PARK PLACE

A Christmas to Remember

2011-12-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

As Christmases go, I rank this one in 2011 as one of the best.

It has been our practice since Brandon was old enough to understand the words "Santa" and "presents" that on Christmas Eve I take my pillow, toothbrush, etc. and spent the night at the kids' house. Otherwise, when the call comes Christmas morning at oh dark thirty that Brandon and Sophia are up and anxious to open their gifts, I would have to quickly get dressed and drive over in freezing temperatures. Not my favorite way to start the day, let alone Christmas Day.

Early in the evening Brandon began negotiating what time we'd get up in the morning. He started with 5:00 AM and got an emphatic NO. Then he moved to 5:30 and Bob compromised with 7:30. Brandon, 6:00; and Bob told him if he didn't stop, it'd be 9:00. So Brandon went to 6:30 and Bob, 9:30 with the added question, "You still want to do this?" I don't think the precise time was ever agreed on.

The kids were in bed at 9:30 and Bob's and Dawn's gifts went under the tree around 10:00. Santa's followed some time later. While Dawn prepared for bed, she found Brandon's watch with the alarm set for 6:00 under the armoire in her bedroom. She disarmed it and hung the watch on the tree.

I heard Brandon get up at least three times during the night, supposedly to use the bathroom. He wasn't particularly quiet, but he didn't overtly try to wake anyone. Sophia was restless, but even though she's now nine, she is afraid of Santa in the flesh and wouldn't venture from the bedroom alone. I know it was difficult for Brandon to go back to bed, because he could easily see two new bikes sitting beside the tree on trips between his room and the bathroom.

Sometime close to 6:30, Brandon couldn't stand the anticipation any longer and he knocked on Dawn's bedroom door. Sophia, who had slept on a pallet on her floor so I could have her bed, jumped up to be ready for the rush to the living room.

There were so many special gifts. Bob had wrapped his gifts for Dawn and Sophia set them on the couch beside him. The kids distributed presents to the adults while also unwrapping theirs. Occasionally Bob would give Dawn one he'd gotten for her. I knew what one of them was and I waited with the camera.

Midway through the unwrapping, Sophia, to my left, was busy opening a gift and chattering away while wearing an Angry Bird hat that Brandon had given her. On my right were Dawn and Bob, sitting on the couch. As Sophia jumped up to show Dawn a gift she'd received from Santa, Bob handed Dawn the littlest package, and as she opened it, he slid from the couch to one knee on the floor. I couldn't hear what he said because Sophia was jabbering.

Brandon looked at Sophia and asked, "You don't know what's going on, do you?" and with a puzzled look on her face, she replied, "No, not really." To whatever Bob had said, Dawn responded, "Yes!" And thus, they are now engaged!

Bob is a musician and he once made a comment to Dawn that he used to have a guitar and missed it. He now has one, a gift from Dawn.

There were special presents for Brandon and Sophia as well. In addition to the bikes Bob gave them, there was a Wii for the family and an iPod for Sophia. Nana and Pap had made a chest for each for their treasures. Sophia's even has a music box. And I got what I most wanted: a storage cabinet for the garage!

We spent the rest of the day enjoying our gifts. The Wii controls were passed around as each took a turn. Brandon, Sophia and I played word games with each other on our Apple iPods and iPad. And Dawn and Bob smiled a lot.

November Weekend in San Francisco

2011-11-23T16:38:00.005-05:00

It's been two years since Dawn and I visited Brett in San Francisco. The three of us try to meet somewhere each November to celebrate Dawn's and Brett's November birthdays, but last year he was in China. This year, however, Dawn and I, along with her boyfriend, Bob, and Brandon and Sophia flew to San Francisco for a long weekend celebration.

Fortunately, the rain that greeted us on landing Friday was gone by Saturday morning and we had three glorious, cloud-free, sunny days.

We had an agenda for the weekend. Our destination on Saturday was Muir Woods National Monument. The trees, some of which have been dated to before 1000 AD, are giants. Their size dwarfs the people, and visitors walking beneath them converse in quiet tones.

After leaving Muir Woods, we headed to the top Mt. Tamalpais where we took several pictures of the family. Brett set up his camera on a tripod and once the first family photo was framed, he raced down the hill to get into the picture before the timer went off. It took several tries to get an acceptable shot. On one shot early in the session, Brett didn't get seated well and ended up tumbling down the hill just as the picture was snapped. Eventually, however, our needs were satisfied.

Sunday was a day for taking in the sights of San Francisco. We began with a stop at Alamo Square where the opening of the TV series Full House was filmed. Sophia was disappointed when she learned that the family didn't actually live in one of those homes and therefore, we couldn't visit it as well. Then it was off to Lombard Street for the short drive down it. There was barely time to take a picture.

We parked the car near Pier 39 and took public transportation for the balance of our day. At Pier 39 we visited the seals and then had lunch at Boudin's, known for their sourdough bread. Dawn and I relish the clam chowder served in bread bowls and Bob enjoyed chili similarly presented. Brandon said his grilled cheese, prepared with sourdough bread, was the best he ever had. (It should have been for $8!!)

Appetites satisfied, we rode a trolley down to Market and Powell and then waited our turn to ride a cable car back north.

Our destination was Chinatown. After leaving the cable car, we walked a few blocks downhill, east to that neighbor- hood, and took time for the kids to sample Chinese ice cream and to look at goods being sold. Neither Brandon nor Sophia thought the fish looked appetizing!

Then it was time to cllimb the hill to Coit Tower. The grade was so steep that steps are available for pedestrians who prefer them to the flat uphill ramp. Once on top, and after catching their breath, Dawn, Bob and the kids went to the top of the Tower to look at the view. Then it was a walk back down the hill, where a little girl, who had been walking with her parents, took Sophia's hand for the descent. A few minutes later we were back at the car where we collapsed for the drive back to San Rafael.

Resting at the foot of Coit Tower

A view from the top of Coit Tower

Earlier in the weekend, Brett purchased tickets on-line for the six of us to tour Alcatraz. We took the ferry from Larkspur to the Ferry Building in the City and then walked a mile to another pier where we caught the Alcatraz ferry.

All visitors must listen to a welcome presentation before heading off to see the prison. We entered through the showers, a large, open room with perhaps 50 shower heads over a wide trough. I realized then that time spent here would be no picnic. The size of the cells depressed me as well. I cannot imagine spending years in a space 5' wide x 9' feet long by x 7' high. Each single-person cell contained a toilet, sink, cot and two shelves, each about a foot long. No cells have windows, and although some cells receive daylight, others do not. After two hours walking through the cell blocks, we returned to the ferry and to the City.

The next morning, Tuesday, we were up at 3:30 AM and headed out the door shortly after 4:00 to return to the airport and fly home. As I write this, we've been back four days and only now are the muscles in my calves returning to normal. However, the memories we made during our visit will not fade and there are lots of pictures to keep the memories fresh.

The End of Another Football Season

2011-10-22T17:59:00.000-04:00

Football season is about to end. Both Brandon and Sophia participated, Brandon as a player, Sophia as a cheerleader. Fall weather is a mixed bag. The temperature on the field during Brandon's first game early in September when the following photos were taken was 124F. Two weeks ago, after Brandon's team was out of the playoffs but Sophia's was still in, it was windy and raining and the temperature was in the low 50's. Absolutely miserable both times. I couldn't shed enough clothes for the first game and couldn't put on enough for the second!

Brandon isn't as tall as he appears standing next to Sophia, although he's taller than I am now (probably 5'2" or so). But Sophia is that tiny, the shortest of the eight girls she cheered with, although no longer the shortest girl in her third grade class.

Football season for Brandon's team technically was over several weeks ago. Although they played six games, the Titans were in last place from start to finish. They just couldn't score, therefore, didn't win a game. Brandon, quarterback on offense and end on defense, is #42.

A team consists of about 15 players and each plays both offensive and defensive positions. Players at this level (11 and 12 year olds) are drafted. Picked to play as quarterback because of his passing ability, Brandon felt responsible when they lost. He put his heart into every play and his frustration at losing brought him to tears early in the season. Eventually he realized that there were eleven boys on the field and each had a specific responsibility. Once he accepted that, he was able to play "looser" and enjoy the game. He didn't like losing any better, but he was happy to be playing a game he loves.

Then there's L'il Miss Sophia who was a cheerleader. Her gymnastics training proved worthwhile. She can tumble. And she can move with rhythm. So she had a grand time, and she expected us to watch *her* and not the boys she was cheering for. On occasion, each of the eight girls on her squad seemed to be moving to her own drummer. One in particular rarely moved in sync with the others. She was 1/2 beat behind (or ahead). If right arms were to go up, it was her left. If the squad moved left, she went right. But they're only 8 and 9, so we just enjoyed the entertainment.

Turning Pages

2011-10-18T15:21:00.012-04:00

I am a reader. I have been since I was a child, although while Dawn and Brett were growing up, my page turning was generally restricted to the daily newspaper. But now I'm back to books and I rue the day my eyesight cannot be corrected to allow that sedentary activity to continue.

My preference is mysteries. My current favorite author is Lee Child who has written over fifteen novels with Jack Reacher, who served 13 years as an MP in the Army before mustering out, as the main character. I like the plots and Jack's perpetual ability to out-think and out-maneuver suspect parties.

When I'd blasted my way through those novels (and blast I did, as though the books and their tight story lines would disappear before I could more slowly make my way through the series) I learned of Bill Bryson. He writes both autobiographically and historically in such a way to often give people and circumstances a humorous edge.

I'm a Stranger Here Myself is an accumulation of articles Bryson wrote while working for the Times and Independent while living in England. The following excerpt is from the article, "At a Loss":

"...I always have catastrophies when I travel. Once on an airplane, I leaned over to tie a shoelace just at the moment that the person in the seat ahead of me threw his seat back into full recline, and I found myself pinned helplessly in the crash position. It was only by clawing the leg of the man sitting next to me that I managed to get myself freed.

"On another occasion, I knocked a soft drink onto the lap of a sweet little lady sitting beside me. The flight attendant came and cleaned her up, and brought me a replacement drink, and instantly I knocked it onto the woman again. To this day I don't know how I did it. I just remember reaching out for the new drink and watching helplessly as my arm, like some cheap prop in one of those 1950s horror movies with a name like 'The Undead Limb,' violently swept the drink from its perch and onto her lap.

"The lady looked at me with the stupefied expression you would expect to receive from someone whom you have repeatedly drenched, and uttered an exceptionally earnest oath that started with "oh" and finished with "sake" and in between had some words that I have never heard uttered in public before, certainly not by a nun.

"This, however, was not my worst experience on a plane flight. My worst experience was when I was writing important thoughts in a notebook ("Buy socks," clutch drinks carefully," etc.) sucking thoughtfully on the end of my pen as you do, and fell into conversation with an attractive lady in the next seat. I amused her for perhaps twenty minutes with a scattering of urbane bons mots, then retired to the lavatory where I discovered that the pen had leaked and that my lips, tongue, teeth, and gums were now a striking, scrub-resistant navy blue, and would remain so for several days."

Here's a bit from Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything, starting with the "big bang":

"A proton is an infinitesimal part of an atom, which is itself of course an insubstantial thing. Protons are so small that a little dib of ink like the dot on this "i" can hold something in the region of 500,000,000,000 of them or rather more than the number of seconds it takes to make half a million years....

"Now imagine if you can (and of course you can't) shrinking one of those protons down to a billionth of its normal size into a space so small that it would make a proton look enormous. Now pack into that tiny, tiny space about an ounce of matter. Excellent. You are ready to start a universe."

