Three weeks

The past three plus weeks have been but a blur. With M able to get away to N.Y. to spend time with her sister P before her untimely passing. I can't really relate it all except that the adage of "what is important will get done" is holding very true.

With a quick trip to N.Y. for the celebration of P's life and a day of rest afterward, I came back to an empty house as M and the kids stayed with family for Thanksgiving day. Other than work, I didn't have much to do (in a sense) so my major focus was to get the house ready for Christmas. I knew that regardless of recent events, that we would celebrate the season and hope to bud some interest of it into E and maybe MHM.

The tree and village were up for their arrival the day after Turkeyday. Though that was a travel day, E showed great joy at the tree and I was sure that decorating would also be a great hit. E was allowed to help with the decoration and we placed several kid friendly items about to make her feel as though she had some freedom to enjoy all the stuff. So far, her and MHM are keeping a healthy respect for the "pretties" and everything is good. I have now finished the exterior illumination (of which I think was easy and looks great) and now, I hope to be able to slow down even another notch as I get ready to finish out the last part of the year with an extended Christmas season.

I hope M can get some time to relax and enjoy our kids and also reflect on happier times with her family and keep as many memories alive as possible. We will all miss Aunt P and Grandpa O but making sure we remember the meatballs he made and way P loved ALL of Christmas will hopefully keep us going so we can rejoice with them.

MHM is1

As this year has come to pass, MHM has turned as year old. One year ago today (plus leap year day) at 3:01 am he came to us and has been mostly a right good little fella.

He seems mostly content and good natured but of course he has his moments as we all do. When he started school, he was immediately comfortable and seemed to really enjoy it. We are thankful for that and so many things about him and his sis E.

MHM is truly moving about the house freely and it is interesting to listen to him make noises in all sorts of places. When he hears you coming, he will quickly come to where you are and plead on folded knees and out stretched arms for you to pick him up. He is still needy and rightly so as we must of course share time with both kids. Anyway, he is doing well.

We had a birthday party for him on Sunday with some friends and family. He was totally the center of the show and had a great time with his cup-cake and opening his presents. The bottom of the tree is littered with all of his new acquisitions and we wonder where to put any new stuff that will be coming in just a week and a half.

This little boy is another very smart kid. He is doing quite well with motor skills as well as learning to communicate either with sign or verbally. We are pleased with his progress over the year and are truly blessed with these kids. It is so exciting to watch both grow, but this MHM will be a bright spot for me as I cherish the time he allows me to hold him and actually nap with him or just snuggle where sissy E has not ever been able to slow down enough to enjoy a quiet moment.

GOD BLESS YOU MHM! I love you very much!

Dad

An Honor

Today I went to the grave side service of George and what turned out to be his wife Jeanne. George passed away on Nov 4th. Jeanne passed away nearly two years ago, very near the day of their 58th anniversary.



Anyway, it was a pleasure knowing and learning from him. I know that he loved his wife very much and is now with her as well as their son. For as much pain as these things give me, I am drawn to have my closure. The scripture is peaceful and lets us know that our beloved is now at peace. It is amazing how I see people keep their composure (I can't) at an Honor Guard when Taps is played and the Rifle salute is made. What an honor to be present for those who had given so much of their life and talent and for those who were killed in doing so.



This was certainly a small gathering. Before hand, I met his nephew and maybe a distant relative so we recalled some of Georges favorite things. At the service, was G's home nurse who helped take care of J when she had Alzheimer's then cared some for G, doing laundry and miscellaneous stuff. It was nice to know that G did appreciate me, as I did him. I will always remember him and cherish our time.

Obituary follows:

George H. Seidlein
Major George H. Seidlein Mason A loving father and grandfather was born December 8, 1919, in San Francisco, CA; died November 4, 2008, at the age of 88. George was a highly decorated Pilot with the U.S. Air Force for 22 years and was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He was employed with National Transportation Safety Board for 20 years. George was preceded in death by Jeanne Seidlein, his beloved wife of 58 years, and son Geoffrey Seidlein. Surviving are his grandchildren, Anne Seidlein and Patrick Seidlein, and sister Doris Peckovich. Services will be announced at a later date. The family is being served by the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason.

E and little things

E is a lot like M in the appreciation of little things and an imagination for how to enjoy them. E does this very funny and cute thing while reading books, she will see a cute and cuddly and small animal and pretend to pick it out of the book and hold it in her hand to pet and caress. M certainly enjoys this as do I. It is really fun to see what a vivid imagination E has. I just can't even begin to explain what level of understanding and comprehension she has...

M related a story this evening about how she was able to capture E's attention to the moon rising outside our back door. M had E take note of the rising moon and shortly there after, M made an exaggerated movement to, like E with tinny book animals, grab the moon out of the sky and swallowed it up. E immediately stated that the moon was not for eating but that it was meant to be in the sky!! Yay, I am so happy that she loves the moon as I do!

E is also starting to show some affection toward MHM. She is sharing banklets, replacing toys (previously ripped from his hands) with other toys and generally being concerned with his well being. She is also very caring and concerned for when MHM cries and comes to give a nice gentle hug. As a matter of fact, she is doing that for us all when we may not quite feel as we would like to. She is still of course young but she is really enjoying MHM's company and companionship while playing. Now with MHM just days away from all out walking and running, I am sure their relationship will take yet another turn, one that I hope is good for all involved.

What a great time with these two spectacular kids.

Mile stones and markers

Well, it has been a busy two plus weeks with elections of presidents (Obama over McCain), passing of friends, visits from family and notably MHM taking some very courageous first steps.

The elections were for me marked with the passing of G. He had been I am sure, depressed since his son had passed in April as well as suffering from congenital heart failure. I had the day off from work (to encourage voting for the approved union candidate) so after I had dropped the kiddies off at school I went to vote shortly there after. Early in the day as it was, I had several stops to make, and one was Dobie, to see G. When I arrived, I was met by one of the nurse aides who shook my hand. I knew immediately what had happened. I walked to G's room where I found his nurse cleaning out his belongings. I held my composure for all but a few moments and talked with her for a time. I asked how he went, peacefully! We both remarked how we would miss him, and I remarked how he most likely didn't really want to stay around if his dear Republican party got trounced as was the case. It was a grand day, fitting for a day to check out. I will miss you G!

The rest of the day I busied myself enough to half way forget about G as I didn't want to tell M until I saw her myself. We had made earlier plans to go eat sans kids so we decided on Old Chicago for a beer and some trivia. It was nice and quite odd not having to take care of E and MHM.

The rest of the week went quickly in anticipation of Aunt E, Uncle E, cousins E and S. They were in town for the MSU / Purdue football game. With little detail, it was a really nice w.e. for all I think. There were of course crafts, good food from M, fires in the fire place and even the first snow which made both E and MHM Ooooo and Ahhh!

MHM's 11 month bday was Sunday, and he all but took off walking. He is really close. He spent quite some time just practicing standing and pushing his little car. He is just exploding daily with new excitement, wonder amazement at what the world so far has to offer him. What a cutie!

Halloween 08

Halloween 08 was Fantastic!!! It started out warm and stayed that way past Trick or Treat. We got GPa to come over to hand out our candy so we all could go out with Aunt L, K and GMa.


M had been coaching E on T o T etiquette for a few days and she had it down cold. Polite and concise.


6pm was here, so we suited up and headed out to the neighbors. MHM was decked out in a lion costume, absolutely cute as a lion. E was dressed as a butterfly (or barfly, as was understood by many), equally as cute and full of go go go! C and A our neighbors across the street were decked in their festive roles. C as always was a witch from the north, inviting you to have dinner with her. Boiled worms (which E chose) or something else. E did a good job understanding the idea was to pretend the candy was one of the diner choices. We then headed toward aunt L's house where we would meet up with the rest. Quite a way off, E recognized K as a little bumble bee and shrieked with joy. Yes, K was absolutely a doll in her costume. We did about 8 or 10 houses with them before K was more or less ready to call it a night. GMa stayed with them as cousin H was to arrive soon, so that left just the four of us for the duration. As we made our way house after house, E was mostly polite though preoccupied.

"Thank you! Daddy, can we go top the next house??" Those words would come out while her hand was still in the candy dish.

MHM was taking it all in, he was watching E and checking out all of the cool costumes, maybe choosing his for next year?

I had a great idea of mulled wine in my coffee cup, so I had something to enjoy during this outing. The weather as stated was perfect, and for what is is worth, we even saw quite a few bats flying about. I find it interesting that in the back of my mind thought we would be home in plenty of time to hand out candy to "bigger kids" but after visiting with neighbors and just plain enjoying the evening, the bit more than 1/2 mile loop of our block took nearly the whole two hours.

Politely, GPa said that he saw some very nice kids and enjoyed his evenings assignment. He stayed around a bit to see what E got in her bag of goodies. As he was out the door, I tossed him two mini Snickers bars as payment. Small change for the priceless function he provided so we could together enjoy a wonderful Halloween 2008!!

Yay!!!!

Nice AND Scarry

Today E surprised and scared me (for her own sake) as she stated "I'm just like you daddy!" Wow, very powerful and very frightful words to hear.

