Do this don't do that can't you read the sign?

I got my Sunday afternoon nap in today, but only after watching the black birds fly into my yard and then out, over and over again. Pretty fantastic to watch.

I was thinking about rules. Do you remember the sheet of instructions from sixth grade that started with "Read all the instructions first before starting" followed with a ton of silly instructions like stand up and say your name and then ended with "Only sign your name at the top of the page and ignore the other instructions"? This test of humiliation worked on me the first time. I'm just not a big fan of rules, instructions, guidelines or restrictions.

When we first started dating, Punky taught me how to play spades, played with four people. This was excruciating. First I had to learn the rules. Then the way to play. Then the strategy. We would get so frustrated with each other (he because I couldn't remember why I had played a certain card and me because I hate explaining myself), that we had a code word for when we needed to stop playing and go somewhere to fight. There were a few years when we couldn't be spades partners. Now I'm pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

However. Now he's all about the game smear. I mostly understand the rules. I kinda get how to play. The strategy, sadly, is beyond me. Worse yet, I really don't care. We played it for a few hours last night. Only once or twice was I able to play a card that resulted in what I intended. Maybe it's time to dust off the code word.