The String Cheese Incident

We had a strange walk yesterday evening. The temperature had climbed into the 40’s so I thought it was warm enough for the dog, the boy and me to brave the cold for a few blocks.

I grabbed a snack (this time a cheese stick) to keep E somewhat amused while Nemo stopped to sniff every few feet. We got to the last piece of cheese and E was holding it then giving it back to me. “Here. Here.” That’s his new phrase when he wants to hand you something. I’d hold the cheese then give it back. “Here. Here.” After about 4 exchanges I’m standing there with this quickly becoming disgusting piece and he’s not asking for it so I ate it.

A few beats later and you know what happened. “Cheese! Cheese!” Uh-oh. Let the wailing commence. For block after block after block, he was crying and crying for his cheese. People were walking by and you just have to give that ha ha what are you going to do look. Parents understand but others give you that you’re a mean daddy look. It’s not my fault you wouldn’t eat the damn cheese when I gave it to you. Neighbors are looking out their window to see what the hullabaloo is all about.

A block out from the house on the way back and he finally stops crying. I'm a little frazzled when a cyclist slows down as he's passing us. He stops and says “Whoa for a second there I thought you were John Roberts from the Supreme Court.” I manage a polite laugh. Well it could have been worse. He could have said Dick Cheney.

Finally back in the house and the bounty of a full package of cheese, Grommit.