It is a summer day in spring. Time to acclimate. May is shuffling along. June through August is my acquired taste. September is my favorite time of year. I loved to swim as a boy. Fond memories of Pounds Hollow throughout the summer. In retirement, I have learned to love all four seasons. I do not have the luxury of being a respecter of one above another. Summer is a perfect time for the Writing Porch. Mylo has taken to accompanying me each day. He hears another dog bark, and he returns the greeting. He is too short to see the dog, but he knows he is there.

In my halcyon days, Sunday was Movie Day. I joined the movie at 2:00 and did not leave until 8:00. The theatre was a sanctuary for an introvert. Dennis and I would take a break to walk to Dairy Queen to buy the old gentleman who took the tickets a pack of Marlboros. While we were there, we bought a pack for ourselves. We also purchased a bag of barbecued potato chips each to mask the smell of the cigarettes as we walked down the train tracks, smoking them as fast as we could. Ten cigarettes each was a tall order and required a lot of puffing.

The Brooks Memorial Day Cookout is in the works. Aaron is the Chef. I once was the Chef, but Aaron’s skills surpass mine. I like the charcoal outdoor cooking. It provides an unsurpassed flavor.

The rhythms of life and a sense of place are comforting. It has been a week of service providers. First the plumber, then the fiber-optic installation, and lastly the DirecTV man. Each requires focus to ensure the issues are addressed.

‘I heard that Pounds Hollow is closed until further notice due to sighting of the Creature From The Black Lagoon,’ Chet said. ‘We must investigate to see if our friend the Creature is being misunderstood,’ Chet continued. ‘At first appearance, he gives a shock, but once you know him, he is a kind, compassionate Fish Man,’ Chet laughed. ‘Creature likes to stay to himself, he is an introvert and a bit shy,’ Chet observed. ‘He was an only child and spent his time in the Orpheum Theatre, where he wore a disguise so he did not scare the other kids,’ Chet winked. ‘One Christmas, he dressed up as Santa Claus and passed out gifts to the children to their great delight, Chet remembered with some joy. ‘The Creature is cognizant of his different appearance and that some do not take the time to know him,’ Chet said quietly.

‘I have a lot to offer if anyone would ask,’ the Creature said. ‘I considered getting plastic surgery, but a friend told me to be proud of who I am,’ the Creature said, smiling. ‘We do not all look alike nor do we need to,’ the Creature said. ‘For instance, I have gills…not everyone has gills,’ the Creature laughed. ‘I am a people lover and a good time guy,’ the Creature danced and sang. ‘I have never hurt a minnow,’ Creature winked. ‘I must enjoy the summer air at the Hollow without fear of rejection or marginalization,’ Creature said with a clap of his webed hands. ‘You will tell the kids that I am alright and have lived among them for a long time,’ Creature assured.