lovely afternoon

Lunchtime Friday, Marisela's dad at the end of the cul-de-sac was seasoning some fresh thin-cut steak, and as I rode my freshly finished blue Schwinn through the deliciously smoky aroma, I knew nothing would satisfy my hunger except carne asada. The yellow pages' number for Sabor Latino was bad. 4-1-1 had no listing. Luckily the boy working the hotel that shared its parking lot hooked me up. Listo en 15 minutos. Patrick and Josie were on the road in no time, and soon our little family was picnicking on Ms. Underwood's African rug in the shade near the azaleas. My heart and stomach were so happy.

I am so happy Patrick finished up the bike. I really love riding it. It reminds me of the last time I really cruised a bicycle, and that was the summer after high school, when an evening found me without companionship, so I borrowed a bike and just rode all around Eureka, downtown, uptown. Hot and sweaty that night, I had remembered riding a bike as a kid. I had a great childhood, and I always welcome those memories.