Roxanne and Ruby

As I tied 'Snowy' to the post outside the newsagency this morning, the 7.ooam news on the radio reported a poll had found that John Howard would struggle to hold the seat of Benelong in the upcoming federal election. Always an admirer of Maxine McKew when she was a TV presenter and journalist, this tickled my sense of humour as I thought of the great joy a Howard unseating would bring ALP supporters. And just desserts to George Bush's buddy.
I walked into the newsagency and said to Roxanne, who was filling in for Robin who usually does the early shift on Mondays, "Almost makes you wish you lived in Benelong so you could vote for Maxine McKew, doesn't it?"
Roxanne looked at me quizzically and said, "Who's Maxine McKew?"
Now Roxanne is a lovely kid about twenty years old, the same age as our boys. Not only did she not know who Maxine Mckew was, she didn't know what Benelong was. This was a an eye opener for me, showing what little interest many young ones have in politics. God love 'em and good luck to 'em.
Shortly afterwards I turned into Launching Place Rd. from the main road and could see a girl walking up the hill towards me on her way to catch the school bus. I recognized the bustling, serious gait as that of a lass who passes me sometimes and who always says hello with a warm friendly smile.
This time, more than our usual "hello", I asked was she Helen's daughter. Another time I thought I'd seen her come from Helen and Neil's house.
"Yes", she said, with her captivating smile.
"I'm Carey", what's your name?"
"Ruby." Our heads were now turned back as we walked on in opposite directions.
The name so fits the girl and the smile.
It was Roxanne and Ruby that got me in blogging mode today. I wrote about August first. I've been focused on work, to the point of agitation and irritability. Roxanne and Ruby broke the spell.