Graduated Response

Yesterday's Honoree and her Donut Cake

A late post today as actual employment thrust its ugly noggin most impertinently into my Monday; more on that tomorrow. Yesterday I was in full recovery mode from being sucked into the vortex that is my wife’s shopping world. Luckily we had a trip to Rhode Island planned to visit my sister and her fabulous in-laws, just the medication needed for my thoroughly bruised soul.

Toasting the Grad

The occasion was a graduation party for my brother in law’s niece who recently completed studies at Fairfield University. A good measure of the quality of this young lady was her decision to have the party on St Mary’s Day, a major holiday for Rhode Island Italians (I’m convinced 95% of the population). This was also a day best remembered by her family and us non-Italians as party day at Miss Louise’s house. Miss Louise, the graduate’s beloved grandmother, would have loved that she chose to honor the important part her grandmother played in her life by having the party on her special day. Some people just cannot be honored enough.

Wife Catching up With Some of my Sister's In-Laws

The graduate’s mother continued her traditional role of complaining about the photos I’ve taken of her and reporting on my cupcake consumption to my wife. There was the usual mountain of food (AND A DONUT CAKE!!!!) to accompany the superlative company. The graduate’s father’s brother showed up wearing the exact same outfit I had on. All the guys just shrugged their shoulders and moved on. A different story from the ladies present, every single female at the party at some point came up to me to report this to me. They expected me to be scandalized. I wasn’t. My twin and I clinked beers to celebrate our mutual good taste and partied on. It must be a gal thing.

My Brother in Law with a Recently Reincarnated Narragansett Beer

We returned home in time (now only 47 minutes with the move to Worcester) to complete some sadly neglected Sunday chores. The next door Mafiosi were up to their old tricks of trapping us into sitting outside on the patio with them but I finally did set up a chair swing we’ve had for nearly ten years (a gift from the same sister we just visited). There was never a good place at our old house but the new deck offered a perfect spot. Buddy was less than impressed as the new feature to “his” backyard will prevent him from tangling himself up on the deck posts, something he’s taken a real liking to since the move.

My Wife with the Mafioso's Grandkids on The Long Delayed Swing
Buddy Protesting

We also discovered a robin’s nest on the underside of the deck with some very well behaved young birds occupying the nest, not making a peep while being visually inspected. Their parents were making a lot of noise from a nearby roof. Since the nest is right in the middle of Buddy’s yard, this will make their flying lessons interesting. They will not lack for motivation.

The Well Mannered Birds Peeking Out of Nest

Descent into Maelstrom

Yesterday dawned entirely too early after the festivity filled Friday night at Spofford Lake. I woke up at my customary early hour despite the need for an additional eight or nine hours of sleep. I thought I was the earliest one up but when I stumbled downstairs I found the very spry Keene Friend helping the hostess prepare a huge breakfast for the rest of the slumbering casualties. I mumbled some good mornings before getting behind the wheel to drive into Keene to administer to the Wonder pooch. He was still a little miffed at spending the night alone but seemed none the worse for wear. He took me on an aggressive walk and tried to instruct me on the finer points of dog walking in Keene.

Last View from Cottage

By the time I returned to Spofford everyone was upright and in various stages of consciousness. The Keene Friend was up to one of his signature tricks and had convinced my wife I must have stopped in Keene to write on the blog and had been gone for a really long time (travel included I was gone less than an hour). Luckily my wife knows the Keene Friend too well and his attempts to get me in trouble failed miserably.

My Wife With Keene Friend and the Pittsburgian

It was a gray, cool and semi-miserable day outside – kind of mirroring the prospects of having to say goodbye to the Pittsburgians and the end of their memorable return to Spofford. If nothing else the past week firmed up everyone’s belief they should live much closer. Unfortunately I don’t think my college roommate is ready to sacrifice his celebrity status in the Pittsburgh area which saves him from innumerable speeding tickets (of the Friday night conversations are to be believed).

From Earlier Times - Keene Friend (center) and Pittsburgian on the Right

After loading up the respective cars we said good bye to the Pittsburgians and returned to Keene Friend’s house. My wife had been promised a return to her good friend TJ Maxx which was restricted earlier in the week. Keene Friend and I passed on joining her and took up station for a thorough inspection of the underside of our eyelids. He had to leave to celebrate the birthday of Keene Friend 2’s son in Vermont. I had planned on going with him but didn’t feel good leaving my wife alone for the entire afternoon while she was still allegedly recovering from her medical adventures.