Now we skip a few sentences ahead:

"[to build a big bang universe] you'll need additional materials. In fact, you will need to gather up everything there is--every last mote and particle of matter between here and the edge of creation--and squeeze it into a spot so infinitesimally compact that is has no dimensions at all. It is known as singularity.

"...get ready for a really big bang. Naturally, you will wish to retire to a safe place to observe the spectacle. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to retire to because outside the singularity there is no where. When the universe begins to expand, it won't be spreading out to fill a larger emptiness. The only space that exists is the space it creates as it goes.

"...the singularity has no around around it. There is no space for it to occupy, no place for it to be.... Time doesn't exist. There is no past for it to emerge from."

Well. After only a few pages, I was rendered speechless, overwhelmed as I tried to comprehend the concept. And unfortunately, once Bryson had gotten me through the creation of earth in Small History, I realized that reading about the next bazillion years didn't interest me as much as I had thought it would, and I returned the book to the library.

*****************************

If my praises and quotes from two of his books haven't put you to sleep, then perhaps you would be as mesmerized by Bryson's compositions as I am. (If not, ah well....) While the concept of History turned out to be more than I wanted to undertake, I can vouch for A Walk in the Woods, At Home, and In a Sunburned Country being easier reads. I found all three to be entertaining and educational.

A Matched Set

2011-10-03T20:04:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about June's total joint replacement of my left knee. Recovery was amazingly easy and quick. I am convinced that the success I have had is due to doing what was asked in the physical therapy sessions, knowing that within a few weeks therapy would be completed and I'd be walking like I did thirty years ago, before brother Jeff and I climbed a mountain in Arizona to scatter our mother's ashes where she loved to hike.

Those six weeks of therapy preceded vacation with Dawn and the kids in Myrtle Beach. As soon as we returned, I had a follow-up visit with the surgeon who gave me a high-five and agreed to schedule surgery for the right knee. I had anticipated waiting several weeks, but was amazed when I was told there was an opening in seventeen days. Fantastic!

Much was the same; some was different. I'd opted both times for spinal and femoral blocks. That meant I should feel nothing in the leg operated on for 24 hours following surgery. That was the case with the first surgery. But I had a different anesthetist for the second and those blocks wore off in the first 12 hours. Like the left leg had been, the right leg was wrapped in several layers of padding and held together by an elastic bandage. Sitting (or lying) still caused no sensation, but to pull myself up in bed required moving the leg and in the hours after surgery, that took my breath away! I also tested for the return of feeling by using the muscle above my knee cap to pull the leg flat against the mattress. Ouch!!

On the day two, contracting that muscle became less stressful. If I took a deep breath and moved quickly, I could swing the repaired leg out of bed and let my foot rest on the floor. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the dressing came off and white elastic TED hose were put on both legs. Occupational therapists came in to help me learn to dress since my knee would be too stiff initially to bend so that I could put on socks. Physical therapists came as well to help me learn to walk with my walker. Over the years my stride changed because I hadn't been able to fully straighten either leg. Now I could. With the new joints, I found that if I failed to fully extend my foot, the knee clicked. It didn't hurt, but the sound reminded me to slow down and walk correctly! Three days post-op, I came home.

After the first surgery, I'd used a walker for a week and then moved to a cane. By week three, I was walking unassisted. When I got to my room after the second surgery, Dawn told me that there had been a hiccup during the operation, and the rod attached to the new knee had poked through my femur. The doctor had repaired the damage, but it would need time to heal, and I'd be required to use the walker for six weeks to prevent any possibility of falling. Well, crap. However, I reminded myself that six weeks is a short time in the long-term picture. Get too big for my britches, fall, and spend months recovering from surgery to repair the damage? Not an option.

Three-times-a-week physical therapy began the day after I returned home. Good news, bad news. While I was allowed to put full weight on the leg, the exercises could not stress the bone. The doctor was firm in saying that I could not twist the knee or spin on my foot. Apparently that also meant I could do no stair work, but I was encouraged to pedal myself silly on the facility's Nu-Step and stationary bike. The stand-by exercises of leg lifts, knee bends and heel slides were equally worthwhile and required.

Three weeks post-surgery the staples were removed. Those white elastic TED hose are annoying and somewhat uncomfortable, so being able to chuck them was welcome. I'd hoped that the surgeon would x-ray my leg and announce that I could begin driving again and take on all recommended exercises. Unfortunately, he held firm and said the only way to slow me down, to ensure I wouldn't fall, was to keep me on the walker. Well, I didn't want to break a leg or screw up the new joint, so I didn't argue.

However, shortly after that visit, I allowed myself to use my cane for short distances in the condo. Then five weeks after surgery, I quit using the cane while indoors but remained cautious as I walked. As soon as I began taking a more normal stride, the knee muscles of both legs felt better. But the walker remained my escort whenever I left the condo.

When the six-week anniversary of the second surgery arrived, I returned to see the surgeon. Hallelujah! X-rays showed that the femur had healed, and I was finally given permission to do all physical therapy exercises AND given permission to drive again! Finally Dawn was free of her tether to me as chauffeur to appointments. As soon as she brought me home after the appointment, I grabbed my car keys and headed out to drive myself, free at last, to the grocery store!

Physical therapy will continue for a few more weeks as the newly introduced exercises continue to strengthen my right leg. Some muscles surrounding both knees remain stiff, particularly when I sit still for extended periods. But walking is not painful and I there is subtle improvement every day. And while I've had a relatively easy time rehabbing both knees, I'm also glad that I'm not an octopus with six legs to go!

Millersburg Gathering

2011-10-02T20:20:00.002-04:00

We haven't had an occasion to meet as family, just us, in over 30 years. Now as we're getting older, there's time available, or we three siblings are finally making time, to get together. It was going to be just a short visit, an afternoon, so with the exception of my daughter and her family and Jeff's daughter, none of our other children or grandchildren were there.

Jeff and Jason entertained us with stories they recalled of our years growing up in South Bend. For example, mounted at the peak of our suburban garage was an old farm bell. Mom would ring it when she needed one, or all, of us to come home: 1 dong for me, 2 for Jason, 3 for Jeff and 4 (or more!) for all of us.

One day when they were between 11 and 13, Jason and Jeff were at a neighbor's playing football in the back yard with the boys who lived there. Also present was another neighbor -- "Max", who was considerably older, in high school, and a bully.

Mom rang the bell for Jason and Jeff to come home, but Max wouldn't let them leave. Either Jason or Jeff saw Mom, who was wearing a dress or skirt, come to the fence that separated the yards and then turn around and go back into the house.

She came to the fence again in a few minutes, this time wearing pants and a T-shirt. Instead of opening the gate, she vaulted over the fence and approached the boys. Looking at Jason and Jeff, she asked, "Didn't you hear the bell? When you hear the bell, you come home."

One answered, "Well, yes, but....," looking at Max.

Max stepped forward and said with authority, "We're playing football and they can't leave."

Mom spun and *decked* Max and said, "Don't you dare get up or I'll put you down again!" (It's doubtful Mom would have gotten away with that these days!)

To which Max, flat on his back, replied politely, "Okay, Mrs. Currey."

They entertained us throughout the afternoon with stories of the dumb/silly/stupid stuff they did -- shooting BB guns at each other while in the basement and throwing darts without being able to see the target, for example.

Brandon trying to land the helicopter on a beam

Jeff also brought out an infra-red toy helicopter that Brandon and Bob took turns trying to land on the open beams in the living room. Once those attempts were successful, they moved on to landing the helicopter on the blades of the fan above us. Ah, boys and their toys.....

The time was too short. But that only means that we will try hard to meet again, sooner rather than later.

Evie and Jason

Jeff and his daughter, Brittany

Head chef Jeff and Mimi

More on Monarch Butterflies

2011-09-22T19:51:00.000-04:00

After sharing my post on September 1 regarding monarch caterpillars and butterflies, I discovered one of those pictured caterpillars preparing to go into its chrysalis phase.

It was hanging from one of the milkweed leaves, very still. I thought it might be dying or already dead. But it was also an opportunity to witness the metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly if it was alive.

I cut a portion of the milkweed, including the leaf the caterpillar was suspended from, and put it in a vase. I didn't expect to find much more than a dead caterpillar when I got up in the morning. Boy, was I surprised!

Waiting for me was a beautiful green chrysalis that was adorned with golden specks.

Metamorphosis, changing from caterpillar to butterfly, takes from nine to fourteen days. I kept close watch, but nothing happened in the first eleven days. But on day twelve, I noted that the green was changing. By the time I went to bed, the colorful wings could be seen through the now translucent chrysalis. I was confident that within 24 hours, a butterfly would emerge.

This morning, with the colors even more vivid, I decided to take the chrysalis outdoors. My plan was to see the butterfly appear, watch as it hung and its wings dried and then move it to the milkweed from where it would finally fly away.

I took the daily crossword puzzle, camera and cup of coffee to the porch and got comfortable in the chair where I was prepared to spend most of the day. But before an hour had passed, I looked up just as the butterfly slipped from the chrysalis! It hung there for about an hour, its wings slowly straightening. Eventually I moved it to the milkweed plants where it spent the afternoon until it flew away.

If you're interested in reading more about monarch butterflies, I found this link informative:
http://butterflybushes.com/monarch_

metamorphosis.htm

Monarch Butterfly

2011-09-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

Last summer Grandma Sherry had an abundance of ornamental milkweed that she'd planted. I don't know whether she intended to host monarch butterfly caterpillars, but that is indeed what she did. By late summer multiple caterpillars seemed to be on every plant, and there were a lot of plants. Looking for the caterpillars was like looking for Easter eggs.

Eventually the caterpillars disappeared, but were discovered as chrysalises hanging from the siding and soffit of her condo. We were diligent as we watched day to day as the chrysalises changed from light green to translucent and the colorful wings could be seen as they matured. And ultimately there came the bittersweet days as we watched the butterflies emerge, quickly dry their wings and fly off.

From www.monarchbutterflyusa.com, "The total time frame for one butterfly's life cycle (one generation) is about 6-8 weeks . . . egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. It grows inside the egg for about 4 days. It then munches milkweed and grows as a monarch caterpillar (larvae) for about 2 more weeks. The caterpillar's life inside the chrysalis (pupa) lasts about 10 days and its wonderful life as an adult butterfly lasts from 2 - 6 weeks."

Early in the spring I purchased some milkweed seeds. Around Mother's Day, when the chance of frost is said to be past, the kids cultivated the small dirt strip along my patio and planted the seeds. As I sit here now, I count six plants. Three are healthy, although no milk pods have appeared, one looks puny, and two are merely marking time until frost takes them.

Caterpillars - top middle and lower right

About a month ago, Sophia ran into the house to announce she'd found a caterpillar! We went out together and found four. In the next three days, they all disappeared, off to find a spot for their chrysalises.

In fact, I watched one as it left the plant, crawled up the hibiscus planter and eventually disappeared into the shrub. I presume all made their way to safety.

Last week I was sitting on the porch and saw a monarch butterfly hanging from the limb of a nearby plant, slowly opening and closing its wings. I bent down, encouraged it to climb onto my finger, and moved it to the butterfly plant. There it stayed, continuing to open and close its wings. When I looked later in the evening it was gone.

Once again, this afternoon I am sitting on the patio. A few minutes ago I glanced at the largest of the plants and saw a new caterpillar. Closer inspection revealed a second, and both are about half the size of a mature caterpillar! This is the third "crop" of caterpillars, and I am in awe at being able to witness the monarch's life cycle!

