Reflective mood

Sometimes a guy has to sit and reflect on life; what's really important; things or events that have shaped his/her status in life; dreams of things to come.  And here at Thanksgiving, those things are more apt to come to mind ..... even though they should continually be there.  This was unexpectedly emphasized to me the other night by the Warden.

 

We went out for supper and were doing the normal man/wife chat, you know the drill: what bills are we going to be able to pay; taxes are due; work problems; somebody died; what needs fixing around the house; the noise the car is making; etc etc. Then I noticed an older couple across the restaurant from us.

 

"Sug," I said, (I always say Sug when I want her to hold on to my every word) "Look at that older couple over there" nodding my head to the side so as not to stare.  "That'll be us in another 10 or 15 years."

 

I looked at the Warden thoughtfully and said, "They are probably reflecting on the years they have had or making plans for their remaining years."

 

"Just think of the changes they have seen in their lives.  The dreams that have come to fruition.  The plans that became unattainable or unimportant."  I continued with my reflection, "they've probably seen a world of change since they started out; social changes, political changes, technological changes."

 

"When their kids were born, they probably didn't worry as much about stuff as people have to now"  I resumed after a short pause.  "They've probably watched their kids grow up and leave the nest to start their own families.  They probably don't have a real worry anymore."

 

I ended my observation with a firm tone.  "They're probably just enjoying their station in life now, going over how things have come together for them and all their blessings.  They've got it made!  Not a worry in the world!" 

 

"Dear," the Warden said as she took another bite of her supper, "you best clean your glasses and take another look.  That wall across the restaurant is a mirror and you are looking at us."

 

nuff said

Dennis

A rare opportunity

Well as many of you know, the Warden and I undertook some remodeling this past few months.  What started out as a very simple suggestion ended up as a major undertaking.  But with the end at least in sight .. the finished product does enhance the needs of our growing family, especially during a family gathering.  We plan to put it to use this next week when kids, family and friends all gather around the turkey and dressing.  At last report, there is suppose to be 22 here for dinner!  (sure hope the Warden has enough turkey!)

 

But one of the major improvements in the reconstruction phase, was the addition of the "Man Lair".  (that's lair not liar!)  As you well know, I lost my "office" in the expansion phase of the living-room and was destined to a corner nook there.  However I stood my ground (ok, so I begged, pleaded and groveled .. but it still worked) and took over the Warden's craft room.

 

Once inside the steel reinforced door, (which requires voice recognition, retina scans and finger prints to open) the room is filled with study books of all kinds, scanners, 2 printers and 3 computers all hooked together on a wireless network with an open end to the world wide web via a cable modem.  (click here for a rare opportunity to view inside)  My new Toshiba laptop (with Home Vista) has an additional 22 inch widescreen monitor (where I can now blow-up things enough for me to actually read!)  This bunker has been well designed to help promote digital creativity (as well as a hideout when the Warden has something for me to do!)

 

Dennis