Re-Christening

2021 continued its winning streak this weekend, especially when compared to the nadir that was 2020. Deckzilla was in its full glory on Saturday as it was re-christened as a prime party location. We invited neighbors, family, and friends for a small get together. It was testimony to  how much a simple gathering like this was missed because it felt like a significant chunk of normal life clicked into place. It was way too much fun to have these special people all together on a summer eve in a place designed for exactly this type of event. We had quite an eclectic group with attendees from Poland, the Czech Republic, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and, of course, Panama.

Wife Holding Court During the Party

Deckzilla Was Ready

Just Getting Started

As you can tell from the list of countries, we had a healthy gathering of the Worcester Chapter of the Latina Mafia. Great Aunt and Soxfather along with Keene Friend were also in attendance. The daughter of the Czech family, a ten-year-old bundle of energy/personality picked up right where she left off before the pandemic as my shadow. She’s adopted me as some sort of special project. We also had the daughter of a Panamanian couple who used to be a mainstay of our Charlton parties where she was famous for running through the screen door to the deck several times, usually in pursuit of Buddy the Wonder Pooch. It’s illustrative of how long ago that was that she’s turned into a young lady in the intervening years.

We started around 4:30 and went well into the night as I don’t think anyone wanted to give up on what was a return to long delayed normalcy. I was reminded, in no uncertain terms, just how fortunate I am to be surrounded by these people, just special. The FBR Facetimed in and was given a tour of the party to greet everyone. This tour was conducted by my Czech shadow who considers the FBR one of her disciples.  She was very excited to hear the FBR will be visiting us soon. She’s not the only one. I manned the grill for the requisite time to sear some dead animal flesh and everybody brought a plate to share so there was a significant amount of food sent downrange. I’ll be a couple week working off the results of my excessive intake. There’s just no way to resist brownies. Am I right?

My Czech Shadow

Receiving Guidance from my Favorite Panamanian

In a true shocker, Keene Friend, who was staying over night with us, stayed up to watch a movie with me in the Man Cave after the party. It’s usually pushing limits to have him awake after 8pm and we didn’t finish the movie until after midnight. Granted it was a pretty good movie (Nobody) and to be honest he saw more of it than I did. I was awakened at one point by my Favorite Panamanian to chase off a skunk that was picking thorough some party debris. I conducted that mission from a minimum safe distance.

Project Almost Complete

Newest Wall, Top Right

On Friday I knocked out the final bricks on the new garden terrace wall project. I won’t be carrying any more up that hill but there is the small issue of filling behind the wall so my trips up the hill are not over yet. I’m getting suspiciously excited about the future patio project between Deckzilla and the fireplace. I may move it up in the queue to later this year. What is wrong with me?

Graduation Day, FBR(r)

FBR with her Future Kindergarten partner

The FBR had a very busy weekend even though her dad, Wingman, was not is residence. The mommy-daughter weekend was full of events including a trip to the bookstore, painting nails, and visiting her future school for the first time. They found out last week that the FBR will be attending kindergarten in a school across town which was a little disappointing since there is one within waling distance. She will have one of her best friends, part of what I call the neighborhood gang of four, attending with her, so that will help.

The Gang of Four

In the New Hampshire chapter of granddaughters, BR3 is up to taking several steps at a time now. They had a family get together with some of the ABFA’s relatives where the BRS showed some real talent for whiffle ball. The ABFA’s dad also demonstrated immense bravery by standing right in front of the ball tee as she was swinging. Has he never seen America’s Funniest Home Videos before? At any rate, he survived and they had a really fun weekend together.

ABFA's Dad Braving Contact

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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; 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

Week Slippage

I looked up this morning and realized it was none other than the First Friday of the Week. The week sort of snuck up on me as the week, expertly slipped by me without notice. I spent most of the time, when I wasn’t working or resting in the Man Cave, on the back hill and have reached the top row of the new retaining wall terrace to increase my Favorite Panamanian’s vast garden complex. I’ve bought the capstones and plan to drive a stake into the heart of this latest project later this afternoon, finishing in plenty of time to properly honor this First Friday.

