memorial day

we're spending our memorial day barbecuing with friends. it might not technically be summer, but it sure feels like it -- the promise of bonfires and picnics and hikes lingers in the air. 

today i'm especially reminded of my captain don, who was a naval captain. i'll always remember how he smelled like cigars, and his handsome smile --  that very particular, old-worldly kind of smile that's so rare to find nowadays. does that make sense to anyone? my papa smitty had it too -- it came out when he told me tall tales or after finishing a song on the harmonica.