On the Road with Sam

I'm driving back from a visit to Grandma's today, with  my near-constant companion, Sam, in the passenger seat next to me. Once we get on the highway, I put on Duane Eddy playing "Rebel Rouser" and before long, out of the corner of my eye, I notice Sam is tapping his fingers in time, against his right leg.

I've noticed this before. This is something he does when he really likes what's playing. Usually though, it's something like "Jingle Bells" or "Must be Santa" or something along those lines. So, this was a little bit different.

Regardless, I try not to let him notice that I notice. I don't want him to become self-conscious and stop doing it. It's something I really enjoy - especially if he begins to hum along.

There was no humming this time - in part because there were no words to hum to, and in part because this music was something new to Sam.

I just smile and keep driving.

After a bit, along with tapping his fingers against his right leg, he's now tapping his left foot in time to the music, as well.

I keep driving and smiling.

So, he's tapping away and I'm smiling and driving and the music is playing - and from out of nowhere, Sam says, "This sounds like country music mixed with a little bit of jazz."

Whoa.