Gray Days of Winter

I opened the door and stared at the leaden sky. Temperatures hovered barely above freezing and no snow fell. My neighborhood contained only brown grass, dark gray trees and scattered clumps of snow remaining from shoveled driveways.

Christmas with all its bright colors and excitement was stored for next year. No lights, no greenery, no decorations adorned our walls or lifted our spirits. Inside was just as drab as outside.

I closed the door and regarded the boys, each absorbed in their tablets. We can do better.

“Hey, guys! Want some cookies?”

Sandi caught on immediately. “How about some popcorn and some hot chocolate?”

James pulled the tiny buds from his ears and Ian lifted his head.

“Mom, you and James get the popcorn and hot chocolate. Ian, we’ll get the cookies.”

Although not exactly excited, Ian got into the spirit and the kitchen bustled with activity.

By the time the kitchen was straightened, we had five dozen cookies, minus the three that Ian quality checked, a pot of hot chocolate and a bowl of fresh popcorn. James and Ian looked one another in the eye, smiled and dusted their hands. Mission accomplished and they headed for their tablets.

“Not so fast, you two. That was just getting started. What’ll it be, a board game or the stacking game.”

Ian spoke for both boys. “Dad, those are so lame. We’re not little, any more.”

I smiled. Kids think we were never young. “OK, then it’s time for an adult game.” I pulled a deck of cards from my pocket. “Pull up a chair, guys, and let me teach you.”

I shuffled the cards briskly, bridging them and dealing with a quick flick. “This is a game of intelligence, strategy, skill and luck.”

The boys sat and picked up their cards.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.