Thanks for sharing Rick. And I'm not being an ass. I mean it.
Jeanette and I were seperated for a year due in most part to my misbehaviors. I also found out during that time that I am Hypothyroid.
It made me mean as hell. I take my meds regular now and its better.
After twenty five or so years we kind of changed as people but soon discovered that we still love each other. She is my best friend.
I started working at 13. Shoveled horse crap on a stud farm for a buck twentyfive an hour. Then to a Bus Station / Western Union the owners husband did oilfield contract work. I worked for him in the summers. Was driving dump trucks at 17 and no CDL.

Worked on workover rigs and offshore out of high school. A degree in Oil and Gas Technology. 10 years with Mobil Oil, laid off in 92. Rode a F'n bicycle to get into nursing school as the bank got my truck, but not my house. 14 years of nursing and now may be going back to ExxonMobil. Jeanette is an RN as well. She went when I finished. My eldest daughter is an RN and wants to be an MD.
Songs come to me when I am angry or dog tired and depressed. Sometimes in my sleep, but I struggle to get my music from my head to my fingers.
It has been a pleasure to have a decent conversation with you Rick.
My wife is on call and sick to boot so I am going to convince her to turn in early.
God Bless
Latter.