Powerful and nice to know that at 2.5 years, E still sees me as someone to look up to and emulate. I know that coming from a toddler, this may seem trivial however I will take what I can now for the future may not hold such willing compliments.

Frightful and scary that my E might turn out to be anything like me. I am just hoping for her that what ever part of me she may exhibit, that it may be some of my few but tolerable traits.

If I remember correctly, the statement came from E after pointing out a particularly pretty tree in full Autumn color. I have been half jokingly for weeks, pointing out the splendor of fall and how much I like it. M likens it to force feeding and states that I will probably drive E in the opposite direction. Well, if that is true, then she will certainly hate Christmas.

Proud

Today M shared a bit of really nice news with me regarding E. She said that E's teacher called to tell her that E was being just the most polite, caring, happy and every thing you could ever ask for in a kid. This mini report card sure does wonders for how you're doing when you raise a kid.

On our way out the door this morning, E started to whine that she wanted her flowered jacket. I countered that she had to wear the one she had on because it was cold outside. She continued her whine so I gave her a choice. To wear the heavy jacket and walk to school or to wear the flowered jacket and drive to school. She looked at me for a short moment and resounded with a hearty Walk to school! So we did. It was a nice walk and a bit more brisk paced than normal as E had me hold her while I pushed MHM. I was glad of that because both kids have hacking coughs and enough snot to float a boat, so I didn't feel so bad that they were out in the elements for too long. It really was quite a nice morning!

MHM is such an even keel, I have to just mention that he is part of what we do, but of course E overshadows him when we are together. I will say that I got a chance to video him walking behind a play car / walker for kids. He can do it well and I am very proud that he is also such an excellent kid!

Prompted by nature or not??

These past three weeks have been very busy with the home renovation and all. Most all complete other than figuring out what to do with all the stuff we accumulate.

I have been taking advantage of the Autumn weather with the kids as much as I have had oportunity to do so, including pre-lunch visits to hear the H.. Marching band then stop by the park to swing, slide and crawl in the wood chips.

E and I had a grand old time Sunday in a leaf pile M, E and Gma started in the front yard. It was classic stuff like you'd see on a well put together TV commercial. I was tossing E in the air and gently letting her fall to the middle of the pile, then that got old for her so she screamed for me to throw her into the trees. She really likes that thrill.

Back to this TV commercial thing, I find it funny and maybe a bit sad, but I often have an image in mind of how something is supposed to look or how a situation is supposed to unfold. I don't know if you can knock them but the ad people sometimes get a feeling just right and that is what I am sure they get paid big dollars for.

Regardless of where my idea of a fun time with E came from, that half hour in the yard, though tiring, was a picture perfect moment of how Autumn is supposed to be.

In good form

On Sunday we loaded up the kids and headed for St Johns and the annual Pumpkin Festival where we promised E she could do a race. The weather was just perfect for a short dash as was her event with temps in the 70's and sunny. When we got to the park E was excited about the race but really only had one goal in mind, "That really big yellow slide". We had plenty of time to play beforehand so that is where we headed as M got E registered. She had loads of fun on the playground equipment while I dragged MHM about on my shoulders.

Race time! M took E over to the start line and I am sure gave her a good pep talk on how to best win the race. Trip, gouge, push and shove. OK, maybe not quite like that. I didn't see the start of the race as I was entertaining MHM but heard a roar of excitement as the kids bolted out of the chute. E took off and really showed great form and whooshed past me with nary a glance in my direction. You could tell she was very focused on chasing down the kids and showing them what she was made of. As the dash was around the perimeter of a fenced in Pumpkin Patch, when E got to the end, she blew through the throngs of other kids and the parents congratulating them and did what I am sure was a "Victory" lap. This time around, she saw me at the corner and came to give me a quick hug before setting off to finish the lap. Once she reached the finish for the second time, M scooped her up and brought her to me for a chance to heap on more praise which I did with joy.

After her event was a kids 1K. We went down to the finish line to watch the entrants as they finished, and E was taking a cue from those around her by clapping and cheering as they crossed the finish line. She seemed to enjoy that very much as well.

For her prize, she got a T-shirt, donut and cider. I don't know if she realized what she got but I think just participating was enough for her. E was just happy, smiling and enjoying her moment after "wining" the race.

You sure did E! Congrats!

Starring into the sky

Today started very nicely in Autumn speak. The morning was crisp but warmed at a steady pace. My thoughts were to get the kids moving as early as possible as I have some project work looming. E was in a fine mood but she didn't eat much so I knew I would have some trouble. MHM was up early and went back down for a nap before M went to work after 8 some time. With his nap going well, I got a chance to move some of the furniture around that has been displaced by recent cleaning and renovation necessity.

I tried to have E ready before MHM awoke but it was not to be. Long story short, We finally made it to Home Depot to look for help with the tile floor project. We had trouble getting anyone to help who could actually help us but I think what we did helped me in the final progress and both E and MHM were entertained for a time. I knew that since E loves to help, I would involve her in our outing and that would help her focus. As we walked in the store, I announced that I needed her help measuring and promptly handed her my tape measure. From earlier conversation at the house, I showed her the measure and how it worked and because I was busy, managed to hold her off until we got the the store. She was excited and had a real big smile on her face. As we walked up the aisle, she told anyone who might listen that "I am going to help my daddy measure!"

She sure is a big and capable little girl... She makes me happy!

Once again, MHM was kind of a cheer leader from his car seat. He was wide awake and screeching a bit from time to time. Hmmm, wonder why know one would help us???

Timing was pretty good as we left so I headed for the park. When I announced to E that that was our destination, she wanted to go to a "BIG PARK" instead of the "regular park". I informed her that we could go to the regular park or go home, she quickly changed her demand.

The weather was now really really nice and we did most of the same things we'd done on numerous other occasions but today, as my little E grows up and becomes more self reliant and sure of herself, I was able to sit and relax with MHM in the wood chips, starring up into the clear blue sky with one keen eye on my little girl as she climbed step stools to the slide. I truley believe she ahd a great time as well. I also think MHM had agreat time watching E dart from area to area and do some of his own exploring with out me grabbing him up to keep him safe or clean. At the end of it, MHM, I and E were all covered in wood chips.

What a great feeling!!!!!!!!

Super kid

As MHM takes a back seat to E more often than not, I am going to give him the whole lot today.

What a really neat kid! As I drop him off in his room at school three times a week, he does so with nary a wimper or whine. I don't know if I should feel bad about that as though he may not care??? Today in his room, I walked in, got him out of his seat, plodded over to the play area, plopped him down and went about my business. As I was already working with E on putting his stuff away, I heard a dad say from the book shelf bordeering the play area, "so that's it, just plunk him down??" When I turned to see who was speaking, I noticed him sitting there with a teary eyed little girl. I said , "yeah that's about it" and went about my business with E.

One other thing that is just amazing about him is that he will eat absolutely anything in front of him and plenty of it... Once again, I wonder if I should feel bad about that, as he has apparently inherited my zest for food. He is starting to really look like me as people tell me,and I guess I have known that for some time he really doesn't look like M and E does.

Last Sunday we went to the 100th anniversary celebration of GM out at my Delta facility. Of course E had the majority of the fun but I did let MHM get out of the cart a couple times to stretch his legs and crawl on the grass. While M had E were over near the habitat tent checking out turtles, I had MHM in my arms and one of the shift leaders took a pic of me and MHM in the tent. When I got to work today, I found an 8x7 pic that he took. I was several days very scruffy but MHM makes the pic anyway.

I can't say enough about him other than I am now very glad he turned out to be my son and am all ready proud of everthing he has done and will ever do.

Enjoying what time we have left outside

With time to myself Mon & Tues, I did some chores about the house, went shopping and mowed the lawn. Wednesday was a nice and busy day with the kids. I decided to go see Mr J at the Library. I had the kids ready by a bit after 10 or so and headed out. E was in a good mood and MHM was well fed. I didn't have E head phones (where is the library bag?) so we played just a few moments with the trains and looked at some books. I found one that M had brought home some time ago by Garrison Keillor. This is a couple of poems about a daddy's and daughters. I like to sing them to E.


It is kind of nice that Mr J likes E. He made as special point to come and say hi to E and make sure she saw his silly puppy dog hat. E does seem to garner interest from people as she is quite engaging intellectually for a tot.


We made it to story time and there was a little bit older girl there who wanted to play rough. E was kind of OK with it and stood her ground several times and asked politely to have her stop grabbing at her more or less. The dad had the same deal as me, two youngsters one walking and one crawling. He did a good job mostly keeping them under control. E was stimulated to bad behavior by watching the other girl as she got in Mr J's pile of puppets as well as running around. It was mostly fine and at the end, Mr J thanked everyone for coming to this "lively story time". During the books, MHM mostly sat in my lap and watched the happenings and goings on of others. On two occasions, he got off my lap and charged at Mr J as if charging the mound in a baseball game.

I had in the back of my mind hoped that I timed events for the day right. As we left, I asked E if she would like to go the the park. No surprise, she said yes! The other part I was hoping for was a chance to go again to listen to the marching band at the high school. Our fortune was true as they were indeed out practicing. The days selection was the theme from Bonanza and the song currently chosen for a commercial for the national beef (Aaron Copland - Rodeo: Hoe-Down). We stayed long enough for me to feed MHM and make sure E had a nice time playing in the sandy dirty gutter where it was determined later that she got bitten by a nasty bug, Oooppss!

