Cat Connection

Other than having the temporary crown for my tooth pop off last night, yesterday was fairly uneventful. Well, except for the fact that it was Monday, dreaded beast that thing is. Oh, and the IT department decided it was a time to upgrade all the severs and converted everybody over the weekend. The result of that was nobody had access to any of their stored data. The IT specialists told everyone to stop panicking, that this was normal in this type migration. They turned out to be right but it’s a comment on how dependent we all are on technology. It’s wound its way into virtually every aspect of life but most especially in the work environment. Well, something I won’t have to worry about in 31 days. Not that I’m counting or anything.

The FBR, Comedy Queen, in a Pool Yesterday

The FBR has evolved into not being just charming but intensely funny, bordering on hysterical, during our nightly FaceTime calls. She forgets nothing and will come out of left field with a startling comment that has my Favorite Panamanian and I in complete stitches. She really does perform a humanitarian mission every day by making us laugh so much. Last night she was giving me guidance on how I should proceed with the next puzzle I put together. It’s the first time I’ve ever gone back to a puzzle I’ve done before but she was very directive and somehow remembered this one puzzle from over year ago. I was back at it last night but unfortunately it wasn’t one of those puzzles where the pieces stuck together once it goes into storage.

The Photo of her Mother and Mindy That We talked About

We also had a very funny conversation about cats. The FBR has finally won the love of Pee Wee, the family cat. It’s been a lifelong project of hers as Pee Wee, as with most cats, wanted nothing to do with the FBR when she arrived on the scene. This did nothing to deter the FBR from seeking him out, which explaining the standoffishness. No cat wants a two year old in pursuit.  The FBR was fascinated with a photo of her mother with her cat at a young age. Mindy the Cat has evolved into family legerdemain over the years and the FBR wanted to hear all about it. Luckily the FBR does retain some of my genetic material because she loves dogs. The puzzle I’m working on is of four dogs. She calls it her favorite, ever. There is hope.

Photo I Posted of My Little Sister Yesterday

Yesterday was also my younger sister’s birthday. I sent her a text message and a few minutes later we were on the phone talking to each other (I know. Novel concept.) We had a great talk where she caught me up with her latest adventures. She adopted a greyhound who became a terror for the neighborhood rabbits, finally catching a couple after chasing mechanical ones around the track. Unfortunately, one of these chases involved what looked like a black rabbit with a white stripe down its back. If you own a big dog in New England I guarantee at some point you’ve also been skunked – not fun. I’m so happy for my little sis because she finally found the love of her life and they’re a great pair. Talking with my sisters on the phone is one of my favorite things (and I hate talking on the phone). The problem I that I never do enough of it. Happy Birthday little sis, love you.

A More Recent Photo
With one of her Doppelganger Granddaughters

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn

Projectless Weekend

This past weekend was a first for me during the pandemic. I didn’t have any missions to complete around the house. I guess that’s a comment on what my weekends have been like during the past few months because everything I hoped to get done, especially in the yard, is finished. This includes the stuff I was saving for post-retirement time. This followed the Friday triumph of receiving and programming (without technical support from the children) my new Kindle. I was left to my own devices which is never a good idea. I actually found myself sitting on the front lawn pulling out clover patches. My Favorite Panamanian was so intrigued she came over and joined me.

The Budding New Jersey Puzzle Master

We received a couple of early FaceTime calls from the FBR which were exceedingly welcome. She apparently misses seeing us almost as much as we miss seeing her and her parents. A good portion of my weekend was spent in the Man Cave (duh) where I knocked out the latest jigsaw puzzle. The FBR undeterred by the standard I was setting pulled out her own box of 100-piece puzzles and precociously put a number of those together. Jigsaw puzzles are excellent time killers which the pandemic certainly calls for.

