It began as a normal day – well, sort of normal, if any day is normal for me. I have stated many times that “my life is a gothic novel.” But by my written testimony on this day, please read and make your own conclusions.

This tale all began with a wink. Yes, a wink, but not a normal-type wink, but more of an automotive-type-blink/wink, if you can imagine? Remember my gothic-life – but there I was traversing Highway 45/39 Bypass when to my left there was a bright twinkle of sorts. I blinked and there it was again. What the heck? As my eyes followed my line of vision, there sat the cutest-ever little red Ranger truck. It was located on a used truck lot – all alone and needing a home. Sniff.

On this day my mode of transportation was Hub’s black Ford truck, which is a looker! We bought it many years ago from Billy Jack Ethridge. The slinky, lowered Mark IV rendition of a fine ride growled exerting an intimidating muffler sound which caused a stir when heard and as well when seen. Obviously the little red truck noticed. We had affectionately named the black Ford truck, Darth Vader.

Call me crazy (I’ve been called worst), but I sensed Darth Vader noticed the bright red twinkle as well. Hub’s black jewel-of-the-highway seemed to want to make the acquaintance of the little red truck which sat to the side of the road. I wasn’t in a terrible hurry so we stopped. I have always been inclined to make new friends whenever and wherever possible.

Darth Vader and I were so, so impressed with this little red mass of metal with rubber that hit the road. After a short visit, Darth and I headed home to tell Hubs. As we gushed and raved about the attributes of this darling truck, Hubs decided he had to make its acquaintance as well.

Early the next morning we all three traveled to Highway 45/39 Bypass and there she sat, the little red truck. In the early morning light, she seemed more beautiful than the day before and Hubs was impressed. Not that we needed a third vehicle for the two of us, but the little red thing went home with us. We struck a deal at the truck lot that the salesman could not refuse.

Immediately upon arriving to our home, Hubs made room in the garage for one more parking spot. Yes, the little red truck now sits right next to Darth Vader, with my white SUV, which I named Sylvia couple of years ago, to the side. There was room for all three and we are now one big, happy family.

It was time to name our new purchase but nothing seemed appropriate. Finally after many hours of discussion we decided upon “Red Ranger,” pronounced in the fashion of the television commercial “Red Robin – Mmmm.” So she is “Red Ranger – Mmmm.” When you try to figure this out, remember my “gothic life.”

So now the McKee ranch consists of Darth Vader, Red Ranger—Mmmm, Sylvia, my sweet GMC SUV, George & Gracie, our solid white kitties, Patty Cake, the essential beagle, Hubs and of course, myself. I admit we are a cozy little group, with not much work going on, but lots of good times, and isn’t that what it is all about? Family, no matter the number, the variety or even perhaps an unexpected extra that comes along the way, yes, family is all about love and companionship. Can I get an Amen?

Now Red Ranger-Mmmm is a legitimate member of the McKee family. Come Saturday we will all come together and make a daytrip somewhere exceptional and exciting, just as a loving family should do. Oh, one thing, someone has to teach George & Gracie how to drive the little red truck.

Oh, my, she just winked again.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Roster. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com