The air had a special smell. It was alive with the possibilities of youth. George and Helen had on their swimsuits. Reclining in lawn chairs in 1962. They had thick Chicago accents. George called Billy B Doc. Billy B’s Dad was doing the grilling. Dad George and Helen had Schlitz Beer. It smelled funny, Billy B thought. Dad wore his motorcycle cap. He loved his Harley. Neva J and Ivy played badminton. Neva J loved badminton. She twisted her ankle one time and was laid up from badminton duty. Susie and Steve were there. Steve brought his Marionettes.

‘Come on down and join us on stage, Punch said to Billy B. ‘You will be the star of our show,’ Punch continued. ‘See my bat; it is for Cricket,’ Punch laughed. ‘I have thought to take it to the Cuban Missile Crisis negotiations with Krushcheve and Kennedy,’ Punch winked. ‘This Crisis has not happened yet, but soon,’ Punch informed with a sly grin. ‘Hard times are ahead, but puppets help,’ Punch noted.

‘Too much talk, Punch. For Billy B, let him enjoy the cookout,’ Judy said. ‘What is coming during his life is more than he can bear; it must be taken one day at a time,’ Judy lectured. ‘He must focus on the good; the bad will take care of itself,’ Judy assured. ‘We will be around if he needs us a little older and worse for wear, but around for a rollicking Puppet Show,’ Judy danced. ‘Do not speak of the ending, as it is darkest before the dawn,’ Judy said.

‘You better wake up, Doc,’ George said. ‘Everyone has gone into the house to see a National Address by President Kennedy,’ George noted. ‘Take a hot dog and hamburger with you Helen, get me another Schlitz, please,’ George asked.