After a time, E insisted we go to the park so we did the normal thing there with MHM enjoying his time in the baby swings and crawling in the wood chips. While there, I called Gma and asked if she wanted to go to lunch and even made her treat as I didn't have my wallet with me. We went to OCB and had quite a nice meal.

Another nice morning

Vocab

So yes, E does have a phenomenal vocabulary and as a treat to myself, I like to throw around as many big word and phrases as I can to see where she may go with them. She always seems up to the challenge.

This morning as referenced in M's blog, I was explaining what MHM was doing in the kitchen as we were changing her diaper. MHM was whacking on a pie tin so I said that "MHM's a Pot-Whacker", E took that matter-of-factly and we went on. Minutes later, we were in the living room and she said to me "Daddy, when you get smaller, you can be a pot whacker!". M heard that from the kitchen and busted out laughing...

It is really a joy to have E so interested in speech and all its nuances. She really studies, listens and practices what she hears. Don't hold me accountable for what she says, she figures it all out on her own with any of my help...

Sighting

On our way to Play Group Wednesday, I spotted an albino squirel near Cornell Elementary. I was able to stop the car and I tried to show E but he was then in the forest and mostly out of sight especially to the lower sight line of a todler in a car seat. That was an interesting sight, I wonder how many home owners have adopted him as their neighborhood mascot??? "I call this one Bitey!"

Listening in

As the rain has left, we are back to doing nice outside stuff. Today, with an early goal of Play Group, we got rolling. E had a really nice time there with the sensory table of sand as well as a couple of rockets that shot in the air as you stomped on the foot pump. MHM and I played on the floor where there was a soft linkable tile play pad that had a different color and texture to each, pretty cool. There were also tennis balls with masking tape on backward so as to make the ball quite sticky indeed. All in all, a very successful time.

When leaving, MHM quickly fell asleep so I figured there would be no harm in taking E to the park. Once there, we of course did the swing thing, then the slide. E is certainly getting brave as she really only wanted to climb the Rock Wall. With a bit of coaching and encouragement, she did it all by her self unaided.... Just kidding M! But she really likes to climb it under the careful and nervous eye of me. Anyway, as it was time to head home for lunch, I heard the OHS marching band practicing so I told E our plan. Go see the band, then eat lunch then nap time! The band watching was fun, MHM and I stayed on the curb while E ran around in the grass and on the pavement. She would as probably most kids would do, covered her ears. What a beautiful day for watching.

Once home, I readied the kiddies for lunch which MHM ate voraciously and E pick at. None the less, they both ate and for all practical purposes my time with them was very enjoyable and almost to an end as I ha to start heading for work when M returned home.

Our frog pond is going to overflow its levee

It is my one day off for the week and it is raining. No, I mean RAINING!!! We are now getting the remnants of Hurricane IKE and it s really a wet one. So far, since Friday night we have gotten easily 3 plus inches and the expected total is over 5. I only hope that it just stays steady and light so some of it can dissipate. That is just a hope. There have been many functions cancelled or postponed for another day as it is just soggy, soggy soggy!

WOW, it just keeps a comin'

The way she sees it

"Daddy! Cold milk is not my favorite, warm milk, please!"

"Mommy your my favorite person"

Very close to actual quotes from a 2.5 year old genius

I am trying...

As E and MHM age, I know that I have to try to get them to church as often as possible. I hope to give MHM the same experience E had early on. Every Thursday morning is the kids mass at St Martha. I started taking E at quite and early age, probably 5 months, after she started taking a bottle. Well, MHM doesn't take a bottle but does eat quite heartily so I can get him there with out worrying about him being starved.

When I had only E, I would dance and try to keep rhythm to the kids choir and I think it may have helped her appreciation of music?? She already can carry a tune and she can make up her own rhythms with a couple of pan lids (cymbals)crashing together along with her legs to add depth to the melody.

I want to get MHM in on the gig but now with E along for the ride, it is more difficult for me to hold him and make sure she is staying in the pew. As different as they are, I don't know if so far what I have exposed him to makes him happy. He isn't crying, just wiggly so maybe persistence and repetition will help the enjoyment and familiarity of the mass.

The choir is quite nice and E is now starting to get much more interested in them. It is fun to see how she sings along (a lot like daddy; missing a few words here and there). Today, they as for the past several weeks have sang the Our Father, quite a nice little tune which except for some of the specific words she has the refrain down as well as I do! She is SMRT.

I feel that getting the kids to church is important, so I will try my best. As with today, it can be quite a tiresome venture but that is a small price for me in order for me to help them recognize God and Jesus in their life.

Little Signs

Of course, our kids are geniuses and I can say that because this is my blog. I truly believe MHM is picking up the sign language. A few months ago, I know he was using the sign for MILK but not as much as big sis E did at his age. I have been using the signs for MORE, EAT, FISH, DAD, MOM and some others. Well, It has to be more than coincidence that I often catch him with his thumb to forehead with fingers pointed out... Kind of like when they say the baby is just GASSY as it smiles at you early as an infant. It could just be that he likes to do this with his hands???? BRILLIANT I tell you!

Concerned for his future, I will write this and see what M has to say about it. MHM is showing signs of being a South Paw. I know there are probably several smart South Paws but I am not sure we shouldn't do an early intervention for him and change the course of his life. South Paws have a natural handicap to the world as the majority of implements, tools and just about everything else is built for us normal people.

All kidding aside, As I have been feeding him snacks (puffs and raisins) lately, I have placed something in his left hand in order to make him to use his right hand. I have observed him to try to place the item in his mouth, fail, then transfer it to his left hand and place it with success. I am not sure I am ready to have to explain why the world is stacked against him too soon and hope that this is just a phase he's going through kind of like a gassy smile!

Not my fault (update)

There had been something on my mind for a bit so I thought I would take a few moments to wish a dear family friend well. I picked up the phone and dialed N.Y. to talk to Mr. O's wife R. I finally got a hold of her at 9 pm. They had just transferred Mr O to a Catholic Hospice Hospital. He is not doing well but R said she felt good about where he was because of the religious atmosphere. M had seen him in July on their trip home but as I stayed in Michigan with E, I didn't and I am sad to say I may never see him again.

I have only known the O's since of course meeting M, but from the moment you meet them, you are instantly family. That is a nice feeling and I am sure M knows that she had something special growing up next door to a great family.

I recall the July after M's father passed, I saw Mr O outside wrestling with and old mail box post so I figured I'd give him a hand. With a sledge, a shovel and a pry bar, we managed to break the surrounding cement to release the post. It didn't take too much time but the day was hot so I may have broken a sweat. Well, I understand from M's stories that Mr O didn't need much of an excuse to celebrate so he asked if I could use a beer. "Sure, I might have just one." After all, it was almost 11:30 am so we were legal... He took me in to his house and showed me his wonderful little work shop which made me drool (I have a garage in serious need of some cleaning). Well, we talked and drank and looked over his projects for some time then a ring came at the front door. It was M wondering where I might have gone. She acted worried but I think she knew I hadn't gone far and that I was in good hands. After all, she had been inside with GMa P sorting and cleaning so I thought I was safe for a bit. Ok, so we had more than one, it was German Beer and down right tasty!

Not my fault, I was just being a good neighbor...

If I had the time, I could have stayed much longer to talk (and drink) but we had stuff to do. As always you never know what the future holds, I will pray for Mr O and the rest of his family and when the time comes, go buy some good expensive beer and have a toast to Mr O

Worth while

As Summer is edging past us, I hope to resume a more consistent visit to see my old guys at Dobie. With vacations, duplexes and child care, I have missed a few weeks lately and really miss it when I do. I got there this week for an abbreviated time but had good conversation with both G and H.

G had a busy Labor Day w.e. His grand daughter An- got married. G said it was quite a to do and that there were plenty of relatives he could catch up with. He really lit up when I inquired about it and looked very pleased and stated that it was a beautiful day. I am sure he was proud of An_.

We also talked politics a bit though he seems a bit off lately. He usually has his head hones on listening to Rush Limbaugh. He made the comment that we and future generations are in trouble with the candidates who are currently running for President. I am sure that by the time Rush softens up Mc Caine, he will come around and most assuredly vote his normal ticket.

H has had throat cancer and has a trake. He is hard to understand and he himself can hardly hear. He is quite a challenge but as time goes by, things are better with our visits. He had been worried as to what to do with his home in Lansing, but told me that his son had some contractors come in and fix it up and that it is now rented. I am sure that is a load off his mind. H has family in Detroit and now N.J. They don't seem to get up to see him very much... I hope they do the best they can. Everyone needs somebody, don't they???

Once again, I can't really express how much I enjoy going to visit my friends (even though they are a captive audience). I hope I help them feel connected to the outside world a bit more from a young whipper snappers perspective with two toddling kids.

Cottage Log entry

The weekend shoots by and at the end, I realize that I have not yet made an entry to summarize the w.e. at Houghton Lake.