Apparently those adventures did not have a deleterious effect on her ability to shop. After 1PM and still no sign of her I finally reached out to find out if there was an end in sight. I should have kept my mouth shut. An hour later she did re-appear and we went out for a long delayed lunch. The waitress was nice but I kept staring at her and could not place the face. My wife finally relieved the mystery but noting she was a doppelganger for the wife of a cousin. Most of dinner was spent negotiating the rest of the afternoon. We agreed we would only stop at two stores to pick up some agreed upon items. I do not tread lightly into my wife’s realm of shopping and foolishly thought I was safe.

Thus began my descent into the maelstrom of my wife’s shopping acumen. As we walked out of the restraint she noted a nearby pet store where she suggested I go to pick up an item for Buddy (additional store #1). She said she would wait in the car but shortly after entering the store she appeared at my side to tell me she was going to sneak over to TJ Maxx where she had just spent he entire morning (additional store #2). I then informed her that she had blithely walked by and nearly brushed up against a guy holding a couple boa constrictors. She hates snakes almost as much as I hate shopping. She took the scenic way to leave the store –putting several aisles between her and the snakes.

She was good to her word and miraculously left TJ Maxx after buying the one item (remember this day for historical significance of that act). We then went to the scheduled store where we promptly found all we were looking for and left. I was feeling fairly froggy as we were only mildly off schedule. Then we arrived at the Monadnock Shopping Center. This place was created long after I moved out of Keene and whenever I go in I always think my mother would have loved having all these stores but she never lived to see it completed; my wife more than makes up for her absence. We were headed for the final store and the end of my pain when I looked up to see my wife seriously contemplating the other opportunities the shopping plaza offered.

She did not find what she was looking for in the final store but opined that we were “fortunate” that there were other stores close by where we might find the missing item. This led to additional stores #3-6 as my worst nightmare was fully realized. My sanity was barely intact by the end of the sojourn in my wife’s world of shopping. We returned to Keene’s Friend’s House to retrieve Buddy and head home, some four hours later than planned.

The Source of my Discontent

We had planned on returning to Zorba’s last night but the afternoon had sucked the remnants of whatever energy Friday night had failed to consume. We settled for a local place while my wife decided she was going to have to return the final item we bought in additional store #6 because the color was just “not right” with the other items in the room. She seemed genuinely pleased that the quest would continue. I do not understand shopping.

Bliss Time

Late post today due to recovery efforts from enduring total bliss last night. I’ve searched the world over (literally) but I have yet to discover a better time than hanging out with lifelong friends. Throw in a few (well maybe more than a few) adult beverages and a New Hampshire lakeside cottage for a setting and we’re talking something fairly close to heaven on earth. More on that inn a bit; my wife continued her remarkable recovery yesterday. When I came home for lunch I found her and the next door Mafioso hard at work creating some typical Panamanian food. It involved some thoroughly washed corn (still don’t understand that) that was then ground into a mass and cooked. I took solace in a thick steak.

The Start of My Run Off the Dock

I was able to check out of work a little early and we hit the road for Keene and a resumption of the party we had to leave on Sunday with Keene Friend and the Pittsburgians who were ensconced in a cottage on Spofford Lake. Unfortunately Buddy could not join us due to their rental agreement but Keene Friend (as he is wont to do) solved the problem by offering his kitchen as a temporary kennel for the Wonder Pooch. We dropped Buddy off and were shortly sitting back on the lakeside dock with Keene Friend and the Pittsburgians. Another high school friend and his family were also on hand which added to the festivity.

Grace Was Not Achieved - The Pittsburgh Roommate Watching from the Water

I wasn’t going to miss out on another chance to take a dip in the lake of so many youthful memories. For some reason lost in the mists of the long evening my Pittsburg college roommate and I took to taking long runs off the short pier to demonstrate the loss of the our youthful athleticism. Our respective wives rushed to photographically capture the embarrassing lack of grace for posterity.

It Was Still a Lot of Fun

As the sun set we moved back up the stairs of hell to the porch for a great dinner as Keene Friend 2 showed up as well as a few other high school mates. As I stated above, I really don’t know where the time went but we noted the coolers were severely depleted by the end of the night. Memories were resurrected and massaged to be more socially acceptable to the long suffering wives, forced to sit through yet another semi-high school reunion.

The Porch Crew - Keene Freinds 1, 2 and 3 and Fabulous Pittsburgians

My wife drove me back into Keene late in the evening to let Buddy express his discontent at is exclusion. He took his frustration out on the foliage surrounding Keene Friend’s yard. He relented when we revealed a surprise hidden by Keene Friend for his favorite canine friend – a very large bone. By the time we returned to the lake the party was winding down as our collective will to continue was intact but being challenged by the attendant middle aged physical plants being asked to perform.

