Christmas Eve

My wife has an open house for family and friends every year on Christmas Eve. She spends all day cooking and baking, heaven on earth to her way of thinking. I was gratified for her sake by all who braved a cold, snowy night to come by. Christmas jammies from Nana are another of her traditions. The Little Rat Pack hammed it up by playing"what do you want for Christmas" for the crowd. In my extreme youth I used to say I wasn't afraid of anything that stood upright and didn't bay at the moon. I would spend all day chasing the "reddish-brown chicken like game bird of the upland and forest edge". Or wade an icy cold stream trying to sneak up on what we called summer ducks down in Alabama(wood ducks to you Yankees). Not bragging, just sayin'. Now my heart stops at an irregular breath as they nap. I would rather play Candyland than bother the local bird life. Old age comes as a slowly descending mantle, but a comfortable one none the less. My daughter caught Ethan and me when we tried to hide in the back of the house and watch "Frosty the Snowman" You can see who has the remote. Anyway from a well and contented Granddad and the Little Rat Pack, wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year to you all.

From my crew to yours "HAPPY CHRISTMAS!"

Seek and ye shall find him

Kind of a strange week wasn't it? It is almost as if someone has thrown the doors to the asylum wide open. I'm pretty much non political by nature. It always amazes me when people are upset that a politician acts likes a politician. Palin kills a caribou and it outrages some media types. The only thing that bothers me is Bill Maher called it a moose. Research my boy. key to everything. Tuition goes up and protesters attack the oft-times misunderstood Prince of Wales and his Duchess. Like that will fix anything. Then tonight I see that some Iranian groups are upset that the US Navy sometimes refers to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf.I want to beat my head on the wall 'cause it's gonna feel so good when it quits hurting.I go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. There sitting on the floor register is 2 1/2 year old Ethan. Warm air is blowing all around him. I ask what are you doing. He looks at me like that is the silliest question he has ever heard. "I warming my pants Granddad". Serious as hell. You see instead of being upset at things that either don't concern me or I can't change,I should have been sitting on the kitchen floor with the one guy who knew what he was doing. I love you me little man.

About the other day

I received a comment I should have published, but I usually ignore anonymous ones. However this person brought up a couple of valid points. I wrote a long post defending myself, decided I didn't need to and deleted it. Remember Bobby Bowden's quote"If you don't like getting beat by my football team, get yourself a better team." Well my unknown friend, find a better blog to read. It won't be that hard to do. I was expressing my opinion based on my experience with women. Do I live up to these goals all the time? No,but I try.And I think I come close more than I miss. I'm only a retired government office manager. Reminds me of the time the government worker walked into the cannibal shop (bear with me).In the meat counter he sees a tray of government worker brains 50 cents a pound. Next to it government manager brains $10.00 a pound. Outraged and offended he demands to know why manager brains cost so much. The cannibal explains"You know how many managers you have to clean to get a pound of brains".That sums me up nicely.

How to please a woman

As I stated in a previous post(here) there are reasons why this won't be about sex. It is going to be about really pleasing a woman. Not too long ago I was fishing with a group. A couple of guys were grousing about women anchors on ESPN, sports being the last bastion of male dominance or so they thought. One fellow said "Women, we wouldn't even talk to them if they didn't have....", here I apologize for the vulgarity but I felt it necessary to my point. I told the man he really was a complete moron and went back to the water. Still his comment has stuck in my craw since then. Perhaps he was only joking, and didn't think that way.Trying to be macho and all that. Stupid thing to say in front of a father of three girls. I also remember my sister-in-law's first husband saying to her" That's OK her doesn't have to be smart, her pretty". She replied with a body shot that would have made "Smokin' Joe" Frazier proud. As I said first husband. So why is it some men just don't get it? Don't know. I do have a few ideas that if you keep reading you'll hear. Do woman want to be treated like sex objects? Yes, but only by the man they feel the same way about. Not by Leering Larry when they smile at him and say excuse me in the Starbucks line. Do women want to be your equal? No they want to be your partner sharing her strengths with yours. Well then wise guy, how do they want to be treated ? Just like you do pal. Like the person they are. Not classified as anything, just themselves.Not your pet or rival. And above all else remember Spencer Tracy's last line in "Adam's Rib" ......"Viva le Difference"

p.s. as I always say, like I know anything.

No Extra Words Needed

"I may sound old-fashioned,but I want to think all women should be treated like I want my wife,daughters and granddaughters to be treated. I realize today a lot more women are taking care of themselves than in the past, but no woman is offended by good manners"
-Frank Sinatra

Beyond my understanding

I "borrowed" this photo from a site called "Dos and Don'ts". I thought it was about good manners. It's not. It's disturbing.This young woman has had piercings up and down her back, and then threaded a ribbon through them. Supposed to look like a corset? At the base of my skull there is low, throbbing sound that pulsates in my brain.....why?

