lunch

It was two adults and four children who met us at Applebee's for lunch.  Truly a blended family. 

He is my sister's middle child...fearfully, in many ways, a mini-me!  He works as a policeman/detective in Missouri.  They have no idea of how lucky they are to have someone with his heart!

She is a teacher--a phenomenal role model--and his second wife.  She cares for him so obviously.

His daughter, a high school student, is blessed with an amazing singing voice and the warmth of family.

Her daughter, a high school student, is vivacious and bright and a cheerleader!  She still wants to run into my arms and be hugged.

They, the two young boys in the group, are the sons of my sister's youngest.  Next year a seventh grader and a fourth grader, they are still willing to be hugged and teased and loved.

They are on their way to a family wedding.  My sis's oldest son's oldest daughter.  They could have simply gone on to the wedding site.  They didn't have to stop and see us.  But they did.  The conversation never lagged.  The obvious devotion among the six was delightful.  Some people HAVE to love their family.  I get to!  It was a good lunch!

Again with the walk on water thing!

Following the parade, I knew my knee hurt.  The bursitis was flaring up.  But I'm a man.  I can handle a little pain.  Yeah, right!  Saturday night the knee won.  Every so often, some imp would run into the room, find a 15 inch pin and stick it in my knee.  My breath would take a vacation.  But Sunday would be better.  Yeah, right!  Cath got tired of the quick inhales followed by the twitch.  Advil.  Nothing.  Somehow, Sumday night, I slept well.  Got up without wincing.  At last, the pain had abated.  Yeah, right.  By 7:00, the imp had returned.  9:30 in the doc's office.  One knee...one shot.  Oh my goodness.  I can walk.  I can sit.  I can move without pain.  If miraculous is too strong a word, so be it!  I love my doc!  And I love you!

It's now official.

The parts have been assigned--at least in my head.  The props have been organized--at least on paper.  It's going to be a "you can't miss this" kind of performance.  My harem of nine will titillate and amuse you with Claire Booth Luce's "The Women"!  Done in readers' theatre format, you will meet the most interesting, eclectic characters to walk this earth.  They are indeed, Everywoman!  August 5 and 6 are the performance nights, and tickets are available at Town Players, Mellette House, and god alone knows where else.  This IS a benefit performance for TP and the MH, so not only will you get to hear and see an amazing production, you will be supporting two amazing organizations.  And rumor is, there will be sweets available prior to the performances provided by...Yup!  Mark your calendars now.  Plan your vacations accordingly.  Save your sheckles and join us!  And of course, remember you are loved!

84 or 65

It was the green machine today.  Reduce.  Reuse.  And my favorite, Recycle.  If you missed the parade, you missed the experience of a lifetime.  Synchronized recycling bin maneuvering!  It was truly a sight to see.  I believe there will be a category for it in the 2020 Olympics.  By then however, I will have retired.  Go out on top.  That's what I always say!   To the two random ladies who didn't call the police when I sat on your lap, thank you!  To the judges who awarded us first place in most creative float, thank you!  And to the powers that be that allowed a 65 year old man to finish the parade in 84 degree weather, THANK YOU!  Now, if I can just replenish the 32 gallons of water I lost, I may yet survive!  Ah yes.  Participatory democracy!  And you are loved!

It strikes me as strange...

We celebrate Christmas Eve.  We celebrate New Year's Eve.  We celebrate All Saints' Eve.  We "celebrate" the 40 days before Easter.  We have a big sale the day after Thanksgiving.  And yet, on the day before the most important political event in our country's life, it's simply July 3.  Oh, there will be an errant fire work or two, set off by those unable to refrain from burning up their money.  Families will be traveling to the lake, or to the cabin, or to the folks, to consume copious quantities of adult beverages, grilled beast, and watermelon.  Tomorrow, there will be parades (heck, I'm even in one!), and candy and sparklers and we will for one short day celebrate the fact that we are free to say what we believe, to practice what we believe, to live what we believe.  I believe that's not enough.  So tonight, I will celebrate the men and women who defend our country.  I will celebrate the men and women who keep us safe at home.  I will celebrate the men and women who govern us, and I will celebrate the ring of freedom's bell.  Know you are lucky, and know you are loved!

Milk. Ice. Cold. Milk!

Sometimes, there are things that simply should go together.  Beer and pretzels.  Hamburger and fries.  Grilled cheese and tomato soup.  Turkey and dressing.  Margaritas and anything.  By their nature, they are complimentary.  But above all else, there is chocolate and milk.  Warm brownies and milk.  Chocolate syrup and milk.  Chocolate chip cookies and milk.  Chocolate milk shakes.  And of course, ezbz female fudge and milk.  Whilst I was wrapping up the new batch of female, I sneaked a piece or two.  Good stuff.  But there is no milk in the house.  Cream, yes.  Milk, no!  So I shall go to bed tonight unrequited.  I will probably sleep.  I will probably dream of cows in the arctic.  And Ice.  Cold.  Milk!  Know you are loved!

It's an addiction

I apologize.  Someone, quick.  Grab that camera from his hands.  But when the colors scream, and the beauty sings, I must share.  I must.  I must.  And not only that, I shall double share!  Even worse.  Mea Culpa!  But oh, how you are loved!