"Thanks, Charlette. Appreciate the compliment," he said.  It was reassuring to him that her plate was devoid of any food items. Any cook would want to see that!  He definitely needed to thank her for assuming clean-up duties, which he enthusiastically did so.<br/><br/>Did she just say something about a hike?  Paul was always eager for that, as it was just another opportunity for more photo-ops of the natural world.  And let's face it, Charlette was indeed part of that natural world.<br/><br/>Old. . . .a raised, left index finger ceased any further derogatory comment.<br/><br/>Already said I'm on it. . . .