I sat in a large leather club chair, sipping single malt, watching the fire die down and wondering what the next day would bring.No I wasn't in a private club or a public one for that matter. I was in Dr Kennedy's den. If you remember any of my drivel you may recall his daughter and my best friend at the time, Kate. I have started posts about Doc, but have never got it right. His impact on my life is still hard to put into words.His sudden death still haunts me. But this is about a happy time. I had just been deposited in that chair by Kate after a night of celebration. For you see I was to be wed the next day. Doc had insisted I stay with them so I didn't have to worry about driving.He broke the silence by telling me that I would have many happy moments in my life,but not many would compare to the joy I would feel when I saw my bride come down the aisle to me." Remember and treasure that feeling" he advised,"and bring it to mind when needed". He stood wished me a good night and went to bed.He was right about the joy. I wish I could let him know how many times in the 35 years since I have used his advice to calm myself. Thanks Doc. Oh yeah Happy Anniversary tomorrow Elaine!

A Question of Ethics?

I was crossing the parking lot of our local Kroger yesterday. Ethan, who you may remember from a previous episode is the junior member of Little Rat Pack, in tow. At our 11 o'clock were two ( here I must share the dilemma I had in naming these two. That they were not ladies became painfully obvious. To qualify as women you should display some of the physical traits that God has disposed on one of His greatest designs. Strike two. So for the purpose of this silly rant they will be known as...) females. The Alpha female was shouting into her cell phone as she strode along. With a gait and a voice that would have made a Camel smoking truck driver proud. Both were sporting the new "10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound sack" look for fall. Do you see what I mean about womanly traits?
Her side of the conversation was "Yeah she wanted to know where her f##king cake was! She gits them vegetables and s##t from that damn church or some s##t and don't give me none and then she wants a f##king cake" Now here is the ethical question, does she have an expectation of privacy? Would I have been allowed to interject a "you go girlfriend" or a "hey moron two year old here put a cork in it"? Alas I may never know. I was trying to go to my happy place.I realized I might take her in a fair fight, but should never expect to get one. In a too loud voice I told Ethan that there went an extremely rude person.I was ignored or unheard by old potty mouth.Ethan's reply from the cart was "Where's the cookies?!?" Carpe Cookie me little man, indeed.

Mad Men Theme Song ... With a Twist

Loosen your tie or kick off your high heels. Pour a drink and lean back. The singer is Allison Williams. She is performing Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" while "A Beautiful Mine" (Mad Men Theme)is played. So cool.

This and That

A very interesting lady who writes"'Cross the Pond "gave me the "Cherry on Top" award. Thank you, I am very flattered. You should visit and follow as she adapts to her new life in England, sometimes serious and sometimes funny, but always interesting.I have to share what I would change about my life if I could. I often wish I had followed my childhood dream and became a marine biologist.Instead my Big Ten years were spent pursuing good times. Studying would have cut into this goal. But then again I would have never met my wife, no wonderful daughters or the Little Rat Pack. Life is full of trade-offs.
Next up there was a spirited debate on two blogs I sometimes visit. Tattoos and the reason for. One point made was that there is no social diversion any longer on who has one. Well in my little slice of the rust belt there still is. I realize that these two gentleman live in metropolitan environments, while I reside in a backwater one. (We were quite dismayed when the news came in last week that apparently the Empire of Japan attacked our Navy base in the Hawaiian Territory.)Then I go to pick up Gabe after school. In the cafeteria full of K-4 children, teachers and parents there is a man with many tattoos covering his upper body. An aside here aren't those things rather costly? Wouldn't the money be better spent on new shoes for his two Mohawk wearing sons? I digress. Since he is wearing a torn wife-beater, that name speaks volumes doesn't it, we were all treated to a very large tattoo of a male demon graphically performing a sex act on a female angel inked on his left shoulder blade. Here is where I wish to join the dissuasion. Mary, Jesus and Joseph who raised you? Have all the tats you want, but know when some need to be concealed. This is here the division exists.Not between the inked and the non-inked,but between those who show a little class and those who act as though raised by wolves( my apologies to the wolves).
Oh,the photo is my son-in-law Joe and the Little Rat Pack embarking on a row "'cross the pond". May the Good Lord watch over them and instill a little common sense.

This Dude

Sat down yesterday, and made the mistake of turning on the television. What a cornucopia of libertines,scalawags and nere-do-wells! Then I hit the C-SPAN button. I don't like this channel much, it reminds me of how moribund our Legislative branch is, or is it just me? Any way there was a call-in show in progress.The guest was in a dark blue sack suit, light blue button down shirt,red patterned bow tie and a pocket square. He was extremely knowledgeable and handled each call in an intelligent and sometimes witty manner. His name is David Hawkings, the editor of CQ Weekly. He is not a celebrity in the world of pundits.I really couldn't tell you his politics. Mr Hawkings answered with facts so it's hard to tell. It took me two days to find a picture of him. I guess I just wanted you all to know there are still some people like this around, thank the Lord.

