New Dude – Photo: L. Weikel

New Dude

Late this afternoon I was sitting on the edge of our porch, drinking in the sunshine, writing in my journal, and pretending life was normal. Our house is fairly close to the road, so sometimes when a car drives by I’ll look up. Sometimes I’m quick enough to recognize a neighbor driving by and I’ll manage a wave. A lot of times, though, I don’t realize who’s gone by until it’s too late.

That’s what happened today. I heard the vehicle approaching, but only glanced at it just as it whisked by. I instinctively waved, but figured they hadn’t seen me. I was disappointed I’d not waved sooner when I saw the “POLICE” emblazed on the side of the vehicle just as it slipped beyond my view. I like to be polite and maintain a friendly relationship with our local police department. I appreciate having them around and knowing their faces. And even better – we’ve had some unique experiences over the years.

We Meet Again

It was at least another hour and a half later that Karl and I were walking down our road, Sheila and Spartacus trotting along behind us. Well, Sheila was behind. Spartacus was leading the way, eager as always to see what the next leg of our journey would reveal.

Hearing a car approaching us from behind, we shepherded the hounds to the side of the road, as we usually do. I glanced back to see how close they were and realized it was the same police vehicle I’d seen go past our house earlier.

I smiled and waved as he approached, and the officer slowed down to say hi.

With a big grin, the officer greeted us and, looking toward Karl, said, “That’s quite a haircut!” or something to that effect.

We laughed, but I have to admit, I was surprised he’d noticed Karl’s new ‘look.’ I just don’t imagine people pay that much attention to us. At least, not in that sense. So I was even more surprised when he said, “Yeah, I saw you on the porch when I drove by earlier.”

I interrupted him with the intention of apologizing for not waving and said, “I saw you just as you went by—“

But he continued, “And then I saw you,” he said, glancing at Karl, “and thought – wait. Did he get a drastic haircut? Or did she get a new dude?”

Made Our Evening

Yeah, it’s that big of a change. Karl has had long hair for years – probably twenty at least. But when he realized it was starting to thin on top, he decided to go ‘all or nothing’ – hence his new look since sometimes in January.

It sure was a surprise to realize that even our local police noticed the change enough to comment on it.

It’s a good look. And even though I like it, I tease him a lot. That’s how he knows I love him.

But from now on?  He’ll forever be my ‘new dude.’

(T-610)