In pursuit of the mundane

I think this is a picture of ragweed, which goes to show that even things which annoy a good many people can be beautiful. I was lured into my back yard last night by a lovely sunset. The beans have all dried out, as beans will do, as we walk toward Autumn through this perfect Indian Summer. It was hazy and the sun was setting, big and red.

One time Walker commented "You always talk about the sunset. There's one every day, Dad. Get used to it." Or something to that effect. I offered that I would not apologize for pointing out something positive. We rode along and he allowed "That one is pretty good, but sometimes they're just normal." That's fine with me. A normal sunset is still pretty good.

My children have perhaps less appreciation for the mundane than I. Appreciation of a normal, peaceful day comes with experience.

When I was in college I used to get bored out of my wits and go downtown in search of adventure (women?). I wanted things to happen. We went downtown and got drunk and sometimes things did happen, but most of the time nothing did.

I really love Saturday mornings. I get up around 7 a.m. and make coffee, read the entire paper, do the bills.

Flash: Tye is peeing indoors. Oh no! We have called the vet because Tye (dog, for the unitiated) is a noble animal and feels great shame about this. They suggested we try and collect a urine sample. Picture me following the dog, diving under him with a specimen container as he lifts his leg. Get real. Now that's an adventure! Tye would think I'd lost my mind. Or we could squeeze him. Geez.

Today, after I get the dog some antibiotics, I shall be a homebody, a taxi, a housekeeper, gardener, perhaps a confidante to my kids.

I will help Jeff haul drywall into his basement and maybe mow the grass (mine, not his).I shall run errands and cook out, sipping a late afternoon martini as the sun goes down.

I shall exclaim at the beauty of the sunset over the dry bean field, yet another time. Just another reason for my son to roll his eyes.