My Turn - Sometimes, we just need to play

A dear friend of mine turned 90 this month. What a special treat for me to make the waltz across Texas to the shores of Lake Livingston for the celebration.

I've seen pictures of the annual 4th of July Golf Cart Parade there. What I just learned was that my friend Frances was responsible for it. She told me about these three little girls who told her, one rainy, muddy 4th of July morning, they wanted to have a parade.

Now, I'm a sensible person. I would have explained to the girls why it wasn't a good idea that day. But not Frances. She told them it was a great idea, that they should go around the lake inviting everyone to show up on golf carts at 3 p.m. at her house, and they'd have that parade. That year it was the three little girls and my friend. Ten years later it's a big to do, decorated carts, full participation.

I took a lesson from her. (Another lesson. She's been teaching me all my life!) Last week the kids visiting my house played dress-up, jail-break, tea party, and we made moon boots with foam blocks and rubber bands.

Plenty of time for work. Sometimes we just need to play.

Sandy keeps an online journal at her website http://www.field-days.com. E-mail her at [email protected].