Out of the Frying Pan

Who? What? When? Where?!?

Sorry folks, no time tonight for the next episode of Uncle Hayes at the Campbell Mansion. Last night an event came up but didn’t take so long. It was Eric’s last concert. The one I didn’t know about until last minute, as in Eric coming out dressed in his tux, getting ready to leave and telling me about it and asking me if I would come to it. Yep, that one.

Then tonight was the dinner in which the tickets were already paid for ahead of time, but again I’m left asking What dinner?

The menu consisted of things I don’t eat and things the doctor told me not to eat. But they did have great carrot cake, dinner rolls, and coffee.

So here I go again. Just came home from work and a busy hot day at that, Eric informs me he needs new dress clothes. So I have time enough to get something to drink, then it’s off to shopping. An hour and fifteen minutes later we’re back at home with a total new outfit including shoes for Eric. So I sit back down again for a moment, then go inside to start getting ready.

But no. Eric’s getting ready, taking a shower, the whole nine yards. Gee, he gets home around one-thirty, I don’t get home until after three. So back I went to set down and my snookums calls. She’s on her way home, left work early. Dumb me, the more I sit, the more tired I get, the more pain I feel.

Then again another surprise, Eric’s buddy needs a ride too. Again I start for the bathroom and Paige is in there. Back out, sit down. I figure Okay, and say, “Next!” That was dumb, now Eric’s buddy is in there. That’s it, out I went, sat down again.

My wife pulls in, comes inside, gives the cat a hug and tells me, “You need to be ready by five-thirty.” Finally I at least get a smoochie from her, I drag myself into the house, grab my clothes, and head for the bathroom. I have a whole twenty minutes to shower, shave, and get dressed. Okay, I was twenty-five minutes ‘cause I had to tie my dang shoes.

Anyhow, we made it. And enough of me whining and trying to blame someone else. The whole thing is, it was also an award ceremony dinner for the high school band. Eric was recognized for being a graduating senior but was also given the award for “Best Brass.” That means top over twenty or more that play a brass instrument. We were so very proud of him and all the other band members cheered for him.

Ya know, as I sit here writing this, I’ve been up since four Thursday morning, I’m about brain dead, yep, my legs hurt, my arm hurts. But, damn, it is worth seeing your kid get something he deserves, and my wife and I are very proud of him.

P.S. I just wish they'd let me know ahead of time.

Mike