Big Foot?

It's gonna take a lot more then just wearin' 'em to fill my shoes, buddy!

Then The Phone Rang...

Yesterday, I was supposed to post my installment of Tuesday’s Truth. I had a funny list of stuff to post for the “libations” section and was working on some great links.

But then the phone rang.

Not an unusual occurrence around here, but the caller ID showed a number I vaguely recognized.

It was the number of one of my father’s best friends. Actually, it was his cell phone number.

I answered the phone... it was my father.

He lives in Palm Harbor, Florida, which is just north of Clearwater Beach. I started off with the usual, “How’s it going down there?” I was curious as to why he was using his friend’s cell phone, but thought his battery might be dead. A phone call from the golf course is not unusual for him.

Much to my surprise, his normal witty retort about the weather didn’t come. Instead he said, "Not good."

He had a stroke.

He had lost control of the entire right side of his body.

He is 77 years old.

By the time he was able to call me, the feeling and sensation to the affected areas had returned. Good news!

He will remain in the hospital for a few days to undergo a battery of tests.

I got another phone call last night from my step-mother. (My parents divorced when I was 8 years old.) She told me he was finally in his own room and gave me his number, but not to call him because he was wiped out and was going to sleep.

I agreed to call him today.

I know he’s in good hands; my step-mother is a doctor of nursing education, as well as, a registered nurse and a former associate professor of nursing at the University of Massachusetts.

She also informed me that his “buddies” had immediately rushed to his side. His golf buddies, his poker buddies and he was joking with them all. He was concerned that he would miss last night’s weekly poker game and today’s round of golf. More Good News!

I was working on another “father” post to follow “Grandfathers.” It was going to run next week. But, I think I will finish it today, as time allows, and post it as soon as it’s done.

I look forward to sharing my father’s story, as he is a man who has fascinated me my entire life.

Weird Houses

In keeping with my current architecture theme, I was pleased to get an email from a friend that had some great examples of "weird" architecture. Enjoy!

Dimples

He wishes he had his brother's dimples...

Brothers In Arms

A Digital Water Color Image - Thanks to HP Photosmart Premier.

A Good Time Was Had By All

The Helper wants to thank all of you for your birthday wishes! He had a great time, as predicted. We ate, ate and ate, again! One of the advantages of Mommy's career is that, occasionally, we benefit from her years of experience. Mommy is a fantastic chef... Chicken Francaise at a child's birthday, who knew? The Helper only eats about ten things so the meal was for us adults... he didn't care though -- presents were his fuel.

Helper-ism of the Day:
(Immediately prior to the big event's commencement.)



"Many, many, many (8-10 in all) people will be coming and we'll dance! We'll put on 'Life Is A Highway' and dance."

That boy really knows how to have a good time! Yes, there was dancing, but not by yours truly. His Godmother and our good friend Erica danced with the boy for an hour, after most of the guests departed. (Faithful readers will remember these are the two people who took him to see Santa at the mall -- such good friends.) One advantage of having your computer tied to your whole house entertainment system is being able to customize the musical mood. Though, my iTunes playcount for "Life Is A Highway" is now 65, the Helper has been asleep for 14 straight hours. The boy certainly knows how to party... and he didn't even have any of Mommy's exquisite Margarita's. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

I Just Remembered This One...

With all the talk about the weather I started thinking back to the great summer we had as a family. The Helper's summer was jam packed with fun activities including, a weekend trip to Connecticut to enjoy "A Day Out With Thomas The Tank Engine," yeah, he lost his little mind. He also got to see "The Wiggles" perform live at the Nassau Coliseum; one of Greg's last performances.

We also went to the Intrepid Air and Sea Museum on Manhattan's west side. This picture was taken on the flight deck of the USS Intrepid, 2 1/2 months before it was moved to Bayonne, N.J. for a 2 year overhaul. You might have heard about that in the news; along with the problems they had moving her. We plan to return once the ship is back in its NY home.

I hear cooler weather is in store for us this week, so much for my dreams of summer... Ah, the memories.

Scenes of Spring?

As a follow-up to "Not To Sound Ungrateful But..." I wanted to post some pictures of the Helper and the Girl (the Helper's Big Sister). Outside fun makes for long, long naps, and it's good exercise too, right?
Interesting Side Note: The Helper and his Sister share the same birthday - January 16th - eleven years apart. Cool, huh?

The Girl is teaching him how to swing. Saves me from having to push him all the time. She's such a good girl. The Helper is playing with his new remote control truck. A Christmas gift from our friend "Bem" a.k.a. Jenn. It's rated for 8 and over so, of course, he has to use it with adult supervision, though, he only lets me play for a minute or so. The poor girl tried to find some refuge to read her book...silly, silly, girl. What was she thinking? I'll have to show her some of my hiding spots, that boy has the instincts of a bloodhound.

Yes, I sat on the porch and told him to chase the car around while I drove. Am I brilliant, or what? He did it and thought it was a blast...who cares if Sister and I had ulterior motives, hee hee ;)

Not wanting to leave anyone out -- the Baby napped while all the outside frolicking took place. He's resting up... big day tomorrow as our JETS will be kickin' some PATRIOT butt!

Update: Baby still napping, the Helper has passed out in his room and the Girl has left for a sleepover at friends... ah, the sounds of silence. I guess my little plan worked.

