Online In Line

I have waxed, probably less than eloquently, about my deep and defining love of online shopping. I take it as a measure of pride that outside of groceries and my spiritual need for movie purchases I revel in not having to darken the doorstep of retail stores anymore. This came home to roost during our recent renovation project. I was dragged despite my surly manner to a number of plumbing stores by my Favorite Panamanian as we sought out the needed bathroom fixtures (in polished brass, of course). We failed miserably which only stoked my deep held hatred of shopping

We then resorted to my favorite hunting ground – the internet - and in short order had found all the required items. My wife was a little skeptical until the items started arriving, usually in a couple days. I became a big fan of a place called Wayfair, which I hadn’t used before. We bought a number of items from Wayfair, including a very expensive showerhead assembly. We received this back in late September and it was consigned to the dining room staging area while Deckzilla Dude continued his ponderous progress upstairs.

The showerhead was at long last allowed to fulfill its destiny last week as the plumber was finally able to complete all the connections. It was at this point he discovered the assembly came without two needed mounting brackets. Since we didn’t want the shower head hanging in space I was charged with coming up with a solution. I first had to identify where I ordered the damned thing from in the first place (which was no mean task) and luckily discovered I had in fact established a Wayfair account. I tracked down the order and a phone number to call. In short order I was speaking with an account representative as I steeled myself to be disappointed. You cannot underestimate my complete shock when after a short explanation this bright young lady promised to send me an entire new assembly for free because the manufacturer doesn’t send parts. I protested (albeit weakly) that all I needed were these two minor items but she assured me they had to do it this way. She recommended I donate the parts not needed to a local charity. I’m guessing the old philosophy of taking care of customers has infected the online shopping environment. Whether that is true with all online vendors (I’m sure it’s not) Wayfair now has a huge fan in me. I will go there first whenever I need something out of their vast offerings. It’s nice to win once in a while, most especially if I don’t have to go into an actual store.

Date night again last night with Mary Poppins Returns. As with any child growing up in the 1960s I was extremely skeptical going in to see the beloved icon from my youth, Mary Poppins, recreated. This film tries very hard to re-capture the spirit of the original and almost succeeds. None of that fault lies with the two leads, Emily Blunt or Lin Manuel Miranda. They were both fantastic. The story picks up the original two Banks children now as adults requiring the services of the mystical nanny after a family tragedy. The best moment was the cameo by Mr. Van Dyke who still dances despite his ninety years. Unfortunately that was the lone magical moment which is why this falls short of the original. The songs were so bland with none of the original’s emotional or whimsical depth. Granted it’s an immense challenge to meet the standard set by  Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Feed the Birds, and my personal favorite Let’s Go Fly a Kite which is all I can recall without looking up the others. That being said, it was a safe, welcome return to Cherry Tree Lane as even just a smidgeon of Poppins’ magic is welcome these days.

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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

Age Defying

Evidence of BRS Climbing Ability

I think the weirdest thing about getting to be as old as I am (63) is remembering what I thought of people my current age when I was young. If I go by that reckoning I’m ready for fossilization. The very helpful and supportive Cantankerous Friend recently took issue when I claimed to still be middle aged. While I’m more than willing to access the privileges of senior discounts I will continue to claim at least middle age status and fight the appellation of senior citizen. A Facebook friend recently posted this photo where the World Heath Organization claims I’m still a young man! I’m guessing this organization is affiliated with the UN so their judgement is at least debatable.

However I refuse to consider myself as a senior yet. I still body surf (poorly), dance (again poorly), and drink beer (well) more adroitly than I did as a young man (practice being the critical element there). I know refusing to accept the inevitability of age is eventually bound to be incorrect and since I’m disagreeing with my Cantankerous Friend I’m sure to hear a litany of reasons on why I’m wrong. But I harken back to where I found the title for this blog:

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

In an effort to get in front of the Cantankerous One with some actual facts, I offer this - According to the Oxford English Dictionary middle age is between 45 and 65: "The period between early adulthood and old age, usually considered as the years from about 45 to 65." The US Census lists the category middle age from 45 to 65. Merriam-Webster lists middle age from 45 to 64,while prominent psychologist Erik Erikson saw it starting a little earlier and defines middle adulthood as between 40 and 65. So I at least have a couple more years to go.

