Girls: Valentines Day Ruminations

Like most boys growing up, I found girls to be a great mystery. Although I had a sister, she was 10 years younger than I was and was cute and got lots of attention and I loved her of course, but the whole situation only made the gender more intimidating. Girls would smile at me when I passed them as a freshman in high school, and I was speechless. My mind spun. My face flushed. Soon, I was to find it was only the beginning...Now, with 30+ years living with, of all things...a girl; and having four more--and their friends-- hang out with us for 18 to 20 years each; and doting on another four newbies (whom I worship, by the way) I've made precious little progress. Still captivated by their charm, I find myself feeling somehow inferior in their company. All that beauty and sweetness swirling around me makes me feel a little like an Ent (tree) in Lord of the Rings...rather too large, a little mossy and somewhat out-of-touch...But, as I think about it, I wouldn't want it any other way. They are all so fresh, and interesting and sometimes unpredicatable. (I wrote illogical first, but crossed it out...I've learned a few things.) It's like...well, living with magical beings, with Faries or Sprites. (Britten is cheering) You know, I'm rather lucky. Think how dull things would have been with only guys around...but...there is still a toy gun in the corner of my office...just in case...