Honor Earned

We seem to have blown through May in decidedly un-pandemic fashion which can only be cherished. Today is, of course, Memorial Day, which many people don’t seem to understand. We honor, on this day, those service members, back to our founding fathers, who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. As a veteran I’ve had many people mistakenly think this is a day for me. While I always welcome an honest thank-you for my service, I haven’t earned the right to be thanked on Memorial Day. If I had, I wouldn’t be writing this because I would be on the wrong side of the turf.

Many people go overboard, you know who you are, and say there shouldn’t be any celebrating, barbecues, or Memorial Day mattress sales. They say this is disrespectful of our honored dead. I believe they couldn’t be more wrong. These heroes died to preserve our way of life and there’s nothing more American than a barbecue or, God help us, a mattress sale. I always take some time this day each year to reflect on those who sacrificed themselves for us.

As a veteran, knowing that my service was/is appreciated means more to me than I can say and I’d like to think many of the residents of Arlington National Cemetery and the other resting places spread around the world, would feel the same way. Honor them by living your life to the fullest because you don’t risk your life for something not worth dying for. Fire up that barbecue, tap that beer keg, and take a moment to thank those who made it possible.

We’ve had another memorable weekend as life is opening back up to more closely resemble what could be defined as “our way of life”. That included yet another birthday party on Saturday evening. We walked across the street to join the Neighborhood Mafioso to celebrate his 70^th birthday. In my mind we were decidedly un-senior like but I’m sure some of the younger attendees would disagree. It was, yet again, like a reunion as we were able to party with people we’d barely seen over the past year. It was a clear reminder of what was lost and sent the message I’m reflecting on today – how much we owe to be able live  our lives in this fashion.

The Birthday Boy

Cake Time

Party at Full Swing, Everyone Always Ends up in Kitchen

The Partiers, Wife & I on top Right

After a very dry spring Mother Nature apparently got the memo because it hasn’t stopped raining since Friday. I’m hoping it will finally break today so I can get back outside to knock out some chores and the inevitable barbecue to burn some dead animal flesh. That is happening down in New Jersey today with the FBR regaling me this morning about her plans to hang out all day with her friends while the parents gather for Memorial Day. I just received this photo where the FBR once again made a bee line towards the nearest dog. I’m glad that, despite the feline immersion lifestyle she’s been forced to endure, she has inherited the family trait of canine preeminence.

FBR and New Friend

My Favorite Panamanian is mourning the loss of one of her uncles today. It was not a surprise as he had been hovering at death’s door for months now. We were able to stop by several times during our recent time in Panama so my wife was grateful he hung around long enough for her to see him. It speaks to the power of family in my wife’s culture in that one of her other uncles, hearing in what desperate straits his brother was in, opened his own house to his invalided brother so that his final year could be spent with family and constant care.

R.I.P. Tio G

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Blessed Normalcy

Yesterday was such a fun day and not just because we got to celebrate Soxfather’s birthday, although that was the main reason. It also marked a return to semi-normalcy as we gathered in Rhode Island with my sister and Soxfather’s family in much the way we’ve done for years, up until 2020, of course. Since everyone except my Namesake Nephew was vaccinated it signified a safe return to an aspect of life that’s been all too absent for the past year: a bona fide family gathering. As with so many other aspects we are rediscovering, post vaccinations, it was a time to relish what had been missing for so long. I know the rest of the cherished people I was lucky enough to share the evening with also took time to savor the rekindling of a normal act denied to us by the curse of Covid.

With the Birthday Boy and Bonecrusher

Soxfather and Great Aunt bought the table we gathered around for precisely this type of event a couple years ago. Its predecessor was the target of many jokes over the years as being inadequate for the task. We only had a single party under its belt before the virus descended. I am a firm believer, based on the emotions present last night, that this table will be getting a well-deserved workout over the coming years. Kudos to the table’s owners for putting together a magical night where the long delayed conversations and laughter spilled continuously for the entire time. Remy the dog ceased to be an issue when he figured out Namesake Nephew would be his sole source of under table food treats. He camped at that location and I advised Soxfather and Great Aunt they should probably open a window over night as this type of banquet for a Lab usually results in epic sessions of flatulence.

