And I’m glad to have the opportunity to clarify. Without an explanation, they very well could have been licking fallen lollipops, for all we know.

So far as I could tell — they invited me down on my face, but I graciously peeked from a squatting position — all’s it was was the slurping sloshing of the bay, up closer and more personal than they’re used to at its shoreline. Some barnacles were evident along some of the pylons.

What’s so wonderful, of course, is where their attentions travel. For one, stuff up close to their eyeballs, which are basically around my knees and hips. But also, places I would never imagine looking. Which is a main reason why those of us who are around people this age a lot get so much out of it. “Through a child’s eyes” us usually pretty enlightening to me. Thank heavens I’m so old I appreciate it.