Play Dates

I kept my promise to the young lady down the street. She brought her puppy to play with Lilac and we roasted marshmallows over a small fire in the backyard.

It was slightly less windy today than yesterday. Slightly warmer also. I made a small fire that would burn down very quickly and not be a danger to the property of my neighbors.

It's been years since I've roasted marshmallows over a campfire; I'd forgotten how sticky they are when you pull them off the skewer. I managed not to get marshmallow in my hair. I was quite proud of myself for being less messy than a teenager.

The puppy wanted to play, of course, but Lilac didn't seem to feel festive. The young lady threw toys around the backyard for her puppy to play with. I suggested that she throw the red ball and see if we could get Lilac interested in playing. The red ball is one of Lilac's favorite toys. That worked. A couple tosses of the red ball got Lilac going and then the two dogs played by themselves.

The puppy and Lilac are still getting to know each other. Puppy is learning some doggy etiquette from Lilac. Like 'I'm older than you, I demand respect.' kind of etiquette. Reminds me of the kind of etiquette my mother taught her children.

I can't say I'm the best example of humanity. Still, I'm pleased that the young lady comes to visit. Talking to MySpouse about her visiting reminds me of something I hear frequently at AA meetings: "Fake it 'til you make it." One of the ways to become what you want to be is to act the way you want to be. To become 'normal' it helps to act normal: visit a neighbor, play with a dog, roast marshmallows.

I know that it will take more than play dates to help the young lady stay sane. We just each have to do our part for her health and sanity, and this is my part.