Buddy and his Prize

It was too much fun as the Pittsburgians once again cemented their reputations as the best party hosts currently drawing breath. It was a great old New England lake cottage with walls between the bedroom open to a common ceiling. This led to some very funny Walton like verbal interchanges between bedrooms until my college roommate announced an end to discussion by started his trademark snoring. I think I lasted a whole ten whole seconds later. It was a sleep of the very, very content.

Recovery Time

I’m not going to comment on the yesterday’s events in Chattanooga. That would give the slope shouldered, inbred a-hole who perpetrated the crime more attention than his sad life merits. I honor the Marines who paid the price of ISIS’ continued existence in the face of compelling evidence contrary to that policy.

My wife continued her recovery despite the legendary ineptitude of my nursing abilities. By the end of the day I had to pull her back from over extending herself. She’s bouncing back from this procedure a lot faster than earlier ones. I had her sit outside on the deck last night when I got home from work and she immediately started grooming her neglected flowers – not what I had in mind when we moved out there. Buddy joined us and paid the price as she noted he was overdue for a bath (like I said – feeling much better). We’re going to sneak back up to New Hampshire after work this afternoon to impose on the Pittsburghians before they can escape back south.

Flower Lady Back at Work Last Night

A huge day of news at work yesterday with the political boss revealing he was leaving the company. This was most welcome news for my excellent boss who has been walking a very taut tightrope for the last five years. They basically hate each other; I think a few rum and cokes will head down range this weekend in Wakefield. I cautioned him not celebrate as the old “devil we know” versus his unknown replacement.

Cali-Daughter and the First Blog Reader

Panamanian Assessment Bloom

The first official blog reader continues his/her development inside the Cali-Daughter. The latest pictures show a marked increase in the noticeability factor. My wife and her Panamanian family have assessed the belly and firmly declared this will be a female child. Their fairly inexact science of pregnancy gender assessment is based on the shape and size of the belly. It’s something of a national sport amongst female Panamanians. She also published her latest sample of writing (something I’m starved for). She waxed philosophical with a feminist take on Magic Mike in all its glory. Apparently her experience in California was everything my wife was crowing about a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile the future dad, Wingman, is in the midst of a nationwide tour, last night in Florida. I got the impression he was missed.

Cali-Daughter and Friends After Seeing Magic Mike
The Word "Frisky" Leaps to Mind

Meanwhile - Somewhere in Florida Last Night

A friend posted the following on Facebook today – kind of a neat way of looking at life and the right way to approach it:

A Dog's Purpose? (according to a 6-year-old). Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.'' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'' Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. 

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...  Source: Ultima National Resources, LLC

Wise words indeed – although Buddy would pass up the bathing experience if given a chance.

Fiesta Time

First and foremost my thanks to all the friends and family who took time out of their day yesterday to send positive thoughts our way. It made a huge difference. In this vast interconnected world it’s redeeming to know so many people care. Of course my wife tends to illicit that type behavior, she’s kind of cool that way. She came through the procedure with flying colors. The stent on one side of her brain is holding well and the smaller aneurism on the other side has not increased in size at all in the last five years. They do want to bring her back in two years (she was hoping for five) to continue to monitor that one. I was amazed at how much progress they’ve made in the technology in the short five years since her original operation.

Don't Know How She Managed to Look So Good After the Procedure

She was kept conscious for most of the procedure and they would ask questions of what she was experiencing while they were poking around inside her brain. They would heat up the probe and that turned her vision orange on one side and green on the other when they repeated it on that side. She had a very “handsome” Columbian doctor assisting this time which she insured I understood when she woke up. She also didn’t have to go through the massive pressure bandage on the incision site this time which made a huge difference. She always said the bandaging was the most painful part of the prior two procedures. She still has to be careful and is on strict bed rest for the next two days which means yours truly needs to step up as her nurse. This would cause lesser people to quail in fear but as I said yesterday, she’s pretty brave.

I got her home early yesterday afternoon and set her up in the family room for some of that required rest and a long delayed meal. We spent the afternoon watching a series of re-runs on Property Brothers which I discovered is an excellent sedative, especially when you don’t get a lot of sleep the night before. She slept most of the afternoon and then fielded a series of phone calls from around the world from concerned friends and family. It’s good to have this thing in the rear view mirror, at least for the next two years; excuse me now while I adjourn to continue my happy dance.