Artistic BRS

At the other end of the spectrum we have my granddaughters. We caught the FBR mid-dance move last night when we connected. She had Moana songs blasting on the house speaker while demonstrating her abuela’s and Mom’s dancing genes had been passed down successfully. Likewise the FBR was giving full throat to her unhappiness when the ABFA put her down. Apparently the BRS wanted to be held and took true exception to her usually cherished freedom to crawl. We caught the moment my Favorite Son picked her up and the BRS then aimed a very definitive withering, death stare at her mother for having the temerity to put her down. So funny.

She Loves the Challenge of Stairs
That is Something You Outgrow

Since we’re talking about aging the movie my Favorite Panamanian and I saw last night is entirely appropriate. The Mule features the 90 year old Clint Eastwood still proving to be a capable director and actor, even though he looks every one of his years. He plays a character based on a real life 90 year old drug mule for a Mexican cartel. The movie offers Eastwood’s usual crisp pacing as we follow the Mule’s introduction into the trade. The film provides an eloquent comment on the moral ambiguity of life as the viewer cannot help but root for Eastwood not to get caught even though he’s transporting truckloads of cocaine. Eastwood, never the most subtle of messengers, brings that point home with the final third of film. It’s not all fun and games and there’s a price to pay for sacrificing your soul.

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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

Aquified

I was back in the pool this morning for the first time in months and it was predictably painful as the long layoff has not been kind to my aging infrastructure. I’m angry at myself for letting myself go with the all too convenient excuses of multiple trips to Panama, Mohs surgery, and late nights on house renovations all supplanted the motivation to be up early and into the pool. In my own defense the pool was under construction for five of those weeks but the maximum effective range of an excuse remains zero meters.

What I Looked Like Entering pool Today

My hope is the Christmas cookie enhanced poundage will fall victim to this increase in exercise and I did notice how much better I felt over breakfast this morning. That euphoria dissipated after a couple hours at work where every time I stand up from my desk I’m reminded in no uncertain terms by aching muscles just how long it had been. I have to get myself into a routine for any exercise program to take hold. I blame the Army for this where routine was not only encouraged but required. Civilians are decidedly less inclined so I must be nearly completely civilianized at this point (family and friends aren’t buying that either).

Yesterday was spent down in the Man Cave hiding out from my Favorite Panamanian as she engaged in her post-holiday final cleanup. There was a TV commercial from my youth for some cleaning product that talked about a “white tornado” (less PC back in the day) which meant someone totally dedicated to cleaning every dust mote from existence. My wife was definitely in that mode yesterday which dictated as wide a distance between us as I could justify. I contented myself with returning the Man Cave to pre-renovation status by sanding and then painting the walls that were violated in the name of new piping and an entire new wall used to encase another pipe.

FBR - Fashion Explosion
Note the Unicorn Slippers

In addition to the aching muscles I discovered another indicator of my advancing age. Both of my granddaughters were more socially relevant over the weekend than I was. The BRS attended a birthday party on Sunday before returning home to continue her campaign to circumvent parental security measures. While we were talking with her she tipped over the large Christmas doll and then used that as a platform to reach over the top of some fencing. Based on her demonstrated abilities my Favorite Son was upping his game over the weekend. He emplaced the cabinet door locks and security measures to keep the BRS safe in the kitchen. Convenience died yesterday for the ABFA and my son for the next couple years in their kitchen. I’m still amazed how my mother, and her peers from back in the day, managed to keep four kids safe without the help of all these modern devices. I guess it really was the Greatest Generation but of course she didn’t have to deal with the distractions offered by modern technology (cell phones – I’m talking about you!).

