PACKING ALBERTA©

Greetings Hairballers,

Hot and muggy has returned to us here in Florida.  I’ve been stowing away the cold weather gear, such as it is, exchanging it for the tropical climate clothes that must be washed over and over again.

A bit of sadness comes every year as I pack my things in the trunk, Alberta. Will I ever wear them again while sitting in the Saddledome; or, will these garments stay forever stored away—trinkets of bygone days?

PACKING ALBERTA©

         FMHorner

We’ve have been together for decades,

Alberta and I,

since back in the Washington days,

that big trunk on wheels

that holds the clothes I wear

when hell freezes over

or a trip to Edmonton and Calgary in February,

things that never were in style

like long underwear, a fleece parka and earmuffs,

there was no trip north this year

the lockout found me working the phones

to places like Bratislava and Moscow,

watching TV sitcoms,

writing bad poetry, reading books

and wallowing in self-pity for lack of puck

now in Florida, I add the few things needed

for our half hour of winter—

yoga pants and a couple of sweaters

it’s 80° tonight, the humidity’s off the charts,

a look in the mirror tells me

I’ve also packed the bags under my eyes

life changes,

the lockout’s over and

 I watch hockey on TV.

Hairballs!

f

P.S.  Playoffs start April 30.