Non-Gaming Stories

I originally posted this as a status on Facebook about four years ago and thought I would reshare it with all of you today. Enjoy! - - - - - This morning I woke up, rolled out of bed and began my long slow stagger to the bathroom with my toothbrush in hand.  I opened the door to my room, stepped out and closed it behind me so the cats would not think that I was allowing them in for a visit since my closet is The Most Fascinating Place on Earth as far as cats are concerned. It was a needless gesture because both of the boys, Rapey and Prometheus, were sitting side-by-side in front of the sliding glass door, enraptured by something that was going on outside.  My curiosity was piqued and I paused to join them in their observation. I was treated to a majestic scene transpiring in the backyard, just beyond the chain link fence.  A baby deer, dappled with the white spots of his youth was nursing from his mother.  There was a sense of subdued wonder, warmth in the air, the glowing radia

My wife is in the National Guard and this weekend was one of those "one weekend per month and two weeks per year" weekends. I never know what to do with myself when she is away. I am proud that she has decided to serve and, from my time in the military, I know all about "needs of the command" and understand that commitment to duty that accompanies the oath of service. Understanding does not make these weekends any easier and I miss her terribly when she is away. Friday morning, I dropped her off at her command and settled in to wait. I needed to find a way to kill some time so I decided to explore the area. Signs indicating the presence of a nearby park drew my attention and after following them, I found myself at Belle Prairie County Park just outside of Little Falls, MN. The road through the park, for the most part is single-lane asphalt and in good repair. There were exceedingly few potholes and almost no debris to impede travel. I followed the loo