The FBR was even more engaged over the weekend, attending two different parties. She didn’t feel the need to converse with her grandparents when we finally tracked her down last night. As soon as she heard we were on the phone she walked over to the kitchen table and decreed she wanted to color in her Moana coloring book. Our daughter was then required to catch us up on their activities while the FBR studiously ignored us. Ah, the fleeting nature of fame, I guess I’ve got to look into some sort of Polynesian costume (grass skirt?) to re-acquire target lock with the FBR.

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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

Namesake Surprise

Great Gathering - Birthday Boy on Far Right

We were summoned yesterday to help celebrate the birthday of my Namesake Nephew. Great Aunt had given me a heads up over the Christmas holidays but given my usual consumption of adult beverages during that period she luckily reminded me earlier this week. We drove through a fairly ferocious rain storm to reach a sports bar in Cranston that my nephew’s girlfriend had selected for the surprise party. In an indicator that we could be approaching the end of times most of Soxfather’s family had gathered early. I think the girlfriend told them all to arrive a half hour before everybody else based on their timeliness reputation.

Soxfather and Son

We had a great time hanging with these time challenged but thoroughly excellent people awaiting my nephew’s arrival. One of the true benefits of my return to New England all those years ago was being close enough to be included in these family gatherings. My nephew was obviously surprised and struggled to maintain his “coolness” but the friends and family gathered to honor him obviously made an impact.

Great Aunt and Favorite Panamanian

Photo Avoidance Fails for Soxfather Sister

It was a great, low key time spent with people I cherish. We video called both of my kids so they share their birthday wishes with their cousin. It was the great way to end what had been a home chore day as the Christmas tree was evacuated and I tried my hand at wall repair in the Man Cave. The plumber stopped by to knock off the final two items on his checklist ahead of Monday’s final inspection. Again after those mundane induced events it was perfect to be spending time with some if the best people on the planet honoring a nephew who’s grown into a man his parents can be truly proud of.

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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

All the World’s a

FBR on Stage

The FBR’s performance art has progressed to the semi-professional level with the acquisition of her own personal stage. She was excited to show us last night while Wingman explained they had to come up with a new storage solution for the FBR’s burgeoning supply of toys and associated playthings. I’m not sure the FBR was excited about the storage aspect but she certainly embraced the ability to take her “act” onto an in home stage.

Miss Her Despite her Penchant to "Decorate" Me

Nothing much more to report other than Deckzilla Dude finally evacuated the scaffolding that’s been omnipresent at the house since late August. I provided the assistance in loading the ponderous apparatus on his truck during my trip home for lunch. Balancing those things on my shoulders while walking up a  hill in dress shoes is not for the faint of heart. He has one more thing to do to reach the official end of the project – well that and a couple inspections. The timing is good because he’s going in for a knee replacement operation next week. Timing is everything.

Finally my old friends at Ancestry.com provided what they called refined DNA results. They said technology had improved to the point of being more geographically specific. It turns out I’m even more of a gringo than originally thought. The results:  England, Wales & Northwestern Europe 78%, Ireland & Scotland 19%, and Norway 3% (horny Vikings I’m guessing). This bears out what I’m finding on my research as both sides of my parents’ families go way back in England and northern Europe.

For some reason, even though I only worked four days this week, the last three seemed extraordinarily long. For that reason I am exceedingly glad to celebrate the First Friday of the week, month and year under the auspices of its patron saint.

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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

Settling Dust

FBR Embracing the McDonald's Experience

After the delightful turmoil that always accompanies a busy holiday season yesterday felt almost like a normal day. I say almost because Deckzilla Dude still haunts the homestead finishing off the final aspects of the renovation, plastering is involved down in the Man Cave as new pipes are hidden away. There is more painting in my immediate future but the new bedroom is starting to feel like home already. I’ve just got to find someone to help me carry the couch up from the basement to complete the furnishing. My Favorite Panamanian is waiting until her return from her upcoming Panamanian sojourn before she begins decorating.

