Prelude to Magic

Before I get into this weekend’s shenanigans, I know most of you are wondering about the results of my attempted genocide efforts reported in the last post. Remarkably (and in a total surprise to myself), it worked!  After twelve hours in the deep freeze, I retrieved the cable box and inspected the plastic bag it was encased with. There were literarily thousands of dead ants in it. I hurried outside to show my Favorite Panamanian, where she gasped because there were hundreds more dead ants falling out of the cable box as I was shaking it in front of her (glad I did that outside). Apparently this ant colony had been busy over our winter absence because it took a long time to shake them all out. The long pole in the tent, of course, was whether the cable box would still work after its stay in the freezer and my vigorous shaking. I surprised myself and certainly my wife when it came on as if nothing had happened. So there.

One Very Happy Abuela After being Tackled by BR3

We conducted granddaughter reunification operations this weekend. My son, the ABFA, and their two daughters showed up yesterday to spend the night with us. They were on their way to Disneyworld for a week but took time out to spend some time with us ahead of their flight. I’m sure it had nothing to do with our proximity to the Providence Airport as opposed to their home’s (I’ll take the win regardless). They showed up late yesterday afternoon and the BRS alongside BR3 were soon careening around the house as the Alexa speaker began spewing such classics as “the Floor is Lava” and “Baby Shark”.

BR3 Running by her Mom Upon their Arrival

Followed by the BRS

Rare Moment of Non-Movement

Regardless of the rise in decibel level experienced immediately upon their arrival, it was so good seeing these four. We last spent time with them in Panama in February so it was only natural that both granddaughters seem to have grown taller in the intervening time. They slowed down from their runs long enough to construct a pillow fort in the living room and then invaded my Favorite Panamanian’s closet and bathroom. They emerged with makeup, shoes, as well as accessories to deliver a well-received fashion show. There is surely something medicinal about spending time with family. This theory was proved in no uncertain terms by their short visit.

Living Room Fort

Fashion Show

Sunday Breakfast

The ladies adjourned upstairs at bedtime, surprisingly without issue in spite of their barely contained excitement about their first ever visit to the magic kingdom. My son and I retired to the Man Cave for a movie and popcorn as well as debating the firing of Red Sox manager Alex Cora. We were both of the opinion something had to be done after their abysmal start to the season. This morning was an early wakeup call with both granddaughters literally bouncing off the walls about their impending travel. They first had to re-establish their roles as the hojaldra queen (BRS) and corn muffin maven (BR3). BR3 also accomplished some public service by chasing off rabbits that have become all too comfortable in my wife’s vast garden complex during our absence (ants and rabbits, oh my). I received texts form my son late this afternoon to report their arrival at the Magic Kingdom. I can only imagine how tired they are going to be at this time tomorrow while simultaneously realizing it is totally worth it. As I reflect back, I thank them for making me truly feel like I was back home. Family does that for you.

Recon Crew

Finally, I have some breaking news to share. My stalwart hometown friends have seized the initiative and conducted a reconnaissance in force at the newly re-opened bar in Keene that used to be known as Penuche’s. More details to follow but the initial reports seem to incite the need for further investigation by certain blog writers with this initiative-laden crew as security. In additional breaking news, I have it on good authority that my wife’s iPad has concluded its tour of Central America and was spotted near the Mexican border in Arizona. More to follow about this legendary odyssey accompanied by the Upstairs Neighbors.

The A-Z watch continue with four new additions to the library, all keepers: Caught Stealing – Ritchie-esque dramedy about bumbling criminals in 1990s NYC; Den of Thieves – had the sequel so had to get the original, Butler as unhinged cop after slick L.A. criminals; Seven Days in May – fascinating look at fictional coup by US military in the 1960s; Jurassic World Rebirth – Scarlett, this time out, chasing the bad guys and living fossils.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:                                

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; 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; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course