The Family Curse

It has long been the bane of the males in our clan to be so manly as to cause weak hearted women to swoon. OK maybe it just started with my Grandsons, but its definitely here now. The part of being manly that is missing with so many young men today is self confidence. The obscene lack of respect for women I think stems from this. They feel the need to abuse women to boost their own egos. Both mental and physical abuse ( to me there is no difference, both should carry a horsewhipping penalty) seem almost expected today. I know psychological issues are extremely complicated, but one factor has to be a sense of self-reliance. Instead of cratering to their every need show them how to do it. Iron your own shirt. sew that button on yourself,and for the love of Mike put down the game controller and make a sandwich. Now before you grab torches and pitchforks and storm my castle, I know I'm preaching to the choir here. What I've seen posted from those that I commune with here, makes me honestly believe you folks know what I'm talking about.I'm only venting to calm down a bit. I swear some grown up men still have their butts wiped and powdered for them. One of my character traits I hope the Little Rat Pack does not get from me is acting like I know anything.

A Grand Lady

http://thedailyprep.blogspot.com/2010/09/are-jeans-preppy-imo.html
I recently came across a delightful site I just had to share. A wonderful lady who is a New England Yankee through and through. Ms Aldrich speaks her mind in well thought out and written posts.Direct and honest, you know she would be just as enjoyable at a dinner party as at the Farmers Market. Her insight about a traditional lifestyle shows that there are still people who wish to live their lives with grace and dignity. Which, if you have ever read my ramblings, you know is my ongoing quest.From the photos she posts she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Please even if this Preppy style is not for you take a moment to visit her. Go through her archives. I think you will be as happy as I was to see even with the Barbarians at the gate, all is not lost.

What it should be about!

My wife and I watch to LLWS every year.



He got the batter to hit into a ground out to end the game.

A Prideful Child

Ethan is helping his father and me with a project at his house.His mother captured the moment when he was asked if he wished to go to the lumberyard.He wore the hard hat the whole time. One of the things I have changed my son in law's thoughts on is Big Chain vs the local boys. You should buy your lumber where someone knows a treated 2X4 is more than a good place to stub out your Marlboro when you see the boss coming. We go to Main Hardware a lot,it happens to be on Main St.Come on how Leave it to Beaver can you get? Loose screws in paper bags, free red flag on your load and a nail apron given to generation 3 as we leave.I hope there is something like this near you, I pray there is something like this when Ethan has grown.

A Sappy Musing

I suppose some of you may have heard of the blog "The Trad",written by Tin-Tin. I don't always agree with(maybe understand would be the right word here) what he says, but he sure knows how to say it. I'm telling you this to give him credit for a phrase I'm going to steal. "Before you run out of time to live". This thought is very pragmatic. No flowers or cliches,just a straight up fact. Like all facts, it is what you do with it that matters. I plan on going along as I always have, because I sort of like what I'm doing. In the photo above is Gabe and my Immortal Beloved( I stole another phrase!)He's her boy and he just adores her. I smile and chuckle whenever I look at it. I guess my point is don't feel that you have not done much with the time you have used.There is no need to hurry your life along,just enjoy it as it comes at you. Sappy I know, but a lot of life is just that,sappy.

Thank you all for your kind words, they helped.

I just want to let those of you who offered your thoughts and prayers for my sister Rena White know that she passed peacefully this past Wednesday. It was a long battle with breast cancer. It is hard to understand why. If you can please try to support the research for this horrible disease. And for those you love get checked.

The book give away

Glengarry Sporting Club won the drawing, Please send your address to becdad@gmail.com and I'll get it out to you. I hope the rest will take a look at this novel if you've never read it.Thank you all for your interest!

Main Line Sportsman has bestowed "The Super Comment" award upon me. He is one of the "Good Guys" . His site is very interesting and he leaves some great comments on other sites.I am flattered, and will try to answer the questions, but I can not promise it will be interesting.

1) Why do you blog?
This is a much more poignant question for me than you might think. I started out just venting into cyberspace and really hoping no one would ever read my site.I began to connect with many like minded people and was really enjoying myself. It was delightful to see that the world had not turned into a giant collection of scumbags as I had feared. Then I noticed many were saying the same things as my posts,but so much better than I ever could.Some things bear being said as often as is possible, others not so much. Many of my posts were, I admit ,pretty sappy.I was expressing how I felt about people who meant a great deal to me. I truly believe a man's real riches are measured in his loved ones.Still it was sappy. One blog I followed shut down and advised his readers to "get out and talk to some real people". I thought that's what I was doing. Then another fellow posted that bloggers were "self promoting sad sacks" ( this from a guy who posts almost daily) OK, I have no argument with the self promoting part. Isn't that one of the things that most writers do? And bloggers are writers, at different levels of talent to be sure, but writers all the same. So you ask why do I blog? Because I flippin' enjoy it, and as long as I continue to enjoy it I will type away, even if no one reads it.