Puzzle I Completed

Sunday was a bit more eventful. We were invited down the street to the Neighborhood Mafioso’s home for a celebration of her granddaughter’s confirmation. We joined a group of the Panamanian Mafia on the back deck. It was so much fun catching up with these good friends for the first time in months. It was a little disconcerting that the party was separated into three groups with a large group of teenagers dominating the inside, while their parents were on a lower part of the deck and the seniors were on the upper part. We of course were rightfully consigned to the senior population but it was still a reminder, as if I needed one, that time had certainly stolen a march on me.

FBR Neighbor's had a Unicorn Sprinkler

We learned that teenagers do not like to socially distance from each other. I know, something for the blinding flash of obvious hall of fame, in terms of observational acuity. This, predictably, terrified my Favorite Panamanian. I tried to calm her down by spilling some of her red wine on her white pants. This did not have the desired effect but at least I was not murdered in my sleep which was my immediate concern upon spilling the wine. Unfortunately, we had to leave the party just ahead of a fairly robust thunderstorm delivering some much-needed rain. Still I cherished the time spent with those friends, even if we are seniors. That’s the ticket, own it.

Which the FBR Christened

Brushing Teeth inexplicably in a Bledsoe Era Pat's Jersey

There was a memorable event in the Man Cave last night. My Favorite Panamanian actually sat down and watched a horror movie with me. Unheard of. She was upstairs in the kitchen and accidently watched part of Doctor Sleep, the well-done sequel to the Shining, on cable. She must have caught the tamest sections because she was intrigued and asked me if I had heard of the film. I told her not only did I know about it but we owned a 4K copy of the movie. She may have regretted her decision when the first of the Overlook’s ghosts showed up but she hung with it and enjoyed the watch; although I had to deal with her running commentary on what should be happening. It was fun. I also started my newest film collection watch. I’m going to watch the Christopher Nolan movies that I own. It started with Memento which remains a true cinematic experience. One of the best movies ever made.

"Am I Chasing him? No, He's chasing me!"

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn

Kindle Swimming

The backyard squirrels achieved a stunning tactical victory yesterday. In way of explanation my early morning routine usually involves a spirited duel between myself and these squirrels regarding the backyard bird feeder. They now immediately react to a window or the sliding door opening, knowing some pebbles will soon be launched in their direction. I had just grabbed my kindle before heading down for my morning bike riding session and stopped by the bathroom to pick up my reading glasses (we all know why they’re kept there). I spied one of my opponents venturing into my Favorite Panamanian’s vast garden complex to pillage.

I cherished the opportunity to surprise this one as he was uncommonly close to the house. Unfortunately as I reached for the window the kindle popped out of my hand and landed directly in the toilet. Squirrel forgotten, I desperately tried drying it as quickly as possible and thought I saved it. It worked fine during my stationary bike ride so I thought I was home free. I pulled it out at lunch time to read while eating and I got what I guess is the Kindle screen of death. It would not turn on and no matter how many times I tried to reset, it just laughed at me. Final score Squirrels – 1 Dumbass – 0

Screen of Death

I was more than a little pissed because I had just reached the best part of the latest Memory Man book when another character from one of Baldacci’s other series, old friend Will Robie, showed up. I thought about claiming to Amazon that it just stopped working but I knew I wouldn’t feel right about that. Luckily these things are linked to my Amazon account and I won’t lose the 200+ books I currently had on it. The new one arrives today, you just got to love Amazon.

2020 continues it depredations on a wide range of debacles. My friends and family in Panama are now dealing with a vast dust cloud that emanated from the Sahara Desert. What!? Yes, 2020 is just the gift that keeps on giving. Apparently a cloud of dust, thousands of square miles in size, blew up from the Sahara and is now descending across the Caribbean, including Panama (picture below). Jeez!

Sahara Dust Falling in Panama

I finished my journey through the Star Trek movies that I own. My ranking appears below. I’m a died in the wool trekkie from my junior high days when Captain James Tiberius Kirk first appeared on my television screen. That probably explains why I liked the original cast movies so much, despite the haircuts. I had a lot of fun watching the new series right after the original ones. There were a lot of bits from the original movies snuck into the new ones. I have been...and always shall be...Trek’s friend.

