June 4 – The time gets closer while the hair gets longer

"Rapunzel rapunzel, let down your hair”

The time has come for the hair to go. Oh sure, this is something my wife has been saying for months, but I now know that I cannot handle the responsibility that is below-shoulder length hair. Aside from the maintenance (I know – ‘you actually treat that mop?’), while I was at work the other day, one solitary strand dangled down in front of my eyes like an angler fish. Irritated, I yanked that bad boy out. Much to my dismay, it was an 11-inch grey; it was like dental floss was growing from my head.

That, and the fact that it now gets in the way of eating, necessitates its departure. I refuse to tie it back to get through the day; I don’t care if I look like a caveman while teaching.

Not much to report from over the weekend. Some money came in – thank you again – but a plateau seems to have been reached. Well, there’s no point beating the horse until it’s time for the home stretch. So, I will hold off all direct requests until the last week. I know many people are still debating what and/or when; I’m just happy people are thinking of the cause.

And, of course, my soon-to-be-bald head. Saw a FIJI brother while shopping on Sunday; first words out of his mouth were:

“Mr. McGowan. Nice to see you; get a haircut.”

Probably the first time he’s used that phrase in 20 years, but it sounded like yesterday. Oh the memories.

Now it’s back to Bayport to solve mysteries with Frank and Joe. This week, in honour of my good friend Oz, we’ll try and solve “The Baseball Card Conspiracy”.