2018 in Movies

I am an unashamed movie nut.  For the last post of the year I pontificate on the best and worst from only the movies I went to see. I’ve also included what I considered to be the worst movies of the year, because that’s almost more fun. It was a very good year for movies although I didn’t see as many as I would have liked due to trips to Panama and a major house renovation, but that’s on me. You won’t find my movies on many critics top ten for the year because we go to the movies for different reasons. I go to be entertained not to judge. There were also some incredible movies never making it to the theater, Bird Box and a sneaky guilty pleasure – The Ballad of Buster Scruggs – haven’t laughed as loud at a movie lately as I did for that short.

So Funny!

I’ve also chosen a quote from each of the top ten movies. As you can see I lean heavily towards action (and science fiction) but I think these films are a lot more mainstream than the out of touch film critics whose top tens are usually incomprehensible and barely entertaining. If nothing else the films below (except for the bottom two) were hugely enjoyable. Again this is only one man’s opinion and reflects only the movies I saw this year.

Best Movies of the Year

#1 - Mission Impossible Fallout – I surprised myself when this ended up at #1 but there was no denying the sublime combination of action, plot, acting, and scenery. It’s more impressive as this was a sequel where none of the creative fire has burned out. Cruise may be the ultimate wierdo but the man can make an action movie and force you to care about what’s going on. Best movie I saw all year.

[Ilsa and Benji see Ethan pulling another crazy stunt]

Ilsa Faust: What the hell is he doing?

Benji Dunn: I find it best not to look!

#2 - Black Panther – Lost amongst all the crowing about the social relevance of a major African-American Marvel hero was the fact this was a very good movie. This had all of Marvel’s usual flashes and bangs but also boasted a villain in Michael B. Jordan that brought depth and a healthy dose of screen presence. Bozeman owned the movie, at least when Jordan wasn’t on screen, and a strong, well-written script completed a great movie.

Okoye: Just don't freeze when you see her.

T'Challa: What are taking about? I never freeze.

Shuri: Did he freeze?

Okoye: Like an antelope in headlights.

#3 - Avengers Infinity War – This was almost too big, with too many of Marvel’s superheroes on screen but it somehow worked on almost every level. We’ve spent the better part of a decade waiting for the confrontation with the divot chinned Thanos and it lived (or died) up to the anticipation. The addition of the Guardians of the Galaxy led to some really funny cross over jokes as well as some of the most heartbreaking moments. This movie would have been a disaster unless it was marketed as it was – just Part 1.

Rocket Raccoon: This is Thanos we're talking about. He's the toughest there is

Thor: Well, he has never fought me.

Rocket Raccoon: Yeah he has.

Thor: He has never fought me twice.

#4 – Upgrade – The biggest non-Buster Scruggs surprise of the year as a Tom Hardy look alike leading man is paralyzed early in the movie set in the near future. A tech company implants a chip, called Stem, into his spinal cord which returns movement but with a steep price. This movie really takes off when Stem reveals itself and the enhanced capabilities it brings to the man, again albeit with the aforementioned toll. An eloquent statement on technology.

Grey Trace: Stem, he's got a knife!

Stem: [calmly] I see that. We have a knife, too.

[Grey, under Stem's control, takes the knife from the assailant and stabs him]

#5 - Ready Player One – This wasn’t a surprise because, well, Spielberg and science fiction – always a sure bet. A pop culture bonanza where geeks (guilty) could spend years trying to spot all the easter eggs. A benevolent genius who recently died inserted a competition to inherit his mega-company into the Oasis where any player can be virtually any character he wants to be. The battle for control goes on between Spielberg’s usual plucky underdogs and the evil corporation both in cyberspace and the real world. Again, a guilty pleasure, but so much fun.

Halliday: I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world. I just didn't know how to connect with people there. I was afraid for all my life, right up until the day I knew my life was ending. And that was when I realized that... as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also... the only place that... you can get a decent meal. Because, reality... is real.

#6 - Deadpool 2 – Ryan Reynolds returns as the anti-hero Deadpool and follows up his very R-rated turn as the hilarious righter of wrongs despite spending most of the movie trying to find a way to kill himself. I know it sounds dark, but this is Deadpool and you forgive a lot. The foul mouthed Pool is pitted against a soldier from the future as well as most of the rest of the world. The movie contains Reynolds usual hilarious side comments directly to the audience which was every bit as entertaining as the first movie – a tough task.

Firefist: [trying to get the collar off of Deadpool's neck] We need a code.