GMa, GPa, B, A and family arrived near the same time Fri night. They had dinner then came back to the cottage to ready it for a busy w.e. The weather for this last hurrah for the summer season was to be spectacular. Highs in the 80's and no sign of rain.

M, E, MHM and I had to journey north Sat. morning as I had to close down our facility for the w.e. I got home about 3am and got right to bed. I woke a bit after 8and was energized enough that we left the house after 10am. The traffic was medium but moving without difficulty. I was looking forward to a cookout I set up earlier in the week. The combination of good weather and grilled food is really nice.


When we arrived, we got settled in quickly. I made sure that M would be able to get out to some Garage sales which she did for about an hour and a half?? She came back with a couple treasures for the kids. Uncle B took E, L and GMa for a ride which was again a really big hit. E really loves it and makes the statement several times during a ride that "this makes me very happy". It makes me happy to see her smile and giggle like that!


Time lapse to 4:30; we got a call from D__ then D__&W__ so we knew for sure someone was coming. The burgers were seasoned, the dogs thawed and a bowl full of beans ready for a nukin. We're on! Every thing really turned out well for this. D___&J__ showed up right about 5 and we had plenty for a full blown feast. To cap off the meal, we had a Birthday Cake fir GPa who turned 81 on Fri. Everyone did a real nice job on their respective rolls. The kids loved it, and someone other than M or I was paying lots of attention to MHM. As the sun was setting early as it does at Labor Day, people started for home and now the w.e. was all our own for family.


Sunday morn was a rough one, both E and MHM had bad nights so I was happy to get up and get it started. I went to church with GMa and GPa which only lasted an hour so when I go home early, M was surprised but ready to make egg sandwiches... Yum! E was ready for fun but L and J were with A's family. We made sure to keep her interested with a coin walk and also 3 Geo caches. Two she was awake for and one she was not.

After a dinner of beans and rice, we played outside for a while then headed in for a mostly early night. I had snuck out earlier to get some ice cream so when E was abed, we broke it out and had a nice evening treat with left over cake.

Monday; Labor day started off nice but with promise of being busy. Right from the start, E was asking about going to the beach. We had a couple of plans but changed it to fit for her. E had also requested a ride in GPa's old car so GMa, E and I went down the lake shore. E really really loves this! When we got back, M had most everything ready so we piled in and went to the beach. E loved it as per usual, the sand and the water. We splashed for quite some time as M, MHM and GMa stayed on shore. MHM did some digging in the sand and seemed to have a good time. E loved building castles and scooping with the shovel a guy with a metal detector had given her. We went out to touch the "Buoy" of which she stated"Buoy's are to warn of danger under the water to keep you safe." Smarty!

Upon arriving back at the cottage, the cousins were back for a few hours so they had fun for quite some time chasing each other through and around the woods.

GPa and B did quite a bit of fall clean-up so to have the garage ready for the winter. The old car is now stowed along with the boat (which never got out this year) and other summery stuff. The cottage will get little use after October which is a bit sad...

The rest of the day was getting ready ourselves to go but at about 5pm, we did decide to do a couple more Geo-caches with GMa. while south of H.L. we saw a Hawk, Coyote and a young deer which ran directly in front of the car of course.

As we left after 8pm, I think that it was indeed a spectacular w.e. at the cottage. Thanks again cottage for a nice though short summer season.

Not quite sure what it is

I am not sure why I look at MHM and wonder what he will become or what things he'll see? With E I don't recall having those thoughts, I just see a spectacular little girl that I love immensely and I don't think I feel the same care or wonder about her future. I think she gets it even at her age...

MHM seems very sure of himself and assertive, probably necessitated to keep pace with E. He is sometimes quiet and thoughtful where E never let her brain rest long enough to be still. On our walks to school, he just looks around and listens to E and I as we talk. I try to remember to include him when I can but keeping an eye on her is a job. I see lots of similarities with both of them but many differences as well. So far, his vulnerability has been pretty low. Our protectionism of him is much lower than with E, and he is doing quite fine growing up indeed. He is such a great kid!

My hope for MHM and E is that they both can feel secure in who they are and that they excel in their endeavours. I also hope for them a safe environment, community, religious foundation and happiness from what ever they become. I can't quite put a finger on it, but somehow I see MHM differently which is of course appropriate because they are different. Both of these kids are wonderful and I hope these times and feelings we share last a life time.

I like this kind of morning

Morning walks to school have been very nice for the past two weeks. We live about a half mile from E and MHM's school. MHM just started a week ago so on his first day, I made quite a big to-do about it to E to keep her focused on the task at hand, getting to school. As we walked up the hill, she of course wanted to help push the stroller so I let her. That lasted only a few seconds as she found it quite difficult going up hill. "You do it daddy, I need help!".

Up the road, there was a cop pulled over checking the speeds of our neighbors. She rolled down her window and kind of chuckled at the sight of us. I explained that we were walking to school and she smiled as though she understood and said that it looked like a tough job ahead of me... No, I am sure I had everything handled quite well.

As we progressed, I asked E what she thought she would do in school and what MHM might do. "I'm going to plaaay, and I'm going to have snACK!
"Do you think you will do a craft?" "Oh, hey E, I am pretty sure you will go to music class today." "What is your favorite instrument?"
"I like ###tar" (unclear but intelligible)
"Oh yes, I like Guitar and I also am partial to piano. Mommy and you play piano some times, do you care for the piano??"
Yes, I do care for the piano!"

As we walked along we shared more conversation like that and I would once in a while look down to see MHM just taking it all in, peacefully and quietly. If ever I would speak his name, he would crane his neck to look up and back at me to give me just the most awesome smile and giggle.

What a wonderful couple of kids. I miss them when they are not around. They drive me nuts when I can't get away from them...

Back yard sanctuary, depending on who you are!

Our Humming bird feeder is buzzing with activity these past days. The small one (Bitey by name) is now really plumping up. The other day I noticed Bitey and another female feeding at the same time so we know for sure that we have 3 humming birds and probably more. I looked at a field guide which more or less pointed out that the birds really start feeding in order to fatten up for the up coming migration south. Boo! We have tried for quite some time to get a really good pic of one of them in flight or just on the feeder but just can't seem to get it just right. For as much as I like to take pictures, I defer to magazines, books and the Internet when I want to see beautiful photos of underwater, stars and most wild life. There are some people who actually get paid to sit for hours to get the best pic. They may not get paid much or they may get eaten by thousands of bugs but I think they enjoy what they do.

The back yard sanctuary is nice for some but treacherous for others. Those of which I speak are the little tadpoles in our pond. Two days ago as E, MHM and I were out enjoying the early afternoon, I was looking at the pond and noticed something small surface near one of the resident frogs. A very quick moment later, it was gone from sight and now inside the frog. I am pretty sure we won't get any new frogs!

Missing it?

With the summer heat expected to subside, it sure is HOT! Today it is in the mid 80's with some clouds and humidity building. Everything is dry, dry dry! I have for the past few days tried to do some minor watering to keep some green in the yard. A week or so ago, the local weather guy said he expected a moderate August with little precipitation. The low precip is holding but the heat is above normal.

One thing that is still in my mind but not currently being practiced is running. As August slips by, I am reminded of the Crim 10 mile race of which I am not at all fond of but am sad I am not entering yet again. The Crim is held the third Saturday of August which by a freak of nature or something else, is the most ungodly, horrible, hottest, stinkiest, most humid day of the year. I have in past years said that I am boycotting the race until they change the date to suit my needs. I have had mostly good memories of the race. Alot of it being the sense of accomplishment in finishing and being able to wear the t-shirt for the "Coolest Race in Michigan". A friend of mine, A, will for probably the 7th or 8th year in a row be running on Saturday. I have not had this fortune to keep up this annual event with several things which have taken precedent like my Honeymoon and a couple of other distractions. I will miss it yet be happy to be out of the nasty weather and for this year not to feel the ache of my quads. So sadly, this is yet again not my year but I still have a yearning to get out there so I hope I will not loose my drive to run run run!

One of many new days

Today marks the beginning of MHM's formal education. As a treat to myself and hopefully them, I decided to walk to school with E and MHM. It was the beginning of a beautiful day so why not. I hope to continue to do this when it seems right.

When we entered school, I took E and MHM to MHM's room so E could see it. She immediately wanted to play with the other infants in the play area, so I told her that it was snack time so we would headed off to her room. MHM was still quite content in his stroller so I left him there while I dropped E off at her room. With perfect timing, it was snack time. I told E that I would go take care of paper work for MHM then come and sit with her through snack.

I went back to MHM's room where he was patiently sitting in his stroller. I picked him out and hauled him with me as I put away his stuff. When finally I was finished, I handed him over to Miss K and with barely a notice that I was even there, he happily turned away and was engrossed in what the other infants were doing in the play area. How different from E! I am almost sad that he doesn't miss me...

Back to E's class, she was still sitting with crackers and juice so I sat with her. by doing this, I know that the other kids see me at their level which makes me accessible to them. They come in droves. E was in good spirits today but a bit troubled at how to sit next to her first dear friend K when the craft was getting readied. She didn't get next to her but across the table so that was good enough so I gave her a kiss and took my leave.

