Beauty * and * Bread

When I broke up with Shevy, I pretty much called it quits to dating life. Don’t get me wrong. Shevy and I had very close to four great years together. We traveled a lot, hiked a few miles, explored some great places. We talked a lot and shared families. But I discovered that I am much happier living by myself. That was confirmed even more when I occupied Carol’s house. She was the best roommate anyone could ask for–but it still isn’t the same as having your own space to yourself.

But wait! I’m not alone, am I? My two best buddies, Foxy and Grey Eagle share home and hearth. And then there’s Basement Cat, who still shows up from time to time.

Anyway, I still don’t want anyone moving in full time, but the stance on dating has softened just a bit. Admittedly he wouldn’t usually be my type. He’s very handsome, with gorgeous blue eyes and a blonde crewcut. I usually go for more of a tan and brown eyes. (Shevy was an exception to the rule with beautiful blue eyes.)

And my date is young. Very young. Like four. Talk about your May-December romances.

I had to ask him out. Not my style at all. In my day–back when covered wagons roamed the prairies–a girl couldn’t even call a guy. It was too “forward.” (How long has it been since you’ve heard that term?)

I must confess, however, that I have an ulterior motive for the date, brought about the fact that my date is gainfully employed, and he likes earning a bit of loose change. He is in business with Susie the Chicken. She lays the eggs, and Hunter–oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that my date is Hunter, but you may have guessed that–collects them.

For every egg that Susie lays and Hunter grabs, Hunter gets 10 cents. That’s gross wages. From that 10 cents, his dad subtracts 1 cent for taxes, 1 cent for savings and 1 cent for charity. Hunter nets 7 cents. When I got to Hunter’s house tonight, I found my grandson and his dad counting his fortune. He currently has $1.52 that he can spend.

I have it on good authority (Snappy) that Hunter loves to “swiffer.” My kitchen, bathrooms and Grey Eagle’s room desperately need washing, so I asked Hunter if he’d come to my house after I get off work tomorrow afternoon. He can help me. In return we’d have dinner together and hang out for a while, and I would pay him for his services (amount yet to be determined). He said he would.

So tomorrow night I have a date. I can’t wait.

My Special Date

I was going to write that I hope he’ll be a little cleaner for our date than he is in this picture, but I guess that doesn’t really matter if he’s coming here to work, does it?