All this excitement over kicking a ball around. I have been doing that for years.

Spain won, apparently. Weeks of humans leaning toward screens, something building in the room — a particular quality of attention that means Dad is not available and the cookie jar is unmonitored. I noted this. I took what the moment offered.

The ball, meanwhile, is in the hall. Has always been in the hall. No penalty shootout required. No commentary. I simply go and it comes back to me, which is the correct outcome and always has been.

Twenty-three degrees this morning, a little cloud overhead. A reasonable day. Gus is already on the family room sofa. The patch of sun hasn’t arrived yet but I know approximately when it does.

Spain. Very well. I hope they enjoyed it.

The ball is still in the hall.

#pawscarwilde #worldcup2026