Vacationing with Adolescents

2011-08-03T20:03:00.002-04:00

Dawn wanted to do something special with Brandon and Sophia this summer. I think she based her decision on destinations on what we did as a family -- every summer from the time she was one until she and Brett were in their teens we spent a week in a timeshare in Myrtle Beach.

Her second family and their daughter, her close friend since childhood, offered the use of their channel house there. Vacation destination chosen! And Brandon and Sophia were eager to go to the beach.

Twenty minutes -- a mere twenty miles outside of Canton -- the bickering in the backseat started. Brandon couldn't look at Sophia without her being offended and tattling. Then Brandon started reaching out to Sophia, pointing a finger as though he were prepared to poke or touch her. More howls from Sophia. Then Brandon complained that he was cramped and tried to straighten his legs toward Sophia's side of the car. More wailing. Seven hours of this.

Dawn and I had threatened after arriving at our evening destination to put Brandon in the passenger seat next to the driver the next morning. He promised that he'd not antagonize Sophia and wanted to remain next to her. But the experience Dawn and I shared the previous day weighed heavily on our decision to have Brandon occupy the front seat for the rest of the trip. I was about as happy sitting in the back seat as Brandon was in the front, but the cacophany of arguing and tattling stopped.

Weather was great. This was the beach, after all, so it was hot -- in the 90's. But the house is only a couple short blocks from the ocean and the beach was clean and big. After unloading the car we walked down to the beach and just after the three of them got into the water, the life guard pulled them out, pointing to a possibly dangerous bank of clouds moving over the city. So it was back to the house to shower and then we headed out to shop for groceries.

Although Dawn and Sophia made it to the beach every day for a couple hours, Brandon suffered from chafed thighs and put away his swimming suit Tuesday. And then he complained that he was bored as he laid around the house and played games on his iPod.

Evenings we went out for dinner and occasionally extended the evening with entertainment such as Grand Prix car racing. Sophia is still talking about the Skydrop. The three were tethered together, hauled by a pulley to the top of a tower, and then released to free fall. Scream? Oh, yes! At the bottom of the fall, they simply swung back and forth as the arc's path shortened until they could be returned to the "launch area" and be released from the apparatus.

Ripley's touted their new exhibit on sharks, so we visited the aquarium. We went early in the day and still stood in line for 30-45 minutes to purchase tickets. Once inside, we walked to the line to the shark display. What a waste of time. Lots of displays, but not the shark exhibit we'd anticipated. But the highlight was next -- the aquarium itself. We stood on a people-mover walk and were able to see lots of sharks and a variety of fish. The kids weren't bored since with all the movement in the water, there was no lack of interesting activity. When we finally exited the aquarium the line to see the shark exhibit was three times as long as when we'd stood in it. Poor souls.

Brandon's favorite activity ... wait for it ... was shopping at the Tanger outlet! They have an Under Armour store there and he loves their apparel. Dawn loves Coach, and there was a store for her. Sophia likes jewelry and Claire's has a shop. Dawn got her purse, Brandon got some shorts and Sophia got jewelry. I bought some socks. Both kids have new "Lids". Brandon tried to talk Sophia into a hat that he figured he'd quickly inherit from her. But she wasn't having any of it. Good girl, Sophia!

On Friday, Brandon said he was anxious to come home. He missed his cat, as Sophia missed hers, and he wanted to begin cleaning so we could leave Saturday instead of the planned return on Sunday. Dawn and I realized that another 11 hours in the car with Brandon and Sophia, all of it in one day, was more than we were up for. So we got up early Saturday and the four of us cleaned. After a last visit to the ocean for Dawn and Sophia, we headed for home around 3:00 Saturday afternoon. We spent the night in Charlotte, hit the road at 9:00 Sunday morning and got home about 5:00.

I think Dawn's already decided that vacation next year will be a series of three- or four-day periods spent at destinations no more than two hours from home. And fortunately the kids like the idea of short trips. Not far from here are popular amusement parks, a couple water parks, and even a Tanger outlet! There are even other activities here that aren't available at the beach. Sounds like a good plan to me!

Contemplating the Happy Dance

2011-06-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

Twenty years ago one of my brothers and I walked up a mountain in Arizona to scatter our mother's ashes in an area where she loved to hike. Sometime during that walk, my knees began to hurt and swell. Back home, a doctor diagnosed me with osteoarthritis. I began treating the symptoms with OTC drugs and through the years, moved on to stronger prescription medication. By the end of 2010, however, they had all become ineffective. I was told, "When it's time for surgery, you'll know it."

They were right. When I was unable to sleep well at night, I realized it was time. There was no hesitation because folks who have had or know of someone who's had total joint replacement (TJR) universally comment, "I'm sorry I waited so long." My date with the knife was June 10. I was in the hospital at 9:00, surgery started at 11:30 and was completed by 1:30.

Let me say: when I woke up there was no joint pain. The hurting parts had been removed and replaced by "hardware". Although I'd been told that the effects of the anesthetic would linger for up to 48 hours, that evening after surgery, I was assisted in moving from my bed to a chair. And I was assured that I should put my full weight on my leg. It felt wobbly, but it didn't hurt!

During the overnight, I was visited hourly by the nurses who checked my vital signs and asked me if I needed anything. I wanted to say, "Fewer visits", but understood that they were monitoring my condition.

The incision is seven inches long and "sutured" with 25 staples. Bruising is extensive and swelling interferes with bending my knee. I repeatedly told the staff that I didn't have pain, just discomfort in the tissues that the surgery had impacted. With feeling returning to my leg as the effects of the spinal ebbed, on Sunday I was assisted through a series of exercises that include knee bends, straight leg raises and the heel slides. The heel slide is simple, but diabolical. It is done by lying with the leg straight and slowly sliding the heel toward the tush as far as I can pull it, then allowing the heel to slide back until the leg is straight again. There's a lot of discomfort, particularly when the therapist "assists" by pushing the foot a tad farther than I can pull! But I must admit that in spite of the distress caused by stretching those muscles, my leg feels much better when the exercises have been completed. A dose of vicodin helps, too!

I came home Monday, three days after surgery, and found the porch decorated with a plethora of flamingos in celebration of my return.

On Wednesday, I visited the physical therapy facility and on Friday, had my first therapy session. It started with eight minutes of pedaling. No pain!!! I felt as though I could have pedaled much longer. The now-familiar knee bends, leg lifts -- 20 of each -- were next. But only 15 heel slides. That's because the PT had saved five in which she pushed, probably watching for my eyes to roll to the back of my head! A few more activities and then, at the end the session, I was introduced to the Squeeze and Freeze appliance. This apparatus includes a shin-to-thigh sleeve that was wrapped around my leg and some chilling material pumped into it to "ice" my leg. Ahhhhhhh.

I hope progress to recovery is speedy. I want to get the right knee done before the end of the year. I see the surgeon in a week to have the staples removed. I'll ask him then if we can pencil me in on the schedule.

When Will It Stop? Three Months Later....

2011-05-21T10:45:00.001-04:00

The last post bemoaned the snows of winter and asked, "When will it stop?" It's now the middle of May and we continue asking, When will it stop? But now it's rain. And unrelenting sunless days with temperatures that require a light jacket and available umbrella. Friends comment about aches and pains that will probably abate when the rain stops. And yes, I realize the folks along the flooded Mississippi River are suffering and in dire straits. We're just unhappy here, not miserable.

I read an article in the morning newspaper about a reporter who interviewed some cyclists riding through Ohio on their way to the east coast. A cyclist commented: "Over half the people we've seen were mowing." Obviously the group was passing through on a rain-free day. When there's rain five out of seven days, a lot of yard work needs to be done quickly, before the next shower. We haven't broken any records for accumulation, but frequency has to be acknowledged. Here in the condo complex, we hire out the task and the company must deal as best they can with mowing five days worth of clients in two, providing those two days are weekdays and not weekends. If they don't get to us again soon, we'll be baling instead of mowing.

With May came Mother's Day. I'd asked Dawn a few days earlier if she still had a shepherd's hook I gave her a few years ago, because I wanted to borrow it to hang a bird feeder outside my front window. Unfortunately it was gone, but she brought me a new one for Mother's Day, this one with two hooks. I now have a feeder filled with thistle seeds that the finches have commandeered and a hummingbird feeder. I've tried many times in the past to attract hummingbirds, but this is the first time I've been successful! I've also planted milkweed and hope to have monarch butterflies later this summer.

When Will It Stop?

2011-02-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

A winter weather warning was posted yesterday for our area. Rain changing to freezing rain changing to snow. We can expect 4 - 6" today and a similar amount through tomorrow. So up to 12". I say, "Enough already!"

The weather in so many areas has been really crazy this winter. No need to tell you who have to cope with it. It's right outside your windows. Through the night I heard something tick-ticking against the window. I just pulled the covers higher and buried my nose in the blankets. But I had to get up eventually.

It was quiet outdoors. That's because anything horizontal is covered in fresh snow. I don't think there's more than an inch or two yet, but the wind is blowing, so the snow is drifting. In a couple hours there will be enough that when I lift the garage door, the pile against it will fall into the garage and I'll need to sweep/shovel it out in order to close the door. And the wind will blow it back in.

But for the break a week ago when the temperature reached 40 and all the once white stuff melted, snow has covered the ground since December, before Christmas. On Monday, fortunately a legal holiday and therefore, no schools were in session, we had 6" of storm-delivered snow. Today, again, schools are closed because of weather. And this is the year the State legislature cut "snow days" from five to three. It's possible the kids could have gotten to school, but also to be considered is getting them home. At the rate we're going, students will be making up missed days into mid June.

I wake up mornings like this, thankful that I don't have to go out, don't have to go to work. That benefit of being retired is worth being old enough to qualify! Meanwhile, my thoughts are with people who fight the commute. Be careful out there!

Auld Lang Syne

2010-12-27T15:19:00.006-05:00

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas flew by! When I remembered the chaos of buying numerous, relatively inexpensive, presents for Brandon and Sophia, I was relieved that this year I had decided to buy two gifts for them to share, and then give them each some cash. Both had expressed the desire to have several items with large price tags. With the money I planned to give them, each can decide on what they want to spend their moo-lah. They're happy to have money and I'm happy to have been freed of the added shopping and responsibility for poor decision-making.

As in the past, I spent the night Christmas Eve at their house. Brandon decided that we'd get up at 5:30 Christmas morning. Dawn rejected that idea and suggested a compromise at 6:30. Brandon came back with 6:00. Dawn said, "No, 6:30."

At 6:00 AM, the ceiling light came on in my bedroom. I kept my eyes closed, and told whoever it was to turn off the light and go away. Then I heard Dawn say, "Go back to bed, Brandon." Some muffled conversation followed, and then it was quiet again. But I could hear footsteps going back and forth outside my door. Finally, I rolled over and saw wee Sophia followed by Dawn walk into Brandon's room. It was 6:15, and apparently Christmas festivities had begun.

Making Snickerdoodle cookies for Santa Christmas Eve

Playing with the karaoke machine

Sizing up the dress from Uncle Brett and Aunt Michelle

The Nano Hex critters in their habitat (ick!)

 Brandon showing pleasure with lava lamp

By 7:15, all the gifts had been opened.  While Dawn prepared breakfast, I busied myself gathering torn gift wrap and tidying the room while Brandon and Sophia got acquainted with their gifts.  Some time was spent "performing" with the aid of the karaoke machine.  Then it was time to pack up and head out to meet Matt with whom Brandon and Sophia would spend the following week.  