Domino: Try, uh... seven?

Deadpool: Settle down, Captain Lucky, it's not gonna be one number.

[Firefist presses the number 7 and unlocks the collar]

Deadpool: God, that's lazy writing.

#7 - Annihilation – A female centric sci fi/horror movie that allows the audience might have a modicum of intelligence. Natalie Portman shines as a conflicted member of a team sent to investigate an alien invasion behind a shimmering border on the North Carolina coast. There were a lot of sub plots coursing through and while you had to pay attention – that was a good thing. I liked the movie better than the book which is unusual and high praise since I loved the book.

Dr Ventress: It's not like us... it's unlike us. I don't know what it wants, or if it wants, but it'll grow until it encompasses everything. Our bodies and our minds will be fragmented into their smallest parts until not one part remains... Annihilation.

#8 - Sicario Day of the Soldado – One word  (actually a name) – Benicio! Del Toro seizes this movie as the follow up to the original Sicario as he and Brolin team up again to rain havoc on the Mexican drug cartels. An Islamic terrorist tries to infiltrate the border which results in Brolin’s team sent in to stir up trouble. The movie is very bleak which is appropriate given the venue of the US-Mexico border with the all the competing issues there. There is a powerful cast but Benecio steals every scene through sheer presence and also finds a bit of his lost soul by helping the daughter of a cartel kingpin.

Matt Graver: Just to be clear, you wanna see this thing through, I'm gonna have to get... dirty.

James Riley: Dirty is exactly why you're here.

#9 - Green Book – An atypical buddy road trip as an accomplished African-American pianist tours the 1960s Deep South accompanied by a very New York bouncer. This was based on a  true story and it was a fascinating look at the dynamics of the two characters. Mortensen was convincing as an illiterate heavy handed goon type while Mahershala Ali proves the Oscar was no fluke as the multi-layered pianist. It almost makes you believe in redemptive human nature.

Dr. Don Shirley: I am not a medical doctor. I'm a musician. I'm about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South. What other experience do you have?

Tony Lip: Public relations.

#10 – Widows – Another surprise although it shouldn’t have been given the presence of Viola Davis in the lead role as the widow of a high end thief who’s up against the thugs her husband was killed robbing. I didn’t know Elizabeth Debicki before this but she was a nice surprise as she more than held her own with Davis. A smart, edgy film that delivers on a number of levels.

Veronica: [to her gang] Now the best thing we have going for us, is being who we are.

Alice: Why ?

Veronica: Because no-one thinks we have the balls to pull this off.

Honorable Mention:

Venom – sneaky fun with Tom Hardy hilarious when speaking to himself from his internal parasite.

Bad Times at El Royale – awesome cast delivers in yet another 1960s era drama set in a remote Tahoe motel with dozens of secrets.

Peppermint – Just what the doctor ordered, a female John Wick out to avenge her murdered family

Crazy Rich Asians -  Little too formulaic to make top ten but thoroughly enjoyable rom-com

Quiet Place – devastatingly painful film to watch and the most silent you’re ever going to be in a movie theater

Antman and the Wasp – welcome return to the quirky Marvel hero with addition of Evangeline Lily in more prominent role

Worst Movies:

The Oath – the worst movie I saw all year and that’s saying something. I am mystified how you make a bad comedy with this cast. I hate Trump as much as the next guy but this was so strident and over the top that none of the characters made you care about them. I could sense Tiffany Hadish’s embarrassment.

Action Point – this was more predictable in bad cinema with Johnny Knoxville and the Jackass gang getting into the amusement park business. While there were one or two funny moments I found myself cringing, in a bad way, actually feeling sorry for the “actors” that this movie will appear on their IMDB list of accomplishments.

2018 Superlatives:

Best Comedy:  The Spy Who Dumped Me

Best Horror Movie:  A Quiet Place

Best Drama:  Annihilation

Best Romance:  Crazy Rich Asians

Best Action:  Mission Impossible: Fallout

Best Special Effects:   Ready Player One

Best Scene of the Year:  Final Scene in Avengers Infinity War – so poignant as many heroes pay price for Thanos’ seeming victory

I couldn’t leave without at least one photo of New Hampshire perfection – the biggest breakout star of 2018 – BLOG READER THE SEQUEL

And her Cousin who continues to dominate - THE FIRST BLOG READER

Rarity

Former Cadets - Now Friends

A rare Saturday edition of Frail Deeds because the weekend after a Christmas holiday and before the New Year’s one is a bit on the strange side so I am embracing the madness. I spent the morning cleaning up some of the remaining debris from the holiday celebrations – something that required me to get creative (not my strong suit) when it came to packing the recycle bin – Christmas seems to now generate cardboard in unprecedented amounts. I blame (bless) amazon.com.