The Party Table

I got in trouble with my Favorite Panamanian (a not unheard-of experience) during our drive down. We had a target time to arrive but I also promised a visit to a garden statue store in our quest to replace the decapitated Virgin Mary statue. So, I had to plan on a shopping session for my wife, (a time period virtually impossible to calculate) as well as Friday afternoon traffic ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. In a major departure from her usual modus operandi, my wife didn’t feel the need to linger over the unsuccessful shopping venture. My circular route had avoided all traffic and as we bore down on the party location, my wife was freaking out, saying we were going to catch our hosts at the worst possible time and my sister would probably be in the shower. I assured her it would be fine as we pulled up to the house. My sister was in the shower (how do they know these things!?) but Soxfather was available to get the party started. Again, a night I will cherish for the ability to talk with these people and, ye gods, even hug.

Bonecrusher Wielded

To Effect

Thursday eve my Favorite Panamanian and I caught up with another movie, Chaos Walking. Tom Holland, of the latest incarnation of Spiderman fame, plays a smallish young man in a male only society on a newly settled world. The women were supposedly killed off in a war with hostile natives. In addition, everyone’s thoughts are immediately broadcast in a cloud over the thinker’s head which, of course, can be problematic in many situations. Holland’s whole world is turned over when he meets Daisy Ridley, the only survivor of a follow on scout ship. Hijinks ensue as Holland gradually learns the truth about his life while unsuccessfully trying to keep his obvious attraction to the first girl he’s ever seen under wraps. Those moments are the few light touches in what is a pretty dour tale. I’m thinking there was a lot of depth left of the editing room floor where some of the story could have been fleshed out. It remained a watchable movie because of the cast, the obvious chemistry between the two leads and the always memorable Mads Mikkelsen as the heavy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Medical Hooking and Jabbing

Somehow it’s already Thursday. I’m not averse to reaching weekend eve but it seems to have snuck up on me this week. I became used to the laborious progress of time through the worst of the pandemic which means the more enlightened 2021 is returning to pre-pandemic speeds. I’m not sure I like that totally but, I’ll take anything to escape the clutches of pandemic restrictions. The week is also progressing at nearly normal speed because I’ve spent part of the time assisting my Favorite Panamanian with the annual ritual of spring plantings in her vast garden complex. She shows up almost daily with more plants and I’m confused about where there is room for them but the lady has a plan. I complain but she always has the place looking fantastic which short fuses any of my complaints. She seems to take an unhealthy amount of pleasure in proving my complaints trivial.

Speaking of trivialities, I spent a good portion of the last couple days hooking and jabbing with my medical insurance company. I’ve been with them, a sub-contractor for retired military medical insurance, for over ten years. Up to this point I could not have been happier with them. They were easy to work with and always responsive. That is until I started getting bills I shouldn’t have from medical appointments that should have been covered. It all stems back to 2020 which means I have another crime to lay at that benighted year’s feet. When I came on board they said as long as the care was within the “network” I didn’t have to worry about referrals. Some clerk must have changed that rule last year and I spent the last couple days trying to convince my primary care physician to issues referrals for appointments within the network, even though that had never been required. They were as confused as I was.

There are signs that something big is coming our way in terms of street excavation. The dig safe dudes have been all over the street and sidewalks in front of the house all week. They even marked up my freshly sealed driveway!!! I’m now praying this is due to an abundance of caution but I have a sneaking suspicion, since all our utilities run underground here, that we’re about to undergo some serious digging. Our internet has been popping off and on al week which may be a sign of something going on further down the line. On the upside I’ve become semi-expert on rebooting my router. I also had an eintersting experience yesterday when I returned to the office I used to work at. While it was great seeing so many old familiar faces I realized I didn't miss the drive into (short as it was) or being tied down to my old office. I'm guessing this means I am so ready for retirement. Still great seeing those people though.

