Picnic At Michelle's Summer of '94.

When you live in the city you don't have picnics that often. Unless you know someone who is lucky enough to have a private outdoor spot, you wind up in a public park. I guess that's why city people are always going out to dinner with friends rather than having them over to eat. That and the size of most apartments.

Herman and Howard did almost all the cooking. I'm not much of a cook. As a matter of fact, I think it's been over a year since I last cooked anything.

I heard that Howard's planning on moving to Florida. My mother and sister live there. I come from a large family, most of whom live in Florida. I try to make it to Florida at least once a year, but with vacation time being so precious, it cuts into a lot of the free time I'm granted. Remember when you were in school. Remember having the summers off and watching the days go by. A long summer with nothing to do. I think we tasted life a little sweeter then. Even the rain felt different. A summer rain, you in your room. Your window is slightly open and there's a dampness forming as the drops sneak in. Kind of lazy. You're bored. Kind of nice. A whole summer off. Kind of nice.

It bothers me to think of Howard leaving. I've known him for eight or more years. He even lived with me once. He was between apartments and I had the room. It was only a for a month. Another friend. I'll miss him.

I haven't seen much of the guys lately. The only one I see regularly is Herman. I've known him for 20+ years and now we work together. It hasn't put a strain on our friendship. Rather, its good to spend your days with a friend you care about.

Will Cook / William Porto / Howard Silvera

This web site is still under development. I have a good idea as to where I want to take it. There's another ongoing theme that I'd like to write about.

Chapter Three