Deck Kickoff

I wiggled free from the kitchen screen door flap and sprinted straight out onto the sun-warmed cedar deck planks! After days cooped up inside, that wide-open patio felt like an absolute stadium. Right across the wood grain lay a glossy, round chestnut—a prime kickoff waiting to happen! I took three bounding strides to build up speed, planted my left boot firmly on the weathered timber, and swung my right foot with all my might. *Thwack!* The chestnut rocketed along the straight plank groove, hopped over a knot hole, and clattered dead-center into an empty terracotta saucer by the planter box. GOAL! Now that is what I call a championship morning drill!