Thunderunion

Last week I was informed by the Keene Friend that none other than the PCR would be returning home through Keene yesterday. That august personality requested a thunder run which I felt was entirely appropriate, not that I really need an excuse, but here was one freely offered. As he is wont to do the Keene Friend informed a wide variety of our high school classmates and as the KHS class of ’73 is wont to do, it assembled. In a very welcome development we had a number of female classmates as well as wives attending which certainly elevated the occasion. We walked over to Penuche’s from Keene Friend’s house, passing by Wheelock School where I made the obligatory text to my progeny, informing them for only the 6,474^th time that I had, in fact, attended kindergarten there. My son had a hilarious reaction to that text.

KHS '73 Dominating Penuche's

My Son's Reaction to Kindergarten Text

The PCR and his wife’s triumphant return to Keene had summoned a truly memorable group of classmates. The group quickly took over Penuche’s Ale House. I don’t know what their usual afternoon population is but our arrival certainly seemed to qualify as an explosion. The great thing about my classmates is that despite the time spent apart we pick up where we left off as if no intervening time had inserted itself. In short order we had the Kindergarten Friend, the Cantankerous One, the CRC, Keene Friend 2 amongst other worthies. It was a fabulous afternoon catching up with the oldest friends I have. I got to speak at length for the first time in a long time with the first friend I made in 3^rd grade when I moved to a new school. We also published the date for the annual birthday pub crawl, Saturday November 16^th. The PCR is still making noises about not attending the crawl so I’ll have to mine Pittsburgh sources for information to blackmail him into coming. Please anybody that has anything on him, I protect my sources.

Keene Friend Overseeing the Assembly

The CRC, PCR and a Spokeswoman

Keene Friends 1 & 2 with PCR

There is something certainly redeeming about being engulfed in the well-worn but still extremely lively glow of friendship available at our gatherings. People came and went all afternoon but the buzz of conversation never slacked. My Favorite Panamanian even deigned to abandon her usual shopping expedition to join us for a spell at Penuche’s. This classifies as a minor miracle.

PCR Photobombing My Wife and His

Awesome Friends

Keene Friend was feeling a little under the weather but he still had the survivors back to his house after Penuche’s. Athens Pizza, in a huge surprise, answered their phone this time to complete the Keene experience. We continued the conversations while the Olympics played out on the television. I may have over indulged a bit at Penuche’s (Great Aunt gasps in surprise) but that is par for the course when surrounded by this much excellence. My wife didn’t even seem to mind having to drive back to Worcester where I “volunteered” to stay up late and watch the end of the women’s Olympic gymnastic competition. Some rides have to be paid for.

Two movies fell in the A-Z watch, both keepers: Knives Out, such a great who dun it with actors playing against type; and Knocked Up, so much funnier than I remembered.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECURRING CHARACTERS:                                

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete - my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during him her single days in Brooklyn; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother in law; Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Birthday Bashing

I’m in serious recovery mode, both emotionally and physically, after spending the last few days with my son and his family along the New Hampshire seacoast. They rented a beachfront house for the third year in a row. We journeyed there Thursday with the stated purpose of celebrating my Favorite Son’s birthday on Friday. The visit turned out to be so much more. We arrived to find the ABFA’s parents also in residence which always adds a decidedly increased enjoyment aspect. The ABFA and BRS were absent though as we learned they were down the beach achieving one of the ABFA’s bucket list items, learning how to surf. We unloaded our gear and started walking down the beach to observe this momentous occasion. I put BR3 up on the sea wall since she was too short to see over it as we walked. I quickly learned I needed to hold her hand as she would lose focus and start wandering towards the steep edge because she had seen something interesting in the distance.

Movie Time with the Birthday Boy

We arrived at the surfing site to see both the ABFA and BRS emerging from the surf with their instructors. We learned the BRS was professing to be a little tired and in need of a break. She didn’t go back in as she engaged one the instructors in making sand octopi on the surfboard. The ABFA was back in the surf and despite really small waves (compared to Las Lajas) got herself up for several rides. I was totally impressed because I know how taxing that initial spring to standing position can be. Of course, she is the best family athlete, absolutely. The ABFA was therefore victorious while the BRS made a couple superb octopi and looked cute in her wet suit. The ABFA was showered with renditions of the Beachboys’ “Surfer Girl” for the rest of the day.

Sea Wall Strolling

ABFA Emerging from the Surf

BRS Making Octopi

ABFA Surfing

Surfer Girl!!!