2) 3 best memories
I have had many blessings in my life and many happy memories. Births, graduations, weddings and a really long downhill shot on a Ruffed Grouse in '89. Far and away my favorite was a warm summer night with a beautiful girl. Walking through a stand of Ponderosa pine, smell of the crushed needles under our feet. She took the engagement ring and put it on before I could ask, but I always took that as a yes. Only 36 years ago, only yesterday.

3) If you had to change your name
I would use my mother's maiden name, Ferguson.

4) 5 things I could not live without
Well my family to be sure, other than that I don't know. Perhaps the knowledge that there are still decent people who live their lives class and grace. To think the whole world had gone over to the Dark Side would be unbearable.

5) 4 best books I've read
The Old Man and The Boy
Green Hills of Africa
The Confederacy of Dunces
Texasville

6) Unique and interesting fact
I'm not trying to be modest, but I ain't got one.

7)Love best about yourself
My relationship with my grandsons, I think my whole life was geared for this.

8) Best movie ever made
The Quiet Man

9) Change places with someone
Gen. Chuck Yeager

Sorry MLS it took so long to comply, but I had fun doing it, thanks

I will pass it on as soon as check to see if they have already done this.

My first( and quite likely last) giveaway

I was given a copy of this book by a Catholic priest at the school I coached soccer at about 1982 or 3. The story behind it is almost as intriguing as the book. Toad posted about it awhile back,read it here. If you don't know Toad take some time to read his archives. This man will make you laugh, smile,cry and sigh. but most importantly he will make you think.If you don't know the book, well it's not for everyone. I've heard and read many reviews and interpretations on it.I'll let you decide for yourself. but it's one of my favorites. Now for the big giveaway. I found this near mint copy in the "3 for a buck, 50cents for 1" box at a used book store. All comments will be given a number and a winner drawn randomly next Friday.. If you've never read it or want to read it again here's your big chance.

My Baby

It was 32 years ago today I was standing next to my wife's hospital bed, going through all the Lamaze stuff and nearly dying with anticipation at the coming of our first child. The Doctor came in and smiled, time to check again. Suddenly the smile was gone and he begin giving orders that ended in "stat". I kept asking and he kept ignoring me. Finally a nurse told me the baby was breech."You just checked her yesterday, you said it was normal, what you don't know a head from a butt!" My Irish had risen. Still ignoring me he told the nurse to remove me. OK now I'm good and pissed and told the nurse to get several large orderlies, they would be needed if I was going anywhere. In all this confusion my suddenly very young and small wife said calmly "Please go", I left. I made a solemn vow to myself, win. lose, or draw I was going to kick that Doctor's butt. I've been afraid many times, but never so helplessly afraid.The nurse came out to say my wife still wanted to try a normal birth, but everything was ready if they needed a C section.Fourteen lifetimes later the nurse reappeared and asked if I wanted to see my daughter. The old granddaughter of a Kentucky tobacco farmer had done it the hard way. And I hugged and thanked the Doctor, I had a lot of growing up to do myself. This was about the only drama she caused us. A wonderful child , a successful adult and a loving daughter. Plus she gave us Ethan, charter member of the Little Rat Pack. Happy Birthday Bird I love ya.

addendum

I wish to comment further about yesterday's post. The photo I chose was from a series that showed Mr Nicholson away from the water talking to people, eating a sandwich and still shirtless. I probably should have used one of these photos to illustrate my point. I would expect a person to look as he did as he left the water, however I personally would have put a shirt on immediately. But then again I don't swim much anymore.The post wasn't supposed to be about Jack, rather on one of my pet peeves, inappropriate behavior.Was this photo an invasion of his privacy? Yes I suppose it was. The debate about celebrity rights will never be settled. We are after all primates and as such seem to enjoy a good train wreck. Can you imagine FDR running for President in the 21st century?

Mea Maxima Culpa

Hello my name is James and I am a snob. Its been 2 days since my last snotty comment. But this shot of Jack Nicholson knocked me right off the wagon. I read a tale about a grumpy old man years ago. He was in church with his wife when a particularly homely young lady walked to her pew. " Good lord is she double-damn ugly", he commented a little loudly. " Hush, she can't help it,poor dear" his wife replied. "No, but she could stay home!" I know a terrible thing to say or even think. But in a lesser degree there is some wisdom in it. Jesus, Mary and Joesph, put a shirt on Jack. Despite what that XX beer says,old men are just that....old men. Act like a grown up.What makes me an authority ? Because I am becoming an old man. I stopped wearing tee sirts awhile back. I would never go shirt less anywere. It's like tatooed butts hanging out of cut off jeans, no one wants to see it.Common decency would dictate that some things, no make that many things, are not meant to be shared.As I've said before if NASCAR shirts and jeans are you then that's great. But wear them with style, or at least in your size. I guess maybe I'm the one who should stay home.

