The most difficult part of being responsible and working a stable 9–5 job with good benefits rather than freelancing from home is missing out on so many baseball games. Two of my three boys play for their schools and because the games begin so early, I’m missing out on watching them pitch, field and bat. I’m missing out on cheering for them and their teams from the stands, berating the umpires and rationalizing the caloric content of stadium popcorn on a night there is no time for a regular dinner. This afternoon, I believe I’ll head out early and catch a game—precious time at the ballpark with my boys.
A good friend of ours brought his new baby to our favorite gathering place last night. Diamond is a precious, soft, cuddly Italian greyhound puppy. He already, like all babies, has a personality all his own. Holding him—when I could get him out of my mother’s arms for a few minutes—got me thinking about the personalities of my own dogs. One is the matriarch of all our pets. She trains and protects. She becomes annoyed at their antics, but it’s a patient annoyance. The other is a laid back, energetic cutie pie. He loves to play hard and sleep long. He also talks back—in his yippy, high-pitched, barking way, of course. Our cats also have unique personalities. They are both upset with and avoiding me at the moment unless they need food or water. They’ll get over it. They always do.
St. Patrick’s Day was good this year. Lots of folks were out and about on the streets of our modest downtown—70-degree weather will do that. It was great to see and chat with so many people we know. That’s what I like about the small, non-federal holidays. There’s no time off of work, no greeting card lists or piles of presents. Instead, everyone makes a point of simply hanging out and spending time talking, laughing and introducing their new puppies to the community. We need more small, non-federal reasons to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Micki Bare is the author of Thurston T. Turtle Moves to Hubbleville, 2010, CYPRESS
(Now available in Kindle format.)
Coming 2012: Thurston T. Turtle and the Legend of the Lemonade
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