7:00 PM

It is ten after seven, near to twilight, and my father has closed his pharmacy for the day. Charlie and Horsefly have also arrived in the Chevrolet that just doesn’t quit and they have locked the doors and turned on the alarm. Horsefly will fixate on some oral hygiene product like mouthwash and carry it around while Charlie does the books and reconciles the cash registers for the day. They’ve done this routine for as long as I can remember and that is a very long time. You can also catch my father watching trashy TV in his back office from time to time as well. It’s his way of winding down at the end of a busy day.

I’ve tried to make Maggie’s and I’s evening perfect for us. Maggie and I both got a Brunswick stew and barbeque pork sandwich meal from Roger’s. It is expensive, but oh so delicious.  Worth every penny paid. Maggie is now zonked out with a full belly at the bottom of my chair and at the foot of my feet. She’s one happy pup and out like a light for the night. 

Dad will be by around 9:30  to 10:00 PM to check on Maggie and I. Maggie always alerts me to his presence and to quickly put on some pants and put my cap on. I will have been asleep for up to an hour or so. I never complain about it.  We have to make sure Maggie has fresh food and water and my father also asks me various questions about current events trying to keep me on my toes. He will ask me questions like what is the day and what is the time. I always surprise him with what I will know. I am not living in a vacuum here.