We returned to the house and while my Favorite Panamanian was unpacking the various meals she had brought with us, she suddenly exclaimed while looking towards the ocean. She claimed to have seen a whale close in to shore. She quickly learned with, our vigorous assistance, that what she had seen were a set of rocks emerging as the tide fell. That began a weekend long running joke about “Abuela’s Whales”. Whenever we were out on the front deck and she came outside there was an inevitable, “Thar she blows!” shouted out. She took it in good stride. We had an afternoon session on the beach where I got to test my new beach shoes which I hope to maximize next year in Panama. The grandkids were only to happy to help my experiment and after wading into the water I suddenly found myself emerged up to my waist as they had dragged me down. I was therefore able to quickly confirm my thesis that my time on tropical beaches had ruined me forever for New England’s cold ocean waters. (G-Damn, that water was cold!)

Walking Back

Wife out "Whale" Watching

Some of her "Whales" Emerging

After the grandkids were reluctantly put to bed (editor’s note: 100% of that reluctance came from the granddaughters and 0 from their parents), we gathered around the dining room table for an energetic game of Uno Flip, the game which became so popular in the family during the February Panamanian trip. It was testimonial as to the great people gathered around that table that we had so much fun. The surprising star of the show was the ABFA’s mom who revealed a hilarious dry sense of humor which she hadn’t manifested enough of in earlier episodes. Way too much fun, especially since my Favorite Panamanian gets extremely cut throat when involved in any competition.

Beach Time

Son and I on Front Deck

Front Deck View

Friday morning was my son’s birthday and it started with one of his mother’s signature hojaldra breakfasts. As with last year, he wanted to hit two movies to celebrate his birthday. As the father of two young children, his movie going experiences over the past few years have been almost exclusively Disney related. While the ABFA and her folks ran herd on the grandkids, my wife, son and I set out for the movie theater. We first knocked out a steak dinner at a nearby establishment. My much more technically advanced son had arranged advance tickets to the movies, Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine. We sat through Twisters and were in the lobby as he tried to pull up the tickets for the second movie when he realized he had bought tickets for a performance the night before instead of the one he wanted. He was worried as this was the debut day for the most anticipated movie of the summer and didn’t think tickets would be available. Luckily the theater was showing the movie on more than a half dozen screens and he was able to land tickets for the right show just in time.

Birthday Dinner

Wife Testing her Camouflage Dress

After a long afternoon in the very comfortable theater seats, we returned to the beach house just before the grandkids’ bed time with the stated goal of opening presents and severing a birthday cake with Bonecrusher (the family broadsword). We did all this on the front deck so my wife’s whale friends could participate. The grandkids were more than cute with the cards they prepared for their beloved dad. This was followed by the cake. My Favorite Panamanian had worked her culinary magic again in creating the cake for which some of the lettering unfortunately melted during the long wait for debuting (it still tasted amazing). The kids insisted on assisting their dad when he drew Bonecrusher for the cake splitting blow. I had to remove the sword from the surrounding area after the BRS sought to practice her cake severing stroke while the rest of us ate cake.

Birthday Cards

The Amazing Cake

Bonecrusher Appears

Beautiful Family

Saturday was a beach day and was spent sitting under beach umbrellas while the granddaughters entertained us with their usual antics. Not wanting to repeat Thursday’s mistake when I became re-acquainted with the frigid New Hampshire ocean water, I safely remained up on the beach, safe from the granddaughter’s determined efforts to submerge me again. My son and I were able to solve almost all the Red Sox’ problems during our beach conversations, not that they’ll listen to us. The granddaughters also unveiled their newest game which involved approaching me with a closed fist and saying “open the lid”. This meant lifting their thumb up and then I was instructed to stick my finger into the closed fist. They then complimented me on cleaning their toilet for them. Apparently my reaction was priceless because that became the first of several hundred times this was repeated over our time there.

BR3 with Friend

Son and I Solving Sox Problems

Way Too Cute

Very Happy Abuela

We were supposed to come back home last night but my son campaigned to have us remain until today. We were having so much fun, that made the decision easy. We celebrated last night with another game of Uno Flip which was every bit as funny as the earlier game. We had to caution my wife when she won one game as her victory cries threatened to waken the finally sleeping granddaughters. It was with a truly heavy heart that we had to leave today and I still find myself thinking back to our time there and reliving the all too fun moments. That was the emotional toll, but this is the type of time that a full life is made of. The physical toll involved a slightly wrenched back from lifting and twisting the granddaughters. They’re getting heavier while the back is getting older, nothing a few dozen ibuprofens shouldn’t address. Still wish I was back there watching the Olympics with that very fun bunch.