I’m sneaking in a lot of the movies that came out over my pandemically forced exile from the movie theaters. This week’s entry was Unhinged. Russel Crowe, greatly expanded from his Maximus days, plays a psychotic road rage perpetrator. Crowe plays a scarily effective villain as rage bubbles effectually just below the surface as he cuts a swath through the life of a woman who made the mistake of blowing her horn at him when he doesn’t move for a green light. If nothing else this movie might improve driver courtesy as you can’t see it and then not have second thoughts in a situation we’ve all faced. There is almost constant tension from the opening scene, a double murder using a hammer. Crowe exudes screen presence even as a reprehensible, totally evil character. I left the movie wishing I owned the franchise for whatever donut shop he frequented to prepare for this role.

FBR Holding Court With her Neighborhood Gang

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Running Thunder

2021 keeps piling up wins, making her benighted older sister, 2020, look more and more like the damnable beast she was. The latest victory was the return of a beloved tradition that 2020 would not allow, the thunder run back to my hometown. It’s a win win situation for my Favorite Panamanian and I. She drops me off with Keene Friend and then heads out for some tax free shopping. Keene Friend and I muster as many fellow high school classmates as possible while inhabiting a local pub. That is a thunder run.

The Gang at the Lab 'n Lager

Saturday went like clockwork, or as close to possible when dealing with a Latin American woman, but I digress. Keene Friend and I set up shop in the Cobblestone Pub because the usual launching point, Penuche’s, still hasn’t recovered enough from 2020 to open before 4pm. We were joined in short order by the Cantankerous Friend and my Kindergarten Friend. The best thing about these gatherings is not the beer drinking, although there is that, it’s the reconnecting with lifelong friends which there has been entirely too little of over the past year. In short order the four of us had solved all the world’s problems and crossed the street to patronize the Lab ‘n Lager Pub.

Cantankerous One Arrives at Cobblestone
Much to Keene Friend's Joy

The group almost doubled in short order with the arrival of two more classmates and a gal with the unique claim to have once dated the Pittsburgh College Roommate. This necessitated a call to that worthy to test his memory. His wife perked up considerably when I declared the purpose of the call. A semi-soused call to the Pittsburgh College Roommate has become ritualistic during a Thunder Run because we all know he wishes he could be sitting next to us. The old flames politely admitted they kind of remembered each other and it was on to exploring other memories, fractured though they might be. The Cantankerous One managed to insult everyone to fulfil his usual quota. The crowd ebbed and flowed all day with several acquaintances peripherally connected to us wandered by to be regaled and partake in the comradery. It was a great afternoon. After four hours of this sublimity, I was under orders to break contact and move to a rally point to link up with my Favorite Panamanian. In civilian speak, we were supposed to move up the street to Margarita’s to meet my wife for dinner. I was accompanied by Keene Friend, the Cantankerous Friend, and another high school classmate while the rest of the group continued to reign supreme at the Lab ‘n Lager. We were seated at the appointed time at Margarita’s only to learn the least surprising news of the day, my Favorite Panamanian wasn’t ready to leave her shopping grounds yet. She was eventually convinced to join us and we had a great time over dinner with the additional benefit of the company of Keene Friend 2 who finally finished umpiring baseball games long enough to join in.

Margarita's, Joined by Wife and Keene Friend 2

My wife plays a critical role in the Thunder Run because, after running down the thunder, we are in desperate need of a designated driver. Those drives home are some of the funniest moments of the day as she drops off friends around the old familiar (to me) neighborhoods while being forced to endure some well lubricated male humor. It seems we get much funnier after a few beers, who knew?! After dropping off Keene Friend at the last stop I was given strict orders to stay awake while she drove home to Worcester. I may not have accomplished full compliance with that directive but I was alert enough to provide navigational aid when called upon. Clearly another win for 2021 and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to hang with these great people amidst the hometown literally saturated with so many memories.

FBR in her New pool

Speaking of saturated the FBR finally got into her new driveway pool over the weekend. Her parents reported she spent a full five hours in the pool on Sunday which was a scorcher in New Jersey. The FBR proudly showed a photo of how waterlogged her feet and toes were after their long submersion. She has apparently inherited the family water bug gene. She also attended a birthday party on Saturday which she excitedly reported included a piñata. While the other kids took timid swings the FBR knew what to do and delivered some devastating strikes. She proudly informed me of her demonstrated prowess.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Driveway Dress Up

Ever since I became a civilian (wow, over fifteen years ago!) I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my home’s driveway. It started with our house in Charlton. We would probably still be living there if it wasn’t for what I called the “driveway from hell”. I’ve written before about the three hours required every time it snowed and some of my epic battles with the damnable beast. When we bought this house, one of the most redeeming features was the very short driveway. It has still found way to vex me over the past five years though, with cracks, holes and generally being a pain in the posterior. I semi-solved that last year when we repaved the entire thing. I had to wait a year before I could seal it and yesterday was the day chosen for that endeavor.

