This one contains FEROCIOUS LIONS!!

This weekend Amanda and I were in Abilene on a family mission: to see and entertain two aunts and a pair of grandparents. Not to mention the regular inlaws. Yes, it was a success, as always, I was a hit. Amanda was fantastic.

As soon as we walked in the door the ballroom became ablaze with the fire of excitement and anticipation. I announced that we had arrived and, of course, there was much applause. I twirled my cape and out of nowhere Amanda appeared wearing a sequined one piece leotard with her hair up and a spray of peacock feathers outlining her entire body. We opened with some magic, you know the usual levitation stuff. I made my father-in-laws head and his father's switch bodies. A pretty simple allusion really. Everyone was so amazed. Then Amanda took advantage of the rope swing in their living room to perform some acrobatics. She was lovely up there and so graceful. Grandma Curtis said to me, "Are you sure she's safe. If my baby gets hurt..." But I assured her that Amanda was a professional. After that came the comedy act. The bit about the stolen pants killed. Of course, she plays it straight while I play the fool. We ended with a little soft shoe number and the old standard Momma, Don't Make Me Sing For My Supper made famous by the Okiebaugh Twins back in 1907. Kathy, said, "It's a good thing you did sing, because it's supper time!" and we laughed as we made our way to the dinner table and proceeded to engage in behavior that continued the entire weekend. Of course, I'm talking about the making of my fatter self. The food was deeeeeelishh!.

Later, Amanda's sibling's arrived and we were serenaded by Brandon and Christine's very own acoustic rendition of "Tree's in the Forest" originally by Carlos and Dean, but made famous by Jerry Putters in the fall of '70. The rest of the weekend was rife with adventure and lavish banquets and parties. Returning home was like stepping out of The Great Gatsby into The Dukes of Hazard.

This was the last little outing until Amanda and I return to teaching school. As much as I can't wait to be disrespected and ignored for 7 hours a day I will miss this summer. It's been magical. Goodbye, summer '05. See you next year. Or not.

Ferocious Lions.