A nice peaceful walk home with stroller in hand, I can only imagine what things the kids will experience without me and hope that M has a good day as well at work after being gone for more than 8 months.

So good!

MHM is a champ. M dropped MHM off for his first day at school (child care) about 9am. I dropped E off after church at 9:30am and peeked in on him. He was in his crib, they were trying to get him to nap.

I headed off to finish some work at the duplex before meeting M for lunch at noon (or before). Well, we had a nice lunch though I was late then as we headed home, M called to see how MHM was doing, he was napping. At 2pm we both went to pick him up and we were just amazed at how grown up he seemed. He was at a table with some other kids where he had a sippy cup and was trying to drink from it. He just was looking around checking things out.

Out in the hallway, we talked to some teachers who seemed pretty pleased with him... Who wouldn't be?? Anyway, the message M got on the phone earlier, was that everyone was stopping by to see the new kid and commenting on how handsome and well behaved he was. He truly for today at least has done very well.

When finally we entered his room, he saw M and smiled grandly. He was happy to see her. When he saw me, he gave me a nice little grin but was much more interested in M as she had something he wanted soon (milk).

I just talked with M and found MHM to be in a bit of pain from teething so I am glad he had such a great morning.

We are both so proud of him on his first day...

Did I ever mention that this boy is HANDSOME??

Fun, Sun, Sand and Gooey

Last week we went to the "Jersey Shore" with M's family. It was quite a nice vacation and it was mostly a joy seeing E and MHM react to0 all of the different sights and sounds. The Beach was very nice but crowded as to be expected for this is what the east coast does for enjoyment.

E having some experience on her own of the beach loved it all. From digging, running in the water, making sand angles to jumping in the waves mostly with M. I think she really enjoyed it though she did certainly get tired out from too much stuff all in one day. MHM on the other hand came to the beach dressed rather lightly usually and was kept in his stroller most of the time. This was to make it easier on us as he did really enjoy the sand but as soon as he would touch it, the drool from teething would automatically make mud which would gravitate to every little crack and crevice on his body.

Later in the week after M and I kind of figured out how to enjoy the time together, I had some time in the afternoon to take E to the "Gooey Geyser" pool. this was a nice pool mostly kid friendly with very pleasing aesthetics including bubbling fountains near some rocks which looked almost natural. This pool also had a nice gentle slide into about 4ft. of water. The first time down for E was a pass off from me to uncle E. E shot down the slide and laid right back so she ended up going for a little dunk. She came up, sputtered a bit but with appropriate praise, she smiled and actually liked it. For E's last pool trip, I took her down before dinner Friday night. She seemed to miss not having her cousins and others around so the excitement level just wasn't there. She seemed to want to stay in the real kids pool but as time approached to go back for dinner, I coaxed her into going to the "Geyser" pool. As we made our way, I studied it and made my way to the entry point. At the edge, I noticed the #ft mark but looked at the lady just a few feet away standing at knee depth so I proceeded. I took one step and down both E and I went. I realized before my foot hit the water that something was going to happen. Once again, E went for a dunk as did I and she handled it like a pro. Oooopppps!

M has already written about the "Board walk" but I just want to say that it was very very nice to see E as well as the whole clan having fun doing what they wanted to. Rides, skill games, luck games and all the sights and sounds were wonderful. I will say that the Board walk is NOT something I would like to do every day but it was a great family outing.

MHM will have fun if ever we do it again. There might be some new style family vacations coming our way in Maine??

Ugh!!!

Wow, what a totally draining and icky experience this week has been so far. Work; I have not been able to be effective for some odd reason, I mean this completely, everything I have touched in the last three days has fallen apart or done something screwy that hasn't happened for a long time. Monday was busy then Tuesday fell right apart. Today, trying to do what was right and part of the job just lead to more frustration. I won't go into too much detail but I have been irked at the opposite shifts for what I see as childish or just really silly antics concerning their jobs which are the same as everyone else around here.

WOW!, even writing this blog has been a challange. This is try number two for this part because the computer want's to keep changing my password...

I can hardly relate what kind of stuff has been happening but it is just coincidence one after another that add up to one big yuck!

Enough of that, I'll shake it off because tomorrw is another day!

Little tufts of softness

For some time now I've wanted to write about how nice it is to nuzzle my face into MHM's neck to smell and feel the little tufts of hair he has growing. This particular place is really really nice. It is so warm and soft... It is really a treat to have a chance to do this now because as he grows up, it might be cute or funny for only a short time longer... This is really a nice spot if I hadn't mentioned it before.

Just plain nice

Today M and E went to get E's hair cut for our up coming vacation. That left me with MHM and a mission to get something fixed for mom. I loaded him in my vehicle and we went to the jewelry store where just yesterday MHM bought his mom a pearl bracelet. It had come loose from the clasp so we needed to get mom back into her bracelet fast.

That was a quick trip so when we arrived back home we had quite some time to pass until M and E returned. He seemed to be in a mellow mood so I put him in a small stroller and we went outside to enjoy the warmth and breeze. I contemplated a nice walk then something caught my eye which I had been ignoring for a time. Weeds! These weeds were growing out of the driveway cracks and were becoming unsightly. Sorry MHM, dad's gotta do this for a while. Well, I set to task with a weed picker and broom as MHM watched. I was busy doing my task but would often glance to see what was keeping him busy. He would sometimes be watching me or sometimes be looking in the sky and all around. It sure was nice to give him a big grin and a quick "Hello MHM" and see his eyes light up and maybe even get a small giggle out of him.

We were outside for maybe half and hour before Mand E came home. In that time, I got some weeds removed, and MHM got a good look at what future jobs he may be given from his dad...

Oh, I am sure he will love it as much as I do.

Why do I do this?

As part of my personal growth, I signed on at work to be a first responder or ERT. This was done a couple years ago for several reasons. We were expecting child number one so I thought that would be great experience and I would also get the benefit of 40 hours of day shift training once a year.

The experiences thus far have been pretty light of which I am grateful. A typical run might be a diabetic episode, dizziness, cuts and abrasions or heart trouble. I have been out on lots of calls but lately with increased overtime for production, people are tired, fatigued and some just plain ornery. Last week we did have a very deep cut on a guys forearm which after the bleeding was controlled, the nurse asked me to look at, so I did. It was very pink and quite wide... YUCK! I handled that one very well though. Today as I was checking my emails, there was a series of three from the area spokes person. The end result was that we had a person suffer a massive hear attack and did not make it. God bless him and his family!

I am supposed to go to training next week with one of the guys who worked on him so it should be interesting. I guess he had quite a rough time after the man was transferred to EMT's and out of his care. I can only imagine how I would react. He went home early and reportedly was second guessing himself whether he had done enough. I hope and pray not to have this situation ever come up but one never knows, I guess that is why I signed on for this , so I can learn and hopefully know what to do when an emergency comes up.

In regards to my family, I hope to retain some training and be able to help when needed. With the different things we do like Geo caching and hiking, with two little ones, I am sure we are headed for a few bumps and bruises. My family also has some age to it so I hope if ever faced with trouble, I can keep composed in order to help.

I hate when I am faced with certain realities of which no one has any control. That can be very hard to accept. God help me...

Punch line

With some exaggerated reactions to some of E's humor I feel that she is really digging the attention. When she does say something funny, I'll slap my knee or chuckle loudly, anything to encourage her. My own take on humor is that "a failed attempt is better than no attempt at all."

M called me last Friday night to tell me about an incident she had with E. She related to me that E said something funny (which M no longer remembers) so as M was laughing at E, E's face went serious... I instantly thought that she was going to tell me that E started bawling or got angry that M was laughing at her. Well, I was all wrong, very very wrong!

M- Well E got quiet and had a serious face then smiled wryly and said "Wait, bananas don't walk!"
Me- What was that?
M- It's from a Dora book where Swiper is dressed as a banana and tries to swipe the bananas but is foiled yet again.

With a sigh of relief to myself for sake of E's self esteem, I realized that my little girl indeed has a sense of humor. This has also been evidenced by another book she (we all like) called "My Cat Likes To Hide In Boxes". Every other page of the book shows a cat in some different type of box, mostly in a very stealthy depiction with an eye peeking out or something. She will listen to the preceding phrase then when the book repeats "but my cat likes to hide in boxes", she will quickly ad-lib her own "Where'd he go??" That is just the most funny thing as she seemed to come up with it on her own!

Well, E sure has given us many treats so far in 2yrs and 4mo's and we both feel fortunate as we have a really cool little girl.

Fire Flies

As mentioned before, M and I have what we consider a pretty close to awesome "back yard habitat". M is actually thinking about signing us up on a web site for a "back yard habitat" designation. You have to meet so many criteria and such and she thinks we might be pretty close. Back to my original thought...

At twilight, I love, LOVE, LOVE to look out and hear birds, the bubbling rock, see the accent lighting throughout the garden highlighting certain features and now, the Fire Flies!

Last evening, after the kids were abed, we were watching a bit of TV but I really couldn't stop my gaze from going outside. There were lots and lots of fire flies out and the whole bundle of our back yard seemed magical and serene save for the mosquitoes which kept me from having a fire in our fire pit. I could have had a fire but the reality is that it would have been buggy... It did seem that we used to make it out there a bit more with wine and either A Prarie Home Companion on Saturday nights or a vast assortment of bluegrass and Celtic music on Sunday nights wafting from within the house out to the porch.

