Cabbages and Kings

From Lewis Carroll's The Walrus and The Carpenter:

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--"


The small unit of MC3 (maneuver career captain's course) met yesterday afternoon at what we call the pit, which is a very nice BBQ pit area in back of our home, nicely provided for the neighborhood with picnic tables, benches and chairs. There were about 20 guys and 5 spouses, including myself. Ward is the senior officer sponsor for this group and they get together periodically over the course of their 6 month class here. The weather was gorgeous, the sun shining, but it didn't get too warm, as the pit is enclosed by large trees. The grill was going, we had the necessary sides of baked beans, chips, beer and homemade chocolate chip cookies. And because it was an outdoor gathering and we had a great area for it, croquet and bocci ball.

As commander, Ward highly recommends these gatherings for the small groups. They are a way to unwind and get to know fellow students better. The MC3 course is a rigorous one, with a lot of study and homework. Most of these guys have just returned from deployments so they really need the R&R. (For you non-Army types, that's rest and relaxation. Just kidding!)

What usually happens is that as the guys unwind, they begin to share their experiences. And that is really most interesting. This happened yesterday. We ladies always have lots to talk about, but we're usually ready to go home after a few hours. As timing would have it this is exactly when the guys have just loosened up, and are really telling tales. So as the last spouse and I are tidying up the nursery, we think that they will get the hint. And then it happens! The deep stuff. Solving world affairs, talking about world peace, how the middle east situation could be solved, Syria and Jerusalem! The other spouse and I just look at each other and sigh. We can't possibly ask them to leave now! And this is especially true because one of students in this small group is from the middle east.

So the other spouse and I just work around them and leave detente to the men. And what began at two in the afternoon went on until 11:00 that night. (Luckily the pit has lights.) I really think that this kind of activity does lead to getting along better with other countries--just discussing cabbages and kings. As long as we're not the invited oysters!