Little Girls Grow Up

Friday was the Summer Solstice. Summer has started and Autumn will follow and before we have time to blink, the holiday season will upon us and a new year will come.

I know this is ridiculously close to a cliche', but the older I get, the faster those seasons seem to pass. Children that were little kids what seems like yesterday are driving cars and discussing college plans.

The passing of time can't be held back.

I've been a single Dad for 5 years. Dylan and Clinton were both in grade school when we started this thing, next year they will both be in high school. Zoe was 2 years old. She will turn 8 in just a couple of months.

I wish there was a way to bottle up these years and keep them safe on a shelf, to be taken out and treasured from time to time. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to pull out these years later, when we have the time to sit and savor them? Instead, I rush from project to project, weekend to weekend, trying to squeeze out a bit of relaxation and enjoyment between dinners and laundry, and track practices.

I need to remember that life isn't about the destination, it's about the journey.

I took this picture of Zoe and Molly this weekend.


When I downloaded it, my mind immediately flashed back to a picture of these same two girls that was taken 5 years ago. I wasn't sure where it was, but I found it on a back up disk this morning. When I compared the two pictures, I wept.

It goes so fast.




Enjoy everyday dear readers. Savor the moment. I'm going to try and take my own advice.

Is This a Good Thing?

Hmm . . .

I don't know how I should feel about this.

My all time favorite film in the entire world is being made into a musical.

If you've been reading this page for any length of time, you know my favorite film is A Fish Called Wanda.

On the one hand, I hate it when a classic is given an update or remade. AFCW is not just a classic, it is a perfect comedy film. The plot, the various subplots, the acting, the characters; All perfect.

On the other hand, It sure worked for Spamalot and The Producers, and I love musicals.

But how do you ever replace Kevin Kliene as Otto?

Discuss please.

h/t to Petulant

They're Back!

Just when you think it's safe to go into the backyard again. . . . .

They're back.

Yes, the dreaded puss caterpillar, AKA - asp, has made a reappearance at the castle grounds. I had these last year on my loquat tree. I noticed one this evening, and closer inspection revealed 7 of them. They were much tinier than last year's, but the fact that I have them two years in a row worries me. I obviously didn't get them all last year.

Ugh!

It's funny how all roads seem to lead back to Rene'. It was right after I made that post last year that she called me with hopes of reconciliation. I tried. God how I tried. We made it all the way to October.

I don't see that happening this year.

Rest In Peace, Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse has passed away.

This is how I'll always remember her. I wish they still made films this way. Could this be any more alluring? Could she be any sexier? Yet they show nothing.

Should You Vote Republican?

There are so many good ones in this clip, I can't pick a favorite.


Enjoy -



Well, OK - I think I like “I’m voting Republican because women just can’t be trusted to make decisions about their own bodies" the best.

Meanwhile, Back at the Castle . . .

I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat.

Will Rogers

Whew!

I owe you lots of updates.

The convention was exhausting. Truly, truly exhausting.

It was disorganized, it was frustrating, it was expletive-inducing.

I had a great time.


Brave Sir Robin actually is engaging in the untold luxury of calling in sick today. I actually didn't wake up until 11:30 this morning. You have no idea how utterly impossible it is for me to sleep past 6:30 on most days.

A few brief observations:

It is all about back room politics and deal cutting in our State Party.

Chelsea Clinton is very pretty in person. She is charming, intelligent and classy. She was the high-light of the weekend.

It is time for new blood in our (State) Party Leadership.

Clinton supporters were, individually very nice and willing to be gracious, collectively they were petulant and acted like spoiled 4 year olds who didn't get their way.

Alternates have way more fun than Delegates.

The size of the venue and the poor lighting means the pictures will probably be awful.

Next time I'm wearing sneakers and a backpack that will will hold food and water. The schedule made it impossible to eat, or even grab a bottle of water.

Molly Ivins is revered and missed.

Obama will be our next president.

You won't see diversity like this at a Republican convention.

Convention Update

I'm in Austin, I'm checked in to the Hotel, and I'm going to get credentials.

Assuming there is wifi in the Convention center, I'll try to live blog as much as I can of tonight's events.

Either way, I'll check back in later.

I'm Trying

Blogger has been screwed up all morning. I've been trying to post a few pictures from last weekend, but I've tried to make the post three times.

So, while I try to figure it out, go look at this.

Talk about, *SWOON* would I love to attend that.

Am I the only one interested?

Summer Basketball

Did I tell you about the summer basketball league?

Well, how about I do?

#3 son, Clinton eats, sleeps and breathes basketball.

Everyday.

He comes home from football, or track practice and shoots baskets in the driveway. I've seen him do it in the rain, in the dark, in the heat and in the cold.

So this year, he wants to be in a summer league. Most of his friends are doing it. Particularly, from my point of view, the desirable friends, are doing it. It didn't cost a lot of money, and they only practice on Sunday.

OK, we'll do it.

Well it turns out the team practices in Seadrift.

Seadrift is a little coasting fishing town about 2o miles from here. Practice is from 6:00 to 8:00 every Sunday.

I drive him there, drive back home, wait about an hour then turn around and go get him. Not really a very efficient way to do things. Week before last, practice was canceled. This week, I decided to stay in Seadrift while they practiced, so I could save the gas. Good thing I did. The coach never bothered to show up. He didn't call, didn't bother to let anyone know. Most of the kids on the team are from Port Lavaca. Everyone showed up except the coach. Lots of unhappy parents.

We are no longer in Summer League. Maybe next year.

But I did get a few pictures I like.

A little lagoon by the harbor.

Catamarans on the shore

Shrimp nets

Crab Traps

All fishing villages need a few resident artists

I've been trying to get this post up for a week, but blogger didn't like the pictures. Anyway, The coach was a flake, and driving all that way for nothing more than a couple of times is out of the question.

Especially on Sunday afternoon.

School's Out!!

Finally, the last day of school!!

Clinton had 8th grade graduation today. Dylan just had to show up and be counted. We are done until Fall.

Dad is ready for the (only slightly) slower pace that summer brings. It also brings extended visits to Mom.

Not so thrilled about that. I'll find ways to manage.

Meanwhile, here a few (clickable) pictures of the last day of school.

Zoe is glad school's out!

Dylan and Clinton on the last day!

After graduation, Clinton and Molly

Can we stop taking pictures yet?

Finally! A smile!

btw - I leave for the State Convention tomorrow!!! (Go Obama!) Stay tuned for updates on the convention!!