Final Movie

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Star Trek Beyond

Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Star Trek

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

FBR Showing Some Artistic Promise
With her Quick Sketchs

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn

Covid Dentistry and Angry Haircuts

When the coronavirus descended on us in March I had two dentist appointments pending which were summarily canceled as all dentists shut down except for emergency work. They’re starting to open back up and yesterday I had the first of the appointments, a crown for one of my back teeth. I experienced what I did with last week’s doctor’s appointment – a true grilling on whether I’d been exposed to the virus, including a three page consent form. I then had to don plastic coverings for my head, hands and shoes while they took my temperature. When I was ushered back into the dentist chair I felt I was walking through an air lock as the dentist and his assistant looked like astronauts with all their protective gear. I felt a little embarrassed when I had to remove my face mask because I suddenly felt wildly underdressed. This is our new reality. Some things never change though – going to the dentist still sucks.

Another aspect of virus induced changes was my spousal delivered haircut. Granted I don’t have the most challenging hairstyle in the world but my Favorite Panamanian has taken justifiable pride in becoming quite a barber over the past few months. I made the tactical error of getting her angry at me earlier this week just before we were scheduled to sit down for a haircut. I “joked” that it probably wasn’t smart of me (a true understatement) to have a haircut from a belligerent barber. I got a hunted feeling when she thoughtfully considered what she could do with the anger. Fortunately she didn’t take advantage of my self-imposed predicament and leave me with a Mohawk or something even worse.

What could have Been

But Thankfully Not

FBR Took This Picture Last Night During Our Facetime Call

Meanwhile BR3 is ready for Action

We had some serious déjà vu experiences during last night’s Facetime call with the FBR. We caught her in the middle of a standoff with her parents about eating her dinner. My daughter, as part of the discussion, brought up the fact that she clearly remembered sitting across the table from me more than three decades ago as I waited out her intransigence about eating her overly cheesed pasta (something she’d done to herself). The FBR emerged from her pout long enough to be fascinated to hear that I could be a tough disciplinarian (something she has no experience with me on). This is a generational issue as I too have those memories dating back to my childhood when I was the last one sitting at the dinner table long after everyone else had departed trying to coax the family dog into eating very cold, by that time, Brussel sprouts. The déjà vu was enhanced by the FBR’s garb. She was wearing one of her mother’s t-shirts as a sleep shirt. Again this was something her mother did repeatedly as a kid. We have many pictures of her cavorting in one of her mother’s t-shirts. Generations indeed.

FBR In her Mom's Shirt

Hamming it Up

Star Trek Progress

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn

Retirement Challenge

Despite the doubting Thomases in my life, yes, I’m looking at you my children, I will retire on 1 August. They doubt because they’ve heard it all before, like November 2019, December 2019, April 2020, and then May 2020. It’s now feeling really official. I agreed to stay on at the request of my customer to get through the worst of the pandemic but that time is fast approaching. I will admit, to a small degree, to delaying my retirement until more pleasant weather for an epic retirement party which was always part of my calculus.

The pandemic, as with so many, entirely more important matters, has thrown a real monkey wrench into the mix. I feel it’s an important event to celebrate because, well, I like to celebrate, maybe a little too much. My retirement party planning has always had to pass muster with the commander in chief – my Favorite Panamanian. She’s absolutely terrified of the pandemic and initially refused to even consider having a party. I’ve worn her down and she’s agreed to a scaled down version. I should say versions because she now says I can have a series of “get togethers”, one for family, another for neighbors/Panamanian Mafia, another for friends, etc. etc.

You can see why I became a convert to her way of thinking. I will miss seeing the eclectic mix of friends and family from different aspects of my life but hey, a series of parties! (I mean “get togethers”) She had me at the mention of multiples. I’m also thinking a thunder run up to Keene so I can celebrate with hometown friends. Against all odds it doesn’t look like I’m going to be growing up any time soon.

