Imprecations!
Sainted Wife had a rough week at work, so we’ve come to the in-laws this weekend for unscheduled relaxation. Not that they mind of course, more time with the granddaughter for them. We went over to a friend’s pool so that Ngnat and I could show off our pool tricks; Ngnat rides daddy’s back, Ngnat jumps off diving board, Ngnat stands on Daddy’s hands while he lifts her up over his head, and Daddy throws Ngnat 4 feet up in the air and catches her while the grandparents have a heart attack. She calls it “Fly”
“Daddy, more fly?”
So I toss her up, and she does a perfect spread eagle at the height of her ascent, and then folds her arms flat against her sides just as she starts to come down. Catching her is a cinch. I’d throw her higher if the extra effort required didn’t destabilize her orbital path. Cheerleaders wouldn’t give me the time of day in high school, and now it looks like I’m raising one. I can’t decide if karma is punishing me or not. Her mother was a cheerleader, so maybe karma’s aiming at her.
On the way back in the house, we stop and pick up Ngnat’s afternoon driveway toys to bring them inside. I’m carrying a bucket of colored chalk, and as I come in the door it catches against the knob and spills open, scattering gaily colored pieces across the polished hardwood floor.
I express my displeasure. “Oh bloody hell.”
From just behind me, and a lot lower to the floor. “O buddy hell!”
The wife attempts a pained look, but gives up when her mother starts to giggle.
Whew, close one.
