Our youth group only meets twice a month during the summer. Two weeks ago, and again tonight.

Except we didn't meet tonight. I did, but since I was alone, can I honestly say that I met with myself? Tonight was supposed to be our night at the city pool, getting everyone's swim checks completed. In preparation for our summer camp trip, to Utah this year. A trip I am not planning on making.

But I go by the pool, at the high school, and there are no familiar vehicles there. So I'm off to our regular meeting place, in Cougar's backyard.

No one there. Not even Cougar.

Back to the pool, go inside and ask a lifeguard.

Nope, no one from our group has shown up.

Back to Armory. No one.

By now I have a strong suspicion of what has happened. Off to fire station. Mr. Volunteer is not on duty tonight. Off up into the canyons, through his new subdivision (he re-routed the access road to his house... how was I to know? I took the path the old road used to go, which now goes across the driveways and into the backyards of two new homes. Hope they didn't mind.)

Mr. Volunteer not home.

Back to Armory, and by the pool again. Then I give up and go home. Call the mother who compiles our unit newsletter with the information wife wanted her to have tonight.

Yep, Mr. Volunteer has canceled tonight's meeting... most boys have baseball games this evening.

Okay, that's reasonable. Normally I would be really pissed about this, but since the swimming thing is his project, it was his call to make. Would have liked to have known, however. Would have saved a couple gallons of gas, at least.

So where was wife during all this running around?

Off in Central City, getting trained. Day one of three. Yep, we three males and three heelers are baching it for two nights. Boys seem unperturbed, but heelers are worried. They are bounding to the window (using the back of the couch) at every vehicle that goes down the streets, barking their welcoming yips. And then getting the ear-dropping depressed looks.

Bet only the mother sleeps in bed with me tonight (now, is that sick google bait or what?). The sisters will stay out in the living room by the front door, waiting for their Alpha.

Detoured past the owls on my return to town this evening.

The larger owlet was perched on top of the French iron railing. Won't be long now.