Twisters was yet another vehicle for the latest “it” guy, Glen Powell, and he delivers. The guy has charisma. He plays a hot shot tornado chaser who falls for a much more serious scientist type. The special effects were amazing as you’re brought into the middle of several tornados. The film suffers a little bit because the female lead wilts in the presence of Powell’s megawatt personality. The part needed a stronger actress, say Helen Hunt, but that was only a minor problem. This was a great ride, a summer popcorn flick that delivers.

I was afraid there was no way Deadpool and Wolverine could deliver on expectations. The first two Deadpool movies were so good that there had to be a letdown. There wasn’t. I haven’t laughed this much at a movie in a very long time as Reynolds continues to shatter the 4^th wall with a more than adequate straight man in Jackman. They spend most of the movie trying to kill each other, despite knowing that is impossible. There are too many cameos to highlight and they all work, sometimes hilariously so (think Channing Tatum). Reynolds takes his new bosses at Marvel to task throughout the movie and it is just too funny. My only complaint would be the lack of adequate screen time for Monica Baccarin but you could say that about every movie, whether she’s in it or not. If this is Deadpool’s last ride, he goes out firmly on top. Best movie I’ve seen this year.

Two movies fell in the A-Z watch, both keepers: Knight and Day, totally likable comedy action romp, with Diaz and Cruise oozing chemistry; and Knights of the Round Table, silly but nostalgic 1950s sword epic.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECURRING CHARACTERS:                                

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete - my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during him her single days in Brooklyn; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother in law; Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

It’s Called Anticipation

This will be my last post until at least Sunday because my Favorite Panamanian and I are headed to the New Hampshire seacoast tomorrow for what has become an annual ritual. My Favorite Son and the ABFA rent the same awesome beach house each of the past few years and invite us to come over for a couple days. We’ve timed it again this year to coincide with my son’s birthday so Bonecrusher will be coming with us. His birthday is on Friday and, as with last year, he wants us to accompany him to the movie theater. I remember the days with very young kids and the effect that has on movie going. He shares my love of cinema so this will be a special day for him.

Get to Hang with These Guys

We’re staying for a couple extra days because not only are we celebrating his birthday but the ABFA, the ABFA’s parents as well as the BRS/BR3 tandem are also in residence. That means an incredible amount of fun is there for the taking. I’ll get to try out the new swim shoes I bought to hopefully address the boogie boarding foot injury. I’m not under any illusion actual swimming will be involved as Panama’s ocean temps have ruined any chance of that in New England ocean waters. Still, there will be some wading, probably in pursuit of a granddaughter. As stated in the title, anticipation.

Fun Will be Had

I had a very fun zoom call last night with the Roothuggers. We’re Command and General Staff College classmates who have kept in touch over the last thirty years. We were all part of a staff group who had more fun than was strictly authorized during that year at Fort Leavenworth, including our spouses. I’ve attended two reunions so far, one in New Orleans and the other in Florida. Last night’s call was about another reunion next year. I’m nervous because each of the past reunions coincided with newsworthy events. On our drive to the airport for our flight to New Orleans the Marathon Bombers shootout was going on in Watertown as we drove through. Our stay in Florida was extended a couple days because of Super Storm Sandy. I mention all this because last night I was “volunteered” to put together the next Roothugger reunion for September 2025 near Boston. Keep your eyes on the news next summer.

Speaking of the news, we had something happen that has never taken place before. Joe Biden, with the democratic nomination all locked up, bowed to intense pressure to quit the race. I’ve been a reluctant supporter of Biden since the alternative the last couple races has been the closest thing I’ve ever seen of evil incarnate. Like the rest of the country, I was horrified by Biden’s debate performance where his mental acuity was abysmal. Now I’m going to be forced to support a California Democrat in Kamala Harris. I think I can do it, but it will be painful. My fervent hope is that Trump can be beaten decisively and lose the stranglehold he’s had on the Republican Party for the last decade. I was a lifelong Republican until Trump showed up. I hope with him out of the way after this election, some leaders will emerge in that party instead of the sycophants afraid to cross the profound narcissism of the fatally flawed former president.

