Boy Collections, Side-seat Drivers and Big Eyes

The stories in this column are true. Averett lives a dull life in rural Southside Virginia with his wife Management, two children and a rotating assortment of goats, dogs, cats, snakes and other local fauna.

My Girl-child just sent me the above picture of my Grand-Brats. Like most grandparents I like to whip out pictures of them to show off. Unfortunately, I don’t have any hard copy pictures of them and I don’t know how to show them to you on my phone. Besides, the little one-inch by one-inch screen just doesn’t do them justice.

Since I mention them often I thought you might like to see them. In any case pretend you do want to see them just like I pretend to like looking at pictures of YOUR grandchildren.

I have to admit I am concerned. I can’t believe my daughter would do something like this.

Now you understand my concern. It looks like a great idea BUT what is she going to do keep them from escaping?

My bride Management and I just got back from a couple of days away. We had a lovely time. We left after she got in from work on Friday. Keeping in mind that she drives 300 miles a day on her job, you might think I would have given her a break.

In our case it just doesn’t work like that. Management always drives. Even if I am in the driver’s seat with the wheel in my hands she is still driving. If she is in the back seat she is driving. It is just what she does. We discovered many years ago that both of us are happier if she has the wheel and drives rather than driving from somewhere else in the car.

My Girl-child had an interesting comment made to her last week. Both of us are still in shock. As she was delivering newspapers, a man of about my own youthful age engaged her in a conversation. It was just chitchat until he told her, “You have the most beautiful eyes.” She was fine with that. She does have beautiful eyes.

THEN he added, “They are just like your dad’s.” She said her eyes got even bigger as did mine when she told me.  “You have beautiful eyes, just like your dad’s.” “Just—like—your—dad’s.” My eyes got even bigger.  Something like that makes you want to replay every conversation you’ve ever had with the person.

“Just—like—your—dad’s.” My eyes still haven’t returned to normal size. I just hope I don’t run into him before they do.