Maggie got home just after five, and it appeared she was trying to put on a happy face for Becky and me, but I saw right through her façade.

"Tough day, hon?" I asked.

"Yeah, it sure was. Two travel agents were out sick, so I had to set my bookkeeping hat aside and play 'travel agent' most of the day. Mrs. Thompson came in to help out, but she really isn't up to date on all the latest, generally making matters worse. Mr. and Mrs. T. certainly are quite a pair. I sure hope we're that close when we've been married 45 years!"

"Me too," I replied, nuzzling her neck. She hardly noticed, and I realized she needed some serious cheering up. Suddenly I had a brainstorm. I excused myself to make a quick phone call. When I returned, I announced, "I have a surprise. Who wants to do something fun and really different tonight?"

Becky immediately yelped, "Me!"

Maggie cocked her head, saying she was open to suggestions. Just then Josh came bounding in the front door, home from work, and I made an official announcement.

"Ladies and gentleman," I began ponderously, "I am pleased to announce that I've been able to secure, with great difficulty of course, reservations for six at Medieval Times for this evening! The festivities begin at seven they tell me. How does that sound?"

I could tell they were enthusiastic about my idea when everyone started talking at once. We'd talked about going there ever since the place opened, but we just hadn't gotten around to it.

Shifting into my drill sergeant mode, I began barking orders for everyone to get ready then said I'd call Mom and Dad to see if they wanted to join us.

By six, we were all dressed and ready to go. Because it was about a forty-minute drive, we decided all of us would go in Dad's van.

Once at Medieval Times, we noticed there were no utensils on the tables. We were told by our waiter that this whole experience was supposed to represent a step back in time. The food was easily edible with fingers--chicken, corn on the cob, steak fries and such. There was a large oval arena in the center of the enormous banquet hall where a series of acts performed while we ate. They even had knights on horses jousting! It was a splendid evening, and I was especially happy to see it helped take Maggie's mind off her tough day at work.

On the way home, I mentioned the summer series of concerts in the park would be starting the following evening with the Ocean County String Band. Josh chimed in, "Isn't that the group that has the Mummers?"

"Sure is," I replied.

"Oh, but Dad, we're on squad duty tomorrow night," Josh groaned.

With a sly grin, I said, "Yes, we are. And would you believe that the County Parks Commission called and asked if we would mind standing by for the concerts this season?"

"All riiiight, Dad! How did you finagle that?"

"I have friends in low places, ya know," I answered, telling myself I needed to keep Josh involved in as many 'fun' activities as possible to keep his mind off his uncertain health problems.








Continue to Chapter 22


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