I love you. Even when you make it hard to do.

BEAUMONT: Seriously Louise. Did you have to use that photo? I kind of look like a mad scientist.

ME: That’s a bit politically incorrect don’t you think Beau?

Beau: What? My objecting to your use of that photo where my fur is sticking out in all directions and I look like I’ve just been at an all-night rave?

Me: No Beau. The use of the qualifier ‘mad’ with scientist.

Beau: Well you gotta admit. That is kinda how I look.

Me: No Beau. It’s nothing to do with how you look but the term ‘mad scientist’. It’s a tad pejorative.

Beau: Gesundheit.

Me: Excuse me?

Beau: You’re excused.

Me: Why?

Beau: Didn’t you just sneeze?

Me: What on earth are you talking about?

Beau: I could ask you the same thing.

Me: Why?

Beau: Why not?

Me: Beau!

Beau: (smiling sweetly) Yes Louise?

Me: Stop that.

Beau: Stop what?

Me: You know what I’m talking about.

Beau: I do?

Me: Oh no you don’t. I’m not going to fall for that.

Beau: (innocently) Fall for what?

Me: Beau….

Beau: Louise….

Me: (sighing) Just stop calling it a ‘mad scientist’ look okay? It’s not fair to scientists.

Beau: And is it fair to me that you call me an ‘idiot’ when you’re talking to people at the park.

Me: Oh. That.

Beau: Yes Louise. That.

Me: I apologize. I forgot.

Beau: You forgot your manners or that I’m not an idiot?

Me: Ummmmm…. Both?

Beau: Is that a question?

Me: No Beau. It’s not. And you’re right, I shouldn’t call you an idiot.

Beau: Shouldn’t or won’t?

Me: Won’t.

Beau: Good, now that we’ve got that settled, what about that photo?

Me: I love it.

Beau: And I love you Louise. Doesn’t mean I like everything you do.

Me: Oh. I see. Well…. to me, that photo shows your free-spirited zest and love of life.

Beau: Hmmmm….. while all of that is true, I am free-spirited, zesty and full of life, I am not, however, a fan of that photo.

Me: But it says so much about you Beau!

Beau: That I look like a mad scientist?

Me: Beaumont! We agreed about the use of that phrase!

Beau: You talked. I did not say I agreed.

Me: It’s just not politically correct Beau.

Beau: I’m a dawg Louise. I don’t play politically correct games. I just play, and love, everyone — but not that photo.

Me: Well… as I’m doing the typing and inserting of the photos, and it’s the only one I’ve got for today, I’m afraid it will have to stay. Anyway, I think your fans will love it!

Beau: They’d love it more if you were more consistent in posting my blog Louise.

Me: (sighing) I knew you’d find a way to slide that one in Beau.

Beau: I wouldn’t have to if you turned up here every Sunday without excuses.

Me: (sighing again) I know Beau. I know…

Beau: Good. Because when you know better, I expect you to do better.

Sigh. And he’s so right but gosh dawgit, some Sundays it’s hard!

Beau: Successful people do what it takes to get things done, even when it’s hard.

Me: I know. I know. But….

Beau: No but’s Louise. I don’t say, I love you but… I say, I Love you. Full stop. Period. Even when you do things I don’t like, I always love you, Louise. Even when you make it hard.

Sigh…. how on earth did he get to be so wise?