While the kids are away, Dawn and I will spend our time preparing for 2011 -- packing away Christmas decorations, clearing the slate of the old year and getting ready to meet the needs of the new year.

The Other Shoe

2010-10-22T14:03:00.004-04:00

Dawn and Matt had their divorce pretrial hearing yesterday. If they hadn't reached agreement on all items of the settlement, their case would have gone to trial.

But they had agreed. And both attorneys finally had documents that, while not mirror images, didn't prevent closure. The final decree was issued today.

Six months, start to finish.

While both Dawn and Matt had moved on toward lives with the kids but without each other, now they can officially, legally, go forward as individuals, not half of a couple.

The other shoe has finally dropped. Now Dawn can head out in a new shoe that doesn't pinch and whose stride promotes happy feet with each step forward.

A Reminder That Kids Will be Kids

2010-10-17T10:04:00.004-04:00

Brandon is ten and already knows it all. You don't have to ask him, he'll tell you. Every time you question his actions.

For the sake of convenience, I've bought each of the kids a bike to keep here. Last year Sophia moved up from a garage sale purchase 16-inch to a larger bike. That meant we had an unused bike which Brandon wanted to trim down to a dirt bike for himself. Fenders were removed, the frame was painted black and the girly seat replaced with one that was black.

Then winter came. By spring, he'd grown too large for the bike, so I bought him a new one equipped with pegs so he could do tricks. After a few weeks he wanted to customize it. He'd been successful in his efforts with Sophia's old bike, so I told him that while I didn't see the necessity to tear down a new bicycle, if he felt competent to modify it, okay.

He swears it wasn't his fault. Somehow some bearings got stripped and he couldn't reassemble it. So it laid, in pieces, on my garage floor all summer. He wasn't allowed to borrow a bike from the neighbor. If others rode bikes, he scooted along on a skateboard.

Now fall is here and the kids are back in school. I sent e-mail to the kids' dad and asked if he'd consider rebuilding the bike with Brandon over the winter. When I didn't get a reply, I realized that the bike and its parts would continue laying on the garage floor. So I gathered them up, put them in the car, and drove to a local bike shop.

I approached one of the techs. "I have a ten year old grandson who says he knows how to take a bike apart and put it together."

As I spoke the words, a cyclist, in his riding gear, walked by and snickered. Obviously he knew where I was going with this. So did the tech, who asked, "Where is it?"

We walked out to the car, he went through the bag of pieces, identifying what he held and noting what he needed, and said he could put it back together, he'd like to reassemble it, that he loved puzzles.

So a few days later I returned to find a rebuilt bike, sans one hand grip, all put back together. As good as a new bike, maybe better. Back to my garage it went to sit beside Sophia's bike.

It was raining when the school bus was due to drop off the kids at the bus stop on Wednesday, so I picked them up. When I pulled into the garage, Sophia said, "Brandon, look at your bike!"

Brandon said, "Huh? What? Where!?!"

"Look! Right there!"

Brandon, sitting in the passenger's seat beside me, spun toward me and said, "Really??! You fixed it?!"

"No, I took it to the bike shop," I replied. "But now you have to promise you won't take it apart again."

"I promise!!"

Let's see how long it is before he's either bored or looking for another challenge.

We Turn Another Page

2010-10-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

Dawn and Matt have sold their house! In this economy, with so many homes for sale, it could have been on the market for a year or more. However, it was just into its second listing when they accepted an offer. Dawn went into high gear boxing up belongings and moving what she could prior to closing.

The official move was right after Labor Day. Brandon and Sophia headed off to school, unaware of the plans for the day. Two men and a truck (also the name of the franchise) arrived and loaded furniture. Six hours later it was in place at Courtland and the beds were made. Time for the big unveil. Brandon had football practice, and afterward, instead of driving to the former house, Dawn took them to Courtland. They were accustomed to stopping by frequently, but this would be their first night sleeping there. Both were excited to see their bedroom furniture in place but also felt some sadness at leaving the old house behind. However, I think both were relieved that as one door was closing, another was already open, and both were comfortable with their new surroundings. Dawn and I celebrated the end of the day with a couple glasses of wine. I left about 9:00 so she could begin getting the kids off the ceiling and into bed.

A week or so later, Dawn told me about a blue jay that seemed to be unafraid of people. It had flown into the garage and had been seen outdoors perching on her vehicle's rear view mirror. It had even sat on the railing of the patio while Dawn was there in a chair. One day when I visited, we sat on the deck together, and luckily "Jay" (or Jaye if it's a female) appeared.

Dawn sent an email to the previous owner about the friendly bird, and Amy replied that it had appeared last year during a garage sale, flying in and out of the garage, even sitting on one person's finger. However, she is afraid of birds, so had never interacted with Jay when he returned.

Jay comes by nearly every day when someone is outdoors. One day last weekend, he landed on Dawn's arm.

Dawn's friend Rachelle was visiting, and he sat on her hand.

Brandon and Jay have interacted as well. Brandon had a dollar bill that Jay took from between his fingers and then flew with it into a tree! Brandon was beside himself at the loss of the money, but when Jay couldn't eat it, or lost interest, he let the bill drop. Brandon scurried to retrieve it, held the bill again, and Jay came to get it. Again Jay eventually let it go and then flew away. Dawn has a video on her phone and I'll provide a link if she ever uploads it!

Yesterday Dawn sent me a picture of her latest purchase. A bird feeder is now situated at the corner of the deck. She said Jay's been by to check it out.

The End of Summer

2010-08-28T18:18:00.005-04:00

In mid August I drove to southern Indiana, Bloomington to be precise. The internet group I belong to, affectionately dubbed by one member's son as the Internet Ax Murderers' Dating Club, was assembling for the weekend at the home of Julie and Lee for a reunion of "family" members. There are close to thirty of us and ten were able to make the trip.

Southern Indiana in August is as close to hell as I ever want to get. The temperature was in the upper 90's as was the humidity. Walking outdoors felt like slogging through knee-deep water. For nearly three days multiple animated conversations were carried on simultaneously. Even eating didn't silence the crowd.

Julie's and Lee's home is surrounded by plants that attract butterflies, and those of us with cameras took countless snapshots of the colorful creatures.

In July, Ohio got hot and stayed hot. This grandma poo-pooed any outdoor day trips with Brandon and Sophia. But activities did pick up in late August.

Although he was QB last year, Brandon has grown and his weight made him ineligible to play that position this year. But he's quite happy to be out of the limelight and finally be one of those who tackles instead of being the one sacked.


Brandon said he wanted to play in the rain.....

The annual Kickoff Classic was held last Saturday. Teams were paired and scrimmaged with ten offensive and ten defensive plays for each. Parents and grandparents sat in the bleachers, one eye on the field, the other on the sky. Rain, long needed, was going to arrive shortly. Initial drops soon turned to a shower and eventually a deluge was upon us, one whose intensity became more and more forceful. Dawn and I laughed as rain was driven through our umbrellas and runoff from the umbrellas found its way down our backs and into our slacks. The Classic was halted after Brandon's scrimmage, perhaps because spectators who had been in the stands were now sitting in their cars, leaving only a handful to watch and cheer the boys on.

Many schools were back in session last week; however ours begins a week later. The heat of the past several days finally moderated and was ideal for doing things away from the condo. On Tuesday we went to Canton's McKinley Monument and the Museum. It was my plan to look at the Monument and then tour the Museum. Brandon and Sophia were more interested in repeatedly running up the steps to the Monument and sliding down the granite side rail. Eventually we went into the Museum for some history.

Weather on Wednesday was a repeat of Tuesday's. Dawn called to ask if I wanted to visit the Akron Zoo. This is something we've done with the kids each year just before school begins. The exhibits continue to be expanded and improved and the zoo is clean and easy to navigate. It's a nice size and everything can be seen in a half day.

No pictures for Friday's activities. I promised a movie (something where I could sit and they wouldn't be bored) and they agreed on Vampires Suck. Yeah, a winner. It's a spoof of Twilight so most enjoyed by those folks (teens, I presume) who'd seen it. Fortunately both Brandon and Sophia seemed interested, and neither expressed a desire to leave before the movie ended.

With Dawn's and Matt's divorce about to be finalized, both kids have been assigned tasks to help with household needs. Therefore, after the movie, Brandon asked if they could go home so he could get a head start on his Saturday chores.

Once both finished their work, Brandon fell onto the couch to rest. Dawn asked if they wanted a surprise. She had decided it was time to show them the house they will be moving to. Brandon replied that he did, but would like to rest first. Sophia said she'd like a surprise, too, but not if it involved more work. Dawn reassured them that Brandon could continue to relax and Sophia would have no more work to do. So into the cars we got, Sophia with me, Brandon with Dawn.

I stopped next to Dawn's vehicle in the driveway, and we could hear Brandon's excited voice and see the grin on his face.

"Sophia, this is our new house!!!" he exclaimed as he jumped out of the car. And quickly Sophia was out of mine as they ran into and then out of the garage, not knowing what to examine first. The house is next to one of the community parks, and Sophia ran to walking track along the property line and laughing, declared to two woman passing, "I live here!!"" And then she ran back to the yard and Dawn took them into the house.

Brandon saw boxes in the family room and thought they had yet to be removed by the previous owner. But Sophia spied some of her things in them and Brandon saw family pictures in Dawn's office. Then he began to believe. With the realization that the house was really theirs, Brandon and Sophia quickly headed up the stairs to see the second level -- through the living and dining rooms, out on the deck, back inside, through the kitchen and then back to the living room. Sophia did a cartwheel and Brandon tried as well. When I left, they were deciding which bedroom each would have. Both wanted to go home to begin moving their belongings. The real move will be in two or three weeks, but it looks like hours will be spent there in anticipation and preparation for what lies ahead.

Woosh -- the Sound of Summer Whizzing Past

2010-08-08T17:04:00.002-04:00

Long time, no post. The past few months have been chaotic, if not physically, at least mentally.

Part of the delay is that Dawn and Matt are divorcing. There have been a number of rocky months and there was no resolution to their issues. Both are ready to move on separately. Like building a house, early on settlement issues were agreed to quickly. Now, they are down to finer details, and decisions are contemplated with more thought. Still, neither wants the divorce pro- ceedings to drag on. Fortunately Brandon and Sophia have adjusted to the idea of living with Mom “here”, wherever that will be, and visiting frequently with Dad “there”, where rooms for them all have been added at the home where Nana and Pap live. Dawn hopes to keep Brandon and Sophia in their current school district, so while the neighborhood may change, there will still be familiar things around them.

Brandon took a golf class early in the spring and Matt said it really helped his golf game. Unfortunately the turmoil of separating and establishing separate residences has made father/son golf outings infrequent. Still, Brandon entertains himself with golf ball challenges.

Sophia’s continued her twice-weekly sessions in gymnastics. In late June the girls, from pre-schooler to high school, had an exhibition to share what they'd learned in the prior months. Sophia’s continuing her classes through the summer and may move to a higher class in the fall. She’s still a wee little thing and cute as a bug’s ear!

Dawn’s scouting for a second job to supplement her interior design income. Those openings that are available require someone who will work evenings and/or weekend hours. She doesn’t mind part-time, but needs a schedule that would allow her to be home with the kids at night. So, she continues filling out applications and hopes that something for which she’s qualified becomes available. In the meantime, now that their house is ready to show and been listed for sale, she has more time to work with established clients as well as seek new ones.

