A Hole in the Yard

W. Bruce Cameron

Editor’s Note: The following column was originally published in 2007.

A few years ago, I was rather disappointed to learn that I’m not smart enough to dig a hole in my backyard.

My cousin Ken had come over to help me build a deck off the back of the house by doing all the work. My father was there, too, and was assisting by watching the basketball game and keeping us informed of the score, and complaining that we were low on beer. Ken seemed grateful that I had assembled such a crack team to assist him.

Running short of beer during lunch is against my father’s religion. He bel...