10:59 am – Stephentown, NY: it’s a dacha, only in upstate New York. And it’s therefore a perfect setting for not only family gatherings, but also a guys’ weekend.
BTW, is there any construction in English syntax funnier and more quietly disruptive than “not only…but also?” Not and but alone are a funny combo. Adding in the emphasis of only and also, not to mention the way those sounds just go together…it’s a fun way to combine ideas that may be in natural tension, seamlessly.
What, you may ask, is entailed by a guys’ weekend in the woods, especially at our advanced age? And especially on a rainy weekend when we’re not likely to be using the tennis court?
Well, so far the activities this morning consist of:
- Watching YouTube videos of BASE jumping in squirrel suits
- Watching Serena win Wimbeldon in about 20 mins
- Discussing watching soccer
- Debating the merits of yoga vs barre method-based exercise, especially in terms of the balance they bring to relationships with significant others
- Jogging and also mocking the joggers
- Swimming in the swimming hole
- Drinking coffee
- Arguing about the financial mechanics of streaming music services
Let me tell you, this is a good time!
In all seriousness, it actually is. While it’s not impossible to rule out, the imperative to do something quite stupid at this point in life, for laughs or some other reason, is pretty weak.
It’s all about the stories. And the cocktails and wine. And sleeping late. And the birdsong. And the gentle sound of water rushing over rocks.
But mostly, it’s about Cards Against Humanity.
What a fucking game. Totally idiotic yet clever – in fact the very definition of the fine line between clever and stupid. Easy to play when incoherently drunk. Easy to play when sober. Filthy. Profane.
Frankly, it’s medieval – so of course I like it.
Time for more coffee.
Franklinsanity 
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