This morning in the subterranean garage, whilst conducting my customary back and forth on the tricycle along the dry basement floor, I encountered Wayne and Penny returning from an early morning outing.  I thought at first that they may have attended a matins service; and I was preparing to ask the usual quip, “Whether they had remembered to put any money in the collection plate on my behalf?”  It turns out they had been at a hockey game with their grandsons. As they descended from their vehicle it was soon apparent that they were in the company of two others, children, one older than the other. The older chap was introduced to me. He was identified as the team goalie.  And they had won today!  The congregation did however give me to understand that the celebrity was not altogether common. This was the first win in some time. Nonetheless I congratulated the fellow accordingly.  His younger brother (with whom the older brother had an obvious attachment) made a scene by playing fisticuffs with his older brother who merely manipulated his younger brother and kept him at bay while fluttering about. The older brother’s lack of intolerance pointed, in my mind, to a caring relationship between the two. The recent hockey game win may have softened the old brother’s endurance; but a quick glance told me the generosity was usual between them.

The grandparents interrupted the sports engagement to remind themselves and everyone else that they were due back for another game shortly.  This was only a short interlude. So the four of them reunited themselves as a group with arms connecting briefly to one another as evidence of the corporate enterprise, then herded themselves towards the exit to the stairwell and disappeared.

In an instant I was back to pedalling along the basement floor, hearing the odd crunch of grit (no doubt from the sand and salt outside this time of year) beneath the broad tricycle tires. Not long afterwards I fulfilled my objective of 30 minutes of recorded Workout (Outdoor Cycle). Afterwards I ate my breakfast during which time friends telephoned to advise they had a Christmas gift of goodies to deliver to us today. We’ve left the arrangement of the time to them.  I shall however take my ritual jaunt to the city. It is a lovely day!