I really wanted to wake E up so she could enjoy the spectacle but we knew better. I hate saying things like "there will always be next year"... Maybe I will at my next opportunity, wake her so she can see it for herself. I am sure she would get great pleasure and at least a few good stories out of seeing them. I am hopeful to get a fire in our backyard. It would be helpful if we had people coming over to enjoy it with us. We'll have to wait and see about that one.

The other job

I have a rental business which is and has been pretty good to me over the years. There are always frustrating times but there have to be many more good times, as I know that I am not going to them daily like my 40+ hr a week job. I try to provide very nice and VERY clean housing in return for timely monthly rent in short. I feel that I give a pretty good value for the money and to that end, I am deciding to spend some in order to update one of my larger places. New counter tops in the kitchen and both baths and new ceramic tile in the entryway and kitchen. I am trying to put this together in a quick fashion as I really need to get it rented. I do have hopes that the spruce up will aid me in that.


Today M and MHM came over for lunch bringing Subway which is nice and easy. While MHM rolled across the floor, I put a few questions past M for tile style and input into the microwave... No decisions yet.


At turn over time, I get a bit stressed as there are seemingly hundreds of phone calls for carpet cleaning, showing prospects let alone any other extra work that may need doing. When I turn a unit over, it is spotless and something I can be proud of. I always say that these are our retirement so I want to keep a bit of a hand on our business.

Not my favorite subject, but I guess I needed to write about it and I get to better things soon.

Reunion Day

For the past few entries, there has been little mention of M and MHM. E was constantly asking and wanting to see Mom and MHM. E had an audio card from M telling her that "I love you, I miss you and I'll see you soon". Well, today is the day!

Waking to yet another uncharacteristically beautiful day, I mentioned to E how the morning would play out. First there would be the playing with the cousins, some breakfast, a walk thrown in there and a bath. That was the morning. Well, all things came to pass then B, A, J and L loaded up to go to A's family cottage to finish out the weekend. So now we were alone with GMa and GPa. The first thing that came to mind was the park. E loves them and it seemed a no brainer. We loaded up GMa and headed out. E was luke warm to the place for quite some time though. We went more or less right to the swings where I pushed her for quite some time and started getting that far off stare of "tired baby". Well, she broke out of the trance so we headed over to the wooden train where she played a while eventually getting enough courage to check out what a woman was doing back at the caboose. She was while her husband and son were playing, preparing a picnic lunch and offered E some cucumber. I politely declined but E seemed interested, so we took a chunk. Not as though we don't feed her well, but we just have not tried many fresh veggies as "snacks". Well, we said thank you and promptly headed back to the swing. The cuke didn't last long as expected, so I ate the other half. Some bigger girls were playing on the big kids swings not far off so E had to try them. We approached them but never got on as E commented that "those are for big kids!" I quickly diverted her attention to a sand box where we played for yet another while crushing clods of what was wet sand into dry powder. As we started to head out, we stopped at the rest of the structure and did some hide and seek and some climbing but E just wasn't herself so we went back to the cottage.

Upon returning, I put together a lunch which she attacked with vigor for a few minutes then I noticed her eyes glaze over and her head bobbing... Too much fun with the cousins had worn her out! I picked her up with nary a squeal and placed her in her bed for a nice nap.

Mean while, GPa had now fixed the Old Car so when E woke, we all piled in for a ride down the lake shore. Being Saturday, there was still lots of activity and things to see. As she sat in the back with GPa, she had a big grin on and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Timing being everything this evening, we had to be back to Lansing to pick up M and MHM at 8pm, so I made it happen. On the way, I received a call from M and found out I might be a bit behind schedule. Well, never wanting to disappoint, I guaged my speed and arrived at the airport just as M was buckling MHM into his car seat. As E and I entered, I pointed out mommy and she ran to her with a shriek of "Mommy Mommy, my Mommy" and some very long awaited giggles and lots of hugs. It was so nice to have them home again! MHM was alert and bigger than ever and M looked satisfied. After the six days of separation, we were back and there was a calmness to the evening that was rather pleasant.

So that is my tale and it was an experience of a life time! VERY NICE!!

Vacation Day 3 July 4

Upon waking July 4th, E could hear L out in the kitchen eating so she promptly asked to go out and eat. This is a huge departure from normal but a welcome surprise. E doesn't eat early at all! Well, she sat down and had some cereal and something else then the two of them now done with eating commenced to chasing each other about the cottage and gradually moved it to the deck outside.

As early as everyone was awake, the girls slowed down a bit after a while and I was actually able to talk E into going for a run. We went down to the lake shore and ran the regular 4 miles. At the turn around, I stopped and let E get out and play by the shore. She enjoyed making some of Aunt P's dribble castles, poked at ants and tried several times to get into the water. With gentle diversions, I was able to keep her out and stay dry. I feel she had a nice time. Along the way, we saw many dogs and would often ask "what her name?" She does seem to have a voracious curiosity about life. About a mile from the cottage, she succumbed to sleep which was short lived upon arriving back at the cottage, where cousins J and L were hard at play.

Gma and Uncle B were out playing as well so I was able to sneak off to shower. When I got out, I had a message from G that she was inviting us to her place on the lake for a 4th of July picnic. I asked E if she wanted to go and she did, so we packed up quickly and went. At G's, E was the youngest and most enthusiastic one around. We did a bit of chase and such things, but her favorite seemed to be out on the "bridge" (dock) and the boat. G's mom D has a pontoon which really was fun for E to go on so she could look over the rail and see fish and ducks and all of the other boats. Many questions and observations later, it was time for the meal. At this point, it was late and I could tell that E really needed a nap so we ate a quick bite and were on our way... Thanks G!

Once back at the cottage, Uncle B had Gpa's old car out. It was backfiring a bit but aside from that, really had E intrigued. After lunch, Uncle B gathered the kids and Gma up for a ride. There destination was the gift store behind the cottage which they could get to without going on the main road. As the bunch were all strapped in the back seat, I could see some real excitement in E's eyes and smile. L had ridden in the old car before last year so she already knew what to expect. The ride would not have been complete for the total experience if it had not broken down. I guess it was the battery, but none the less left them stranded.

I was hopeful after returning that an afternoon nap might happen but with having J and L around, all we got was some quiet time on the couch watching E shows, better than nothing. As the afternoon progressed, B and A were readying for their annual dinner at a local nice restaurant. About 5pm or so B's family got ready to so to Aunt A's family cottage on the lake. E was disappointed but Gma helped occupy her while I prepared some food for the grill for dinner. As dinner approached, E got sleepy and off to nap for her and a nice peaceful and quiet dinner for us.

When she woke, Gma, E and I went for a walk down toAunt A's family cottage in order to tire her out a bit more. She rode in the stroller and enjoyed that. At there cottage, L was asleep and J was busy with his cousins so we really didn't stay long. We headed for home and the timing was just about right. We had time for an E show and some milk then off to bed for the night.

It was a very nice and appropriately long day for the 4th. The weather had been just perfect and the amount of activities just enough. The big let down was the fact that H.L. was doing fireworks Saturday night so that would mean we would miss them there as well as home so I hope to see some next year. Perfect or not, this is what memories are made of.

Vacation Day 2

It is funny and yet convenient how time softens details and events in your mind. Today, I look fondly back to day 2 of E's vacation with me. Not that things went badly, but I really remember and feel now that she was really good for me the whole six days we were together.

After what was a stormy ride to the cottage, we woke to a beautiful sunny morning and low humidity. We started the day by going into the living room to sit with the familiar sippy cup of milk and an E show. I questioned E about what she thought about the storm of last evening and as to what we should do today. She mentioned that she wanted to see L and J and Gma and Gpa, so I explained that we would see them later. With a bit of prompting, I got together some uuutmiel (oatmeal) and we had a nice breakfast.

Realizing from the night previous that we had left her tooth brush and toot-taste at home, I figured we should go on a shopping trip. I was almost ready to jump in the car then realized that today, we had nothing but time so we walked. On the way, we of course talked about the coming weekend and I showed her the lake from a distance. much to my liking, E still enjoys picking up just the right walking stick and often offers one to me as we stroll along. She picked up many stones and we even threw some ahead of ourselves in order to keep moving along to the store. At the store, she was very good and sat patiently in the cart as we picked up a few provisions.

The return trip was equally as nice. We spotted some wild flowers so I decided to pick some for the cottage. E was good to help me carry them home though she really wanted to dust all of the sand off the road as we went.

Back at the cottage, I began clean up prep for the w.e. I cleaned the porch and deck, got out all of the chairs and made it ready for relaxing. E was quite good as she kept herself busy on the deck with her "beautiful castle" and some balls form the garage.

As time slipped away, it was soon lunch so I put together some Bunnies for her and some strawberries. She seemed to devour most of what was there so I felt triumphant as that happens infrequently for me. A short E show and a couple of books later, and I would have a chance to re-aim our satellite TV feed. I spent some time digging and trying my best but finally gave up and tried to call someone. To my surprise, I reached a local guy after several calls had him scheduled for late afternoon. Long story short, the trees are quite a problem up there but I think we re safe with this new location for a while.

