Catching Up

She's Not the Only One Happy

I decided yesterday that time was better spent with family and friends, new and old, than confined down here in the Man Cave writing my nonsensical ravings on Frail Deeds. Sadly that excuse is no longer valid today as the Thanksgiving Weekend starts to fade into the history books. We did give it a fairly good run though. Yesterday was no exception. I awoke feeling pretty good despite the ravages of a little too much partying (is that even possible?) the night before in Rhode Island. My Favorite Son was up ministering to the digestive results needs of the canine population and we sat down together in the Man Cave awaiting the feminine side of the equation to rise and meet the day.

Friday Night in Rhode Island

We were concerned about Buddy because he’d also overindulged while down in Rhode Island. Being fully aware of his counter climbing proclivities we’d taken measures all day long to keep him away from the magnificent meal Great Aunt had prepared. After the meal as her superb in laws gathered for her annual party we lost track of Buddy and his nefarious cousin Remy’s activities. The Soxfather reminded us when he entered the kitchen and found both of them finishing off an apple pie which was latest victim in Buddy’s increasing list of infamy. Buddy, knowing he’d been apprehended in the act with no chance of denial, immediately sentenced himself to the cage.

My Sister's Turkey Day Table

Buddy and Remy Serving their Time with Riggins Visiting

The time at my sister’s house has become a true highlight of this weekend each year. It started as a tradition to have Thanksgiving with my mother since she always worked the holiday itself and wouldn’t attend my father’s family celebration after the divorce. We’ve maintained the tradition because it is just so much fun. The best part is the party when we sit around the table for non-stop conversation and laughter. The Soxfather’s sister commenced her usual attacks on my photographic prowess, a lack of ability I proudly embrace. She does seem to complain solely about pictures featuring herself which of course only leads to more photos of her, in the worst possible light. She even gifted me a tree ornament which of course proved prescient.

That's Her in the Center Background

And Again

It was fun hanging out with my son yesterday morning in the Man Cave. We see him and the ABFA all too infrequently with their busy schedule and have to savor every opportunity. My Favorite Panamanian forced two home cooked meals on them in the half day they were with us yesterday. I don’t think they objected. Yesterday seemed like a blur as days filled with family and friends are wont to do. They had to leave early in the afternoon to head up to New Hampshire to help the ABFA’s parents prepare for a dinner party which we would also be attending.

Two Old Army Buddies Who Definitely Out kicked their Coverage in the Wife Department

Before that however we had a lunch reunion with some very old friends. I’ve written before about an old Army buddy that’s become a successful sci fi writer. He’s also the charter member of the Panamanian mafia being the first guy I ever met married to one of the beautiful ladies of the Path Between the Seas. Anyways, he’s from Boston and was up in the area for the holiday. The two Panamanian ladies, his and mine, conspired to meet up for lunch and we rendezvoused at an Applebee’s close to their travel path back to Virginia.

First Blog Reader in California

They were also traveling with a friend confined to a wheel chair who turned out to be a great guy as well. There’s a bond established between Soldiers who served together and especially first assignments together. Panama was the first commissioned assignments for both of us, both former enlisted men, and the years were sloughing off in massive bunches yesterday as we recounted and remembered together those times in the early 1980s in Panama. It had been decades since we’d seen each other but the friendship was still there waiting as soon as we got together.

The Ball Tent Re-Opened

After we sent them on their way south we started the journey north to New Hampshire for the dinner party at the ABFA’s parents’ house. I’ve written before in glowing detail of just how much fun they are to spend time with and last night was no exception. They gathered many of their family members, most of whom we hadn’t seen since the wedding for a very informal and completely enjoyable evening. It was another chance to pass time with the son and ABFA which only cemented the time in the win column.

New Friends

Since my wife had made the late night drive back from Rhode Island, for obvious reasons involving adult beverages, I “volunteered” to make the drive home from New Hampshire so I had to behave, a rare occasion that, in that area. We set out around 10pm and were halfway home when we received a frantic call from our lunch compatriots. Their friend had left his computer bag and computer at the Applebee’s. We continued past home to retrieve the bag which had luckily been turned in.  So another late night arrival home but only after another day extremely well spent.

Serial Goat Stroking

Meanwhile in California my granddaughter completed her task of completely charming the entire San Diego area with her growing assortment of funny faces. She made some new friends, embraced a couple goats, and slept for the entire ride back to Los Angeles which was the most exciting part of the weekend for her parents. The ball tent had finally been disinfected and she was happily showered in plastic balls upon her return. Her FaceTime calls have become events.

Dancing with Dad