Long long ago and far far away I took a trip and wrote a blog post about it:

The window opens. Cold air rushes in. Smells of wood smoke and fall crisp air envelope me like memories invoked. Autumnal skies of blue, gilded golden yellow, reaching to the horizon where heaven meets earth . I’m six yeas old again, on a Sunday ride through mountainous New York state. Are we there yet? No. Not yet Joe. Uncle Frank’s is still two hours away. To a six year old, how long is two hours? And exactly where is Norwalk Connecticut anyway? Traveling up the New York State Thruway in that old dull white rusting Rambler … gazing out the window at the red, green, gold of oak and maples as their leaves tumble in fall. A narrow beam of sunlight glints on my wide open daydreaming eyes. With that spark I’m back headlong in the Cascades of Washington State. No. The destination isn’t Uncle Frank’s. It’s Leavenworth. Leavenworth, WA …

Eighteen years later I took another trip today to Leavenworth. No. Not Leavenworth, WA. Leavenworth, KS.

Solar panels on the ground in front of U.S. Penitentiary Leavenworth, Kansas, promoting renewable energy and sustainable prison facilities.
US Penitentiary • Leavenworth, Kansas

In my other post I waxed poetic about when I thought of the name Leavenworth I thought:

Now I have to tell you up front, in the twelve years I’ve lived in Seattle … I’ve never been to Leavenworth. When I hear the word, I think of prison. Yeah, the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. I don’t know what that says about me … but you say Leavenworth …. and I say prison. That image of Johnny Cash and June Carter chatting up prisoners from the stage.

Kansas leavenworth

Well! Surprise! Surprise! I actually rode by United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas today on the way to see my cardiologist. So so funny! The office I was going to was not where I usually see him. This office was in — wait for it — Leavenworth, KS.

It didn’t even dawn on me. Then I got a mile or so from my doctor’s office & I looked to my right and saw a backlit drive-in movie sign. The top line said, in big black plastic letters:

Hurry And Book Your Prison Visit for 2025

WHAT? Then I looked at the sign more closely, and looked behind the sign and saw the United States Penitentiary Leavenworth, Kansas. WHAT? It was as if I was in a dream; and an ironic one at that! I would have stopped, but in these times — I take no chances. He buddy! Why you taking pictures of the Pen? You got papers?

And just like that. I’m 6 years old again riding the NY Thruway on my way to Uncle Frank’s and Aunt Mary’s. I’m in the car with my then partner Chris, whipping along the autumnal colored tree lined mountain road leading to Leavenworth, WA. And in another flash, I’m pulling into my doctor’s parking lot. What a long strange trip it’s been … INDEED!

I was so not ready for that! I knew where I was going: Leavenworth, KS. To a doctor’s office. I just wasn’t ready for the PEN! Guess you just had to be me, there, and in NY, and in Washington in all these remembered moments just igniting my mind. I also guess it’s a good thing I documented the October 2007 Leavenworth, WA trip: Leavenworth: It’s not the destination.

I have to say once again: It’s the little things in life!

This past week has been pretty hellacious for me. Had a run in with my neighbor and owner of the house next door. And when he was done saying what he had to say — I was terrified. I walked back in to my house closed all the curtains and freaked out, and trembling for the rest of the afternoon. Really had me wanting to sell my house & get the hell out of Independence!

A few days have passed & I’m a bit more settled in my mind and body. But still on edge a bit. Not sure if I feel safe here anymore.

Soooooo. Seeing this Leavenworth flashback, just took me on a history trip in my mind in a matter of seconds & put a smile on my face. Plus I really LIKE seeing my cardiologist! Such a cool guy. He “gets me” … which is also part of the appeal.

Mind you, the ride to the doctor was 45 minutes, one way. I didn’t realize how Kansas was farm land a go-go. It was kind of a nice ride. Maybe better if the sun was out, but still a nice ride with tunes a blastin’ on this cool, gray, Spring day.

Prison visitors walking through chain-link fence at Alcatraz Island, historic prison site in San Francisco Bay, black and white photo, tour and history exploration.
Johnny & June @ US Penitentiary • Leavenworth, Kansas
Johhny cash ks
Johnny Cash outside Leavenworth Penitentiary

Here’s to Johnny Cash and June Carter chatting up and playing for prisoners everywhere!

Whether Washington or Kansas. I hear Leavenworth. I (still) think PRISON!