Chap 11: School Days

At the appointed time Connor joined Paige at school.  Both Johnson children rather liked spending their time in active pursuits out-of-doors.  They played endless games of tag and there was a very convenient playground just across the road.  After dark, Connor stayed connected to both his parents with a stream of endless chatter.  While Paige's teachers reported that, though Paige was smart, healthy and active, she was also somewhat withdrawn, preferring to remain outside any large-group social activities as much as possible.  Ruby began to notice this preference for being alone at home as well.

Craig had to take Connor along on his errands one day.  While dropping off his latest work and browsing the consignments, he found a particularly good second-hand camera.  Both Craig and Anthony (the clerk) laughed when Craig turned around to show Connor his find, only to see Connor posing and pulling faces in the mirrors.

After his purchase, in addition to his painting, Craig began to take artistic photographs which he might sell.  At first it was little more than a hobby, a natural extension of his self-expression.  Soon, however, he was being commissioned by various businesses in town for promotional material.

Ruby had a particularly good chess season that year, playing both old opponents and new.  By the end, though not quite among 'the best of the best' she made a name for herself as someone to look out for.

In an effort to spend some 'quality time' with the kids, Craig took them out to the river one Saturday morning with an couple of old fishing rods he'd had forever and another he'd picked up at the consignment store for the occasion.  In the event, none of the Johnson's proved real fishing enthusiasts, but they did enjoy the fresh air and being together.  Craig considered the trip, which had included a picnic, a success even though they hadn't truly caught anything worth mentioning to others.