It Only LOOKS Like I’m not Paying Attention. I’m Actually Deep in Thought.

Sunday was a post-card-picture day in Minneapolis, a day of brilliantly blue skies, the odd cotton ball of a cloud pushed overhead by the perfect clothes-line wind.

It was the ideal day to be ever-so-slightly hungover.

But hey! I did it to myself; and if you don’t mind me saying, I did it on purpose. It’s been a long time since I sat with friends on Kathy’s deck. Beer was consumed, problems solved, plans made for the upcoming Kegger in the Woods.

And today, I got exactly what I asked for. I am reasonably hungover, a mildly sedated condition in which I come up with some of my best ideas.

No, I’m serious!

For example, my dock installation and removal service. Think of it: 10,000 lakes! All of those docks going in the water at roughly the same time every Spring, all those docks coming out of the water before it freezes.

Equipment needed? A dozen wrenches (which will cover you up to the first 11 wrenches you drop in the water).

Some business cards.

Brute strength.

Oh, yes. And an interest in doing it.

Hmmm.

Still. It was an idea nonetheless.

This morning’s idea?

A chili cook-off.

Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to my latest brainchild, the First Annual Chili Invitational, an event tentatively slated for October 17th, an event guaranteed to bring in chilis and an excuse for me to create a hokey trophy that no doubt absolutely several people would proudly display on their mantle.

Or stuff into the backs of their closets.

Either way! What it really is is an excuse to fit a party in between the Summer Party and the Winter Party.

I’m so clever.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a dark cool room to lie in until I am forced to cook dinner.

And chili and cornbread recipes to Google.