Al Hansen
Well-known member
About a month ago, my wife said at supper time, “Al, the kids want me to come to Milwaukee for George’s baptism on September 18th.” I looked at her and said, “Honey, that is a no brainer—your 19th grandchild—you definitely need to be there. Have you checked on line for tickets yet? Oh, how long will you be gone?”
It was then that I started to get these quizzical looks from Bev. “I’m planning on coming back home on Wednesday September 21st.” I quickly responded with, “Well that’s great. I’ll be happy to run to Albuquerque to pick you up. It was then that she made this comment, “It just now sunk in. You are secretly hoping that I will stay a few more days because that is during the early teal season. Am I right?” I had this sheepish grin on my face and she started to laugh.
About three days went by and another of her daughters called and said, “Mom, I’ll pay for the extra charge on your airline ticket if you will come to Green Bay and stay with me for a few days.” “Al, what do you think? Would it be all right if I come home on Monday, September 26th?” At this very moment I was trying my hardest to have that sincere look on my face trying to show her how much I would miss her. Bev then asked, “When is early teal season over?” I replied, “Sunday, September 25th.” “Geez, I should know better by now,” she sighed. I gave her a kiss and hug.
The phone rang today and Bev asked, “How many ducks have you shot so far? I told her that I had taken my limit of four on each of the first three days. Her next question was, “How many shells did you shoot all together?” For 14 wonderful years she has always asked that question during duck season. “Well, how many?” I did some quick calculations and said, “On opening day, Saturday, I shot 6 shells, on Sunday, I shot 7 shells, and today I shot 5 shells.” “You are telling me that you have already wasted 6 shells?” I can hear over the phone how she is trying to restrain herself. “Bev, I love you and I miss you!”
Oh, in 7 hours the alarm will wake me. In 8 hours I will leave for my teal hole. In 9 hours and 23 minutes, season will open on the 4th day. Chili will be seated next to me. I can hardly wait.
Al
I took Pepper today.