FBR Rocking her New Bathrobe

Last night was a really special celebration of First Friday. We had a good turnout from work, to include the Keene Friend, but I was also blessed to have two of my former cadets show up. I was their ROTC instructor back when I was a captain and they were obviously college students. They think it’s kind of cool that they can hang out with the guy that made their college years so miserable. I, on the other hand, get to marvel at what fine people they’ve turned out to be. They did make me feel incredibly old as they both have their own kids in college and one will be promoted next week to full colonel himself in the state national guard. I truly enjoyed catching up with them despite the weight of years those memories now carry. I’m proud if I had even a little bit to do with the obvious success both of them have achieved and for the men they turned out to be. Fridays in general and Brew City specifically are perfect for reliving old memories and I had to message my Favorite Panamanian a couple times to let her know why my First Friday was extending into the evening hours. I count it as time extremely well spent.

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                            

BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law, formerly known both as MEF – Most Excellent Fiancé & MEG – Most Excellent Girlfriend; Wingman – my son in law; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Soxfather - my brother in law; Great Aunt = my elder sister; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rdmusquetera (musketeer); Buddy – AKA the Wonder Pooch – family dog, a black lab – hates squirrels, died in 2017; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog, surrogate grandchild while awaiting arrival of the BRS; 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; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member, Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Excellent Boss – my former direct boss at work; Deckzilla Dude – senior citizen carpenter/contractor; Voices of Inappropriate Worth - members of public who come to every Worcester public meeting to complain, all are on public assistance along with demeanor issues

Routinely

Really Miss the New Jersey Contingent

A true sense of the normal routine re-asserted itself yesterday albeit with a steep price. That fee was the departure of the New Jersey contingent which officially ended the Christmas holiday celebration at the house. The FBR staunchly announced that she didn’t want to leave. I think she’s grown enamored of living under grandparent rules. I was at work but she was typically charming in her departure. When my Favorite Panamanian told her how much she was going to be missed the FBR told her she should put on a coat and come outside for a proper farewell.

And Certainly the New Hampshire Contingent as Well

It’s a true testament to the FBR’s hold on both of us was that my wife complied. Anyone who knows my wife understands what a rare event it is to see her outside when the temperatures are below 50 degrees but the FBR culls that kind of devotion. I immediately noticed how quiet the house seemed after the last few days of granddaughter cacophony. I miss it a lot but that’s what makes the days they are in residence so much more special and anything but routine. Our appeal apparently faded during the drive home to New Jersey because she refused to break away from playing with some of her new toys to talk with us last evening, so fleeting is fame.

Another part of our routine, at least lately, was the return of Deckzilla Dude to continue working off his punch list. The bathroom vanity now has knobs and the cabinet had its door reversed so they open easier. Curtains should be going up today and there’s probably just a couple days of work left but the Dude moves in mysterious ways and it will be more like a week, I’m sure. On our way to the movies last night we made our obligatory stop at Home Depot for curtain rods and other last minute needed items. The end is in sight, I keep telling myself.

It was a more welcome return to routine as we pulled into the local movie theater which I’ve sadly neglected for entirely more important activities over the past weeks. There are now ten movies playing I planned to see and have failed to so far. We addressed one near the top of that list last night with Aquaman. The DC universe may have finally found the charismatic male superhero they’ve been searching for in Jason Mamoa who carries this immense movie with ease. His readily apparent physical presence is softened with a true comedic touch as DC finally stops taking itself so seriously. There are probably too many subplots as the main plot delves into the internecine politics of sub-surface civilizations and shoe horns in Black Manta which would have made more sense for a sequel. Oh, and when did sharks learn to growl? There are a lot more important questions left for the viewer but all in all this was a great, very entertaining ride as Amber Heard displayed real chemistry with Mamoa. There were almost too many stars as Nicole Kidman teamed up with one of those pesky Star Wars clones as Aquaman’s parents and his younger brother is portrayed by the older Patrick Wilson. It all, somehow, works and credit should go to the director for keeping the tone light and mobile through the long running time.