Self-ish

P Lease Keep This Fabulous Lady in Your Thoughts Today

I’m a little nervous this morning as my wife is currently on an operating table at UMASS undergoing what is hopefully a routine procedure to check on the status of a stent they put in a few years ago. I don’t know how sending a robotic camera into the middle of someone’s brain via the vascular system can be described as routine but we do live in amazing times. She was understandably uneasy going into this but put up her usual brave front which manifested itself as general grouchiness over the past couple days.

We’ve been through this a couple times now as the stent was placed to prevent an aneurism from blowing up in her head five years ago and definitely saved her life. It still scary when they hook her up to all the various paraphernalia associated with a medical procedure and then wheel her down the hall. I’m supposed to be the strong one in the relationship during something like this but her courage puts me to shame.

The best thing about the whole affair is our location and the hospital where she’s had the procedures done. I’ve never been failed to be impressed with the UMASS Medical Center. Every single person we interacted with this morning was professional and caring. I have a well-known soft spot for nurses in general but they were at the top of their game this morning and understood the trepidationary territory we were in. They even had heated blankets for her when she was in pre-op. Everything combined towards calming a very anxious blog writer, as much as possible, despite a hopefully calm exterior. The waiting is the worst part which is what I’m decisively involved in now. Please say a little prayer if you get a chance.

Kind of Feel Like This Fisherman Must Have

We tried to keep things as normal as possible last night by going to see a movie. Since the big release was a cartoon movie we opted for Self/Less starring Ben Kingsley and Ryan Reynolds. It was sci fi thriller about a mortally ill rich man’s decision to have his mind transferred to the body of a young man. The body is supposed to be a laboratory grown “vacant” body but you know that isn’t the case which leads to the ensuing hijinks as the two minds in one body strive with each other.

While this movie has been raked over the coals by most critics I found it enjoyable, mainly due to the lead actors. There’s plenty of action as the plot plays out and a cute love story as well as some father daughter heartstring pulling. After a fairly exciting first two acts the director wimps out with a soft marshmallow landing but that’s okay, kind of what I needed last night.

Ditched

Yesterday was everything I figured/feared it would be after a flawless weekend of partying with friends and family. I’m a firm believer in the peaks and valleys of life and descending from as  lofty a peak as the past weekend represented promised to be painful. At least I confirmed the intelligence of my long standing policy against drinking beer on a “school night”. I severely violated (with sublime pleasure) that edict on Sunday and the aftereffects dutifully manifested themselves to contribute to the redundant putridity of a garden variety accursed Monday.

For some reason my wife was in a very different place than me. It could have been the all too brief interaction with her good friend TJ Maxx on Sunday but she was a bundle of energy yesterday (never good news for yours truly and a certain black dog). She looked very askance at my lethargic approach to the day, filing my reduced capacity for a future lecture no doubt.

There was good news at work as many of the tasks I was painfully overseeing yesterday involved implementing the new contract the union ratified on Sunday. It includes a new light duty policy which can hopefully reduce the Worker’s Comp abuse that is endemic to the People’s Republic of Taxxachusetts. Prior to this contract the employee could always claim he/she could not return to work until they could fully perform their bid job. That all changes now, as soon as they can perform menial tasks they’ll be required to come back to us. Of course the buses are only available for menial tasks during the 11pm to 7am shift so that’s when their new work schedule will be. It should help separate the malingerers from those who honestly injured themselves on the job.

My wife was kidnapped by the Mafioso neighbor which allowed me the opportunity to watch a couple series premieres I stored over the weekend. The Strain returned with vampires battling to take over NYC despite the antics of Carey Stoll’s capricious hairpiece and the grouchy janitor from Hogwart’s. Ray Donovan also came back with Ray stumbling through the aftermath of last year’s finale. I’m not sure we want to see Raymond so emotionally vulnerable but he did get to cap a couple kidnappers which helped even things out.

Is This the Face That Launched a 1000????

When I put yesterday’s blog post on Facebook, as I do daily, a random picture from the blog also appears (I have no control over which). Yesterday that was the photo of my wife and Keene Friend. Apparently Keene Friend still has his renowned capacity for attracting female attention because my wife received a message from one of her friends in Panama saying Keene Friend looked very interesting and asked if he was single. I’m smart enough to stay out of these female channels and he’s been dodging my wife’s efforts to fix him up for as long as they’ve known each other. We do have a crew of her childhood friends inbound for a visit in August and I’m sure there’ll be the customary need to protect him from their attentions. It’s kind of how he rolls.

A Mildly Dated Photo of My Wife and Her Friends
My Wife is on the Far Right of Back Row