Final Row Started

We’re hosting a small party for neighbors and friends tomorrow on Deckzilla so my wife has been in high prep mode all week. I jokingly mentioned this to both of my “kids” this week and they knowingly acknowledged my predicament, glad they had some substantial geography between themselves and their mother when she is in this zone. It is not for the faint of heart. I’ve found the key tactic is to look busy, otherwise you are a target of opportunity for a random tasking; hence the speedy progress on the back hill wall. The upside is that today she is in serious cooking mode and the house smells fantastic. Brownies are a certain path to get me to do anything.

Freedom for FBR

The FBR successfully negotiated her pre-school graduation ceremony. My daughter sent me a video clip, too long to include here, but I will state (despite my obvious bias) that she was the star of the ceremony. The kids were singing a song thanking parents and teachers complete with hand gestures and the FBR was the only one doing it as required. As I said, a bit biased. She’s taken advantage of her new freedom by sleeping in this morning for the first time in recorded history. She didn’t arise until after 8am which is totally unheard of. He parents were both mystified and pleased.

FBR (2d from Left) Starring

The other two granddaughters were equally charming this week. The BRS allowed BR3 to play with one of her beloved dolls but not without some very close monitoring. BR3 has not given up on her effort to put Riggins’ leash on him. It’s almost too funny to watch. She has also taken her first steps which will herald a new era in my son’s household with two very mobile young ladies to contend with. Finally there was what was called a “super moon” out last night. It was shining brightly as this photo from Deckzilla will attest. It was almost bright enough to read outside at midnight.

Super Moon Last Night

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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; 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

Early Grad Day and Bike Assembly

I used to smirk, in an entirely self-important fashion, when I heard about graduation ceremonies for pre-school and kindergarten. We didn’t do such things when I was young so I assigned no importance to them whatsoever. That is, until this type ceremony rolled around for one of my grandchildren. All of a sudden, I couldn’t be more pleased and excited. This is the conundrum of grandparenting, minor events are inflated because of the participation of, in my case, my granddaughter. She is a purveyor of excitement to begin with and to have a special day assigned to her passage into kindergarten, well, as I said, excitement reigns. My Favorite Panamanian and I were planning on driving down for the event, at the very specific invitation of the FBR, but guests are limited to two because of the pandemic which makes sense. We will be cheering from afar. She modeled her cap and gown for us and it tugged at my heart strings because, seemingly yesterday (16 years in reality) her mother wore the same colors for her college graduation from BU.

The Grad

In Snorkeling Mode

I finally got around to assembling the Father’s Day gift my wife purchased for me back in March. She forbade me from doing so until the actual day arrived so this new exercise bike lounged in the basement storage area until yesterday. It was in a huge box with the usual amount of styrofoam and plastic concealing all the parts. When I laid them out, I realized it wasn’t going to be a simple tab A into slot B type exercise. Luckily the instructions were written by a native English speaker which helped immensely. I just finished the wi-fi connection and logged in for the first time. You can tell by those two statements that this is a great leap forward, technology wise, for my daily bike workouts. The venerable bike it is replacing dates back to the 1990s. The next big job will be disassembling that for disposal.

Parts Laid Out

And Assembled

Wall Progress

I’ve also been back out on the hill with daily trips to Home Depot to buy more wall bricks. I figure I’ve got another two rows to complete to declare victory. I already feel victorious because I only ran into one mongoso sized rock during my excavations and that was easily bypassed. I also finished binge watching an HBOMax series, Warrior, that my Favorite Son put me on to. It was really well done and featured well-conceived characters along with fantastic action. It is set in late 1800s San Francisco and the struggles for Chinese immigrants. The main characters are involved in the Chinese criminal organization, the tongs. It was fascinating. I didn’t learn until afterwards that it was based on some Bruce Lee material. I’m sure they took immense artistic license with history but it was a fun watch.