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RECURRING CHARACTERS

BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law, formerly known both as MEF – Most Excellent Fiancé & MEG – Most Excellent Girlfriend; Wingman – my son in law; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Soxfather - my brother in law; Great Aunt = my elder sister; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rdmusquetera (musketeer); Buddy – AKA the Wonder Pooch – family dog, a black lab – hates squirrels, died in 2017; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog, surrogate grandchild while awaiting arrival of the BRS; 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; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member, Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Excellent Boss – my former direct boss at work; Deckzilla Dude – senior citizen carpenter/contractor; Voices of Inappropriate Worth - members of public who come to every Worcester public meeting to complain, all are on public assistance along with demeanor issues

Home Calling

Our Basketball Days Are Behind Us
But not our Friendship

Today is the annual nadir following the Christmas holiday when the house empties of its beloved residents as their own homes call them back. There are no uncertain feelings of mission accomplished as I had altogether too much fun surrounded by the most treasured people in my personal universe for the better part of the last week. The process started yesterday with my Favorite Son, the ABFA, and the BRS returning home. My son’s mastery of the old game of Tetris came in handy as we loaded his car with the spoils of the BRS’ first Christmas.

BRS Entertaining her Grandpa

They had planned on joining us at Keene Friend’s house last night for his annual gathering but the BRS staged another night of horrors for her parents which after their similar Christmas Eve experience ruled out any cross state driving from Keene. Shortly before their departure in one of the funniest moments of the entire week the BRS was sent up to awake the FBR from her afternoon nap. This is not a task for the weak of heart as the FBR inherited her mother’s grouchy wakeup mode but it turned out to be hilarious. The BRS totally embraced her role and soon had both mothers as well as my Favorite Panamanian laughing uncontrollably as she mugged her way across the FBR’s bed in front of a very entertained FBR. My daughter captured the latter stages on a video that’s too big to load here but I defy anyone seeing it not to laugh out loud.

And her Abuela

Great Aunt spent the night in the Man Cave and with the hyper-attractive (to children of all ages) Soxfather departed now assumed the primary playmate role for the FBR. They engaged in a running game of hide and seek. I was dragged into a newly acquired board game in which the FBR cheated repeatedly. After winning she consoled me with a, “It’s okay grampa. You did well”. We journeyed north just before sundown to attend the aforementioned Keene Friend’s party. This event grew out of a tradition that started back in my high school and college days when a group of close friends gathered the day after Christmas to play basketball at the local rec center, which the Keene Friend had a key to. We would then gather at my mother’s house to drink beer and tell lies. With my mother’s passing Keene Friend took up the host role for the gathering.

The Ladies Last Night

My kids grew up attending this party each year and they both specifically asked about it this year as they both thought they would be attending. This would be the FBR’s first go at the event and she acquitted herself with her usual aplomb. I soon found all ten of my fingers covered in the Keene Friend’s miniature football helmets.  It was a great casual gathering of friends to catch up with. The Cantankerous One eventually showed up to point out our, to him, obvious shortcomings and was soon joined by Keene Friend 2 along with his family.

BRS Today in her New Ball Pit (Gift from us)

One of the highlights of the evening was a long phone call with the Pittsburgh Roommate who was one of the other founding fathers of this event. He admitted he even enjoyed playing basketball with the Cantankerous Friend back in the day but specially forbade me from telling him that. The FBR fell victim to her impending bed time and had to leave early with my daughter and Wingman. Since it was a school night the rest of us didn’t stay too late but it was a time I treasure each year. It harkens back to the day all those young guys gathered in my mom’s living room fresh of the rec’s basketball court. Christmas is all about traditions and this one of my most cherished for the memories it evokes and the people I was blessed to spend it with.

I Think She likes it

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RECURRING CHARACTERS

BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law, formerly known both as MEF – Most Excellent Fiancé & MEG – Most Excellent Girlfriend; Wingman – my son in law; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Soxfather - my brother in law; Great Aunt = my elder sister; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rdmusquetera (musketeer); Buddy – AKA the Wonder Pooch – family dog, a black lab – hates squirrels, died in 2017; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog, surrogate grandchild while awaiting arrival of the BRS; 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; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member, Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Excellent Boss – my former direct boss at work; Deckzilla Dude – senior citizen carpenter/contractor; Voices of Inappropriate Worth - members of public who come to every Worcester public meeting to complain, all are on public assistance along with demeanor issues

Holiday Whirlwind

FBR and BRS in Front of Christmas Tree

It’s been a while since I’ve endeavored here on Frail Deeds as a special Christmas gift to spare you from my fractured prose. It was not through any altruistic design but more because I’ve been engulfed in a literal maelstrom of activity since I last appeared here. The striking majority of that time was extremely well spent as both of my “kids”, their spouses, and of course the dynamic BRS/FBR duo descended on the house for the holiday. Both my Favorite Panamanian and I were bordering on exhaustion before the holiday started as we staggered to the finish line of the renovation project,

