Yes, I am Growing Older

Once a year, or so, I find my way to the Redondo Beach area of California.  I come for work, not pleasure, but have, for the past few years, taken the opportunity to visit with friends while I'm in town.  I met my friend through work, she always being in CA and I in VA, and working together on projects virtually.  We did not meet face to face until we'd already completed our first project together.

Over the years I have gotten to know her husband and their son. And the last time we visited, now more than a year ago, they had just brought two rambunctious puppies into their family.  That was July, 2009.

Yesterday afternoon we arrived in the area and, as we'd planned, we arrived at their house to share supper and to catch up on everything.  Their son, always a high energy kid when I'm there (cannot IMAGINE he maintains that high energy level normally) was in full gear!  He was excited to see us, and hugged us, and immediately dragged Joe off to show him his musical progress on the piano.  Meanwhile, his mother corralled me into the kitchen, and focused my attention on a highlighted portion of a document displayed on her laptop that sat, waiting, on the kitchen table.

"I need you to read the highlighted part and give my your opinion/suggestions for making it better," she said, as I read the highlighted portion of her resume.  I gave her a couple of suggestions, and she thanked me, as she opened the kitchen door to let the dogs in....for the puppies were now full-grown, BIG dogs.. they are a cross between and retriever and a poodle....

The dogs about knocked me down as they greeted me with full body slam, "let's get acquainted," eagerness.  I like dogs fine... but... well, I was smothered!  As I extricated myself from their fond embrace, and made my way to the sink to wash my hands, my friend announced that supper was served and it was time to wash up and come to the table. (I was happy to oblige.)

Riley and Danny... Energetic Dogs

For the most part, the dogs seemed aware of their expected limitations to the kitchen area, venturing into the dining room only when they thought they could sneak past the watchful eyes of the resident adults...still, more than once during supper, there was a concerted effort to coax them back out from under the table where they were "hiding."  Between the dogs and the boy, who wanted to play a piano piece he'd written, before finishing his chicken, it was a lively meal!  In his defense, I think he might have been particularly energized in anticipation of his 10th birthday that was the next day.

Another Enjoyable Meal with Friends

After supper we retired to the back deck where three of the four adults enjoyed after-supper smoking.  I hung around and enjoyed the conversation, though I must admit I managed to sit in the wrong place and developed a wicked sinus headache by the time the evening was drawing to close, I suspect from the smoke that seemed to be determined to envelop me!

Before we called it a night, though, we were treated to a "show" put on by the boy.  He had performed similarly last year, playing CD's and dancing for all he is worth, a la Michael Jackson style.  There is little doubt in my mind, this kid completely enjoys being the center of attention.  He has a lot of personality, is bright, articulate, and............ exhausting!

The Energizer Kid...

...Never Tires

After the show and dessert of apple pie a la mode, we called it a night, it was, after all, a school night, and a work night.  With my sinus pounding and my head still reeling from the energy level of the whole evening, I was happy to simply return to the hotel and relax, heading to bed earlier than usual!  I guess I have to come to the conclusion that I am, indeed, growing older... I am worn out by the three-ring-circus energy level...and to think, my friends, the parents of this now 10 year old energizer battery kid are older than I am.... and my kids were 17 and 19 years old when their ONLY child was born!!!!

It was a nice evening, with good food, a lot of stories shared, antics of a child and a couple of dogs, and a little music (Joe played a few tunes on the piano while the apple pie and ice cream were being dished up).

Joe...Always Ready to Jam...

I imagine I will recuperate by next year, when I have a feeling I will return to the area.  It's nice to know we are always welcome whenever we are in town.

The Guys at Evening's End