Newly Installed TV

From the Other Side

Our benighted commander in chief continues to keep the government closed until he gets his border wall. He said he wouldn’t compromise with the democrats because it would embarrass himself, to which is say, “Too late Mr. President”. I know I complain about how fast time passes when you reach my august accumulation of years but I sincerely hope the next two years fly by so this buffoon can be run out of town.

FBR Modeling a Christmas Acquisition

We finally caught up with the FBR last night to have our first 2019 conversation with her. She didn’t seem too interested in that until we started playing games with her. One included some screams which did not endear us to her mother who was trying to make dinner at the same time insuring the FBR didn’t bounce the IPhone she was talking with us on the floor too many times. We learned on their trip back from Christmas the FBR had her first ever experience in a McDonalds’ playground. If I was a betting man I would say it would not be their last as the hypervigilant FBR is sure to spot the ever present establishments on all future trips.

Wingman Might Have Helped a Little with this FBR Creation

The BRS Dominating a Passport Photo

We also caught up with my Favorite Son and his gang last evening. The BRS was on the move and diligently trying to open the freezer door which she’d obviously seen her parents doing. When she finally figured out it wasn’t going to open for her she let out a primordial scream of frustration before turning to more accessible targets. Her Day Care providers report that the BRS is acquiring a reputation as quite a risk taker. This is going to be fun.

In my abbreviated stays in the Man Cave over the past week I’ve binge watched yet another recommendation from my daughter – The Night Manager. I finished it off last night and it was uniformly excellent. Based on a  John le Carré (whom I love) novel it follows old friend Loki as a former military guy working as an exclusive hotel manager who gets drawn into the world of illegal arms sales by old friend Dr House, now free to use his native British accent as the villain. I can’t recommend this highly enough if you haven’t seen it, smart, fun, sexy, and superbly acted.

I wish I could say the same thing about last night’s foray to the movie theater where I took one for the team and squired three beautiful Panamanian ladies to the cinema to see Second Act. Jennifer Lopez has certainly hung to her looks but she’s definitely pushing the envelope here trying to portray a late thirties Cinderella type debating whether to start a family. While she maintains her undeniable screen presence the movie suffers from a serious lack of credibility/believability. There’s absolutely no spark between her and her much younger love interest, Milo Ventimiglia. She plays a bright box store assistant manager who floats a seriously embellished resume to get a huge corporate consulting job. Think Maid in Manhattan on steroids. I liked the female empowerment message and the interactions with her group of friends but this just didn’t work for me. There were contrived scenes to get Lopez’ renowned backside into yoga pants as well as a dancing scene straight out of In Living Color but they were obviously and needlessly shoe horned in. That spoke eloquently about the quality of the writing. Finally, boy does Treat Williams look old!

Reconnected with an old Army Buddy
He Sent this Picture of Two Young Majors in Hawaii

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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

Ano Nuevo

The Two Musqueteras on New Year's Eve

Somehow, somewhat inexplicably I find myself immersed in a year being called 2019. I find this hard to credit because that would seem to be a date in the far future when we’ll all have flying cars and the world will be at peace with a central world government reaching for the stars, having already colonized the moon. Well these illusions of my youth have certainly not happened, for some (the central world government) that is a very good thing.

The Vision I'm Married to

2018 was so exhausting that I welcome the promise of a more a more restful year. My Favorite Panamanian and I decided to send 2018 off in appropriate fashion and that meant a short, tiring trip to the far north to celebrate the New Years at the home of the Maine Musquetera. I put in a half day of work on December 31^st and we then hit the road and the endless tunnel of pine trees that is I-95 in Maine. We arrived shortly after dark in Waterville in time to help with the last stages of preparation for the party.

