Caroline came over to the house looking glum. She’s leaving for the west coast tomorrow to play eight shows, which will conclude her tour for this year. I told her that she’d be back well before Thanksgiving and will be home for the Christmas Holiday. “I’ll be back the November 12, Daddy; it’s just that I don’t feel like this.” “I know, but you’ll do it and then be ready in the spring for another round.” My oldest daughter laughed and said that she must be crazy to have chosen this for a career. “Undoubtedly, however, the pay is good, and there are some cool perks,” I replied. “That is true, but I would rather be home.” “And that’s why you’re normal.” Caroline smiled and said that she feels better already. “And we have meatloaf for supper, which is a bonus,” I said.
The family gathered in the dining room as I put the food on the table. We then sat down, and I said grace. Michael Jr. eyes were filled with joy as he anticipated chowing down on meatloaf. Naturally, he and John sat next to Blake, who doted on the boys. Christopher, oblivious to everything slept contentedly near his mother. Gio and Rayne sat next to their mother. I looked around the table and saw three doctors, which made me proud. I then saw Farley sitting next to Robin and silently chuckled. I enjoyed watching the family fill up their plates, and when they did, I fixed mine. I always serve myself last, a custom I started because it felt right to do so. We then started eating.
It’s great to be home.
Cary commented on how good the meatloaf tasted and said that simple meals are the best. We went to dinner last week at the home of two married doctors, and it was a chore getting the food down. They have expensive cookware and a kitchen that is fit for a pro, but neither one of them can cook and trying to eat mangled chicken cordon bleu was rough,” he said. “It was awful, but they tried. I kept looking Cary, who looked on in horror as Jeannette and Jared struggled in the kitchen,” Paige added. “I liked it when Jeanette asked David if Ohio is next to Minnesota,” Michael then said. “They’re sweet, but they both grew up in Connecticut and think they’re in the wild, wild south,” David added. “You could do something with the cookware they have, but you probably wouldn’t want it because it takes up a lot of space,” Paige then said to me. “You’re right, I wouldn’t, I like keeping it simple,” I replied.
Rayne then mentioned my new book.
“Andy is creepy, especially when he fantasizes about harming boys,” she said before realizing that she should have kept her mouth shut. Caroline turned red, while her sister rolled her eyes. “Do you read that book,” her mother asked. “Yes,” my granddaughter replied in a low voice. “What did I tell you about that?” “That we weren’t allowed to read it.” “Then why did you?” “Because it was left out on the table,” Rayne replied. “Rayne, that’s a grown-up book, and it’s disturbing, which is why I didn’t want you to read it,” Caroline said. “I know, I had nightmares after reading it.” “Did you read it, too,” Caroline asked Gio. “Yes.” “You girls need to listen when I tell you not to do something. That book is inappropriate for both of you.” “Your mother is right; you have to listen to what she says,” I added. “Sorry,” Rayne replied. “Did you like the book,” Dave asked. “Yes, it was a scary book, but it was also interesting,” Gio proudly declared. “Good, it was a great book,” the veterinarian added. Caroline gave him a look of disbelief, which made Farley and Michael chuckle. “That’s not what you should have said,” she told her boyfriend. “I used to sneak adult books from my parents, too,” he replied. “That’s just great!” “Grandmother said you used to sneak in and watch rehearsals for a nude play,” Gio said. Once again, Caroline blushed and was left speechless. “I read all my uncle’s Playboys,” Michael chimed in. “Michael,” Paige shrieked. “Please, you read your mother’s Playgirls,” he countered. Paige became apoplectic, which was hilarious. “Grandmother also said that you used to sneak watch adult videos,” Rayne added. Caroline stammered and then let out a huff. “There was always porn on at the house when I was growing up,” Robin lamented. “Cool,” Michael replied. “That’s not a good thing, Michael,” Paige screamed. “Did any of you behave,” I asked, which got all eyes on me. “Oh please, you’d need an encyclopedia to document all of your transgressions,” Blake said. “Alright, let’s not blow this out of proportion, Gio and Rayne know they were wrong and it won’t happen again–but of course it will; however, they’ll be sanctions the next time around,” I said. My granddaughters hung their heads. “You’re bright girls, but grow up too fast,” I told them, which made them smile. “Did you do anything stupid when you were growing up, Grandma,” Gio asked Blake, who smiled. “No, she waited until college,” I cracked. “Elmer!” Paige busted up, which made my wife seeth. “You girls have enough material to know what not to do in college,” I continued. “Elmer!”
We all then laughed and recalled more of our youthful transgressions. For me, it was a reminder of how time had passed. Kids want to grow up too fast, and then when they do, they yearn to be kids again. I reckon the lesson is to live each day with gusto regardless of your age.
Time moves too fast.
Scragg Man 
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