Hallway to New Bedroom

Deckzilla Dude promised we’d be in the new master bedroom by Christmas but it was a close run thing and would never have happened without a lot of direct help from the two of us. The plumber reappeared on Saturday and connected all the water lines. The only thing remaining for him is the final inspection. The Dude also cleared out of the room after completing a myriad of small tasks such as installing the variety of polished brass paraphernalia my wife purchased for that room. The only major things left to do are the shower glass enclosure and bathroom mirror which should be done by a subcontractor in a couple weeks.

Christmas Eve Dinner

This meant we could move everything over from our former master bedroom. I spent Saturday morning returning some of the excess materials we’d bought for the project and then buying a double mattress and box spring for the new “Granddaughter Room”. I once again, to my pain, ignored some very good advice from my wife about borrowing the neighbor’s truck to haul that purchase home. Everything was going swimmingly until I realized I’d left the spool of rope I bought specifically to lash down the box spring on top of the Highlander. I jammed the mattress inside and then tried to make do with the bungie cords I did have. I was about ten miles from home and had to use back roads since I didn’t want to chance the high velocity winds.

Abuela and Sleep Challenged BRS on Christmas Morn

Everything was going smoothly until I drove past a huge cemetery where a huge gust of wind defeated the bungie cords and the box spring went twirling into the air to land in front of the car behind me. He was able to brake in time to prevent disabling damage to the box spring. I was of course more than extremely embarrassed as I was now one of “those guys” you always laugh at passing by. I quickly recovered it and lashed it more securely before limping home to the expected and thoroughly earned “I told you so” from my Favorite Panamanian.

FBR and her Newest Unicorn

Demonstrating Proper Unicorn Etiquette to BRS

My humiliation was short lived as the FBR arrived shortly thereafter and was very enthusiastic about her new “big girl” bed. A granddaughter’s joy can assuage some of life’s most damaged feelings. She even volunteered to help with the ongoing move into the new master bedroom. Her help though consisted mostly of testing the newly erected bed by jumping on it despite a harsh lecture from the adults about monkeys falling off beds after forbidden jumping.

Soxfather and Great Aunt Arrive!

I was able to get in some late night movie viewing with my daughter which I’ve missed ever since she and her brother abandoned us. She even activated our Amazon Prime channel which we hadn’t been able to use before. We retrieved Wingman from the Providence train station on Sunday afternoon to complete the deployment of hate New Jersey contingent. The holiday was picking up steam rapidly.

One Very Happy Grandpa

I had to get up at 4am on Monday, Christmas Eve, in order to greet my first shift as they arrived for work. It’s a tradition where I provide coffee and doughnuts and wish them a merry Christmas. It’s a well-received gesture but painfully early after all the labor and fun I’d had over the preceding days. In a completely self-serving move I released everybody early from work and then went home to take a nap at the same time as the FBR. My daughter and I were back in the Man Cave after that nap enjoying the philosophical musings of Quinten Tarrantino when my Favorite Son announced his arrival.

These Two!

Soxfather Working his Magic on the Next Generation

He and the BRS had completed their requirements on the ABFA side of the family and it now really felt like Christmas with the whole brood back under the roof. My wife’s herculean efforts over the preceding week had resulted in a bad cold which she rangered her way through to create a fabulous Christmas Eve dinner. I looked around at the gathered group at table and felt complete joy. We sent my wife to bed early to combat her cold while the rest of us cleaned up and then, post granddaughter sleep time, assembled in the Man Cave for some last minute gift wrapping and catching up.

Son and I with Our Turkey

Gravy Time

The FBR before going up had scrupulously left Santa his required snack of cookies. She directed Wingman to get a couple of the sugar cookies she had helped my daughter make. In a moment of true kismet the FBR recognized a special cookie she had added an extra amount of sugar on top of (before my daughter could prevent it) especially for Santa. Wingman had just picked two random cookies and just happened to pick out the one meant for Santa which the FBR recognized. Santa does work in mysterious ways. In a time I treasured my son and I prepared the Christmas turkey so it would be ready for cooking first thing in the morning. I felt a real sense of passing the torch as prior years lessons had taken hold and he fully embraced the family tradition of the guys cooking the Christmas bird.

