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That Signature BRS Smile

I’ve been conspicuously absent from Frail Deeds for most of the week for a variety of reasons, some of them good. I took one day off this week to work as Deckzilla Dude’s helper on the renovation project because his infirmities prevent a full range of activity without assistance. I’m always impressed watching a true craftsman such as the Dude plying his trade. I enjoy talking with him as well as he shares some of his secrets about home repair although we both agree I do not have the temperament (read – patience) to be an effective finish carpenter. He does however think I could excel as part of any demolition crew, so I’ve got that going for me.

Installed Vanity and Closet

The plumber had to return a couple times this week after the newly installed heat wasn’t working. He finally had to change out a valve on the furnace and then bleed a lot of air out of the system. It’s fairly toasty now. The day I worked with him we installed the vanity into the bathroom. We’d done some off the cuff measurement estimates when we bought the accompanying linen chest figuring it would all fit. By some miracle it fit like a glove, albeit a very undersized glove. It was here that the Dude’s expertise came into to play as he wedged everything together and it looks fantastic. The granite (actually quartz) guy was in yesterday to measure and will install the top next week. The Dude is slowly working on the bathroom tiles and here is where his obvious talent is apparent. There were so many times I would have taken a shortcut (the whole patience thing) where he painstakingly does the right thing. As soon as he finishes this I can get the glass people in to measure of the shower doors which is the last major end item.

Tile Work - Shower Half Done

Main Room Floor Progress

My wife is in a semi-manic mode to clean the house in preparation for this weekend’s gathering of the Panamanian Mafia. It turns out a major renovation project generates a lot of dust (who knew?) especially the cutting of tile. I’ve taken the counsel of my fears when I try to kid with her about all the dust as I catch the warning sign that she is looking for the nearest machete. Thankfully I can now see the end of the tunnel of this project as we should be moved in by Christmas which is why we did the whole damned thing to begin with.

FBR Stylin at the Mall

The New Bed Configuration

In granddaughter news this is a landmark week for the FBR. Today her crib, which she has occupied since her first few months, is being converted into a “big girl bed”. She first tried one out (with mixed results) during her recent visit with us, earlier this week she started taking her day care naps in one and today Wingman modified her crib was converted as shown. The FBR, according to Wingman, is ecstatic. Her parents now confront the ability of the FBR to a rise whenever she wants. Since she inherited her mother’s hatred of sleep this could get interesting. We’ve noticed the threenager doesn’t deign to acknowledge our presence during our nightly FaceTime calls until we try and have an adult conversation with one of her parents – she then becomes sixteen kinds of charming.

Painting!

The BRS is fighting off a recurring cough that has done nothing to dim the megawatt smile she draws without effort. My Favorite Son is transitioning to a new project in Portland, Maine while the ABFA takes up the challenges of a new job in her company which is thankfully in nearby Dover. I have it on good authority she will not miss the Boston commute. The BRS has learned to clap her hands and launch her simultaneous dazzling smile. She also had her first ever encounter with Santa Claus this week which went a lot smoother than her cousin, the FBR’s. The BRS tried to cow Santa with one of her withering, judgmental looks that she usually reserves for me. The BRS will be able to talk smack with the FBR is the years ahead about how brave each was when meeting Saint Nick for the first time.

My wife and I escaped the dust a couple times this week for the movies. We went to see Creed 2 which was very good. Michel B. Jordan has so much screen presence that you almost don’t notice the presence of Stallone in this Rocky generated sequel. Creed is a compelling character as he struggles to forge his own way through the same challenges that cost his father his life. The Russian superman Drago from Rocky 3 has raised a son who is every bit as damaged as a Rocky themed movie opponent is required to be. This wasn’t the formulaic fight picture as there is real depth to all the main characters but this movie truly belongs to Jordan. I’m excited to think about the future of this young actor – he’s really that good. The final fight was everything you’d expect and hope for in a Rocky film but it still somehow entertained.

The second movie we saw, Instant Family, was a big surprise. I thought this would be a harmless fluff comedy but again, there was some real depth here. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne play a couple who decide to become foster parents to three siblings, each with their own challenges. I know this sounds like a routine, been there, done that type movie experience but there is more there. There are some very funny moments which come precisely when needed when some of the heartbreaking realities of the situation are explored. Byrne especially and the young teenage gal were very good and their relationship struck me as very true instead of the usual Hollywood stereotype. The supporting cast of the foster parent support group and the extended family were hilarious at times, and again rang true. I dare you to leave this movie without a smile on your face. It also offers an important message on the importance of adoption and foster parents.

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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 involed 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