Thanks Son

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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; 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

First Friday First and Dad Day 21

I will classify the past weekend as not just an unmitigated success but something rivaling the achievement of early stages of Nirvana. I hopefully haven’t angered any Buddhists out there reading this, but I’m trying to covey how much bliss was achieved through the help of friends and especially family. It all started on Friday when I decided we needed to return to Brew City for a First Friday celebration for the first time in over a year. I alerted my former co-workers who were more than ready to answer the long-delayed bell. It got off to a rocky start wen we learned Brew City was not opening until after the prescribed time. As with many establishments, I’m guessing they’re having trouble hiring since the government is still paying people more not to work, something has to changer there, quickly.

Wife & I with Son and BR3

First Friday Reconvenes

Initiative was employed and we reconvened down Shrewsbury Street at the Flying Rhino. They were up to the challenge and it was so good meeting up with friends again, in person. Keene Friend also arrived to add the appropriate level of additional pleasure to the gathering. We were all targeted by his low key, but no less deadly wit. My Favorite Panamanian, in her first foray to  local restaurant, was especially pleased.

Wall Progress

Saturday was more low key as I expended my supply of accumulated wall bricks for the new wall I’m working on. It was too hot and I’ve become spoiled by only visiting Home Depot on weekdays now that I can so I wasn’t going to get any more until today. Weekends there are not for the faint of heart. While I was out on the hill, the next-door neighbor wandered over and gave me a Father’s Day card. I thought this was kind of weird because we’re not exactly the card exchanging kind. I opened the card to find two very hefty Home Depot gift cards he and his wife gave me for building their wall for them, so my wall is now effectively paid for.

Wife Corralling Granddaughters

BRS and ABFA's Dad

Boundless Energy

Getting to the true highlight of the weekend now with our trip north to the ABFA’s parents’ house to celebrate Father’s Day. My Favorite Panamanian had labored all day Saturday to create one of her cake masterpieces and it was just that. A Death by Chocolate cake with Oreos (double stuffed of course) as part of the topping. It was truly remarkable and had some real heft when I lifted it to transport with us. The BRS’ (and the ABFA’s, chocoholic that she is) eyes lit up when they saw the cake. It was a very fun, low key day hanging out with my son’s family and the ABFA’s parents.

Comparing Notes with Abuela

BR3 Riding

Picture of Contentment

Leave us Alone Grandpa

The BRS is tantamount to being surgically implanted onto the ABFA’s dad. They were inseparable all day and he is such a good sport. I don’t know where he gets the energy though as he kept up, seemingly without issue, with the frenetic three year old. Her favorite pastime for the day was running through water from the hose with her grandpa. It was a very hot, muggy day so I found myself wishing I had brought a bathing suit but knew I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with those two.

The Masterpiece

Father's Day Dinner

My wife and I got some quality time with BR3 who grows more precocious each time we see her. She remains an absolute food demon. We figured out she would extend her hands to be picked up by whomsoever was closest to food. It’s an effective technique because it is impossible to deny her requests for a pick up. Riggins dutifully stationed himself wherever the BR3 feeding was taking place. It was so hot and we had so much great food almost continuously that I found myself struggling to keep my eyes open, an indication of true contention (or old age).

BR3

The Dads

With Granddaughters

The ladies prepared a fabulous steak dinner for the dads that added to an almost embarrassing level of caloric intake for the day and this is even before we got to the cake. Since my wife cannot deny my anything on Father’s Day I received the requested huge piece of cake she usually castigates me for. The size of the piece also caught BR3’s eye because she crawled over and demanded to be picked up. We then tag teamed the cake piece and I was happy for her help because the cake was so good but also so rich. My silly male pride wasn’t going to allow me not to finish it but it was a close thing and the BR3’s efforts were appreciated.

Helping Grandpa with the Cake

So Good!!!!

Back Yard Hangs with Abuela

These kind of days and weekends are doomed to end though which makes today seem somewhat dimmer in comparison. After spending an entire day enfolded in the extended family, our big house with only two residents seemed even bigger and lonelier. But I still had the memories of a weekend extremely well spent to fall back on. Late in the day, the FBR and my daughter finally got me to answer the phone which they had been trying all day. Seeing their beautiful faces helped lift the incipient doldrums from the empty house. They had spent a full day helping Wingman celebrate his Father’s Day.

