Up The Creek

If our father had had his say, nobody who did not know how to fish would be allowed to disgrace a fish by catching him. Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It

The boys were chauffered to Sarcastro Mountain this weekend to meet their new grandparents. Despite all predictions of disaster and Apocalypse, the weekend turned out perfect.

New Grandma was inventive enough to stage a scavenger hunt as soon as the boys walked in the door. Though they found the prize somewhat anti-climactic, the thrill of the hunt delighted them. To their credit, the boys were on their best behavior; having been both begged and threatened regarding their comportment.

From what I can tell, children rarely go outside and play anymore. They prefer a fishing simulation game on the PlayStation than actually going fishing. We shifted that paradigm back this weekend. Tromping through the woods, splashing in the creek, throwing the football in the driveway and peeing in the bushes became the anticipated daily itinerary. Give me a few more months, and I'll have these boys drinking out of the hose and catching snakes.

Certainly, during the Driveway Bowl, the boys learned that sibling rivalry continues long after childhood. A play fight I had with my brother, spilled over and caused a riot on the field. I turned around to see the boys throttling each other, just like the big kids. The game brought out the competitor in each of us. It got to the point where my old fat ass was so winded, I couldn't count to "five-Mississippi" without dropping dead from hypoxia.

The boys seemed suitably pleased with the weekend overall and won't put up a fuss when the next trip "over the river and thru the woods" comes up. They aren't ready to hit the golf course, yet. But, there is time enough for that.

Even with the VCR in the car not working for the ride home, the kids were able to keep themselves entertained. If they learn nothing else under my watch, they should at least learn that.




My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him, all good things—trout as well as eternal salvation—come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy. Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.