This Old Hat

Fair warning, I'm going to get a bit overly sentimental. Look away if you are not in the mood. I put this hat on for the first time in 1991. My baby girl and I were in a gift shop at Disney World. In her 7 year old frankness she told me,"Daddy you don't look good in hats, but I like this one. You should buy it." So I did. Yes it is the Indiana Jones Stetson fedora. Hey it is a Stetson! Did it make me feel like Harrison Ford? No, not in the slightest. It reminds me of my grandfather who wore one all the time even when fishing or mowing the lawn. Somehow the hat made him an important man in my young eyes. It brings back memories of Southern men in white shirts and gray pants tipping their hats at my mother on the streets of Augusta and saying things like" Sure gonna be a warm one today ma'am". Wiping the sweatbands and their foreheads with a handkerchief before donning it again. A time and place long gone I'm afraid.
I wore it fly fishing and some bird shooting. To hunting camps where like minded men were gathered. I always liked how it smelled of leather,woodsmoke and dogs for awhile afterwords. Didn't wear it much in the "normal" world. Not enough brass I guess. It's set in the garage for a bit. I put it on while doing some yard work the other day. The reason I suck in oxygen commented how I looked like an old man. "Yes ",I replied," but a strikingly stylish old man." A humph was her answer. I'm only gonna give her another 35 years to straighten up or I'm outa here.

PS For you that might remember an earlier post that is not my father in law's desk. This old roller top belonged to my great grand father Huey Ferguson. Another post some day. And yes Toad I swiped your picture for the background on #2 monitor, hope you don't mind.

One of the Good Guys

This Brad with Gabe. Yesterday was Brad's birthday and Gabe baked him a giant cupcake. Brad and my daughter have been buddies since Kindergarten. When he finished school his dad offered him a job at his company. Brad said he wanted to be a Marine. So he did just that. After Afghanistan he came home and took that job with dad. And became one of Gabe's heroes. It's a long story why my daughter is a single mother. Everyone's life has some drama in it,I won't bother you with mine. Her new partner is a fine man that Gabe loves dearly. But she has also let a few others help in his mentoring.Brad is a tall, strong and silent type.God knows what he saw over there. We kind of know what the Corps taught him. But not this. As he held Gabe he hugged him and told Gabe that he made him feel special. And that's the reason for the grin and the thumbs up. Oh yeah one of the good guys.

A Good Cause

If you have never visited The Bottom of the Ironing Basket and met Simone you really should. Her blog is a joy to behold, with wonderful photos and interesting posts. She will become a highlight in your blogging day. But that aside, she is doing something beyond the blogging world. She is running to raise money to fight breast cancer. I'm not going to lecture on this cause, I have a sister fighting this battle. I'm just asking you to consider going here and making a donation to her goal. You can use Paypal. Thanks

Eureka!

About mid morning yesterday I had a post all written in my head. Lord knows there is lots of free space in my cranium. It was to be a fiery rant about this woman I had observed in action. She was the perfect storm of bad manners colliding with a front of pure "lack of breeding", followed by a strong disturbance of mean and ugly. Then a few things were tossed my way by what ever fates have jurisdiction over the Great Rust Belt. While shopping I came across a young man, 20 something, helping his elderly mother. Tall, lean and handsome, he was wearing a brown herringbone jacket, tattersall shirt, jeans and deck shoes. He had it going on. A calm spot in a sea of tee shirted turmoil.

Then I went to my favorite thrift shop to find a replacement TV for Gabe's bedroom. What do I spy? New in the box still wrapped in tissue paper with a $175.00 price tag? Johnston and Murphy Cervino boots in oxblood. No way they would be... YES my size! For $6.99! As I headed for the check out what do I see on the $.99 rack? A genuine madras shirt,again in my size, staring seductively back at me. I scurried (OK, I'm too big and old to scurry but you know what I mean) home with my loot. I grabbed a cup of coffee and turned on the TV. Now comes the eureka bit. Regis and Kelly pop up and I prepare to change the channel. Then Regis says he feels the need to name the genre of style to which he belongs. He dubs it "geezer chic" I love it, its me.

PS

I remembered Gabe's TV.

Old Navy sweater

I guess I should start warning you to look away if you are tired of photos of the Little Rat Pack. I sometimes forget that not everyone adores them as I do. But its my blog so.....here's Ethan. A manly hooded sweater with elbow patches from, as I said, Old Navy. And yes those are Chuck One Stars. As ADG says. shut up! Gabe is suited up for opening day, which was last Saturday. He went 2 for 2 so he is wearing a big grin. It was cold and windy, but a good time was had by all.

Free Ronald

They are going to ban toys in happy meals way out yonder in Calyforny. There is another group that claims Ronald McDonald is evil. Never mind he also represents Ronald McDonald House, a wonderful charity. He is making America's children fat. Lets outlaw salt while we're at it. People its called "personal responsibility ". Fast food doesn't make kids fat. It's parents who can't or won't say no who make kids fat.
What brought this rant on happened at Gabe's dentist office today. A young lad of about 4 decided to leave the waiting room . His mother told him to come back to her or he would be sorry. He thought about it and continued out the door. She caught him and gave him a quick, light swat on the rump and put him in his chair. After a momentary howl, he seemed to accept his fate and sat there quietly. Was this a Marlboro smoking, 300lb Wal-mart queen? No it was a very pretty and well dressed young lady. Was everyone else "outraged and offended"? No we all figured the little rascal got what he asked for. For you see she had given him a choice," personal responsibility " and had shown him that there were consequences for making the wrong choice. Now do I think whooping the tar out of a child is a good idea? No of course not, never. What I'm talking about is showing a child that they are accountable for their actions. So perhaps when they grow up they will realize that cramming that second Big Mac into their gullet may not be a good idea, but they are the ones deciding the issue. Like I always say, what do I know.

A person of interest

I have been tagged by Sara In LE Petit Village . So now I'm "it". Sara Louise is delightful, entertaining, and some times just a little mischievous. She followed her true love back to his native Provence. She posts such interesting topics from the small French village she calls home. From her learning to drive over foreign roadways to her fear of Zombie Nazi Ghosts she is a very insightful writer. Take a moment and go visit her site. Follow her, her dog Fifty and the Boyfriend ( sorry now the Husband) in some really enjoyable times.

I'm supposed to answer ten questions, some don't really apply to an old man. I'll do my best.

1) Who's your style icon?
I used to have one, now who was it?.......I KNOW! Lady Ga-Ga! OK, anyone who has had the patience to read my junk probably knows its really Edward Herrmann. The absolute master of class and good taste.

2) What is your favorite socialite book?
I have no idea, but my favorite book of all time is Robert Rourak's " The Old Man and the Boy"

3) Favorite party theme?
Grandson birthday

4)Go to Halloween costume?
I can not imagine any set of circumstances that would have me donning a costume.

5) Extravagance you can't live without?
Frisch's Big Boys

6) Living person you most admire?
That would have to be Mike my firefighter brother in law. I wrote about him before, suffice it to say he is the epitome of a hard working man.

7) Greatest fear?
On a day to day level I have almost an obsession about being late. I can not abide tardiness in others and will just about kill myself trying to avoid it.

8)Trait you deplore in yourself?
I hate that I can be a snob about the silliest things.(see #4 above). I really am a very tolerant and understanding person . Then I see someone in a "Ain't Skart" tee shirt, gray cotton shorts and about 40lbs of backside hanging out the bottom of the shorts and poof ! I'm in snob mode. I wish I'd stop that!

9) Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to articulate the English language properly.

10) Greatest achievement ?
Being part of the Little Rat Pack's gene pool (albeit the shallow end) my grandsons are my true joy.

Sorry to Sara Louise that this took so long to post, but it was fun thank you. And an apology to
everyone I bored to tears. Sara Louise made me do it.

Now I'm supposed to tag some bloggers, but I will do that later. I am planning a little twist to the process.

The furnace kicked on last night, always a depressing sound. I had to cover plants, hope the lilac tree survived. Then my oldest daughter sends me this photo of Ethan from two days ago when it was in the 80s. Instant joy. She teaches first grade and someone gave a party for a little girl who is moving away. Ethan is showing off his new sandals. He has a handful of party favors he got from the girls. In the Little Rat Pack he is Frank to Gabe's Dean. Ah...... gather ye party favors while ye may.

Again. no words

no words needed

FanHouse TV: Mickelson the Anti-Tiger (Click on this link)

Equal time

Since Ethan got the spotlight last time I thought I'd show the other member of the Little Rat Pack. He looks a little spacey because he just ran 5 laps around the yard to prove he could do it. He has his Grandmother's Irish stubborn streak. It's not a bad thing necessarily. She won't back down an inch once she has made a stand. You sort of learn to work around it. For the most part she has keep us all grounded. I hope that my boys learn that lesson. Tempered with the common sense to know when to compromise. There is a time to draw a line in the sand and a time to step back and work things out. Adult decisions need to be well informed and thought out. Not just paying lip service to some platitudes tossed your way. Oh well like I know anything. He is a cutie though if I say so myself.

From my crew to yours, HAPPY EASTER!

Thank you Lily Lemontree!