Wingman and FBR

FBR Goofing with Glasses

Pool Girl

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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; 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

Walling Again

I think there must be some weird attraction for me as far as building garden retaining walls because I’m back at it. I consider this the final step in the back hill terracing but, I know, I’ve said that before. This will be a top terrace to match the third level on the right side. After my gyrations for the neighbor last week, I am in pretty good shape as far as technique and didn’t want to waste it. Of course, this entails multiple trips to the Depot to secure the bricks and then praying fervently the shocks on my 10-year-old car hold out for the short trip home. I’m not allowed to use my wife’s Highlander for this. To be on the safe side I got the car inspected before starting this endeavor. I’m making good progress and it helps to get out of the house because my Favorite Panamanian is in full bake mode. She’s creating one of her amazing cakes for Father’s Day and I swear I put on three pounds just walking through the kitchen. It smells so good!

Wall Started 

The FBR has had an interesting week at her final full week of pre-school. Each day they had the kids dress up in different themed costumes. The accompanying picture is from Disney day where she was garbed as Elsa from Frozen. She’s very excited about today because she gets a daddy-daughter afternoon. My daughter is traveling into New York for a Curbside Gal gathering/bachelorette party. The FBR and Wingman have a full scheduled which includes dinner out, a play date at her old childcare facility and, of course, movie night. They’ll miss the First Friday Family Facetime but it sounds like a great time for all involved.

Disneyfied FBR

We were back the theater this week, accompanied by the Neighborhood Mafiosos. It felt like old times when people actually did things together. We saw The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. This is the sequel to the very entertaining feature that had Ryan Reynolds guarding Samuel L Jackson against Belorussian hitmen. This time out, as with most sequels, they up the ante and the pair now have to save all of Europe from madman Antonio Banderas’ evil plot. Only it’s not just the two of them, Salma Hayek, as Jackson’s wife, is elevated to a leading role this time and she’s great. I’m not just talking about her chest either, although there is that and it is prominently featured. She steals every scene she’s in from the two guys, both of whom kind of mailed this one in. It’s basically the same story as last time as there is a genuine effort to set a record for the number of MotherF---s  used. That’s impressive and you’d have to have Jackson on board to make the effort. The farfetched plot detracts from the “charm” of the original and Morgan Freeman is absolutely wasted but this was still vey entertaining because of the three leads.

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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; 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

Sun Field Brushing and Canine Rodeo

If there is anything that has sustained my Favorite Panamanian and I through the worst isolation forced by the pandemic, it has been FaceTime contact with our two kids and their families. Although it’s been around for only a few years I don’t think I could survive without it. Be it the call each morning from the FBR where we try to coax her to eat her breakfast instead of playing with her latest stuffed toy fascination or the latest revelations from the BRS and BR3. Yesterday was just such a day, a dreary, rain soaked affair that could have endangered morale except for  the two calls.

BRS in her Goggles

BR3 was unsuccessfully trying to put Riggins’ dog collar on him. She is on the verge of walking but decided it was more important to get Riggins ready for a walk. She spent a good five minutes unsuccessfully trying to get the collar over Riggins’ head, just as she’d seen her parents do a hundred times. It was so funny to watch because she was so determined despite her lack of success. Riggins was the usual good sport throughout except for pleading looks aimed at his dad which seem to convey the sacrifices he has to make each day since being demoted from #1 attraction in the house to #3.

BR3 Trying to Corral Riggins

While all this was going on, the BSR was proudly devouring a popsicle without spilling it all over the table. This demonstrates progress. The BRS also found an additional use for her swim goggles. Her bathroom faces the west, so brushing her teeth before bedtime can become a sun soaked affair during the summer. This happened over the weekend and instead of drawing the blinds liker her dad suggested, she donned her goggles and brushed away. The pictures may do justice to just how funny the episode was. As I said above, these calls have sustained me over the past year. What did grandparents do before FaceTime?!

