It's an age old question I'm frequently asked: "What are you doing on the 4th, or Father's Day, or your birthday, or for Christmas, etc.?" Like I have something special planned for that special day.

Let me tell you. Once upon a time, not so long ago it seems, I was married, had four children, remarried, had three step children, which adds up to 7 in one household. On top of that, I taught seventh grade for 32 years with 120 savages per day assaulting my senses. In other words, I had kids up to my eyeballs 24/7, plus two crazy wives.

NOW ask me what I'm doing for Halloween, Labor Day, Thanksgiving. Easy. NOTHING! No cookouts, no camping trips, no going to the lake, no yard games, no going to the movies, no nothing. Thanks for asking.

I'm solitaire, and I'm FREE! I don't have to do anything, go anywhere, do any chores. And there's no punch line saying "I'm bored".

I enjoyed those "special" days with my children, and I enjoy those same days now without them. Ah, peace and quiet! Have a safe Independence Day everyone!