Latest Movie - Last of Original Cast

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn

Dad Day Weekend

I needed to get to work today if for no other reason than to recover from having way too much fun yesterday on Father’s Day. My Favorite Panamanian bent over backwards to insure I felt really special, enacting the “you’re not allowed to do any work” codicil which was kind of frustrating at times when I saw certain things needed to be done but had to stand by while my diminutive lady took care of it. I’m not very good at that sort of thing. I told her I did not want breakfast in bed but she set up a special table on Deckzilla where we had a great time. The backyard squirrels were less than pleased since we interrupted their preferred raid time on the nearby bird feeder.

Holding BR3 For First Time

The best part, by far, of the day was the trip north to New Hampshire where we joined the ABFA’s parent’s at my Favorite Son’s house to celebrate Father’s Day. I was able to hold BR3 for the very first time which was a misty eyed experience. Since it was a dangerous sun day we moved the barbecue grill and lawn furniture to the front of the house and set up in the driveway for a very fun cookout in the shade. We hadn’t been together since Christmas and it was such a welcome relief to spend time with these people.

Father's Day Breakfast on Deckzilla

Opening Cards

Party Time for Abuela and BRS at my Son's Place

BRS Supervising Grandfathers

Escorting the Slide

The heat/humidity had been oppressive in Worcester for the past few days but there was a very welcome sea breeze at my son’s house that mad the day even better. The reaction of the BRS to having both sets of grandparents in residence when she was up from her nap was priceless. She started jumping around the garage in joy. Both grandfathers were commandeered to escort her to her new playground where she demonstrated some mad climbing skills.

Can't Get Enough of this View

Whoah! Who are You!

3 Gens

HAppy Abuela

BRS Coaxing ABFA's Dad Through Sprinkler

Riggins Joined the Pool Party

BRS Holding Court in her New Chairs

With Her Dad

BR3 Joined in the Fun

My wife and I had brought a new sprinkler pool which the BRS loved but determined only grandfathers should run through it. The ABFA’s dad volunteered to be her personal attendant as she slowly familiarized herself with the cascading water. BR3 joined us for the afternoon and napped pleasantly except when experiencing her signature move – hiccups. Her abuela leapt to the opportunity for an extended hold of our youngest granddaughter. It was all too much fun and a startling reminder of how much we’ve missed this chance to personally interact with those most important to us.

New FBR Playground

Father's Day Dip with Wingman

It was even hotter and more oppressive in New Jersey but the FBR was equipped with a new playground as well as her new pool. She detailed how much she had done to make Wingman feel special including a joint swim in the pool. She and my daughter made some chocolate chip and walnut cookies which were a Wingman favorite. We had them join us via Facetime a couple times during our afternoon sojourn in New Hampshire.

Working on Lattice Project

Sunday was also my first “cheat day” on the keto diet since January and I made the most of it. A serious amount of dessert was sent down range, including some chocolate chip cookies (without walnuts) that my wife baked for me. I felt completely bloated by the end of the day as my stomach did not know what to do with the surge of carbs and sugar. I’m sure I’ll be paying for this all week.

Came Out Well

Earlier in the weekend I took on what is hopefully the last big back yard project for a while. I installed latticework underneath Deckzilla. It had become a refuge from my rock throwing efforts aimed at the neighborhood rabbits when they pillage my wife’s vast garden complex. I was fairly confident since I’d already done something similar on a much larger scale for our house in Charlton. I did get to meet all the various forms of insects and other wildlife that lived underneath Deckzilla as I crawled around during the installation. The heat and humidity only made it more fun. I received permission from my Favorite Panamanian to finish the project yesterday on Fahter’s Day morning before driving north.

Latest Puzzle

Since I was virtually sentenced to the Man Cave for a lot of the weekend I knocked out the next in the Star Trek movie series (and the absolute worst – by far). I also completed the latest (and hardest) 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. My progress had been assiduously monitored by the FBR.

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RECURRING CHARACTERS                                           

BR3 – granddaughter #3, BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law; 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); Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; 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; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn