Denise had a long day at work but we had made plans to go to a rodeo that they do twice a week at a Cave Creek bar, Buffalo Chip Saloon. They have two shows (7:30pm and 9:30pm) and we were going to the later show since she would not be home until about 9pm.

But I got to thinking about how tired she would be and the rushing to get there and texted her that we could go next year when hopefully we could go on a day that she did not have a 10-hour job.

So I went back to Tacos & Tequilas because it was karaoke night, which is something that I enjoy. This time I drank old reliables – a Ketel One on the rocks with a slice of lemon and then a few glasses of Pinot Grigio. And it was Ladies Night, so the wine was only $4 a glass. There was a crowd so I only got to sing three songs. Lots of regulars, who were very old. One ancient guy in a Desert Storm hat sang Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage,” which apparently is the one song he sings every week. There was one table of young people and a few people around my age scattered about. There were a lot of country songs sung and after one of my songs, a young man pulled me out to dance to a country song. It’s been a very very long time since anyone has asked me to dance. Especially a slow dance.

My day had been spent doing some work, writing, and catching up on missed TV shows. I am on vacation after all, so I do not have to running around all the time.

For the last two nights, Denise has slept in her roommate’s bed since the roommate is not here. Because all the dogs, including the roommate’s dog, Billie, who usually sleeps with the roommate, were crawling into bed with us. Billie, Nona, and Tally followed Denise into the other bed. Waldo stayed with me, as he always does, and he is my sleeping companion.

In addition to Waldo, I spend my days with:

Nona, Billie, Tally

Casper

and Magicka

By Carene Lydia Lopez