Dicey Connections

Our internet connection has been dicey at best for the past week. Dave finally had some time to figure out the problems with the router and we seem to be up and running again. Speaking of running, I logged another nearly 5-miler this morning. This run was not sponsored by two cups of coffee and I hope to sleep a little better tonight! On most of my walks and runs along our country road I am often stopped by Mr. Eccles. He is a 70+, possibly intoxicated man who drives a white pickup. Today I noticed that one half of his teeth are missing and despite looking like a Valley logger he sports a wide array of gaudy rings. Completely harmless, well, maybe the intoxication poses some problems. Our encounters usually involve a slowing of his truck and a rallying cry of, "Keep up the exercise!" If I am walking with the kids, he says, "My goodness, are these all yours?" Today he stopped and said, "Half a minute, madame. I have some exercise equipment that has never been used. It is next to my mailbox at the bottom of the driveway." He then tried to demonstrate the exercise equipment with an interesting display of arm and leg movements. I told him I would pick it up later... Strangely enough, my encounters with Mr. Eccles have become somewhat encouraging as he recognises my efforts to mother and to exercise. The other morning he drew up along side of me and seemed rather startled. I couldn't imagine what his comment would be this time. However, I was genuinely grateful when he squinted his eyes, peered at my face and said with great surprise, "My goodness, you are a good looking woman." Thank you Mr. Eccles, you put a new spring into my step.