Told my wife, “I’m hot as hell. Gotta take a break, hon.” I’d been working that summer doing odd chores between full-time jobs — lawn mowing, tree trimming, and furniture moving. Back then, weren’t many job opportunities in Arkansas, at least not like now. “Gotta take a dip to cool off. Can’t get much done anyhow ’cause of this damned heat.”
“Okay, sweetie. But be sure to be here before the kids get back from Mom Ethel’s. Don’t want to wait up ’til supper gets cold. Got your favorite: chicken ‘n’ dumplins. Oh, and please pick up some milk on the way home, K?”