As E awoke from her nice hour and a half nap, we went out side and she promptly asked for her bucket. Her bucket?? A little searching my memory and I had the answer. Last we were up over Memorial day, M, E, MHM and I went for a walk where I had a pocket full of coins which I would throw on the road in front of E. As we moved along, E would shout with joy as she found the next penny. Well, I ran inside, grabbed a hand full of coins and we set out down the road. We went to D's house a block away and found many coins. We introduced E to all three of D's dogs. Two Rotties, Angle and Kayma and a Dobbie ??? or something like that. E did very well considering the size and activity level of the dogs. If it had been anyone else's dogs, I would have been very concerned but D know his dogs...

When Gma and Gpa finally made it, I had dinner ready for the grill. Some hot dogs (Kogels) and some burgers. We opened a can of beans and Gpa went to get some potato salad and ice cream. A very nice meal. Later, E, Gma and I went for a stroll around the subdivision to help tire out E. Upon return, it was near 8 pm so I started E toward bed with another E show and some milk. Shortly before time, B, A, J and L showed up so the excitement level skyrocketed. Many laps around the cottage latter, I was able to steer E to bed and another quiet night.

With E in bed, I made my way to D's for a late night visit. We had a beer as he showed me some stuff about Big Foot which was quite interesting. Before departing for the evening, we went out to look at the stars before I departed...

AAAhhhhhhhh!!!! Summer time up north!

Vacation for E; Day 1

E and I had a really nice time together for the holiday weekend. As M was in N.Y. with MHM, E and I had a vacation of our own planned for Wednesday after school. As Wednesday came around, I was busy trying to get lots done and started getting bogged down as I was not making enough headway. I started making excuses with some very bad weather coming and almost postponed the trip for the next morning. I spoke with M and she urged me to work toward being ready then take the weather as it came. As she reminded me of the very nice feeling I always got as a youngster of going up north late and then waking calmly and peacefully at the destination., I forged ahead.

As the day progressed, I realized the 5 pm. goal was certainly within reach. Proudly, about 5:15, I tooled into E's school during one of the worst rain storms I had seen in quite some time. I brought an umbrella into E's class and showed her and her friend. I told her that this would be the first time she would actually use one and that seemed to intrigue her. Heavy downpours and all, we were on our way north.

Arriving after 7:30 pm, I had to unload and also start E to bed. She sat quietly on the couch watching and "E show" on her "computer". After rushing about for a time inorder to get her bed ready, I returned to the living room to a fluffy mess. E had discovered again the cat-tails in an old arangment. I did not heavily scold her as I hadn't the oportunity to even know what she was up to. All in all, not a big deal and they were very old anyway. After the show, we headed off for the ritual tooth brushing and book reading and soon she was asleep.

With a bit of a sigh (of which I am fond of doing), I was beer in hand and ready to relax for the holiday.

A new twist

It has been a very busy few weeks so my posts are few. I am at home in Okemos with E while M and MHM are in N.Y. visiting her family. So far E is treating me well. I have tons of stuff to do before E and I go on our own vacation Wednesday night to H.L. to visit the grandparents and cousins J and L.

Leaving M and MHM at the airport Sunday morning was hard but E did pretty well. I held MHM for most of the time and enjoyed his softness and gentle squealing. M I am sure is going to miss E very much, probably as much as I will miss MHM. Wow, it really is crazy how much something so small can have the largest impact on you. Both E and MHM are a joy to listen to, I just hope I can keep that in mind when things aren't all that calm. I read an excerpt from George Carlin who passed away this past week about aging. All he says is true and the most important thing is to not let people or situations bother you and to remember that things can always be worse. Smile and be happy for those you love and tell them!

Love you M, E and MHM

The big twist for me is that I am the sole keeper of E for the next 5 days and hope and pray for patients and a wealth of ideas to keep this little mastermind occupied. She is incredible and full of energy so I hope I can measure up and keep her going. I hope and plan to try to stay away from TV as much as possible but know it is there when I need it.

Gotta go for now, lots to do on a "day off" and still no time to do it all.

One of many

We entered E into her first foot race. The "Rhino Run" at Potter Park Zoo was on a beautiful Saturday morning with close to perfect temperatures of the high 60's. before hand, my wife M pointed out that this race may not be as I expected, as E might stop to look at a bug or just plain want to sweep the sidewalk or who knows what else. I quickly dismissed this notion, as I already had the finish in sight

We arrived and went in to get her race packet. I was in full song and we were pumping her up for the event to come. We quickly got her number (1) as this was one of those non-competitive fun runs (yeah right!). I pinned the number to her behind, sooo cute to see! We then made our way to see the Artic Foxes and Otters who seemed very interested in all of the commotion of race day. E seemed mildly interested in them though maybe a bit anxious or just too many people.?? Race time came quickly so E and I went to the start line and got ready. We took a place toward the back if only to look inconspicuous with our intent.



... 5 4 3 2 1 GO!! The race started with me holding E to keep her from being trampled underfoot but she very quickly asked to get down to run. As we passed M, MHM and friends K and W she was on a dead run so I had to partially steer her toward them so M, MHM, K and W could properly cheer her on. We made it several hundred yards before she started saying that her side hurt. Wow, I really knew she was running hard but was a bit surprised by that. Adrenaline is good, but it will catch up to you sooner or later. I picked E up and began to understand where this was leading. I acknowledged M's warning and said to myself "we're going to have fun and I'm going to let E do as she will". As the crowd quickly thinned, E and I bounced from animal to animal. First the Snow leopards, then the Tigers then the Monkeys. E was still very much in the race. As we made time down the course, I would from time to time tell E that we have to run so we can "Win the race!" There were several race workers each lightly cheering us as we went. At one corner, a very nice and exuberant elderly gent really sparked E with praise and she started to run again. This lasted a short time and I think after that she was quite spent. I was surprised at the length of a 1K event.

Through it, I tried to keep E enthused but also tried to make sure she saw the animals. The Penguins, the Bear Cat the Peacocks and finally the Camels interested her. As we started nearing the finish, the crowd was cheering and the music was loud and the kids were lined up at the finish for the start of the second event. E charged up excitedly to M, MHM, K and W but didn't want to finish the race. Wearily with my help, she neared the finish line with prompts of loud cheers and yelling from throngs of excited race fans. E at this point was quite uneasy. After the big finish, we moved away from the crowd, by doing this, I really messed things up as sure enough, the "winners" medallions were all gone so my little E didn't get one for all of her hard effort. My fault????

With the race behind us, all E could think about was the "park" so we headed there where it was much quieter and more her speed. I pushed her on the swings with another E for quite some time and she seemed to enjoy that the most. With all of the fun and anticipation, I am glad we were able to break E into it in a mostly gentle fashion and for the record, I did have a very nice time and I did dream of the future when old or not Dad and E will cross yet another finish line together...

Puppies on the back porch

I had a very nice walk with E this afternoon. It has been warm lately as well as a bit breezy. E was dressed in a beautiful sun dress and looked like I hope to remember her for many years to come. As we set out, we headed off in her regular direction, down the driveway and hang a left. We got around the next sidewalk corner (left) then I had to stop and pick some weeds growing where I had brought in some dirt earlier in the spring. Well, after a couple minutes (honest) we set off up the way presumably toward aunt L's house where she loves to go. I stopped just past our neighbors house and suggested that we maybe change things up and go to the swing, she agreed.

As we walked along through the grass, we we mostly quiet then I started doing what M and I often do, sing... My singing is typically to a familiar tune E knows but I tend to change the lyrics. When I start to sing, E will often respond quickly with "SShhh! no daddy, no singing" With a short pause, I will again try to break into song and see what she will tolerate. Well, this time it took three times in order for me to get going. The tune of choice was one of M's favorites currently. "TAXI" This goes... "Taxi taxi riding in the back seat, roll the windows up, roll the windows down...." Well, after two chorus', I per typical started adding different words. I like to try sometimes relate my rambling songs to a current situation or person or what have you. This time, there were dogs barking from a distance so I added them to the song. Puppies Puppies barking on the back porch, tie the puppies up ... You get the idea.

After the songs, I pushed E on the swing for honestly 20 to 25 minutes in which time we had some quiet conversation about the breeze, birds, gardens, and more. The part I liked best was just watching her hair all afluff and seeing her smile peek out every once in a while. After a time, she fell more silent and I recognized a tired stare in her eyes. As she was a bit tired, I got to carry her part of the way home but now she wants to do all for herself... to be expected, so I put her down and we went home.

Arriving home, she was indeed tired and certainly hungry so M enticed her in for some "Brooklyn Style" pizza, which soon led to E reading fitfully for her afternoon nap.

I truly had a wonderful time, I was relaxed and more importantly enjoyed some time with E.

