Once again, I’d like to thank Miriam and Robbie for visiting last week, and for participating in the largest discussion ever in the comment section. Today’s post is shorter and fewer people are involved. Just David, Cheryl, and me at the bar, as we relax and try to handle Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. Linda is taking us down memory lane today:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘a phrase you grew up with.’ Include in your post a phrase your mom/dad/grandparent/sibling used all the time when you were growing up, or just write whatever inspires you based on that phrase. Enjoy!”
I grew up hearing a few choice phrases. I’m going to go with one suited to a family audience.
If we were having a beer, you’d have already ordered our drinks.
“Welcome my young friend.”
“Look at this, you already bought me a beer.”
“Well, I know your guests last week were lightweight drinkers, but I had a few John Howell Specials. I think it’s my turn to buy.”
“I won’t argue. Cheers, David.”
“Cheryl said that was the last Corona in the cooler. She went downstairs to check.”
“Have no fear, we have one more six-pack. I’ll tag two of these for Dan.”
“Thanks Cheryl. I usually only have two beers.”
“I know, but just in case.”
“You have plenty of bourbon, right?”
“More than I’ll serve you, since you drove to this bar, David.”
“Dan, did I see you planting stuff this week?”
“You did. One of the little spruce trees we planted, we planted six last year, five are OK, but one doesn’t seem to be doing well after winter. So, we thought…
“So, a spruce tree?”
“Yes, like I was saying…”
“That’s all I really needed to know.”
“I figured you’d appreciate the back story.”
“Are you like this at home?”
“Like what?”
“Treating every inquiry as if it’s an essay question.”
“Hmmm, my wife might say yes.”
“He’s always like that here at the bar.”
“Thanks Cheryl.”
“Sorry, Dan, but you do tend to go on a bit.”
“Have you always been like this?”
“Like what, David? I mean I have a lot of qualities, are you still asking about how I answer questions?”
“Yes. More precisely, how you take forever to answer those questions.”
“Well, when I was growing up…”
“Dan, ask yourself, ‘is this whole answer necessary?’ I mean, is it?”
“Yes. When I was growing up, my father had this expression when I would take a long time to answer a question. He would say, “It’s like I asked you for the time and you’re telling me how to build a clock.” I heard that a lot.”
“I think I would have liked your father.”
“You would have.”
“Speaking of storytelling, I finished reading the draft of your first book. You know, the one that’s the backstory to the book you wrote.”
“And???”
“And what?”
“And did you like it?”
“Yes, I did. I made a few comments, but you can have it back.”
“Great, thanks. Cheryl and a couple others gave me their comments. I’m waiting on a few more beta readers to get back to me.”
“Can I have the draft of the second book?”
“It just so happens; I have your copy with me.”
“See, you could have said ‘yes.’ That was a yes or no question. No essay.”
“I could have, but then you would have asked, ‘when can I get it,’ and I would have had to answer and…I think I actually saved words by answering the way I did.”
“You think you saved words?”
“I do. In fact, I bet that the way I answer questions actually results in fewer words being spoken.”
“I wouldn’t put too much money on that bet, Dan. You want another beer?”
“Yes.”
“Very good, Dan. See that wasn’t hard.”
“I get it, David. But Cheryl asked a simple question.”
“And I have another. Do you boys want anything to eat?”
“I’ll handle this, Dan. I’d like an order of fish and chips, and I’m guessing Dan will want to join me.”
“I would, David.”
“I think he’s getting the hang of it, Cheryl. That’s two answers and only four words.”
“OK, you two. If you’re through poking fun at me, let me tell you what else I planted…”
“Sigh. Cheryl, can I get another splash of bourbon?”
No Facilities 
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