Another Sunday In JETS Land

Today, the N.Y. Jets will take on the Minnesota Vikings. The above picture shows what team the boys will be rooting for -- as if there was any question! FYI -- this was all Mommy, I had nothing to do with it.

First Painting Project

It’s going to be a long winter here on the Island. A stay-at-home-parent is like a cruise director. We’re in charge of all entertainment. We must make sure there’s never a break in the action and all the “guests” are happy. Big Boy has daily coloring time at the kitchen table while Dad cleans the kitchen. Today, we added a new spin – Paint! The washable variety, of course, I’m not an idiot! Although, I seem to be losing brain cells by the millions each day – but that’s a different article.

Here’s what I learned today:

1. Washable Paint is a must! Don’t cheap out – get the good stuff!

2. Devote one roll of paper towels to the project!

3. Short sleeves are required, both for you and your artist. A smock would be a plus, hindsight has 20/20 vision, right?

4. All creations are important. (This rule usually goes for all arts and crafts projects, though.)

5. Painting is more fun than running and jumping!

6. Plan for the project to last more than a ½ hour, as clean-up may take a while.

7. You must paint too. (Try it – it’s really pretty fun!)

8. Spring is only four short months away.

"Real" Men Do Cry

Contrary to the popular myth, men do possess a very strong nurturing instinct for our children. Yesterday, I had to take my Little Man to the doctor for his 2 month visit. It was just him and I, as we left Mom and Big Boy at home. Mom manages a restaurant an hour’s drive away, and often gets home around 2-3 a.m. Big Boy was still sleeping when we had to leave to make the 10 a.m. appointment. I felt it would be better if just the little guy and I went, giving everyone else a chance to catch up on some rest.

Not until we were leaving did my wife remind me that the little guy would get his first shots. Not a problem, I can handle it – been there, done that, and off we went.

At the office everything was going good, he’s gaining weight and length, good muscle tone, heart/lungs good, eyes clear, ears okay. Great! Now came time for the vaccinations. (Note: I fully support vaccinating children to prevent horrible diseases. There’s overwhelming proof that vaccinations work and no conclusive proof that they cause any long term side affects.) I have to say that our pediatrician and his nurse are wonderful; caring, informative, and not overly cautious or tentative. The boys’ doctor has been practicing a long time and has seen it all. Bottom line -- we trust them. For those of you who’ve experienced the following, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s a parents’ instinct to protect our children from all harm and pain, yet when vaccinations are given we have to be an active participant in causing pain, even though we know it’s for their own good. As the parent I must hold my child’s hands over his head so h

The List Is Submitted

Yesterday, my 3 1/2 year old's Godmother, Melissa, and our very good friend, Erica, took him to see Santa at the mall. You gotta love these gals! He had also gone to visit a similar "man in red" on Saturday with Nannie. Love her, too! He's covering all his bases. Not being too shy, my son gave them both a verbal list of what he would like to see on Christmas morning. But time is a concept most 3 1/2 year olds don't yet have a handle on. He now expects these wishes fullfilled each morning when he wakes up. You really start wasting your breath trying to explain "weeks" to him. Yet, I continue to try. I do this to ward off the "Santa's comin' tonight, Dad!" comments.

He has now realized that Santa cannot come until the tree is up and decorated. Obviously, our tree is not up yet. Everyday he wants to take me to the basement to show me where the decorations are located.
"C'mon Dad, I'll show ya!" he declares.
Grasping my hand firmly he pulls me toward the basement door. I explain that we're not ready to put the tree up but we will soon. Again, another "time" thing. I suppose once my wife and I decide to decorate all bets are off.

Camera Queen Strikes Again

As a rule, men don’t take pictures. We leave this task to our wives. Developing the photographic record of our children’s childhood is best left to the expert. They know what event requires a picture and what doesn’t.

My mother lives in coastal Florida and is evacuated from time to time due to hurricanes. The only thing she takes with her is her photos. They’re numerous, but irreplaceable. All taken before the age of digital technology. The only record of my childhood, preserved forever in aging photo albums. Over the years, she has parted with a few, giving them to my wife to archive. My mother has said everything else can be replaced, but not photos.

My wife has diligently taken on the role of family photographer. Documenting and recording events and the passing of time. These days this is easier because of digital imagery. Pictures are taken, stored, shared and printed all with the click of a button. Also, if we ever have to evacuate due to a natural catastrophe, a handful of CDs will come with us. They’ll contain every picture ever taken of my sons.

I would suggest that every parent purchase some sort of digital camera. They’re inexpensive enough now and no film is required. They also provide instant gratification as you can view your photos immediately. Email them to Nannie and Aunt Risa within minutes. Or in my case, include some in an article and post them to a website.

My wife has every photo dated and categorized for posterity. I enjoy them now but I’m sure once these guys move out and I no longer see them everyday, I’ll enjoy them even more. Whether posed or candid, these pictures provide proof of life and times. Our camera is always on my desk, ready to go, batteries charged. Click, click – another moment in time preserved for future generations. Thank you, Mary. I’m the first one to whine when the camera comes out, and the first one who wants to see the pictures. Go figure, I’m a man, we’re enigmas.

The pictures above are of our Jet's fans, and their Halloween attire -- Tigger and Roo, best friends forever. The picture on the right is Fire Island Lighthouse. This would be one of those advantages of living on Long Island. Scenery like this is only a ten minute drive away. Enjoy.