End of the Day with my Squeegee

Predictably, it was the hottest day of the year but I figured I had been steeled up for hot weather with my month long stay in Panama. I’d never done this before but it didn’t seem like rocket science and I could read the labels on the sealant. I bought my very own driveway squeegee tool and I was off to the races. It was a very slow race. I’d done some measurements and bought two cans based on the recommended coverages listed on the can. That turned out to be a sales gimmick because I had barely covered half the driveway before I was back at Home Depot to pick up another three cans. The work itself was kind of tedious and ridiculously easy; just pour out a bunch and then move it around with the squeegee. By the end I was semi-proficient and looked like I actually knew what I was doing. Looks as they say, can be deceiving.

The Beginning

It turns out I’m still a New Englander because the heat on the day long effort on the black top seriously kicked my ass. My Favorite Panamanian came out to snap pictures of me as I finished putting down the second coat because she thought I got more of the sealant on myself than on the driveway (some things never change). I was ordered to strip in the garage before entering the house with my sealant covered clothes. Overall, though, I have to proclaim the exercise a success. At least, it looks great and the cans proclaim I’m good to go for ten years. I’m not sure I trust that though, after the whole two to five can evolution.

Point New Cans Were Needed

Mission Complete

Okay I Guess I did Get Some on Me

While I was coating the driveway and myself my Favorite Panamanian was out on Deckzilla accomplishing her annual spring planting rituals in her vast garden complex. It turns out she actually missed me, something she was loathe to admit, but said it came down to the fact I’m much better at digging holes. I think she was just trying to butter me up for future iterations in the complex. She was every bit as knackered as I was by the end of the day. We’ve knocked out a couple movies over the past days as we nursed tired bodies in the Man Cave.

FBR Posing This Morning With Abuela Supplied Outfit

Those Who Wish me Dead was much better than I anticipated. I thought it would be an Angelina Jolie vanity project but it turns out she can still act, very well. She plays, convincingly, a Montanan forest fire fighter. Like I said, acting. She also pokes fun at herself a couple times which was surprising. She’s surrounded by a very strong cast which made the movie work. She’s exiled to a fire tower after a tragedy and encounters a boy lost and running in the woods. It turns out he’s being pursued by a couple of very capable assassins, Littlefinger and the Beast. There’s the attendant forest fire and plot holes (I mean who gets hit by lightning twice within fifteen minutes and walks away) but this was a lot of fun and moved at a very crisp pace. Medina Senghore, as a pregnant survivalist nearly steals the movie from Jolie. They didn’t imbue any of the characters with super human prowess which helped. Highly recommend this.

Without Remorse is loosely base on Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan universe of several decades ago. I loved the early books in this franchise before they went overboard. I was excited to see the John Clark character taking lead. Even better news was the casting of Michael B. Jordan as Clark. It’s an origin story updated to current times starting out in war-torn Syria where Jordan’s Seal Team takes out some Russians. The Russians retaliate later which sends Jordan on a highly energetic vengeance quest. There’s a serious body count and Jordan is more than up to carrying the movie. He receives great support from Jodie Turner Smith as a re-imagined Greer and Jamie Bell. There are some convoluted plot twists but this is a great action ride. Again, high marks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Getting Physical

I am required to keep Great Aunt specifically informed about all my medical comings and goings which of course have been legion over the past twelve months.. She requires this after a failure, on my part, to keep her up to date as she is the family medical expert. So, here goes; I had my annual physical yesterday and passed with semi-flying colors. This was the first physical since I joined the prostate-less so there was no bending over the table for the first time in decades. Win. There were the other usual indignities which I guess are needed but it seems most of the results he wanted to talk about came from the blood tests. I’m kicking ass and taking names in the cholesterol department which qualifies as nothing short of a miracle considering my eating habits. The only downer was my old friend – the skin. I saw my dermatologist back in February and she pronounced me good to go until my next screening in September. The doc yesterday said there was something in my left ear he wants looked at before then. So it goes. This is the same ear I had my first and most extensive Mohs surgery on. Fingers firmly crossed.