FBR and Wingman

I was up early on Christmas and enjoyed some solitary time turning all the Christmas lights on, preparing for the expected onslaught, and turning the oven on for the turkey. An exhausted ABFA came down shortly thereafter with the BRS. We’d heard throughout the night as the BRS woke repeatedly and announced her joy at the impending arrival of Christmas Day. It was a lot worse than I thought as she kept both my son and the ABFA up for most of the night in what my son said was the worst night she’d had since her first month of existence.

FBR Amazed at Santa's Bounty

So the BRS and I hung out while the ABFA snuck back upstirs for some needed rest. We were not alone for long as the 730am bewitching hour arrived when the FBR’s alarm clock light goes on and she is released from quiet time. It is one of life’s small justices to see your own children having to deal with early morning wakeups of their children after being subjected to it by them all those years ago. The BRS and I had put some coffee on to brew to assist in the wakeup effort.

Beloved Post Present Opening Chaos

The FBR was thrilled that Santa seemed to have enjoyed her offerings although there was a small piece with a large bite make left. She formally requested permission to share in this Santa laced cookie. With an FBR assist all of the adults finally staggered downstairs for coffee and the gift opening bonanza. This was the first year the FBR understood about unwrapping gifts and demonstrated a lightening quick grasp of the concept. She was a veritable tornado of shredded gift wrappings as I was challenged to keep her supplied with gifts as I doled them out from under the tree.

ABFA and Son with BRS

BRS Beating the Drum

She only paused when she opened the gift from her other grandmother, Wingman’s mom, where she had a full complement of the Paw Patrol to play with. The BRS was entirely more sanguine about her own Christmas gifts, seemingly more interested in preventing her parents from opening their gifts. We were just winding down when the second wave showed up as Great Aunt and Soxfather along with Namesake Nephew showed up to continue the gift opening. Great Aunt was horrified to learn we hadn’t already started in with the tradition Christmas morning mimosas.

Where to Start?

The “kids” had stocked the required ingredients and this shortcoming was shortly rectified as two complete bottles of champagne and accompanying OJ were sent to meet their maker. We then rolled into the somewhat delayed traditional breakfast of fried dough and more mimosas as the FBR bemoaned the lack of additional gifts to unwrap. She quickly adapted and soon had most if not all of her new toys opened and engaged throughout the first floor. It was the exact kind of controlled chaos I fondly remembered from my own youth as well as those years with my young kids at my mother’s house when we returned from wherever the Army had us at the time.

Daughter and Son

The ABFA’s parents and Riggins arrived around noontime to complete the family part of the gathering. Riggins arrival filled a large hole because it’s not really Christmas without a large dog patrolling the attendant debris. My son and I adjourned to the kitchen in the early afternoon to complete the preparation of Christmas dinner. We did our level best at soiling every spot of the kitchen but the dinner turned out extremely well, if exhausting. We had to add an adjunct table to the already expanded dining room table to accommodate everyone. As I looked from the head of the table I realized this was the best Christmas gift of all and always is. From the youngest, the BRS gurgling happily at the other end of the table, to Great Aunt who’d been a part of all of my Christmases, my brother in all but blood – Soxfather, to my Favorite Panamanian and all she’d brought to my life, and most importantly the two superb adults our children have evolved into and their fantastic families – this was what made Christmas so special for me. Having these people most important to my existence all gathered while not a miracle certainly qualified as a boon beyond any adequate description or proper appreciation.

The day was completed with the late arrival of Keene Friend and another frenzied gift opening session with the granddaughters. For the reasons I’ve listed above I was a lot more exhausted than I wished but nothing could dim the joy of the day. I’m already looking forward to next year where there’ll be no construction project, I’ll be retired, and the BRS won’t feel compelled to remain awake all night awaiting Santa.  The party is not over yet. This afternoon we all head north for the traditional day after Christmas party at Keene Friend’s house.

The End

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RECURRING CHARACTERS

BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law, formerly known both as MEF – Most Excellent Fiancé & MEG – Most Excellent Girlfriend; Wingman – my son in law; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Soxfather - my brother in law; Great Aunt = my elder sister; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rdmusquetera (musketeer); Buddy – AKA the Wonder Pooch – family dog, a black lab – hates squirrels, died in 2017; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog, surrogate grandchild while awaiting arrival of the BRS; 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; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member, Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Excellent Boss – my former direct boss at work; Deckzilla Dude – senior citizen carpenter/contractor; Voices of Inappropriate Worth - members of public who come to every Worcester public meeting to complain, all are on public assistance along with demeanor issues