Grandpa's Hammock

Every year it was brought down from the garage rafters. Green metal frame and springs, green canvas with white fringe and a little green pillow. It was laid out, hosed off and erected. Grandpa couldn't have done it without us grand kids. He said so. It was placed in a spot of honor. Just a couple of feet from the picnic table and in a spot that was always in the afternoon shade. A folding T.V. tray was placed next to it to hold cold drinks and snacks. Within a few days, the grass under the frame would be brown and dead. The grass at the sides of the hammock would just be plain gone. Scuffed away by feet, as we kids sat on the edge and swayed side to side. After mowing the lawn, washing the car, or doing any other chores needed, Grandpa would go inside and put on his "Hammock clothes". This consisted of a pair of Bermuda shorts and a ribbed tank style Tee. White socks and brown sandals completed the outfit. Once dressed appropriately, he would head for the hammock. The first "sit" of the summer season was always a bit touchy. One had to get use to the hang of it. There he would stand, next to the hammock. Cold drink in his one hand, the T.V. tray forgotten. His slightly bald head and stick thin legs already slightly sun burned. Slowly, he would start to lower himself. Reaching back with his free hand to grab the edge of the hammock. Of course us kids, grandma and mom would all be spying out of the corner of our eyes to watch this ritual. Then came the "Grandpa Sit". Grandpa would rock slightly forward and back on his feet. 1-2-3 and ....SIT! A few wobbles. A couple sloshes of his lemonade. All of us yelling "Whooooaaaaaa". He would sit there on the edge of the hammock, holding himself steady with one hand on the edge. His feet firmly planted on the grass and his other hand holding his cold drink high aloft. Now, the sandals needed to be taken off. One of us grand kids would run over and help take them off. Tickling his feet as we did so. So far, no damage to life or limb. Ah, but he was not yet fully on the hammock yet. Now came the "Swing and lie down" move. Slowly, grandpa would reach behind himself and grasp the far edge of the canvas. drink in his other hand still held aloft. O.K.....1-2-3...SWING the legs up and quickly lie back. Let the hammock come to a stop. Where's Grandpa? On the ground on the other side of the hammock soaked in lemonade. Summer was officially started!