Wife and BR3 - Hojaldra Buddies

I was walking back to Deckzilla yesterday after raising the flags when I was buzzed by a low flying bird. I thought it was the Deckzilla robin protecting his nest but it was one of the baby birds taking his first flight. He made it to the beauty challenged fireplace with dad right alongside. After a short rest he took off and disappeared into the trees. I’m amazed at how fast these little buggers develop as when we got back from Panama a couple weeks ago, they had barely hatched. I checked out the nest and all three babies were gone. It felt a little sad, weird, huh? The second order effects of the robins’ departures means my air force is gone from my ongoing battles with the backyard squirrels. The robins had been divebombing them if they came near the deck and the bird feeders. It didn’t take long; I came down this morning to find three clustered around the bird feeder. At least they remembered the door opening on Deckzilla meant grave danger because they were gone before I could arm myself.

BRS on Sunday

I’m getting back to my outdoor protects now that the very full social schedule following our return has slowed down. I power washed the driveway in preparation for applying sealant tomorrow. That should be interesting. It’s the first time I’ve ever done it and I’m a world class slob. There’s no telling where some of this stuff will end up, I may require supervision. Speaking of my Favorite Panamanian, she volunteered me to build a hillside terrace garden wall for our next door neighbors. I launch on that next week. I’m not complaining (too much) because they’re good neighbors and pick up our mail during our repeated absences. It will be a good prep mission as I plan on putting in another such wall on our hill later this summer.

FBR Assisting her Mom with BR3 Horsemanship

I’ve included some more pictures from this past weekend because I truly do not want to let go of the feelings it generated. The inseparable cousins, now separated by four states, have maintained contact through Facetime with the BRS being promoted ahead of her grandparents in priority by the FBR. I’m excited about the upcoming weekend as it will include a thunder run up to my hometown. I haven’t been able to be up there over the past pandemicized year except for the birthday pub crawl. I’m hoping a couple high school friends can join Keen Friend and the Cantankerous One while we knock the rust off our “beer drinking in pubs” abilities. What can I say, it’s a profession.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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

Cousin Specialty

I’ve written before about the axiom – There’s Something Special about Cousins. Next generational proof was offered this past weekend in New Hampshire. I first heard the expression many years ago from the wife of one of my own cousins as she observed my and her kids playing together like old friends although they barely knew each other. This past weekend’s proof was offered by the FBR and BRS. They hadn’t seen each other in person since Christmas 2019 when the BRS wasn’t even talking yet. The ensuing, pandemic laden, year has changed that, along with the arrival of BR3. Friday was BR3’s 1^st birthday and my daughter and the FBR journeyed up from New Jersey to join the party on Saturday.

All 3 Granddaughters Together for First Time Ever

With Their Abuela

There was a really funny moment when they arrived at our house. I happened to be outside when my daughter pulled up and the FBR, always ready to play tricks, was all in when I suggested we sneak up on her abuela. We quietly went up to the master bedroom where my Favorite Panamanian was putting the final touches on whatever she was doing for prep. She turned around and started talking with me and because of her usual laser focus on me to insure I was listening, didn’t even notice the FBR standing next to me. The FBR finally spoke and my wife issued a primordial scream that I’m sure had the neighbors thinking a murder was taking place. The FBR was hauled onto the bed and subjected to serial kisses from her abuela as they both laughed uncontrollably.

Partners in Crime

FBR Only in House for Short Time
But Enough to Transform my Office into Tea Party Site

Party Hosts with Birthday Girl

After a quick lunch and an inspection of the Deckzilla robin nest, we journeyed north to my son’s house where the party was already underway. In addition to the ABFA’s peerless parents, Great Aunt and Soxfather had already arrived. BR3 was in for an immersion experience in meeting relatives. She had never met my daughter, Great Aunt, or Soxfather. She took it all in stride, although you couldn’t hide the genuine, shared joy we all felt at finally being able to get the family together again.