Brett’s still busy in Shanghai. He finally has an apartment (two-bedroom!). He gave me a tour via Skype the other day. Furnishings are Spartan but the unit is perfect for someone who travels a lot and spends many hours at the office. He has a flat screen TV and has had “Slingbox” software added to his laptop so he can watch TV programs aired in San Francisco! He and Michelle manage to be in the same place -- home in San Rafael or the apartment in Shanghai -- about every eight weeks.

It was the tentative plan that I would go to Shanghai in mid September and stay for about three weeks. Brett thought he’d be in the States to have meetings at the Company’s office in Los Angeles and then he, Michelle and I would fly back to Shanghai together. In the last few days he’s had meetings in Abu Dhabi (on the toe of the Arabian Peninsula) and in the next few weeks he’ll be moving his base of operation there. He anticipates 80% of his time will be spent working on current Corporate programs there and 20% in Shanghai trying to tie down contracts with Asian companies. My trip??? It’ll happen eventually, but I don’t know whether it will be to Shanghai or Abu Dhabi.

We’re just completing Hall of Fame Week here. One of the most attended events is the balloon fest. Generally after they lift off, the hot air balloons float east or south. This year the breezes carried them west and many floated over the condo complex both Friday evening and again Saturday morning. What a treat!!

Moving on.......

2010-04-16T13:38:00.002-04:00

What a glorious spring it is! The heavy rains with the accompanying wind have not arrived. Yet. Oh, they will, but hopefully all the trees in bloom will have leafed out and the daffodils, hyacinths and tulips will be past flowering. That means there are about twelve hours remaining before the rain arrives and temperature, currently in the upper 70's plummets to the 40's. We even have the possibility of snow flurries in tomorrow's forecast.

Brett returned to the US from China in mid-March. He spent his time here putting together several proposals for projects in China. He understands the Chinese way of doing business -- it's wait followed by more wait, until ----go---->. There may be no signed contract, but when the client is ready to proceed, the service provider had better be ready to jump in with both feet. Yes, Brett understands the practice; his employer is a little slower to accept the concept.

Brett and Michelle both have laptops with web cams and recently subscribed to Skype. Using that service certainly has reduced their use of cell phone minutes. Dawn and I now are equipped for these "looking at you" conversations and it's fun to see the person you're talking to.

Brett's returned to China last weekend. He has a 30-day visa. That requires him to leave the country after 30 days. So he goes to Hong Kong for a few days! Then it's back to Shanghai. He finally has an office so he doesn't have to conduct business from the table in his hotel room. Now he's received the go-ahead to find an apartment. Once a lease is signed and he has a place to call home, I'll begin thinking about a trip to visit.

Brett and Dawn talked yesterday via Skype before Brandon and Sophia went to school. Brett shared some information with her and then asked that she tell me. She said, "Uh, okay. I'll have to do it today before the kids tell her or Matt tells his mom who will then comment [via e-mail] to Mom about the news." He said, "Never mind. I'm a grown-up. I'll tell her." So this is the e-mail I received before leaving to work at the hospital:

Mom,

Before  you hear it from Brandon or Sophia or through the grapevine I  thought I would prepare you myself.  Sorry it's via email.

Things  with Michelle are going great.  I think we will be growing old together.  So  that's not the problem.

I  enjoy China and the chance at building something from scratch.  So that's not  the problem.

I'm  still pretty healthy....for a guy turning 40.  So that's not the  problem.

Nikki  and Lulu are dogs....they sometimes (more often than not) get to sleep in our  bed.  So that's really not the problem either.

Let's  see.........

I  think I'm about out of options to postpone what it is I have to tell  you.......

You  knew I was thinking of selling the Taurus [vehicle].......

Well....I did [before returning to China last week].  I don't know why.  I think I got tired of jockeying  around it.  Although she was always good to me.

Hmmmmmm...........?

Well  it kinda looks like this...

I did question the lack of helmet and he responded:

I bought two of the best helmets available. I took it off for the pic.
I also bought us very good "leather" for further protection.
It is a Ducati. Italian for Holy Shit!
It is one of the most desired bikes on the planet. It at least has resale value!
It is a gas powered crotch rocket as you put it. But of the classy type.
Thank you for understanding.

Finally, I said that I hoped he'd ride smart--no crazy stuff. And he replied:

I'm 40 - no more crazy shit! 

So besides the humor in the conversation, I was surprised (and pleased) that he "sweated" telling me! Dawn said he was afraid I'd chew him up and spit him out, since I'm not an advocate of bikes. In their situation, however, I saw the upside. The second car was in the way and more of a nuisance than an asset. But it's comforting to know he still values my opinion, although (obviously) the final decisions are his!

Spring's on the Horizon

2010-04-02T19:45:00.001-04:00

It's been several weeks since Park Place has been updated. There's only so much that can be said about winter, and I said it all -- and provided pictures! That February record snowfall just about did us all in. By early March we just wanted it to be over.

Neighbor Sherry lamented the fact that the area schools don't share the same week for spring break. Sophia and Brandon were out this week; her grandchildren are out next week. It's doubtful they'll be here at the same time until summer break. Four unhappy kids and at least one disgruntled grandmother!

On Monday Brandon, Sophia and I headed out early. First stop: A desperately needed haircut for Brandon. I'd repeatedly offered to put in barrettes to hold the hair out of his eyes. He chose the more logical option: a proper clipping at the local salon. Eyes. I could see his eyes again! Then we drove to the mall. Sophia wanted to have her picture taken with the Easter bunny. I was surprised, but very pleased, when Brandon consented to stand beside the bunny. Got a superb snapshot of them on the first try.

Sophia gave her little bike to Brandon last summer so he could do tricks on it. Unfortunately, that left her without a bike, so our next stop was to get a new one for her. Sophia's still inches shorter than many classmates, so this 20" bike should be suitable for several seasons.

Last month Sophia began attending gymnastics classes twice a week. What an amazing program! Visitation was allowed Monday evening, and Sophia asked me to come watch. The session started with 45 minutes of "floor work". Eleven girls, probably ages 4 through 8, did stretching and strengthening exercises followed by tumbling. Sophia's mastered the cartwheel and impressed me with her tumbling. The last 45 minutes the girls walked the balance beam and tried to do pirouettes, were helped to swing and dismount from the uneven parallel bars and finally, ran and jumped on the springboard for the vault. I was amazed that there was no horsing around. The instructors expect the girls' best efforts and are generous with praise and encouragement. Some have talent; some don't. But they all try.

The weather has been beautiful the last few days. In February we set records for snowfall. Yesterday and today we set records for high temperatures - over 80F both days. Daffodils are blooming! After I walked this morning, I decided the day was perfect for cleaning out the garage. (Why does the first half of such a job always go more quickly than the second half?) I was done by noon -- vacuumed under everything that was movable, got the cobwebs off the ceiling and packaged up to give away toys the kids no longer pay with. The next project will be to vacuum blinds and wash windows. Then I'll wash and hang screens. Maybe next weekend if it's not snowing.

Winter Wonderland

2010-02-17T21:22:00.005-05:00

We're half way through February and the snow continues to fall. Locally we have gotten almost 24 inches since the first of the month. A little over another inch and we'll have the record for the greatest snowfall in February. Road crews have done a great job clearing the highways for traffic. Subdivisions take a little longer. Our complex doesn't have dedicated streets; they're more like lanes, narrower than a common street. Therefore, the county doesn't maintain them, doesn't clear them. So we have a private contractor. We've seen a lot of their trucks this winter, and their snow blowers used to clear the sidewalks are music to our ears.

We kid about the amount of snow we have, asking, "Where are the going to put it if we get any more?" As far as Brandon is concerned, they can pile it all outside my garage! He and Christian went out yesterday with shovels from sandbox-size to a standard snow shovel and carved a tunnel into the banked pile next to my driveway. Today, after school, instead of coming in to have a snack, Brandon went out to continue enlarging the cave. Before he got focused on the project, I snapped this picture of Brandon and Sophia in the hole.

Daytime temperatures have been in the high 20s or low 30s. Perfect for the kids to play outdoors, hard to get them to come back inside. Excellent as well for making icicles. Our roofs have a steep pitch, and icicles form easily. Today I watched as they grew longer and longer. As the snow melts we'll have to watch for problems with water getting under the roofing shingles.

There is snow in the forecast for the next several days. We've dealt pretty well with two feet of snow. I almost feel guilty hoping that having gotten that much, it would be worth a little more aggravation to get two more to set an all-time record for February. (Two days later, we did!)

Where Pictures Speak Louder Than Words

2010-02-10T18:51:00.002-05:00

The snow storm appropriately named Snowmagedden by President Obama provided an additional eye-opening experience for those of us who ventured outside yesterday, Tuesday, morning. I'd heard of hoarfrost, ("a covering of minute ice needles, formed from the atmosphere at night upon the ground and exposed objects when they have cooled by radiation below the dew point, and when the dew point is below the freezing point"). Simply put, in the bright morning sun, the trees looked like those on Christmas cards. They glistened as though they were jewel-covered.

I was so impressed I grabbed my camera to take pictures before continuing on to run errands. As the sun climbed in the sky, the ice melted from the trees, and by the time I was home at noon, they were once again just naked, plain trees.

Snowmagedden

2010-02-06T19:06:00.010-05:00

February 6, 2010. A storm moved south to north, west to east. We had plenty of warning. I walked yesterday and even though the weather was approaching from the south, the wind was from the east. A cold wind.

In the late afternoon, flurries started. Steady. By dark the ground was covered. I woke during the night and could hear no road noise. Not good. Not even a snow plow. Worse.

My cellphone beeped a little after 7:00 AM. A text message. Dawn had sent a picture of the bird bath outside their front door. As an e-list friend said when I posted the picture there, "That's not snow; that's a giant mushroom."

These are two more pictures she posted on her Facebook page:

The sun was shining by midmorning. And cars on the road were passing at close to the speed limit, so the plows must have gone by. But our complex streets and driveways remained impassable until late afternoon. We were snowed in today, but tomorrow will be almost normal -- but parking lots will be clogged with piles of snow.

And now there's word another storm will arrive Tuesday. Be sure to check back.

The Need to Know

2010-02-02T14:50:00.019-05:00

Daughter Dawn shared the following experiences with me via e-mail. With her permission I'm posting her comments here for you to enjoy and, hopefully, laugh at.

From what occurred this past Sunday:

Well, Sophia gave me something else to think about tonight.... She insisted that she wanted to know how a baby gets into your belly.

REALLY? I struggled and procrastinated for an hour or so, talked about it being a special thing between a mommy and a daddy, said I’d find something on the computer, then she wanted to see a video of it!!!

CRAP! I talked about the sperm and the egg. She said I was making that up, so I showed her the video of that…. She said, “This is boring. I want to see how it gets in there, not this!” Sigh.

OK, I decided to bite the bullet. I told her that I couldn’t believe that she is only 7 and I am discussing this with her….another sigh. “Alright, this is what happens. A husband and wife hug and kiss..."

"YUCK!!!! Don’t tell me any more. I don’t think I want to hear any more!" as she covered her ears and closed her eyes.

Smile.

And this today:

This morning while Sophia was on the toilet, “Mom, where does the fisheye (sperm) come from?

“Oh my gosh, Sophia, I really can’t believe you are 7 and want to know these things.”

“I know,” she said. “So where do they come from?”

“They come from the daddy and go into the mommy and find the egg. The first one to get inside the egg wins and gets to make the baby.”

