36
PARTISAN REVIEW
where family should be. At least, this year, we gathered out in the
country and for the first time had the children at table-
J.
and our
young nephew-which was its own kind of fun. . . .
As
if the family dinner is not enough of an institution, it has
now been established in J.'s mind that Thanksgiving is a present–
getting holiday-each relative who arrived had a gift for each of
the boys. But why not? This is all the trend, more and more pres–
ent-getting holidays. We have already added Easter, Valentine's Day,
Hallowe'en. There yet remain the Fourth of July, Washington's Birth–
day, Lincoln's Birthday, Memorial Day- but I am sure the Interests
will be taking care of these very soon now. Then we can go on to
April Fool's Day, Sibling Day, Cousins Day, until no day of the
year but will see its proper bestowal of gifts.
One of his presents was a lasso; J. brought it home in all its
wrappings. Cleaning up after he was in bed, I was about to throw
away the paper when my eye lit on print, the following arresting
announcement:
Roy Rogers National Trick Lasso Contest
(Official Application Blank)
RULES
1. Contest is open to all boys and girls up to and including 14 years of
age.
2. Contestant must be able to spin my TRICK LASSO and will proudly
wear their contestant seal. Be sure to read directions on your seal be–
fore applying it to your "T" shirt or other white material. Get Mom–
my's permission before you do this.
3. Mail me a photograph or snapshot showing me how you can master
my TRICK LASSO.
If
possible wear your Roy Rogers' belt, gun, holster,
hat, etc., when being photographed.
Below this information comes space for the child's name and
address, also space for the signature of parent or guardian. There
then follow three blank lines headed My GOOD DEED Is ....________________
I put this among my notes and decide to count no day wasted
in the life of a journal-keeper. The lasso, by the way, is phosphor–
escent: it glows in the dark. We have not told
J.
