Characters in the Park

Every morning T and I go for a walk at a nearby park. We're there for about the same 45 minutes to an hour each day. During our daily perambulation we see the same cast of characters. I've begun to speculate about the regulars. Who are they? Why are they free to walk at 10 am on a week day? For your consideration .... Characters in the Park:

“Mali” The Crazy Dog Lady – Mali emigrated from Thailand with her husband 30 years ago. They were unable to have children, so instead she bought a fluffy little dog named Precious that she loves like a child. Precious often sports jackets, sweaters and slamming pink hear-shaped sunglasses. When Precious is just too worn out to walk any further, Mali will carry her in a backpack on her stomach. Nothing is too good for Precious.

“Butch” The Little Dog Guy – Butch works as a diesel mechanic in the afternoon and weekends, so he gets to walk Twitchy, his wife’s dog, who recently won the title for World’s Sissiest Looking Dog. Butch is surprisingly unashamed of Twitchy, even talking to her in a baby voice during walks.

"Mervin" The Sweet Old Guy -- Mervin still lives in his house after his loving wife of 40 years passed away 4 years ago. To keep in shape and fight off boredom, Merv walks from 9 am - noon everyday. His children and grandchildren take turns having him over during the evenings, but they're all in school or work during the day.

"Earl" The Horse Racing Guy -- Earl spends most of each day avoiding his 4th wife, Tammy, at the horse track. Earl spends his mornings meandering through the park choosing his picks for the afternoon. He's always surprised to see anyone else when they walk up behind him.

"Susan" The Other Mom -- Susan is a stay at home mom of a 6 week old baby. We only ever see the baby's feet because it's always covered up in the stroller or the baby bjorn. Susan is a sweet woman who walks every morning to get out of her house.