Shiftless Drifting

Things are out of focus. Light. There is alot of light. He gives another yelp and a nuzzle. I can almost focus now. The television is droning on. A badly produced, poorly acted, low budget film. No sunlight on the floor. It must be past ten. Now the other gives a yelp. Arthur is sitting in front of me wearing his eager to use the tree's expression and Valiant is dancing excitedly in the hallway. I guess it's time to move on their behalf.

I almost lost my sunglasses when I hit that rut. Mud made it all the way to my windsheild this time, the boys don't seem to care though. I pull to a stop and let them out. "Kings of Leon" helps me wait out there yipping and bounding about. "I Want You" off "Only By the Night" is playing when the gears start moving. The dogs have gone too far ahead and now I'll have to drive this field to catch them, at least it is to a happy beat. They seem to have found something ahead... The neighbor who told me of this trail. Great.

"Well. What do you have there?" I ask knowingly. The only thing he could possibly have in his tiny bucket are fresh blackberries from the thicket ahead.
"Whell... I don' know why, but I had ta' get ma fix a' these berries before we head out." Smiling. Always smiling.

"I just might have to do the same thing." I tell him in passing as I load the boys into the back of the truck. "If I don't see you before you leave... You have a safe trip." The old man and his wife were leaving for the north. The winter was officially over.

The breeze came in a little stronger than I was hoping for this afternoon. As the waves broke across my wasteline, I noticed the wind caring the bubbly surf into the air. Foam aflight. This made me smile. Watching the foam leave...I enjoy when the sand sneaks out from under my feet. Each wave taking a bit more from under foot until I'm forced by a wave to take a step. Another grin covers my face... I can see the Hangout from here. A beach bar/restraunt that has had jobs available. I should investigate. I collect a couple of applications.

I cubed up some potatoes and fried them with onions and seasoning. I boiled a little broccoli with butter. While they cooled off on the plate, I had a stiff drink and waited for my steak to reach medium rare. Meal in hand, a quick shot of rough whiskey, a fresh lite beer and some sitcom... This can't be the end of my night!

My phone buzzes. Text message. Inspiration. Time to investigate how busy the Hangout is. If it's busy at ten, then it may be the place. The bartender has a long ponytail. He is a bit over weight. He mentions "Wide Spread Panic." The pieces fit. The busy places during the summer, he informs me, are here, Mudbugs, and The Pink Pony in Foley. He is a nice guy. Brandon was his name. The trip home takes me past a bad accident. To the right, a guy on a strecher, firefighters down the side of the bridge, a car tire. To the left, a truck has crossed all six lanes and is into the far retaining wall. You could follow his tracks right up to his truck. About six cars are pulled over,either helping or as witnesses. I hope someone didn't die tonight.

I'm glad to be at home again. Dogs asleep. Beer in hand. Maybe tomorrow will be as exciting...