She smiled “Oooohhhhh, that’s fun. It’s like a race!"

With a sigh of relief, I turned to walk away, and there stood Brandon (age 10) with his thumb up and a wink, and he said to me under his breath, “That was a good answer, Mom.”

A Tribute

2010-02-02T09:38:00.007-05:00

An exemplary woman. Diminutive of stature, monumental in spirit. Indomitable. Compassionate and passionate. Such a strong personality, she would live forever.

Until last Sunday, January 31. Dee died in her sleep. Thank you, God. She had been in poor health, but had an underlying strength that surmounted those issues. Her brother notified us of her passing with a comment on her last blog post. We imagine she slipped away without pain. As it should be for our matriarch.

She was a member of many e-lists and I subscribe to one of them. If you take time to click through posts on her blog http://cbg-dee.blogspot.com, you will find her feisty humor a perpetual element of her posts.

Those of us who were ac- quainted with Dee will miss her humor and wisdom. She left a mark on each of us and we'll miss her very much.

(In the photo are Woofie, sash, Dee, Jena and Gail, all who became acquainted through the internet.)

Winter Thaw

2010-01-27T22:39:00.001-05:00

A warm-up moved in last week after several weeks of below freezing temps, some into the teens. With the warm-up, I was able to walk a circuit of the nearby park track. It was interesting, and a wee bit frustrating, to note that the stamina I'd gained before the holidays, before the cold, was gone. But I returned the following day, and over the next four days managed to improve my time.

Ponds are prolific in the area, there's one at the park in fact, and there are even a few small lakes in the county. All have flocks of resident Canada geese. Geese are grazers. Last fall as I walked my mile at the park, I watched local youth playing soccer in an area that had hosted feeding (and pooping) geese in the days before. Poop on the ball, poop on the shoes, even poop on the kids' clothes. Disgruntled parents, I'm sure. And always, there's poop on the track. As I walked after the thaw had begun, I noted areas along the path where snow had been plowed from grassy areas so the geese would have a food source. The geese are protected by law, so they can't be destroyed. But I hope there's a plan to confine and cart them off to the "wilds" when they molt later this year.

Here at home, the kittens are testing my patience. (What, you're not surprised?) Toilet bowl water now intrigues Simon, so the lid on both commodes needs to be kept down. But I'm tempted to just let him fall in, just once. That experience might have a long-term impact. When I shower, they bat at the stall's glass walls, trying to catch the rivulets of streaming water. At one time they played in the second bathroom, jumping into and out of the tub, until one day Lilli climbed the shower curtain. (The curtain is now flipped up over the curtain rod.) I can't water indoor plants without both kittens getting in the pots. The day I water, I chase them away from or out of the containers by either shaking the squirt bottle of water or actually spraying them. And they're close to being full grown. Simon now weighs what Ginger did when she died. On Monday he jumped up on the bar stool, stepped up on the counter and proceeded to investigate items there such as the poinsettia which had been placed high to keep him, them, away from it. Now I've moved it to another, more inaccessible, spot.

The thaw of last week is being erased by a cold front moving in. I won't be walking for a few days, perhaps a week. But I'll get my exercise here in the condo as I chase the cats out of the flower pots and repeatedly return their toys to the cats' basket.

Simon, the Hunter

2010-01-22T10:36:00.015-05:00

On my desk sitting beside the computer are a number of mementos sent by friends. Slap up against the desk is the kitten's "tree".

Shortly after the kittens mastered climbing the tree, I would find some of those items lying on the floor beside the desk. The first thing to get Lilli's attention was fluorescent pink feathered flamingo pen that sat in the pencil cup. Lilli set about defeathering it. That task has now been accomplished. I've purchased more feathers and will be attaching them soon so her play can continue. Now, though, those items that were once merely on the floor beside the desk are being moved into other rooms.

The other day I heard the cats playing on the floor. I'd assumed Simon and Lilli were wrestling. I was wrong. When I looked, I saw that it was just Simon. He had taken the little koala bear gift, and Simon was either loving it or killing it. Sometimes it's hard to tell, but Simon had successfully removed the koala's hat.

On a visit to see an e-list friend, she gave each of her guests a small pink elephant meant to hang on the lip of a beverage glass. Mine usually is hanging from the flamingo pot hanger I received from the same person who gave me the flamingo pen. The hanger/elephant pair also sit on my desk. Now I frequently find the pot hanger on the floor beside the desk. The elephant will be found as far from the desk as Simon carries it. Earlier this morning, only seconds after I put the elephant and flamingo back on the desk, the elephant was back on the living room floor.

If you have a cat, have you discovered the joy they get in playing with the plastic ring to which plastic jug caps are attached? If not, pry one off and toss it in the cat's direction. Simon and Lilli entertain themselves and me as they bat them around or carry them from place to place. Eventually I'll have to pull the stove out and remove the accumulating collection.

All is quiet right now. Evidently they're both taking naps, so I can gather these toys they borrow from me and put them back where they can find them.

At Last!

2010-01-03T09:46:00.006-05:00

The holidays are officially finished. As the crystal ball was falling in Times Square, so were the local temperatures. As I write this on Sunday, the 3rd, the thermometer reads 6 with the wind chill a negative 14. I will be going nowhere today!

New Year's Day I took the family's picture for next year's calendar. I'm sharing it with you now, but don't tell Dawn or Matt. (I want it to be a surprise along with the other selections that are added for each month.) With all the football games televised on New Years, the traditional meal is casual. Those who have seats in front of the TV fill their plates during commercials. Matt and the kids abhor the smell of sauerkraut and those bites the kids must take are immediatlely followed by grimaces and a napkin to the mouth. The other dishes -- pork, black-eyed peas, cornbread, mashed potatoes and our special greens substitute, molded pear salad, receive marks from more thumbs down to high praise.

Rather than battle the kittens to keep them from knocking holiday knick knacks off table tops, I restrained myself and put up only the tree and a couple Christmas night lights. All those were packed away quickly on Monday. Now the storage bins are sitting in the garage, and as soon as the temperature gets above freezing again, everything will be returned to the garage attic.

Saturday hours at the hospital gift shop have been changed. With Christmas (and the associated merchandise) behind us, sales will decline significantly and the need to be open for extended hours on weekends is no longer necessary. My hours were noon to 4:00. Now they're 2:00 to 5:00. It's great to have my mornings free, but those three hours seemed sooooooooooo long yesterday! It's all a matter of mental adjustment. Give me time. I'll get there!

So now we move into 2010. Tomorrow the kids will be back in school, but I'm already getting back to my routine. I'm looking forward to walking the track every other day. But not until it's unnecessary to dress like the Michelin Man!

I'm Ready!

2009-12-22T21:38:00.003-05:00

The gifts are wrapped, a handful compared to past years. The grocery shopping is done. It'll be a simple meal -- ham, roasted vegetables for those who will eat them and corn for those who won't. Buttercrust rolls. Peppermint ice cream in an oreo chocolate crust.

Brett has entertained family and friends with e-mail from China. When I woke up on the 11th, several notes from him were in my in-box:

(1)

Rule 1

Always stop at the hotel counter and have them write down your destination in Chinese

Or;

Print the address (in Chinese) from the internet. Give that to the cabbie.

Easy as pie.

s/Brett-somewhere in Shanghai.

(2)

Rule #2

Never look out of the taxi driver's front windshield. Always concentrate your eyes out the side windows as to avoid the hysteric reactions you may have.

(3)

And now I'm lost

(4)

Uh oh

(5)

Rule #3

Always double check the address your hotel translates into Chinese for the taxi driver. Otherwise you may find yourself at a border crossing with no papers.

(6)

Rule #4

Don't misplace anything. You will not be able to explain the simplest item for them to understand what it is you're describing. Not even remotely!!!

A green hotfoot? No, my green notebook! Not cooked? NOTEBOOK!!! Dammit!

And then:

(7)

Rule #4-mystery solved!!! Green notebook retrieved.

Fortunately Brett doesn't get upset when these mishaps occur. And he did embellish his telling of his adventures. There was no border problem. The cabbie was unsure of Brett's destination, so Brett called the client's office and a person there instructed the cab driver where he should take Brett. The notebook was left in the back seat of the real estate agent's car and after a phone call to him, the notebook was returned to Brett at his hotel the next day.

In his search for suitable office space and an apartment, Brett went first to Shanghai and then Beijing. The cost to rent an apartment in Beijing is about one-third what it is in Shanghai. He likes both cities for different reasons, so I'm confident he and Michelle will be happy wherever they live.

Michelle flew over last Friday. She sent e-mail saying, "Brett met me at the airport and was kind enough to show up with a bag of crispy fried duck feet." What a guy! Obviously he put a lot of thought into presenting Michelle with something that would make her week's visit memorable. They'll spend the days leading up to Christmas in Hong Kong and then fly home on the 26th.

A few days after Thanksgiving, Sophia was the recipient of the Elf on the Shelf she named Freddie. The first thing she does every morning when she wakes up is search the house to locate Freddie's perch for the day. Brandon isn't ready to talk about the existence of Santa, probably because he realizes that the excitement of Christmas will be diminished if Santa really doesn't arrive with a sleigh filled with toys and come down the chimney but instead pulls into the garage and hurriedly stows packages where little eyes won't find them.

Only a few days until Christmas. I think I'm ready.

Where Does the Time Go?

2009-12-08T12:25:00.004-05:00

Blogging was supposed to ease the task of journaling. A few minutes a day, or at the longest, a week, to write about things happening around me. But that's not been reality. There's little that happens in a day that didn't also happen yesterday and will undoubtedly happen tomorrow. Such is my life. I'm not complaining, just noting why posts from Park Place are infrequent. I simply have little to say!

But there have been some report-worthy activities. In mid-November, Matt agreed to oversee Brandon and Sophia so Dawn and I could spend a few days with Brett and Michelle in California to celebrate Dawn's and Brett's November birthdays. We spent some of our time together relaxing in their garden (although the picture was taken one afternoon when we went shopping). Dawn and I relaxed as we thought about the chaos of the approaching winter holidays. Brett and Michelle were preparing to spend some time overseas.

Brett left his previous employer in October and is now working for ValleyCrest, "an integrated landscape company that designs, builds and maintains ... places." Brett's immediate challenge is to establish and maintain a corporate office in China. He left yesterday to spend three weeks visiting several Chinese cities, searching for the best to satisfy corporate and client needs. Once that is accomplished, he will find a nearby apartment in which to live for the next two years. Michelle hopes that she will find employment there, too, perhaps as an English teacher.

Thanksgiving Day was perfect weather for Matt's grilling of the turkey outdoors. This year Sophia and Brandon helped with meal preparation, too. Sophia mixed the green bean casserole and Brandon prepared the whipped sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows. Finally they're both old enough to sit through a meal without fidgeting or fussing. It was a very relaxing time!

In August 18-year-old cat Kitty died. With her absent, I was able to stay in bed past 7:00 AM (when she made sleep impossible as she demanded breakfast) and demanded to be lifted to the bathroom counter where I had to turn on the water so she could drink. ("Dogs have masters, cats have staff.") But I came to miss having activity here, and just before Thanksgiving adopted littermates Simon and Lilli from the Humane Society. They have been a joy. They eat the food left out for them and drink from the water dish that sits beside it. And they entertain me as well as each other.

And I Thought I'd be Bored

2009-12-08T10:58:00.003-05:00

Back in September Brandon was about a month into his first season playing tackle football. His team, the Panthers, won their first game, and I missed it because I was working. I understand that the youngsters showed up that Saturday morning with their heads screwed on straight. They performed in inspired style.