I have been so busy with the little Rat Pack during Spring Break that I was remiss in thanking Lily. She gave me the wonderful opportunity to write on her blog about my style icon Edward Herrmann.
I've mentioned her before, but it can not be said too much . This lady is a joy to visit. Always up beat and interesting, she is one of the people you need to unwind with after a day out in the world!
If you don't know her please go now and enjoy! http://lilylemontree.blogspot.com

A gentle nudge

I arose this morning feeling quite pleased with myself for no particular reason. The sun was out, the first cup of coffee was all that I had hoped for and Angus the Scottie had made it through another night with no surprises. After the shave and shower I dressed in my favorite ensemble.
Plain front khakis, blue button down, and cordovan leather belt for starters. Then pulled weejuns over argyle socks. Man I was styling. Put on the aviator shades and drove down to the local shopping emporium to run a few errands. As I swung my leg out of the car, I felt a rush of cool air in my knickers! I had failed to zip up after my last visit to the head. Thank you Lord I got the message. I was suitably humble the rest of the day.

Erin go bragh

A pair of tourists were driving through rural America. One a fine gentleman from London, the other an Irish farmer. As luck would have it their car broke down. They found a small farm just as darkness came upon them. The owner welcomed them , but explained there was only room for one in the house. Someone would have to sleep in the small barn with the pigs. Always the gentleman the Londoner said he would sleep in the barn. A short time after they all had settled down for the night there was a knock at the door. It was the Gent explaining that the snores and the awful smell of the pigs was all too much. The Irishman said he'd go, after all he was a farmer and used to pigs. Everyone had just gotten to sleep when there was another knock at the door. It was the pigs.
An old joke I know, but then so am I. Happy St Patrick's Day!

latin lesson

I have been so sappy( I can't think of another word for it) lately I decided to share the dark side. I give you "The Look". I am looking at one of my chowder-headed nephews. He has incurred my wrath by giggling at the start of my daughter's wedding. The giggling ceased. This look freezes runaway toddlers, quiets meowing cats and makes growling dogs cower.It has wrenched confessions from errant teenagers,some of them had done nothing wrong. It is a power I don't take lightly. Of course it helps that I'm 6' 4" , 275lbs., kinda like Lurch. Well OK a lot like Lurch. I should mention all it gets from my wife is a snort, not very becoming I remind her ( yeah right!) .
Oh the Latin lesson, supercilious : having or displaying disdain or haughtiness. From the Latin supercilium meaning eyebrow, as in arched. The arched part always amazed my daughters when they were little. They tried so hard to arch their eyebrows I would lose my momentum and smile at them. Sigh.....so much for Mr Tough Guy.

PS: My wife doesn't know I blog!

For some strange reason I was remembering the first time my mother meet my wife. We had just started to date ,this is right after the previously mentioned Notre Dame game. My mother had come north to see her mother, my sainted red headed Irish grandmother. Mom commented later"How old is that child? She can't be more than 16!" She was 20, to this day I don't think my mother believed me. They never hit it off too well. Mom was a big fan of my first betrothed,even though she dumped me on Christmas Eve! My wife has always looked about ten years younger than she is. People always commented how she didn't look old enough to have a child in high school, college, etc. . Another comment I heard often was" How did you end up with her?" What can I say, clean living and fancy footwork.
I guess what started this was watching her sleep last Sunday morning. Sunlight is a cruel illumination in the morning. Every flaw seems to be highlighted. Time has begun to catch up.Yet she seemed to me to still be as lovely to look at as she had been 37 years ago. Now what I see is the strong loving woman who has accomplished so much. Is she a saint,no hardly. Can she be a real bitch, you betcha. Of course I usually give her a good reason. What she is can be summed up nicely, she's my wife. I know this post is so sappy it's probably making some of you sick to your stomachs. But those of you who have that someone in your life, you get it. In this age of Letterman and Woods people need to celebrate the true relationship . If you're going to leave a comment, make it about your mate. For those of you with upset stomachs I am truly sorry, on so many levels.

This past Saturday my favorite nephew got married to the most delightful young woman. They made a lovely couple. They were both athletes in college. He played baseball and she was a swimmer. The wedding took place in a beautiful Catholic church in a quaint college town. However what I'm gonna remember best is what these two photos show.
Gabe's Mom dressed him in the cord blazer. When he came out to the car he had added the scarf and shades. Come on now for a seven year old that's styling!
The other is of the men's room at the reception . These heads went all around the room. There is only one shot, because after the flash went off I realized the stall was occupied. I quietly got the hell out of there. Good times.

It is a very, very fine line between sharing your thoughts and being a painfully boring old man. I seem to skate back and forth. So to avoid being the latter I present Ethan in his brown herringbone vest. He is nearly two, hard to believe. Some of you may remember what my daughter went through to have him. Life is so sweet when I hear "Ganda". Yes you guessed it,I am a well and contented man.

Remember Honor?