There baaack

Yesterday I walked near our pond and heard a very familiar sound. A frog (usually not alone) now inhabits its depths! He seems a couple weeks early this year as in years past they came later, but now I am anticipating maybe a banner year for them in our happy little back yard pond. We also have tadpoles swimming and flitting about happily which M discovered last Sunday. If you were to think that any of the tadpoles were to actually live, there would be hundreds. I think though that they may turn to energy for the current resident frog(s). I really don't know how all these frogs find this oasis but it is a fun little diversion. I am hopeful that our oasis doesn't turn to a dark chamber for our aquatic friends. We will certainly try to create with our kids a sense of oneness with them instead of domination and destruction.

We added a pergola to the back patio last year which is now taking shape. I have 1 1/2 coats of primer and stain on and it looks really nice! I also see a small river and waterfall added to the pond at some time in the future. We really love this spot and it makes me happy to see it freshly mown at dusk with my ambient lighting out in the garden. Ahhhhhh....

I hope this backyard holds some true treasures and memories for E and MHM. I think there should be some nice lessons to learn in this space and I am sure when the kids get older, M will be able to use it as a learning tool for school projects. We love it and it has come a long way from when I moved in and am sure it will go through many many changes in years to come.

Too much information

Today is HOT and WINDY! We took E and MHM to Hawk Island water park where E got her first real taste of public park madness. Surprisingly not too full but plenty of crazy zooming, squealing kids. At first, she saw all the fun kids were having and went full speed into the middle of it all asking, "I want to go to the shower". Moments after getting doused with torrents of shooting water, she decided it was not her idea of enjoyment after all. M and I took turns circling the fountain area and slowly get her more comfortable and more wet. With E in my arms, I played in the water bubbling from the three umbrellas. These were the least formidable to her I could see so I concentrated on them. By half an hour or so, she was much braver and adventuresome. M had gone to the snack bar to get some treats so we would give her a bit then make her go one more round before more treats. Soon she was all for the water and couldn't get enough.



I took some video of E and M but think it will look more like very low budget porn or at least amateur night at an outside bar with all the breasts and butts that kept coming into view. I hopefully will remember next time to really choose my scenes much more carefully, there was way too much information hanging out! I think the pictures will be much better...



MHM pretty much napped the whole time as the warm wind blew over his body, he looked very much to enjoy that. Just trying to keep track of E was much easier for the fact that he was dozing. He looked so comfortable, I was jealous of his nap in the sun!



As we started readying to go home, E clearly didn't want to leave which is nice because that tells me that we will be returning someday, hopefully soon!

Whats on the menu

My wife M enjoys cooking. We for a time before E and MHM watched cooking shows endlessly and drooled over them. With what is turning out to be a library of cook books, M with what spare time she has seems always to be whipping up something yummy. Breads, soups (one of my favorites with two home runs in the past month) main dishes and cookies, I am very fortunate to have this woman. She seems to love it and I won't try to change that.

I have to say that I don't have to worry about the same thing over and over and I have made mention that when I show true enjoyment of a dish, "it's too bad I'll probably never have that again". This is not a bad problem to have but some times I just wish I could or would write them down so as not to forget them completely. In the past month, we have had two soups which are absolutely the best soups I had ever ever eaten. Italian Wedding soup and yesterday was what I would call French Onion. The Wedding soup was in two words...AWESOME! The Onion was so on par with a nice little restaurant (now closed) in H.L. that I wanted to write about it before I told M how good it was. She sent me to work with a bowl and I took a hunk of my Zingermans yummy crusty bread. When I heated it up and chunked my bread into it, I swear that if I weren't at work, I was in a fine dining establishment. LOVE IT!

As an end to this story, I hope and pray that I get some of these meals a second time but if I don't, I do know that another phenomenal meal will soon follow.

In short, LUCKY ME!!

What words we say

This past weekend E surprised me yet again with her grasp of language. We were up north at the cottage sitting on the deck and I showed her something of which I don't recall. After I showed her the thing, she mater of factly stated "that's cool daddy". I was taken aback. This little miss, doesn't miss anything. It was cool! A very simple observation but an appropriate response for a hip little girl.

I often in my speaking with her emphasize words in order to expand her already vast vocabulary as well as her understanding of words. Wonderful, great and spectacular are some of the regulars I use, and it is fun to hear her repeat them with varying degrees of success. I will after asking for her help, say "I appreciate that you helped me E, you're really wonderful!".

E also is quite capable of sharing her feelings, desires, likes and dislikes. As we were tramping about the woods up north she proclaimed "I'm happy daddy!" From my stand point, that is about all I need to hear to make me very happy. I even hope that statement validates M and I as a successful parents. We often hear her say "I'm sad" then when prompted as to "what makes E sad?" she will return with a cheerful "I'm OK daddy!". One of my favorites is when she will hear something and proclaim "that's redicooles!" (ridicules)

I could go on and on about how E makes me happy and I feel fortunate to go through it once again as MHM will be short on her heels in a few months. He is showing some marks of brilliance himself and I will eagerly anticipating what new things he brings to the table for us to marvel at.

Getting there...

I have been anxious to go north for a little while. We have made several verbal attempts to go but it just seems that staying has been the easiest option. Well, after looking at the forcast of last week, we decided to stay home one more time. Saturday was a pretty nice day and Sunday was pretty but just down right cold. I did talk to someone who was in H.L. last w.e. and he confirmed that it was not great.

This w.e. so far looks great! I am working o.t. tonight and then have the whole w.e. so we will wake tomorrow and pack to go to the cottage. I really hope E will be excited as she will be seeing her cousins. I bought E a sleeping bag this week (ok, 3 bags) but I will return the one that doesn't work for us. Well, I remember the feeling of getting up north late after dad got out of work and crawling into a cold sleeping bag and soon feeling nice and cozy. I hope E can maybe get some nice fuzzy feelings from H.L.

I cant wait to get there!

Early morning

Up early this morning with MHM, M asked that I take over for a while so she could get some more sleep. Fair enough! MHM was wide awake and full of energy. Nothing and no position for too long, Not Fair! I can only imagine what it is that is really happening in that little body. He probably doesn't want to be awake any more that we do but his body is probably stretching and growing and making him miserable. After an hour or so, he was in his total squirm mode so I knew that sleep was coming. He is now resting quietly!

Well, we did not do the inevitable and go north this weekend. Friday was such a nice day and I learned that I would be returning to work Monday so I felt I had to get some stuff done. The weather forecast for the w.e. was also not good at all so we decided to stay and go up next w.e. for what so far is expected to be summer like Memorial day which seem fewer and fewer as years go by... Must be global warming!

This morning, now 7am it is once again partly sunny and not too cool. I really enjoy this time in the morning when I can do it on my terms. This is pretty relaxing watching the sun come up and see the garden come to life. I am waiting for a visit from our humming bird friend who seems to come early in the morn and late in the e'en. So far, all I have seen is a bunny eating some of our early blooming flowers and other little birds.

So now at 7:15am, the rest of the family is up and writing will now end. I have a second helping of milk to get and also ready for church. This post didn't go where I expected and I have now gotten the "More" command from E for what I just spoke. later...

Sand box

We are considering a weekend trip to the "cottage". As a youngin, this was not really a consideration, it was as it seemed a certainty, inevitability or in short, "the way it is". Well, many years later, I fondly recall waking up there to sounds of a soft knock on the door and dad leaving with his friend G to go get... drum-roll please... Donuts! I always petitioned (whined) for the Bear Claw as it was most certainly the largest and then proceeded to unravel it down to the yummiest part, the gooey center.

After donuts, I remember the next item on the agenda was to go outside to the "sandbox" (a huge driveway about twelve feet wide and twenty feet long) to construct one of many elaborate cities over the years. My older brother B was of course the architect or should I say General Contractor. He would set me to task to build something then go around to other parts of the site to do "punch list" items and final clean up. We with out a doubt had the most awesome sandbox.

After what seemed like hours of constructing perfectly scaled buildings and road systems, we would start smelling bacon and eggs which would mean that the rest of our days was beginning. While we were creating our sand city, dad would be getting the boat ready for a day on the lake. So now well fed, we would head out for some fishing, skiing and floating down the channels looking for turtles. On the lake, we would often cruise up to one of the marinas to get a snack. I remember this seemed to be some sort of candy bar which was urged to be eaten soon so it would not melt. Depending on our fortune with fishing, I remember hoping that hamburgers and hot dogs were going to be the fare fore the night.

I hope E and MHM will have wonderful memories of the cottage or for that matter, anything that we as a family happen to do. I am happy for my memories but they are mine and mine alone. I can skew them as necessary as long as I am the one who is happy to have had the experience.

Busy hands

Wow~ two posts in one day... I need to write about our garden. We really like what we have created in our backyard though with every year it becomes more and more work. This is satisfying work but a bit frustrating when we can't get to it. I have a nice view of it right now and with a light rain falling, it looks so lush and wonderful. As cool as it has been, everything is very happy. With my current no-job situation, I don't feel as far behind like I do usually. I am even going to look on line to see how I can create a nice addition to our water feature. I'd like to add a stream to our pond! I have a feeling that my work will be on hold at least until June so if I get daring time wise and with Meg's help with design we might tackle this. I really don't want to get too excited about it as I have plenty of other projects like painting our pergola or finishing our basement or just about anything else you can name.

Wishfull thinking is what keeps us going, right???