Two weeks later eleven Panthers were on the field, and it seemed as though each had his own agenda. The result was that they did the equivalent of putting a red ribbon around the game they handed to their opponent.

Apparently the coach got their attention during the practices that followed. Being a nice guy hadn't worked, so he and the assistant coaches got tough. I wasn't there, but I understand the boys learned through the experience of several scrimmages what is required to play and win.

It was late September and a perfect day for football -- sunny with the temperature in the mid 60's. I got to the field early and watched the Panthers practice. Paired up, two boys laid on their backs, helmet to helmet, one holding the football. The coach stood over them, and when he yelled "Go!", they jumped up, turned around to face each other, and the ball carrier tried to evade the other fellow whose assignment was to tackle him. Pads were popping. No one was holding back.

Their opponent on this Saturday had won their three previous games and had not been scored against. The Panthers had a big mountain to climb. And climb it they did. The Panthers recovered a fumble and in the next few plays, made a touchdown, the first scored against their opponent! The boys played so much better than earlier in the season and their practices paid off. They didn't win the game, but they didn't embarrass themselves. I am so proud of their effort and I hope they are proud of the way they played. I am looking forward to next fall's football games.

A Challenge, But FUN!!

2009-11-08T15:31:00.001-05:00

Matt was awarded a trip to Cancun by his employer for meeting his sales goal in the past year. He and Dawn spent three days in Cancun, plus two days traveling there and back. And I watched Brandon and Sophia while they were gone. I'll admit it: I was unsure of my ability to oversee them for five days. If they listened, if they obeyed, it would be no problem for me. If our views of how things should be done conflicted, the days would seem to be unending.

Matt had given each of the kids a gift card and their choice of activity Sunday was to go shopping! They wanted to end up at the mall, but had stops to be made on the way. We alternated: a stop here for Brandon, the next stop for Sophia. They were good shoppers. If they couldn't find what they wanted, we moved on. Eventually both were satisfied. Sophia found nail polish, fake nails and bear-faced cushy slippers. Brandon added to his football card collection. I guess one can never have too many.

Dawn and Matt were hosting a Halloween party when they returned, so I thought I'd help get ready by vacuuming. However, I couldn't get into Brandon's and Sophia's bedrooms because of all their toys scattered about. While I helped Sophia move things to their proper places, I asked Brandon to move his to his bed. I expected an argument but for some reason, both regarded this chore as more of a game. Once Sophia's floor was clear and she was free to go play, I moved to Brandon's room.

He was still working diligently. He'd begun to fill the waste basket beside him with broken crayons, old school papers, and other trash. Before the session was completed, he'd filled and emptied the container three times. And he was still on a roll.

I had dusted the bedside table and chest and said I was too tired to do more but would finish in the morning. He wanted it done now, and went to find the step stool and then climbed it so he could dust and rearrange the items on his highboy. Next he moved to the closet where he straightened his shoes and hanging clothes. Finally the sports card notebooks and boxes containing those that hadn't been assigned a place were neatly stacked in the closet. He'd worked steadily for over two hours and was pleased by his accomplishment. I was flabbergasted that he'd stayed with the task and done it right! He was so proud and said that he intended to keep his room tidy.

It turned out to be a great week. They ate what I fixed (and asked for the leftovers the next night!). We also went out to eat at their favorite restaurant and brought home ice cream to eat while relaxing before bedtime. And they kept their rooms neat, although Sophia doesn't seem to be bothered by clutter and had to be encouraged to put toys away rather than just toss them into the room!

Happily, I'm looking forward to doing it again. But there's no need to rush to it.

A New Four-Letter Word, and It's Not Fall

2009-10-11T17:03:00.010-04:00

But fall is here. There was frost on the roof earlier this week, but it didn't reach the ground. Summer flowers are still blooming. Instead of posting a note, I should be outdoors clearing them out of the garden. My excuse is that there will be a warmer day, perhaps as early as tomorrow, in which to tackle the task. Some preparatory work has been done, however. I had the carpets cleaned after postponing the job until the kids were back in school and not here as much to drop crumbs or spill drinks. That job completed, I wheeled in the large plant container that houses the ten-year-old hibiscus. It was a prolific bloomer throughout the summer and I didn't want to lose it to freezing temperatures. In addition, the screen in the front door has been replaced by the glass panels, but I still need to remove other screens before the snow arrives.

Brandon's football season is finished. Their record shows fewer wins than losses, but I'm proud of the skills he has learned and the teamwork exhibited by all the boys on the Panthers team. The weather yesterday was mostly sunny as opposed to the rain at last week's game. There was nothing fun about sitting in four layers of clothes covered by a Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist blue plastic poncho. Brandon had told Dawn earlier in the season that he wanted to play a game in the rain. He didn't look so enthused when he came off the field coated in mud and dripping water from his fingertips.

As a hospital volunteer, I was able to get a seasonal flu shot Tuesday at no charge. In and out in less than three minutes. Glad I didn't delay. Brandon went to school on Tuesday and the school called 30 minutes after his arrival to ask Dawn to come get him. She took him to the doctor on Wednesday. The practice had already diagnosed several cases of flu and Brandon was sent home with a prescription for Tamiflu and instructions to rest. His fever broke on Thursday, and he stayed home from school Friday to obey the 24-hours fever-free before rejoining society. Saturday morning he was back to being his normal self, so was able to play in his last football game for the season. As quarterback, he ran in one play for a touchdown. It was hard to tell who was more excited -- him or his family.

Sophia's finally losing her primary teeth. The two bottom teeth came out early this year. One of her top teeth came out as she ate an apple a few weeks ago. The other, the central incisor that she knocked loose when she fell against the bedside table while jumping on the bed a couple years ago, has been resistant to letting go. And the lateral incisor next to it, instead of loosening, seems to be climbing up her gum. Dawn is taking her to the dentist tomorrow for examination and anticipated removal of both teeth. Sophia seems nonchalant about the visit.

While we watched Brandon's game yesterday, a woman walked through the crowd carrying a large box with FREE KITTENS printed in red poster paint on it. There were three adorable fluffy, soon-to-be long-haired kittens inside. I've already made up my mind to get two kittens when it's time. For thirty seconds I thought about getting a small dog, but taking care of cats is much easier than tending dogs. Still, I'm pushing adoption day away. I want to wait until after the visit to California to see Brett and Michelle in November, because I don't want to have to board them. I am also enjoying the peaceful mornings I've had since the end of August when Kitty died. No animal with an internal alarm clock announcing that it's time for breakfast. No need for me to be quiet so I don't rouse sleeping (and therefore still) pets. I have really enjoyed that aspect of being without pets. (Photo source: icanhascheezburger.com)

The new four-letter word? Snow. It's just a matter of days.........

September Song

2009-09-06T09:39:00.016-04:00

The past few weeks have been the type that we in the area live for: sunny, low humidity, and temperatures in the mid 70's during the day and mid 50's overnight. I actually looked forward to sunrise and getting in the car to drive over to the walking track to make a circuit. In fact, one day, I did two laps. It's unusual to have weather as consistently pretty as September has been, and I don't hear anyone complaining!

As fall approaches, it's the season for craft festivals. Dawn, Sophia and I attended a new arts event at the nearby park a few Saturdays ago. Lots of paintings and graphic art. And lots of hand-crafted jewelry. And entertainment. I admire the organizers for attempting this first-time event, especially when there are so many other already-established venues. If there is a second annual Arts in the Park, I hope the organizers allow the exhibitors more space. Or more room for the visitors to examine the artists' work. One person stopping to admire work or make a purchase stopped others' progress through the tented segments. Several times we passed an exhibit because there was no way to see the work unless we stood in line. No thank you.

The grandparent of fall craft fairs in the area started last weekend. This is the thirty-seventh year of the Yankee Peddler Festival, a celebration of Ohio history, food, crafts, and art that runs three consecutive weekends in September. The smell of wood smoke permeates the grounds since electricity and other modern-day conveniences may not be used during the event. Exhibitors are required to dress in period costumes. Tents are commonly seen since many exhibitors camp on the grounds during the festival.

This year a new area called Yankee Peddler Today has been set aside where craftsmen (and women) may dress in current styles. The Festival is a popular destination of tour buses from nearby areas. Dawn and I have noted in the past few annual visits that each year there are fewer exhibitors than the year before. Still, there's a lot to see regardless of whether a visitor is keen to purchase hand-crafted goods. Dawn and I are interested in stopping by the food booths where a variety of foods such as meats cooked over wood fires, fresh lemonade, batter-fried veggies, apple fritters, and funnel cake tempt us. We don't leave hungry!

We've had a beautiful September and can now look forward to a colorful autumn as October approaches. I'd like to put off winter's arrival as long as possible.

'tis the Season - for Football

2009-08-23T14:31:00.024-04:00

Last fall Brandon played football for the first time. Boys his age, second and third graders 7 and 8 years old, played flag football: no pads, no helmets and no tackling. Instead each player wore a belt with a ribbon attached to each side. When an opposing player pulled a "flag" off your belt, you were out of the play. Most of the boys wanted to participate in the game, but some were not interested in learning and appeared to regard this as an escape from doing their homework.

This year at 9 years old, Brandon moved up to the B League where the boys are fourth and fifth graders. Over one hundred boys are participating. This year they're wearing helmets and pads and they're tackling. One of the first things the boys learned was how to hit and not be hurt yourself doing it. Another was how to tackle properly to avoid injuring that player. They have also had it emphasized that they must work together as a team.

Most of the boys have their heads in the game this year. Brandon's dad used to play football, and Matt has encouraged Brandon and worked with him so that he knows the importance of learning the plays and then practicing their execution. The other night Brandon was going through the drill for his position as quarterback, and since Matt was not home yet, Brandon asked Dawn to work with him. He'd tell her what the play was and where she should run. After a couple tries, he asked her to stop running in slow motion. She replied that she's a little older and bigger than his teammates and she was going as fast as she could.

After three weeks of two-hour three-nights-a-week practices, the youth football Kick-Off Classic was held at the community's football stadium under the lights Saturday evening. Opposing teams were paired and, as each came on the field in uniform, first the cheerleaders and their coaches then the players and their coaches, all were introduced. Then play began. Each team was allowed to execute ten plays against their opponent.

It was great to see the boys actually concentrating and working together. Of course there were fumbles and missed plays, but there were some well executed endeavors as well. Brandon passed off the ball without dropping it and the ball carrier held tight and gained some yardage. Brandon kept the ball in one play and managed to gain several yards before he was tackled. He also threw a pass (that was caught!) and the runner made more than first down yardage. They also seemed to understand their assignments when they were on defense.

In less than 20 minutes I made myself hoarse yelling in excitement. Brandon doesn't give any indication that he may tire of playing, so I'm going to have to invest in an air horn or cowbell if I'm going to have any voice after a real game.

Countdown

2009-08-21T21:00:00.001-04:00

On Monday it was three days and counting. Three days in Grandma's care until the schools are back in session.

I walked my mile at the track early, before the temperature succeeded in its march to make this another 90° day. Then it was over to pick up Brandon and Sophia.

Sophia can play by herself. But she's just discovered the cash register in the toy box and likes to "sell" items using the register's scanner. I got to be the customer: first, as her grandmother; then, a teacher; eventually someone else's mom. Each time I bought a bag full of books and puzzles which I then returned so that they could be put on display for the next "customer" to purchase.

