Winter Broke

All That's Left

Although temperatures are still below where they’re supposed to be I’m going out on a limb and declaring victory over the latest winter. Since both of my children are becoming increasingly parsimonious with photos of my granddaughters we’ll have to be content with the last vestige of snow remaining on the front yard. I’m actually impressed with the little bugger because it’s withstood some serious attempts at eradication from the increased sun angle that removed all the road side snow banks over the past week. The extended weather forecast says we’re good to go for the next week with only some rain on the horizon.

I would have liked to have one more snow storm to welcome home my Favorite Panamanian next week but that would be just cruel and I would have to get the car washed again. I’m finding myself torn with too much make work. I employ that technique to fight off the effects of loneliness but I may have overdone it. I find myself competing with my need to complete reading the latest Joe Pickett novel, the current jigsaw puzzle, and a resurgent DVR list. I polished off the newest Shameless season only to have a new season of Billions appear. I have taken to ignoring any recommendations from friends and family about other shows I should be watching.

My lack of direction will be seriously imperiled starting this weekend when the pre-return of wife cleaning binge starts. I know I’ll never get the house to her standard but I do have to get it beyond gag inducing levels. I achieve that and the plants survive the week – I’m golden. The other activity I gladly shoehorn in each day are the video calls with my kids and the Favorite Panamanian. Last night the BRS had spent too much of the day schmoozing with friends at Day Care instead of napping. That resulted in an uncharacteristically grumpy call. I could only generate small smiles while she insisted on snuggling with her dad. The FBR on the other hand was completely engaged. She insisted on inspecting my progress on the current puzzle – a passion we share. We also had a spirited discussion on the issue of ketchup love and an in depth character analysis of the Beauty and the Beast. She’s getting ready to fly cross country tomorrow back to LA to hang out with some of her original friends.

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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