Blissful State

Picture of a Happy Grandfather

That is not a term that is usually available when the Favorite Panamanian is out of town. There are very view situations that would ameliorate that loneliness into irrelevance. I was fortunate enough to avail myself of two such all too rare salves over the past few days. First Friday would have been a very lonely time since all my co-workers were unavailable but the indomitable Great Aunt and Soxfather rode to the rescue from Rhode Island. We stayed at Brew City for dinner afterwards and Friday was officially pronounced as an unmitigated success thanks to these two individuals.

First Friday Saviors

Saturday called for a drive down to New Jersey to acquire the FBR. Before I left I wanted to lay in the requisite supplies and headed for Stop and Shop. I had forgotten they had gone out on strike and was greeted with a bunch of pickets. I contented myself with just a visit to the bank and then headed for New Jersey. After sitting through the seemingly obligatory traffic jam on the Merritt Parkway I arrived in New Jersey to find the FBR napping. At least that was the plan but Wingman informed me she was so excited about my arrival that he could hear her repeatedly running to the window to see if my car had arrived.

New Spanish Flash Cards

We decided it would be okay if I went up to rescue her from the absent nap. I was immediately the recipient of a patented FBR hug which has to be one of the best feelings in the world. I provided my expected offering, a Paw Patrol watch, which was really well received. The FBR filled me in on the intervening time since we last hung out. She also demanded an immediate game of hide and seek. We followed that up with a trip to the nearby playground.

The Walk Back

Spring has Definitely Sprung in NJ

Wingman had to leave for work so my daughter drove us over to the Shake Shack for dinner. The FBR was a big fan of the place and when she heard I was coming suggested to her mother that they bring me there. Burgers and milkshakes, maybe she can read minds, she certainly nailed mine. I had a fun time later that evening watching a really weird movie with my daughter. I always enjoy sharing movies, even bad ones, with one of my movie loving kids.

Shake Shack Silliness

Sunday morning the FBR escorted me down the street to a new, New York style bakery that had recently opened. It was so much fun as the neighborhood seems to have really embraced it which figures given the number of NYC transplants that are there. The FBR decided I should partake of her personal favorite, a delicious cinnamon roll. We returned home so the FBR could take leave of her parents for the week. The departure ceremony included her running hugs where she would require a house wide run before launching herself into her parents arms.

The Running hug for Wingman

The trip back to Massachusetts with my partner went extremely well due mostly to my daughter’s IPad. The FBR was riveted to screen for most of the trip. It was fun to hear her laugh unexpectedly at the adventure she was experiencing with Princess True. We had a small hiccup when the sound failed. She directed that I fix it immediately although I had to wait until I could pull into a rest area. I failed miserably but after getting back on the road the FBR fixed it herself so I was shamed in the technology arena by a three year old.

Paw Patrol Surprise

We made good time and arrived in time to execute the grocery store run. I diverted to another store, due to the strike, which was frustrating because I didn’t know where anything was. Luckily I was assisted by my spiritual guide, the FBR. She assured me that the Princess Elsa mac and cheese was superior to the regular variety as well as insisting that Oreos were an important part of her diet. We had a lot of fun.

My Assistant

Tower Time

She went down for her nap without an issue, reacquainting herself with the unicorn sleeping bag. I was directed to assemble the Paw Patrol tower which was the big surprise that greeted her upon arrival. It was a huge hit as I was fully indoctrinated into Paw Patrol mythology upon her awakening. We were awaiting the arrival of my Favorite Panamanian who was traveling back from Virginia with her fellow Musquetera. So by end of the day my world was again complete with the added and thoroughly delightful addition of the FBR. This morning saw an abuela assist in the making of hojaldras as well as dancing and new dress modeling. It’s going to be a fun week.

Abuela Came Back with a New Dress

Helping with Breakfast 

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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^rd musquetera (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