Labor Day is behind us (don’t slam on the brakes, it’s tailgating). The holiday generally marks the end of the boating season, the camping season, the grilling season, and – at long last – the NBA season. (Oh wait, the women are still playing…)

Back in the day, the Labor Day weekend was the last chance to get away with the kids before the school year started. These days, students are about ready for Christmas break by the time Labor Day finally arrives. The school year starts much earlier. Kids are much smarter as a result – but I don’t need to tell you that. (They probably already have!)

I was pretty smart before I had kids, but shed intelligence like a dandered cat as they grew. I knew enough, though, to live in a cold sack. Didn’t realize that was where we were until I overheard my daughter telling someone that we could play in the street because our house was in a cold sack. Thinking about it. Thinking. Thinking.

Ah. Cul-de-sac… who knew my daughter could speak French at such a young age?

She wasn’t far off, actually. It translates as bottom of the bag, which is where you find all the unpopped kernals of corn, the ones we called the grandma’s (although I don’t know why. Even though I am now a grandpa, those bag-dregs don’t look any more attractive…)

And better bottom of the bag than bottom of the barrel, which is a whole different kettle of fish.

Some Sacks from a different bag: Oliver Sacks, neurologist and bestselling author.