

And Oh by the way, Rowena's Landing, I'll have the Kentucky Fare, with golden-brown fried potatoes and an extra-side of counry ham... .