My favorite geographic place in the
world is back at it. A couple days ago I was clearing the driveway in -26
degree wind chill on a day when the temperature never got above 0. Today we
have temperatures in the mid-50’s with a persistent rain storm. It would be understandable
if we were at either end of the winter when the seasons are vying with each other
for supremacy but it’s nearing the end of January where we should be in the
depths of winter. Note to self – do not try and figure out New England weather –
better men have tried and failed for hundreds of years.
Some disturbing news from New Jersey where
the FBR endured a Tuesday night of minor food poisoning complete with late
night technicolor yawns. My daughter was away for a quick business trip to North
Carolina so Wingman was left with dealing with a very sick three year old, who
did not understand what was going on, as well as the fragrant cleanup. The FBR,
ever the adventurer, asked if she could sleep on the floor (a requirement during
the episode due to fragrant nature of her usual sleeping space) again last
night. My daughter returned last night and the family was together for the
first time since last Friday. Wingman looked tired but added one of the least favorite
merit badges every parent eventually earns.
The BRS had no such consumption issues
last night. She was in full throat as she downed her dinner and bellowed one of
now trademarks grunts. My Favorite Son reported she has learned how to “high 5”
which is a certain indication of her nascent support for New England sports
teams. I’m journeying up to their house this weekend for a celebration of the
FBR’s one year of existence. Two weekends – two granddaughters – can’t beat
that, even with a very large stick.
My Favorite Panamanian often takes me
to task for my taciturn approach to phone conversations. My brevity is at the exact
opposite end of the spectrum from her own tendencies which is probably why we
get along as well as we do. Yesterday was the rare occasion where she didn’t
want to spend a lot of time talking with me because, good Catholic girl that
she is, she was entranced with the media coverage of the Pope’s arrival in Panama.
I was at a loss to deal with the unknown territory of being the one wanting to
stay on the phone. The world doth turn.
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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 3rdmusquetera (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
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