Thursday, July 13, 2006

The Evening Games

Thursday, July 13, 2006
5 comments
As he left for South Africa, Bill looked at me pleadingly. "I doubt I'll find any opportunity to blog while I'm away. Could you...?"
I knew where that pleading look came from. I've felt the same way when I'm kept away from my computer for a few days. I feel like I'm letting you down. Taken to an extreme, blogging becomes a chronic condition, and we suffer withdrawal.
So I'll tell you about the evening games, our favorite part of the day. I like it because I sit in a lawnchair and laugh. The kids' laughter rings through the moist air, the sweetest music I know. Having sat in front of a computer most of the day, Bill is ready for some horseplay. His is usually of the caveman variety, involving lots of chasing, roaring, and hoisting of kid bodies. They adore it. He keeps them on their toes.
Here, BOTB feigns sleep, snoring loudly. Liam is wary, knowing something is about to go down.
He keeps his distance. "Daddy? Are you asleep?"
"I can't hear you. Come a little closer." Knowing he shouldn't go any closer, Liam of course does.
ROARRRRR! and the chase is on! Look at Liam's little feet just ahead of Piltdown Man. The pied dire wolf is an able assistant in the chase, leaping to lick the prey and trip it up. The flame-haired juvenile cavegirl will help prepare the catch.
Prey secured, Piltdown Man bears the kill off to his cave to sear it over an open fire.
After the screams and laughter died down, we sat back at the table. A solid-red bird darted just overhead. "What the heck is that bird?" Bill asked. Had to be a summer tanager. It flitted around the yard, catching bees against the siding. Oh, perfect evening.We suspect that summer tanagers had a late nesting on our farm, for the first time ever, last year. We had a persistantly singing male, who we saw chasing a female, in early July. Can lightning strike twice? Come on. Breed for us, darling.
By the way: You can comment. Really. Remember, I'm lonely! Got that?
Zick, pining off.

5 comments:

On July 13, 2006 at 10:50 AM Anonymous said...

Julie,
A lot of times when my hubby's away on a business trip, I plan on changing something. I paint a room, rearrange something, improve landscaping...It keeps my mind busy, and it's fun to see how long it takes him to notice the change.

Thank you for the peeks into your lives. You push me to be more and do more, and live more fully.

Kathy,
Circleville, OH

On July 13, 2006 at 3:53 PM Patrick Belardo said...

We're here to keep you company Julie! Thanks for the insifht into your evening games. It reminds me of my childhood with my dad and brother. How cool is a Summer Tanager nesting on your farm!

On July 14, 2006 at 3:02 PM Rondeau Ric said...

I missed blogging yesterday, missed my Indigo Hill fix, so I'll say hello today.

BT3 or in French, Bay Tay Tois, may be getting life birds but you have the extraordinary opportunity of posting two, yes two blogs at ONE time.

How much would we pay for this privilege?

BUT wait, that’s not all.
For this low, low price you also get to cuddle with Chet Baker. Yes that’s right! Chet Baker.
Now, how much would you pay?
But wait, that’s not all.
If you act immediately you can also play with two, yes two, incredibly cute and cuddly Thompson Children.
Now how much would you pay? $29.99, $39.99?

What if we included a macaw who will dazzle and delight you with his mimicry?

All this for only………. Years of worrying about your hubby and kids, cleaning, shopping, cooking, painting and raising stray animals.

Call now; our operators are standing by to take your call.

Just think how happy you will be when he’s home and rested.

Ric

On July 14, 2006 at 11:36 PM Julie Zickefoose said...

RR you are tooo cute! You're right--life is good! I heard from B. today and he's fine and having fun--I'll post for him tomorrow. He was incredibly touched that I'd been keeping his blog fed while he was gone.
Kathy, I went into a cleaning frenzy today, and I think he'll notice the change! Man, did I throw out the junque.
Patrick, we aren't counting summer tanager chicks yet, but keep your fingers crossed!


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