Dick's Hideaway:

Choosing a name

Dick MacKenzie - www.dickshideaway.com

Thirty years ago my friend Dave McKay was getting a new puppy. Delivery was a couple weeks away and the search was on for a name for the little boy. Dave thought Booger would be perfect.
Dave's wife, Jeanne, went ballistic just hearing the word. She couldn't even say it. Like a stern, old school nun, she would seethe through clenched teeth and pursed lips, "You can't name a dog THAT."
Dave and I, on several evenings before the pup's arrival, spurred on by sips of the golden elixir Yukon Jack, when we thought no one could see us, would spot the other across the room, extend our necks, point our chins, pout our lips, and silently mouth the word Booger.
It would send us both into fits of snickers and snots. The ladies knew we were up to no good, but never figured out what was so funny.
Sunny had a nice life with the McKays.
Grace needs a companion. Mary and I have put a deposit on a new pup from the same people that we got her from. The litter is due in mid-May, and the boy will be ready to come home in July.
The talk of a name has begun. Among other possibilities, I cleverly snuck in the name Booger. My best guess is that Mary will enter a convent before a puppy named THAT enters our home.
Spring at camp is going backward. Wind has been whistling the last two days, blowing down two trees on my walking path. Overcast sky, some snow, below freezing temperatures have me counting meat in the freezer, rice in the big bag, volume of wine, and number of cigars in the humidor.
As well, I yearn for a warm sunny day to fire up the barbecue.