Although Christian and Kelsi's mom is on vacation this week, Christian wanted to come to Grandma Sherry's to play with Brandon. The boys played quietly all morning with the Tech Decks. When they got bored, they asked if they could go out for lunch. Grandma Sherry told them to ask Grandpa Terry to take them. Evidently it wasn't a problem because minutes later their car zipped out the driveway. That meant I needed to take Sophia out for lunch. Three days and counting.

At two days and counting, Dawn took the day off so that she and I could do something special with Brandon and Sophia. I suggested another visit to the zoo, a drive down the interstate to a wild animal conservation preserve or perhaps a train ride. None of these ideas appealed to them. Believe it or not, they wanted to go shopping!

They needed school shoes and we visited numerous stores to find each the perfect pair. I gave Brandon and Sophia some cash with which to buy themselves something. I love watching their minds work -- how much can they buy or what must they return to the shelf in order to have some other item. Sophia visited Build A Bear and it took her an eternity to pick her animal, a snow leopard she named Sparkles. Brandon was quicker. He headed to Game Stop, a store that sells new and used video games. In five minutes he'd made his selection and we were headed out into the mall again. Four hours of shopping was time well spent, because they both had a good time.

Friday. Down to one day and counting. Brandon, Sophia and I spent some time straightening up the garage where miscellaneous toys cluttered the floor. Some were boxed up to carry to Goodwill and those beyond repair/usefulness were put in the trash. The girls' kitchen, beauty center, and washing machine will be recycled soon since the girls have lost interest in playing with them. The garage will be all mine again.

The countdown has been completed. Over the weekend bedtimes will be earlier as Brandon and Sophia prepare for Monday morning. When they arrive here after school that afternoon, the countdown to the next holiday will have begun.

Hot Hot HOT

2009-08-16T15:52:00.010-04:00

Hot Hot HOT!! Summer is finally here.

Matt and Dawn headed to West Virginia Friday afternoon for a grown-ups get-together. The plan was that Brandon and Sophia would spend Friday night until Sunday midday with Nana and Pap, Matt's parents, at their campsite. However, Sophia had been invited to spend Saturday afternoon at a pool party with some schoolmates. Allowed to decide whether it would be friends or family, she chose friends. So she stayed with me.

Saturday's weather yielded cloudless skies and a temperature topping 90°. I had to work, and the parents of the party hostess congenially offered to let me drop off Sophia early. When I returned to pick her up, she showed me some new water skills and then, without repeated requests from me, Sophia thanked her hosts, gathered her belongings and we headed home. The high outdoor temperature had warmed the inside air. Thank heaven for ceiling fans. As long as we didn't exert ourselves, we were comfortable.

I had prepared fresh corn-on-the-cob for Friday's dinner and Sophia ate her share and half of mine. On the way from from the gift shop Saturday, I picked up more corn. Dinner was light -- corn, cantaloupe and grapes -- and early -- 5:30. After playing hard through the hot afternoon, I expected Sophia to crash before dark. I was wrong. She was in bed at 8:00, but unable to go to sleep. An hour later, I sent her in to try again and she was successful.

I woke up this morning to find her in my bed. Kitty (the cat) routinely wakes up and demands breakfast (meowing incessantly) about 7:00. In order to let Sophia sleep, I had to get up to feed her. While Sophia slept, I sat on the porch and read the newspaper until 9:00 when she appeared beside me, tossle-headed and sleepy-eyed.

And so another day had begun. I anticipated a physically lazy day to recuperate from Saturday's activities. For me, that is. I think Sophia will be back in the water at home this afternoon.

Give Me a Soft Chair and a Stiff Drink

2009-08-12T18:21:00.007-04:00

There are less than two weeks until Brandon and Sophia are back to school. In the past three months there were days I thought would never end. But looking back, the summer has flown by. Today was the cream between the chocolate cookies. It was steamy earlier this week and will hit the high 80's over the weekend. But today the high was only 80 degrees -- perfect.

I'd told Brandon and Sophia we would do something special today and it was their decision to go to the Akron Zoo. It has interesting exhibits, is clean, easily navigated and only 45 minutes from home. A good choice.

The kids get crazy when they are excited, but eventually they got into the car with their bottles of water and snacks. This is a drive I should make more often, because even with directions off the computer, I managed to make at least one navigational error. Brandon was co-pilot, but he was reading waay too slow or I was driving waay to fast and we missed a critical turn. Fortunately I was familiar enough with the area from past trips that eventually we found our way to the entrance.

I thought that going midweek would ensure no crowds. Huh. When we arrived thirty minutes after the zoo opened, we were directed to the distant parking lot. But in spite of the high attendance, we were able to see the lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). And because it was not a hot day, the animals were active rather than displaying their usual lethargy of midsummer. After two hours both Brandon and Sophia were hot and ready to head back to the car. I'd promised lunch and they were ready to move on.

The rest of the afternoon was orchestrated by Brandon and Sophia. Our fast food lunch was followed by a visit to one of the national chain stores. I'd given each some pocket money and they were anxious to see what they could spend it on. Brandon had his eye on more Teck Decks; Sophia, on clothes. The first store didn't have what Brandon wanted, so we stopped at another.

Finally we plopped our tired bones in the car and headed home. Brandon sat down to play with his new apparatus and Sophia put on her new apparel. I sat down to read e-mail and watched the clock, waiting for Dawn to arrive and take the kids away. Now they're gone and I finally have my soft chair but I'm too tired to go fix that stiff drink!

You Roll the Dice...

2009-08-10T19:26:00.009-04:00

It's Monday, one of the three days of the week Brandon and Sophia stay with me so Dawn can work with her interior design clients. I was concerned that Brandon would be bored today (and drive me nutz reminding me of the fact) since Christian who, with his sister, Kelsi, visits his grandmother next door to me, was not going to be here all week. I had the clever idea (self-preservation at its best) to suggest he bring a friend. My only trepidation was that they would have a disagreement and the need to referee could make this the longest day of my summer.

Thankfully those fears did not materialize. The boys entertained themselves by alternating activities -- either riding their skateboards until they could no longer ignore the 90-degree heat or returning inside where they built skateboards and did whatever else "dudes" do with their Teck Deck collections.

Sophia and Kelsi, 6 and 5, still have their ups and downs. Although they generally play well together, there are times when they tire of each other. Today, though, they both had uncounted "tattoos" to stick on their bodies. For two hours they cut them out, peeled off the plastic covering, laid them on places they could reach, covered them with a damp towel, removed the now-damp paper backing and finally, admired the newest addition. There's no use asking for cooperation when the camera comes out. The snapshot of Sophia sporting a tattoo on her cheek proves it.

Lazy, Good for Nothing

2009-08-09T12:40:00.005-04:00

I spent yesterday thinking about getting dressed so I could do something constructive. At least get outdoors. Didn't work. I stayed in pj's, knowing that if I got dressed, it would lead to the walking track, where I should be, but didn't want to go.

So I spent a couple hours playing with the day's blog entry, and researched how I could make the classic template more personal. That effort made my brain tired. I changed directions and tried to read a new book. After getting to page 22, the story line being laid out in great detail, I felt as though I was wading through waist-deep water. Reading it was work and I wanted entertainment. It will go back to the library. A few years ago that book would have been read, boring or not. Back then I didn't start something without finishing it. One day I realized that I could start and finish a lot of self-appointed tasks, but I might miss out on doing something else that really interested me. So, no more. Don't like what I'm reading or don't like what I'm doing, I've given myself permission to stop and move on.

I've had a long weekend. Because of the luncheon on Friday, Brandon and Sophia weren't here. I didn't have to work (I volunteer, but it's still work!) yesterday. Today, I was determined to get out of bed and do something constructive. At 8:00 I was out the door to log a mile walking the perimeter of the neighborhood. It's time to raise the goal to two miles, but this is Sunday. Maybe tomorrow. Don't give me a hard time.

Back home I jockeyed for position to take a shower. When the cat (also named Kitty) hears water running, she regards it as her summons to drink from the water flowing down the drain. It's necessary to physically pick her up, turn around and back into the shower, setting her on the floor outside the stall door before it closes. When I finished and turned off the water, she was prone on the bathmat, forcing me to step over her. With the speed of cold molasses, she rolled to her feet and walked into the shower, looking back at me expectantly.

Dressed again, I changed the bed linen. While the cottons were in the dryer, I went outdoors to fertiize plants, perhaps for the last time this summer. Again, hearing the water, Kitty followed me along the sidewalk, waiting for her opportunity to drink. So when I finished, I hung the hose over the fence and watched with amusement while she drank her fill.

The only thing wrong with getting up at 7:00 is that when I finished the assigned tasks, the clock read 10:15. I still have a full day ahead, but now there's an interesting book on the table to entertain me. And there are pillow cases to iron if I feel like getting up to do busy work.

I should have said "No thank you"

2009-08-07T08:51:00.026-04:00

I should have said "No thank you" when asked.

This is Hall of Fame Week in Canton, Ohio. It's a BIG THING to football fans -- a week devoted to the celebration of inducting player standouts - six this year - of the game. The week's highlights include multiple hot air balloon liftoffs, drum corps competition, TWO parades, ribs burnoff, enshrinees dinner, a concert and fireworks, and finally, the Hall of Fame game.

And a fashion show luncheon. My 80+ year old hospital lunch companion has held tickets to the luncheon for years. (Because of HoF activities' popularity, it's said "ownership" of event tickets passes down through families when ticket holders pass away.) I'm not into style trends, nor do the crowds of the week excite me, except in a negative way. But I failed to say "No thank you," so on Friday I was there.

How many ticket holders were there? The Saturday morning newspaper said three thousand attended the luncheon and style show. Cost per ticket, between $50 and $65. (I have to remember to send my hostess a thank you note when this post is finished.)

Goodie bags still rule, but the contents are less exciting than they once were. Now, many coupons, but only a few samples. The food -- chicken crepes, rice pilaf, vegetable medley and thick-as-fudge chocolate truffle torte. Great fare!

The style show featured several ensembles worn by models with figures rarely seen on women over the age of forty. Also strutting their stuff were three pre-teen girls, one with a bright-light personality that captured the audience. Three males participated: a late teen, a young adult and tall, gray-haired grandpa who is a regular on the HoF runway. The young men will probably never go near a modeling venue again; Pasquale loved the audience and they loved him.

Musical interludes were performed by contemporary artists I've never heard of -- vocalist Jennifer Johns and electric vioinist Cathy Morris. Although I didn't recognize the selections they performed, I found their presentations professional and enjoyable. That saying, "You can't please everyone" came to mind through the event: younger women were going to enjoy the afternoon much more than the grandmothers also sitting at the table.

In reflection, as I knew it would be, it was an interesting half-day. Do I want to go again? No, once every thirty years (the other time I attended, as a guest) is sufficient. But it is Hall of Fame Week, and this was my opportunity to participate.

It's Time for a Change -- I Think

2009-08-05T16:52:00.005-04:00

Since 2002 I've had a web page. It's been a rewarding challenge to write copy, select photographs and lay out pages on which I related the previous months' activities of Brandon and Sophia, reported on trips I took, or wrote the occasional essay about an event that made an impression on me.

While Brandon and Sophia were little, there were lots of pictures and many stories to share. But now they're older and don't require the on-going oversight of toddlers. Oh, there were times when I should have watched more closely, but overall, I'm just here to kiss the occasional stubbed toe or call the ambulance if one would break a leg skateboarding. And they flit from one activity to another too quickly to snap pictures.

So a blog it will be. Probably not frequent, but hopefully more regular than the uploads to the web page have been.