Ford Fetus

I had an appointment to take my new truck in Tuesday for minor warranty repairs, and to pick up a loaner truck like the last time.  I have an F250, and he is a beast, and the last loaner was a dually diesel, so I was quite comfortable with the switch (loved the dually actually).

However, they did not have a loaner truck available, so they sent me next door for a loaner car, which is an oxymoron, as this is not a car, it is the Ford Fetus, the smallest thing on 4 wheels.  Look at the picture and tell me if you don't agree.  For this picture, I even had the zoom setting at 10x normal size.

This car is so small there is no room for door locks.  So small that even Spaz would look big in it.  I had to perform surgery on my left leg so that I could fold it up while trying to extricate myself each time I opened the mail chute, which they call a door; but it would not fit a good size honey kissed ham. 

This parishilton sized purse for wolfie does not have a car charger connection; so my phone was off in this 2 piece chicken mcnugget container as I was screaming for help to get out.

What a joke.  I've not been a skinny guy for 35 years (since high school), but seeing me wedge the bulk of my 222 lbs., standing 6'2" with my cowboy boots on, and with my cowboy hat; it was quite the sight.

Well, at least the Ford Fetus was blue . . .

Bowling w/Paps

 

Recently (I can't remember the exact date), I treated this gang of 4 to an afternoon with Pappy (or Paps) as Ava is fond of saying.  We started the day at Panda Express for lunch, which, I do not think an ounce of food was left on their plates ~ they each love the fast Chinese.

 

We then went bowling.  The top picture shows them all waiting their turn.  WP on the edge of the chair with his leg crossed in the business man's leg cross.  Just exactly like I do; he is so precious.  I got so used to doing it when wearing a suit, that now it is the only way I ever cross my legs.

 

Ava was my little organizer.  She kept things 'rolling', and made sure that each one of us stayed in the proper bowling order.  She did a great job of it.  And you can see my little Spaz right there dressed in her imitation of Nini.  Exactly the same kind of sweaters than Nini wears year round.  Emma was so sweet on me that day; even with the sweater she was cold, but I was her heater.  She would roll her turn, then snuggle up in my lap for more warmth.  I loved it.

 

The scores:  Ava #1 both games; barely.  Caveman #2 both games.  WP #3, and Spaz #4.  Though we had gutter guards up, cave man did not hit the gutter guards one time, and was the one the most determined NOT to need Pappy's help.  Spaz though had the slowest ball.  It clocked in at a blistering 1.2 mph, and stopped on the alley once before hitting the pins.  I didn't know that was possible, but we had to have an attendant walk down the alley to retrieve her stopped ball.  After that episode, we each took turns coaching her to throw it between her legs as hard as possible; which I think boosted her speed to 1.8 mph on the foul line radar gun, but it was enough to make it to the pins . . .

 

The afternoon ended with them each inhaling multiple donuts and drinks at QT.  A perfect ending to a day with Paps.

 

I am so blessed.

Romeo @ Bass Pro

 

A few weeks ago, my little man got to spend the afternoon with me, and we didn't actually accomplish much, but to Owen, the day was perfect.  He got to spend it at Bass Pro for many-many hours.  This little man loves Bass Pro.  Every boat, lure, gun, fish, and four wheeler; he wants to touch, see, taste, and experience.  He was such an awesome boy for me that day.  We spent an hour plus just on the Arctic Cats; and wow, does he ever have the sounds down.  Amazing, like he was breed with them.

 

And yes, he was chasing skirts.  As usual . . .

 

And yes, I was constantly asked how old he was, and yes, every one's jaws dropped when I told them he was only 3; just a tall, and extremely intelligent 3 year old.  As you would agree too if you ever engaged him in a conversation.  His language skills will astonish you.

 

I love you Owen Michael, and looking forward to our next trip to BP.  Can we skip the pretty little blond 18 year old girls though that look like your Mom; as I'm really getting weary of watching you hone your Romeo skills.  It makes me jealous that it comes so natural to you, as I was 17 before I would even look at a girl, much less talk to them . . .

 

Oh well; you're da man, da cave man that is . . .

Father's Day

 

 

I am a blessed and happy man.  On Father's Day yesterday, my Mom & Dad were able to drive down, and this pic is Dad in the kitchen with me after I'd brought in the ribs from the smoker.  Dad devours my ribs, and yesterday was no exception.  He was the official taste tester, and deemed them worthy of consumption; and consumed they were (all 3 slabs) by all in attendance.

 

The other pic is of my baby girl Angela, a mere 32, and quite the stunner.  Both of my daughters are gorgeous, taking after their mom's breathtakingly beautiful good looks.  My older daughter Jackie was here too, but she escaped pictures.  As did the grandsons, and the granddaughters, and my Mom, and my wife, and my sons in laws.  Between fireworks (Pappy's treat), the US Open golf, the swimming, the sudden monsoon that dumped 2" of rain in an hour; it was a festive and busy Father's Day, and I cherished every bit of it.  

 

And I love it when I clean up on gifts too :-).  Pam treated me to artery clogging Chicken Fried Steak with a side of Barnes&Noble gift card the night before.  Thank you very much.  Angela & company will be sending me to several Cinemark movies courtesy of my favorite movie gift card.  Another Thank you very much.  And Jackie & company made sure that my iTunes account stays fully replenished with her gift card to me.  And one more Thank you very much.

 

I love my family, our love, our unity, that we all live close enough to each other; and that they wanted to spend the day with me and Nini.  It is after all Nini's house; I have absolutely nothing to do with it.

 

It was a Happy Father's Day for me.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Emma Jo!

This is my precious little Spaz.  My almost 5 year old Emma Jo.  We celebrated with a party last night a little sooner than her actual birthday due to family summer vacation trips.  Oh how much I love how this little girl gives me hugs!  She absolutely wins my award every year for best hug.  She puts her whole body into it.  And while her sweet little kisses are great too, it is her hugs that tug at me the most.  I remember hugging her Momma (and Aunt Jackie too) just like this for 100's, 1000's of times.  It never gets old.  It is never a regret.  It is a special treat, a bond, a love, and a show of affection that I will cherish all my life.  And one day, in not too many distant decades, I will continue the tradition by hugging Emma's kids the same way! You can bet on it. 

 

She received so many cute girlie gifts last night, and I do mean girlie.  There is not an ounce of doubt about my future beauty queens play thing leanings when it comes to all things girl.  Barbies and purses owned her attention last night. 

 

I love you Emma Jo.  Happy 5th Birthday!  - Pappy