I was surprised how readily the Danielses had assented to my request to pitch my tent out by their pool. Clearly, I'd underestimated the kindness and generosity of the American people. Not for years. He was run out of town in 1975 when he got caught dealing fireworks and pornography out of his truck. These days, if you live in Rye and want a Fudgsicle, you drive over to the 7-11.
Life is change.
But it is still a Fudgsicle when all is said and done. And I, after years of Haagen-Dazs rum raisin, am beginning to see it, too. Lulled by the sound of trucks passing on the Interstate, as rhythmic and soothing as waves crashing on the shore, I sit on the Kurtz's redwood deck, sharing a Tab with my hosts. There is serenity here, an ease embodied in every detail of their lives. But America is a land of progress, and this virtue too is present in our lawn furniture.