The trick to taking kids fishing is the realization that they don't care what they catch, as long as they catch something. Joey's tolerance is about 15 minutes, then he puts on a mask and snorkel and goes in to look for the fish. He's already demanding one of the local spearguns (powered by big rubber bands), and sooner or later I suppose he'll get one.
He swims like a fish, though he sometimes scares the hell out of me. We were snorkeling last summer; he went down deep, and in defiance of all instruction, popped straight into a coral cave, grubbing for something. I went down and dragged him out; he was all upset that he didn't get the lobster. Probably safer than crossing the street, but not good for my state of mind.
Fathers who don't fish shouldn't bother pushing it on the kids. If it's not fun for you, it won't be fun for them.
On the alcohol question, I think the stuff in the rolling papers probably does less damage to your plumbing and your neurons than any alcohol, especially if you cook it instead of smoking (the asthmatic in me speaks). Are you there, Holly? An opinion?
Steve |
