CASPER AT THE BEACH IN CORONADO

It was July 4. A patriotic picture perfect postcard Chamber of Commerce day. And I acting as Casper Milquetoast did in this 1924 comic strip Christmas card might have acted.

On the beach, a man asked if I would help put up his EZ Up, a tent for protection from the elements. Since we used to tail gate at STL Rams games with a similar version, I was well versed in how to set it up.

After we finished the task, he asked if I'd like a variety of alcoholic drinks he had as he rolled them off his tongue. My response, "You're not supposed to drink on the beach."

"Well, have some water then," he replied.

"No, I don't need any. Thanks."

Needless to say, that was the last discourse we had for the afternoon. I watched as he prepared drinks for his family and friends, right at the base of the lifeguard stand. He used his body, as a pro, to shield his activities and served his drinks in big red plastic cups for disguise. None of the party acted as if they had consumed any liquor.

But I felt pretty silly for my response. He told me he drove an hour to get to Coronado, so I thought maybe he didn't know about the alcohol ban on the beaches, only in its second or third year. But my lame response was almost in a scolding or righteous mode.

I felt so bad for not offering something else, that I was glad he was holding his baby and shielding himself from me when we left. I didn't even say goodbye. But maybe he saw the Casper in me, saw me packing up, and used the baby as a shield much like he did with his own body to the lifeguards.

I tell you, he was good.