The New Jersey Bunch out Celebrating As Well

The was the FBR's Chosen Holiday Garb this Year

Wingman and my Daughter

New Year’s Eve is a big deal in the Latin culture and my wife always seeks a way to appropriate celebrate the event. This was the second time in the last few years we made this trip and the Maine Musquetera’s circle of friends is always fun to hang out with. The added bonus was the presence of the Musquetera’s sister and family from our old stomping grounds in Northern Virginia. Back in the early 1980s we actually introduced the sister to her future husband who served with me in the Old Guard. They’ve been together ever since and now have a kid in college.

93 Years Young

My wife disappeared upstairs shortly after we arrived to engage in whatever arcane conjurings are required for her to look twenty years younger than I do. I didn’t see her or the Musquetera until after guests started arriving. She was, of course, a vision – as she is wont to do at these type events. The most illustrative comment of the night was from another party goer who said I looked like a grandfather while my wife did not look capable of being old enough to be a grandmother. So it goes.

Party Cranking Up

Just Before Midnight

I had a lot of fun conversing with the Musquetera’s 93 year old mother in law. She was supposed to spend just an hour at the party before retiring for the night. She ended up staying until midnight and my wife even had her out on the dance floor for a short spell. We’re talking Latinas here so you knew there would be dancing.

Wife Getting the Musquetera's Motehr in Law Out on Dance Floor

There was also a delicious meal served just before midnight – another Hispanic New Year’s Eve tradition. I employed my Anglo-Saxon prerogative of beer consumption amidst all the flowing sangria for a memorable and very fun night. We rang in the New Year and I retired around 130am figuring the two musqueteras would engage in one of their patented late night conversations. I have it on good authority my wife finally came to bed around 4am.

A Very Good Time

We were up at 8 as I planned on a 9am departure since we had to be back in Worcester by 1pm. The cable company was coming to install cable in the new addition and 1 January was the only date they had available. In a major surprise we actually hit the road at 9am despite the traditional 20 minute departure ceremony where my wife feels the need to hug everyone there at least three times and start long conversations while I perform my task of looking POed at the delay.

Meanwhile in New Jersey Pee Wee Approved a Christmas Gift Rug

Overnight about four inches of snow had fallen but this was Maine, not Virginia, so it was hardly noticed. This is the direct opposite of last year’s New Years’ Eve weather which we spent at the Panamanian condo. We re-entered the pine tunnel and with our nearly on time departure I calculated we could perform a stop and go at my Favorite Son’s house outside Portsmouth since it was only a few minutes out of the way.

Wife and BRS on 1 Jan

My wife, predictably, made the most of the very short stop and soon had the BRS laughing uncontrollably while playing one of their games. The ABFA was out walking Riggins when we drive up unexpectedly, so that was fun. I was able to pry the BRS out of her abuela’s arms (the dirty diaper helped in that regard) and get back on the road into time to make our appointed time in Worcester.

They Were Both Very Happy

Prior to leaving for Maine my wife and I had somehow carried a huge TV table up the two flights of stairs from the Man Cave to the new addition. She’s much stronger than she looks as we slid the table upside down on carpets up the stairs. I don’t know how many more years I’ll be able to do stupid things like that but it all worked out and the cable box had an appropriate resting place awaiting it. The new bedroom is rapidly approaching normalcy with the addition of the new (appropriately huge) television.

We knocked off another movie from the list I’d wanted but had been unable to see by checking out Bumblebee. I’ve seen all the Transformers movies understanding going in what was in store. In that regard this movie surprised me because it had a little bit of depth and a lot of heart which is due in large part, if not entirely because of the luminous presence of Hailee Steinfeld. She plays a plucky teenager who finds a broken down VW bug which turns out to be the venerable Bumblebee of Transformers lore (I guess at this point there is lore). Her feelings for the huge robot may be a touch over the top but Steinfeld makes you care which is a true rarity in this Hasbro inflicted universe. John Cena is around to play the befuddled military type in some true typecasting but the rest of the supporting cast is invisible for the most part. I blame Steinfeld. A nice, family appropriate escape.

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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