Four movies fell in the A-Z watch, all keepers: The King’s Speech, sneakily heartwarming; Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, one of my favorite movies of all time, also fell desperately in love with Michele Monaghan; Kiss of the Dragon, Jet Li tearing up Paris with Bridget Fond while Tcheky Karyo massively overacting; Kiss the Girls, liked this serial killer flick with Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd both very good

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECURRING CHARACTERS:                                

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete - my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during him her single days in Brooklyn; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother in law; Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Twofer

Okay. The last couple posts have been about my re-acquiring my Stateside legs after our epic tour of the British Isles. You will remember, of course, that I was not alone on that trip and the past couple days have been devoted to my Favorite Panamanian’s preferred pastime. No, not shopping, although that would be an educated guess. She loves dancing and I promised her dad, when he consented to our engagement, that I would always take her dancing because that was her greatest love. So, fresh off a couple days on the back hill replacing stairs with concrete, I cleaned up and we headed to the Auburn Legion post on Friday night. The Neighborhood Mafioso was out of town and others likewise unavailable so we went by ourselves. It turned out to be a very fun night. As the place was crowded, we sat at the bar and had our dinner there. This turned out to be an excellent choice since the bartender was also the only waiter for the entire room. We got excellent service since he always had to return to our location. One of our favorite groups was playing and there was space on the dance floor. The room has large windows so it was weird to be celebrating Frist Friday and have sunlight still streaming in but we persevered. It was a very good night.

Last Night in Leominster

I was back on the hillside yesterday when my Favorite Panamanian came outside to inform me we were going dancing again that very night. It seems the Neighborhood Mafioso had returned and conspired with my wife to accomplish this. They have a favorite band and found out they were playing in nearby Leominster. The catch being, because the band is so popular, that we had to arrive a couple hours early to secure seats. That accomplished, the bar had the Red Sox game on a couple screens, so the long wait was tolerable (except for the final outcome). Even more so, because we were hanging with the Neighborhood Mafiosos, our best friends in Worcester. When the band came on, I realized I had seen them before. A couple years ago I wrote about another night out dancing with the Neighborhood Mafiosos where we saw this band with what I described as a “legion of zombies” as groupies.

Friday Night at the Post

This Time with her Eyes Open

These dedicated fans, most of whom could really use an exercise regimen, would flock to the dance floor and form ranks only to stand there facing the band and swaying to the music, literally. No dancing, just staring at the band in some form of rapt attention. It was weird. If anything, it had gotten worse by last night. We enjoyed their first set when actual dancing couples dominated the dance floor. However, at the start of the second set the zombie legion took their places. I looked around at one point and we and the Neighborhood Mafiosos were the only non-zombies on the dance floor actually dancing. It was a shame because the band is really good but it felt almost like a cult situation. I’m definitely not going to see this band again but at least we got a chance to hang out with our good friends amid all the weirdness and my Favorite Panamanian accomplished two consecutive nights of dancing. I considered it a win that foot made it through unscathed.

First Set of the Band, Only One Rank of Zombies

I mentioned that I was out on the hill this week. I’ve become a huge devotee of the personal fan my wife bought for me that I wear around my neck. I don’t even notice it anymore and it does a great job of cooling down the face. That’s important when you’re digging, mixing, and pouring concrete on a hot summer day. My Commander in Chief came out to inspect the work I was doing at her behest and thought my garb was hilarious. In addition to the neck fan, I had on knee pads, a knee brace, my Army boots, and shorts. Apparently, my sartorial choices were worthy of an immediate photo (see below). My new career, fashion explosion.

I Think I look Kind of Elegant

Okay, Maybe Not

I had a very funny Facebook experience this week. I saw this cartoon and immediately thought of the woman I’m married to and her love of TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I always kid her on the way to the airport when we pass by the TJ Maxx corporate headquarters, asking her if she had warned TJ Maxx that their profit margin would take a serious hit with her being in Panama for four months. She doesn’t think this is funny. Anyways. Later that same day the Cantankerous Friend messaged me after seeing the same cartoon and asked me if this was how my Favorite Panamanian is greeted when entering TJ Maxx. I had to laugh again and decided I should share it with you as well.

Three movies fell in the A-Z watch: King Arthur, Legend of the Sword, better than I remembered, always love Guy Ritchie flicks; Kingdom of Heaven, sometimes silly but well done Crusader era epic; and King Kong, (2005 version), Peter Jackosn once again proves why he is so good, great action and story.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECURRING CHARACTERS:                                

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete - my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during him her single days in Brooklyn; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother in law; Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course