Out Late and in Trouble

Last night, I ignored man's best friend, and she was not happy. I had gone to dinner with friends, and straightaway had come home, changed my shirt, and headed back out to go to a movie. When I got home, the street was quiet, but I heard about it when I went to my room downstairs in the "man cave".

Sitting in MY chair was Millie, the lady of the house with my wife gone. Millie was exhibiting her displeasure by taking the "Kirk chair", normally reserved for the Captain. After dinner, I had ignored her royal Beagleness, and just run out again to meet my daughter at the movies.

Now, normally Millie is asleep, and at age eleven she has also turned deaf as a post. So, you can almost always walk past her and not awaken her.

Not last night. I had been taken out to dinner by friends, and we ate in a bar, which was noisy and cigarette smoke filled. The food was OK, and my buddy Max insisted on treating, so who am I to complain. Besides, both Max and I are turning deaf (him from being too close to M-48 tank guns, me from too loud Rock & Roll emanating from Studio A speakers), so it wasn't that bad. Max just takes his hearing aids out, I have to "lean in" to hear him and Carolyn talk over the din.

So, we left at 6:20, and my daughter texted me at 7:40 asking "are you bored, how about a movie", and the film was SALT, which I wanted to see. Home by 7:55, run in the door, upstairs to strip off shirts and remove most of smoky smell, and back out the garage door. Millie, on the floor asleep, awakens. Darn......so we go out for a quick pee (Millie, that is), and I shove her back inside, and drive off in the Corvette. Making it just in time, I buy the tickets for myself and Caitlin - telling her to wait inside, so I can get TWO at senior prices. Save $4.50 that way, and why not take advantage of being old.

Caitlin has purchased Ike & Mike candies and two sodas at Walgreen's, placing them in her purse. Acorn has not fallen far from family tree - why pay movie prices for candy or soda. We sit down, Caitlin says I don't smell TOO smoky, and we enjoy the movie while her husband is working late. Nice time with my daughter, and after saying goodnight, I'm off to the house.

Getting home, the street is quiet, The light is on in the upstairs window. I sneak in.......BUSTED,there is Millie waiting for me. She gives me what for, barking loudly. Fortunately, these townhouses are well insulated and soundproofed. I try to apologize (after telling her to abdicate MY throne) and we go out for a short walk, with camera in pocket, and she does her business. All is finally forgiven and the night ends peacefully. I can't wait till my wife returns next week......she can deal with the wrath of the deaf Beagle, her royal highness Millie the First. Millie generally exhibits displeasure by turning over wastebaskets, but this time she took my spot, so she must have been really upset. I'll try to pay more attention to her tonight.