Thomas Wolfe was born in Asheville, North Carolina; about 60 miles from where I’m headed for awhile. Home. Wolfe’s great American novel, ‘You Can’t Go Home Again’ reflects on change as we grow older.

Years ago I returned home to help an aging mother and a sister in need. I wound up building a small place on my sister’s property a quarter of a mile from the elementary school we attended. The school is now a police training center but the neighborhood hasn’t really changed at all.

Town has changed. Once a thriving southern textile town, it remains the county seat that’s rural and somewhat red around the edges. Nestled in the North Carolina foothills, it’s outskirts are stunning wooded contryside rising up to the Appalachian mountains.

I grew up playing hard in those mountains. I learned pretty much everything I know now about a life outdoors. How lucky.

Downtown has grown up a bit and that’s appreciated. It’s still a classic small downtown wrapped around the old tree lined Courthouse that has become the Earl Scruggs Center for the Arts. Yes, Earl was born there and co-wrote the ‘Beverly Hillbillies’ theme. He did have quite an influence on American music aside from TV themes. I remember waking up on school mornings to Bluegrass music from the clock radio. That’s what we had; along with professional wrestling and NASCAR on TV, we had all the entertainment we could get.

I’ve been away for a few years and I’m looking forward to playing hard in those mountains again. I’m heading home to remember, regroup and restore.

Yes, Mr. Wolfe it has changed, but I’m still going home.