Inseperable Cousins

With Soxfather
Knock Knock Jokes in Person!

BR3 Taking it all in

We launched into a swirl of family together time that was patently impossible for 2020. Of course, it is now 2021 and with the vaccine, days like this are possible again, thank God. A few more of the ABFA’s relatives also joined in which made her day complete. Now, as to that axiom; the FBR and BRS became inseparable from the moment they saw each other. Kids have paid the biggest price during the isolation of the pandemic and these two dynamic young ladies were making up for lost time. For the rest of our time at my son’s house you couldn’t find one without the other. I was outside on the deck while my son roasted some dead animal flesh when I heard the FBR joyously proclaim, as she was running across the yard alongside the BRS, “This is the best day ever!!”. Cousins.

Happy Gramps

Ballpit Cousins

Great Aunt & Daughter - Party Time

Everyone Always Ends up in the Kitchen 

Happy Birthday Girl

My wife had prepared two unicorn themed birthday cakes for the party that somehow survived my packing and subsequent driving. The smaller cake was for BR3 to dive into. Bonecrusher was symbolically deployed for the larger cake as this family tradition was observed for its youngest member. BR3 seemed a bit confused when confronted by her cake; that is, until the first bite. You could see her eyes light up and the attack was on. Her sister and cousin soon joined to assist in the assault. It was hilarious fun.

Pinata Time

FBR Taking Aim

Wife Joins the Scrum

It was then on to the pinata. I thought I had dodged a bullet when my son provided some sturdy looking twine to use for the pinata. My Favorite Panamanian had reminded me on at least five occasions not to forget to bring some rope, so you’ll understand why I needed rescuing, having forgotten it. My wife looked at the twine and derisively bet me $20 it wouldn’t survive the pinata pummeling. I’m not admitting she was right but I do owe her $20. The kids all took their whacks at the very sturdy paper mâché until my son delivered a coup de gras. My wife joined the kids in diving for the candy and coins. It was almost too much fun.

Meeting her Aunt for First Time

Riggins Had a Long Weekend

Assisting with Cake Assault

I’ve included a lot of pictures but they fail to capture the true bliss the day provided. 2021 is teaching us the true value of all the times 2020 denied us and the attendant worth we might have for granted before that. We ended the daylight hours sitting around the fire pit trying to coax some more fun out of a day that had more than exceeded its allotment. The cousins had to retire for the night. This meant the experimental pairing of the FBR and the BSR in the same room overnight, a test run for Christmas Eve. There were some skeptics as to whether this would succeed but at this point it would have been physically impossible to separate the two.

Blissful Abuela

Father, Daughter, Granddaughter

Great Aunt and Soxfather

The Two Cakes

They did great and actually got a few hours sleep, to boot. My wife and I heard some early morning noise and assumed they had arisen and were back on the warpath. When we went downstairs my wife found them both still in bed but talking like teenagers. I ran into my son who had been observing them on baby monitors. The FBR had been trying to coax the BRS into escaping the room by opening the door to demonstrate the sun had clearly risen and so should they. The BRS rightly concluded they would have more fun staying int the room to gossip. Soon enough they were both downstairs to enjoy a trademark hojaldra breakfast.

Bonecrusher Deployed

What is This?

Sister Assist

Since my daughter had the long drive back to New Jersey, we had to decamp from my son’s house right after breakfast. We circled the cul-de-sac twice before driving off because we truly didn’t want this time together to end. It was an equally short stay at our house before the New Jersey bunch headed south. They ended up fighting some really tough traffic and rain in, of course, Connecticut. Upon arrival the FBR was inconsolable, sobbing to her mother. She missed being with her cousins that much. She was so distraught that she refused to speak with us during their dinner FaceTime call. She claimed to be too sad. I was also but I couldn’t act out like a five year old can. They’re more honest with their feelings. There IS something very special about cousins.

Grandpa Spinning the Cousins

Best Day Ever with ABFA's Dad

Cake Eating, Together, Of Course

Fire Pit Time

Sunday Morning

Tackling Grandpa

Good Friends Now

Breakfast

Hojaldras!!!

ABFA Tackling

Cousins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; 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