The chairs in the family room are in constant use, their seats warm against the press of pants and careless give of sun-dried towels. There are two of these chairs, set just so to encourage casual conversation while still open to the glow of the fireplace, a request to the piano or whatever is sent from the kitchen. It is a cozy corner, softly lit by stylish lamps and stars of varying distance. The dogs dine there twice daily, the bar against the wall is visited somewhat more so. These chairs grow heavy beneath the weight of our day, and heavier still the following and again after that. … [Read more...]
Confession: I was a Teenage Poop-Scooping Delinquent
Consider this an early Father's Day tribute to my dad. Put it in the category of "Things I Did When I Was a Kid That My Own Kid BETTER Not Do." When I was 12, I had a manageable chore list. Nothing extensive or unreasonable, although at the time I'm sure I thought I was doing the equivalent of those orphans in the Industrial Revolution who worked in a sooty, life-endangering factory for 14 hours at a stretch. I was responsible for washing the dinner dishes. Vacuuming the living room. Cleaning my room and bathroom. Scooping dog poop from the backyard. That was the one. That was the … [Read more...]