Pragmatist
Pragmatist

OK, so I'm not a party-type. 

Couple used to live across the way from me, and I watched the kids from time to time.  Now they live wa-a-a-y over in West Sac, in a beautiful home, tastefully furnished. Nice deck overlooking a waterway, swimming pool.  Amenities!

The older boy had his 8th birthday party today, along with neighborhood kids and kids not from the neighborhood, and their parents.  The host parents have a huge flat screen TV, with Wii Fi (is that what it's called?)  in the family room, which is right next to the kitchen, and the little boys with their shrill, excited voices were playing games.  The parents were out on the deck, or in the kitchen gathered around the bar, or in the dining room.  And other children were in the dining room playing with the toys. Noisily, of course.

The family recently acquired a beautiful Cocker Spaniel female puppy, barely weaned, all black except a white chest and a white spot on one toe. She's darling. And was being mauled by the small children. Host Mom finally put the poor little thing in her cage.

Burgers and dogs cooking in the barbecue on the deck; salads, buns and stuff waiting in the kitchen for the burgers and dogs.  A brief respite from the noise while the children ate, but you all know how children eat a parties like that.

We all went out to the driveway to batter the (senior moment. . . the thing that hangs up high, has a bunch of candy and stuff inside) whatever it's called. More noise, but at least it wasn't confined by reverberating walls.  Such a scramble for the candies when the [thing] was smashed open.   Then Host Dad brought out another one, so the rest of the kids could have a swing.

Then back in the house for cupcakes with candles and ice cream. Then the opening of presents.  Both boys got presents, even though it was the elder one's birthday.  

I tried to sneak out, but Host Mom's Mom signaled my departure, but I was still able to get out without a whole lot of thanks for comings, and pleased ta meetchas.  This brought home to me how much of a hermit I've become.  Too many people, too much noise.  But I wouldn't have missed it.


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