Sunfield Brushing

On the suggestion of my daughter, I coaxed my Favorite Panamanian into watching In the Heights last evening. This would seem an easy task given the very Latina-ness of my spouse but that wouldn’t take into the intense rivalry between different branches of the Latin family. I always found it fascinating that there is probably more hostility between Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Panamanians and let’s not even begin to talk about how they all feel about Cubans. Since this film was Dominican and Puerto Rican focused, there existed the need to coax. Fortunately my daughter knows my wife is a sucker for the music because she was right. This is a great movie with a very engaging, likable cast. I’m not a huge fan of musicals but this kept me entertained for the entire 2+ hour run. Anthony Ramos delivers in the lead role as a young man with dreams of returning to his native land. Corey Hawkins steals every scene he’s in as his friend. Melissa Barrera exudes screen presence as Ramos’ romantic interest. The story is about family and dreams, especially the American dream. It shows the challenges as well as the benefits of the close-knit neighborhood. Above l lth movie has heart, which is never a bad thing. The music supports rather than dominates the story. You can’t help but root for each of the many layered characters. This was the biggest surprise for me, especially since I guess I’m one of the few people who didn’t like Hamilton. In the Heights was awesome.

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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; 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

Island Getaway

Alright, where the hell did the past weekend go?! I was looking around and it was just gone. That’s the problem when you’re having more fun than is probably legal. The highlight of the weekend was Saturday night’s time with Soxfather’s more than excellent family at one of our McShawn’s Nights. The host was Soxfather’s cousin who owns a fabulous house on the island of Jamestown in Rhode Island. We decided to make it a true getaway by booking a room for my Favororite Panamanian and I at a local hotel. Okay, it’s not as if I suddenly turned into a hopeless romantic or anything. My designated driver, the aforementioned Panamanian, balked at driving home late night from this more distant location.

The Back Patio Gathering

The hotel turned out to be a bit of a disaster. There was a police cruiser patrolling the parking lot for a long time while we were checking on. When we got to the room, the maid had left a large bag of soiled towels on one of the beds. My roommate didn’t appreciate, for some reason, my attempts at humor about the room reeking with atmosphere, pointing out the hole in the wall. Her counter that the smell was cigarette snoke despite being a nonsmoking room. I assured her that after the party we would have no trouble sleeping. That turned out to be true because we overdosed on fresh air and comradery for the rest of the evening (I also may have had several beers).

The Front Deck Fire Table

Soxfather and Great Aunt

Great Aunt and Soxfather picked us up at the hotel for the drive to Jamestown. That trip was semi-nostalgic as it followed the same route we always took to the navy base when we lived in Cranston in the early 1990s. Soxfather’s cousin’s house was sublime. It featured both a back patio and a front deck. We took advantage of both. The rest of the crew arrived shortly after we did and we set up shop on the back patio for extremely well received snacks. Of particular importance was a heaping plate of chicken wings that were some of the best I had ever tasted. That of course required serial experimentation to confirm.

Beautiful Sky from Front Deck

Truly Special People

My Photographic Critic and her Husband

As the sun started to set, we moved to the front deck and took our places around a gas fireplace/table which was perfect on the chilly evening. Both the patio and the fire definitely gave me some ideas I want to pursue in our own back yard. The rest of the evening was spent as most McShawns’s night are – almost non-stop laughter. Soxfather’s sister continued to heap calumny about my photographic ineptitude which I wore as a badge of honor. She claims I take the worst pictures in the history of civilization. In response I, of course, took her picture for the blog. I treasure these nights with Soxfather’s family and, despite my photographic shortcomings, for allowing me and my wife to be part of their gatherings. It means so much. Neither my wife nor I experienced any problems sleeping through the night upon our return to the hotel. If you saw the room you would understand just how tired we must have been. We did beat a hasty retreat at first light on Sunday to shower at home instead though.

Finally, and very importantly I want to wish a very happy birthday to the United States Army. It is 246 years young today and I feel more than honored that it allowed me to spend twenty-seven years enfolded within its ranks. The Army isn't the rifles, tanks, and explosions associated with it, it is the people. I felt a real connection to the Soldiers who had preceded me in the ranks and an obligation to those who followed. It was from that connection I still derive the sense of honor that made serving in my country's uniform such a fundamental part of who I became. Duty, Honor, Country.

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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; 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