I'm kind of old fashioned, hence the title of my site. I was raised to believe that honor was an important part of what it meant to be a man. As a young man I thought that there was a simple formula to being honorable, a kind of checklist. As I aged of course I came to realize that nothing in this veil of tears is that simple. Certainly not what it takes to be an honorable man. If you dig deep enough almost everyone has done something less than honorable. Our wonderful media makes a holy quest out of that job. Perfection does not exist in this life. We all make mistakes in judgment. No I'm not doing a mea culpa. I save that for Mass. So what's the answer? Once again damned if I know. I just know that wrong feels wrong. But somewhere someone had to show you what is wrong behavior. I think that is where we most fail as a society. Some things are natural I guess, but most values have to be taught. Honesty, work ethic, a sense of decency, all theses things and more must be taught and shown by example. But in the mix you need to add one very important virtue. When someone stumbles and is bowed and bloodied like old Y A in the photo above you must have the ability to stretch out your hand and sincerely say "I forgive you".
So "Teach your children well!"

Late night musings

Ethan in an old Army Campaign hat he loves.












I'm setting at my father in law's old desk. It was on its way to my sister in law's barn after he died. I hadn't given it any thought I was trying to be a good in law and stay out of the way. One night my two nephews showed up at house. "Mom thought you might get more use out of this than the barn cats". They had the desk and I had a lump in my throat. I had so many conversations with him while he set behind that desk. My wife, as a child, had napped at his feet under it while he read. Some how I feel wiser sitting here, like he was. I've talked about him before. I think he liked me, I was the only son in law he talked to under his breath. A couple of his son in laws I could tell he didn't like much. They'd tell him something and he'd smile after they left and say"Well, he told it for the truth didn't he?" It was at this desk he told me he was sick of all the fuss over my upcoming wedding and briskly asked how much did I want to elope. A year later we sat there as he gently asked me not to take his daughter to that far off land of Alabama. He was good and strong like this old desk. I'm being overly sentimental I know, but this year he has been gone ten years and I still miss him . He was the kind of grand father I try to be, my daughters adored him. What really set me off was Ethan crawled between my feet and feel asleep under the desk today.

Snow Days

What does a member of the Little Rat Pack do on a snow day? They each spent an exciting day with their mothers. I am so glad that they have that in their lives. To grow up male without a mother to help teach you how to really be a man must be tough.

Speaking of interesting women, I'd like to thank Bonjour Romance for the mention on her blog. Her motto is"put a little ooh la la in your life". Her blog delightfully helps you do just that. And yes BR I did agree.

We are not alone.

When did our society forget the difference between a right and a privilege? The old Founding Fathers used a phrase I like,"the pursuit of Happiness". Since they capitalized it they must have thought it important. As with all things written you can interpret it many ways I suppose. I had a very cynical history professor say that in Ben Franklin's case Happiness could well have been the name of a Philadelphia hooker. Not very amusing, but then I did say he was a cynic. Some seem to think it means if it makes me happy I have a right to it, or as is so popular these days, I'm "entitled". I could start a list, but where would it end? I think the point many miss is the pursuit part. You have the right to work to become happy. No one is going to give it to you for free, nor should they. What I'm working up to is I think that most of us feel this way and live this way. I do have many examples to prove it. I'd like to share one with you. A while back I used a quote about a real man goes to work, and comes home each night. Well that is this man. His blog is a wonderful journal sharing his day and wardrobe selection. He is one well dressed, hard working man.take a moment and if you don't already know him go to Delaware Blue Blazer and meet Brian. It will make you realize you're not alone. If you don't mind I'd like to mention others every so often. It restores my faith.

Thank you Toad

Thanks to Toad's suggestion I called my son in law and now know how to post links! I will try not to abuse the privilege. For those of you that wish to meet a fantastic sense of style , Lily Lemontree, please go here . If you would like to see a photo of how pretty my baby is then go here for Beth Dunn, another super woman's blog. But don't forget to see my last blog, showcasing Gabe.
I thank you!

Ode to Joy

Can there be any higher joy than a child happily at play? I think as we age we forget that feeling. To some even "play" is a competition, My son in law has a friend who loves to say " He who dies with the most toys, wins". I tried to explain the irony to him. "But you're dead, what did you win exactly?". "Huh?" was his reply. Sad. Is a romp on the beach fun with a cell phone in your ear, or a laptop on your blanket? I guess for some it is necessary, at least they think so. "Smell the roses" has gotten kind of corny I suppose, but hey put the cell phone down and catch that little boy and his kite. Gabe got it airborne finally. His proud grin was a treasure. Once again I was a well and contented man


I would like to thank Lily Lemontree for featuring me on her blog. She often posts photos of well known people in wonderful clothes. If you want to spend some time at a classy joint, she's your lady!

Its coming

This is for all of you that are yearning for summer . The Little Rat Pack at lunch. Judging from my wife's decor it must be around The 4th. I wonder what they're planing. Casino hold-up,wild weekend at Tahoe, no Gabe was telling Ethan to hurry up and finish lunch. Nana promised ice cream if they are both clean- platers. Oh the "lazy days" of summer

Saturday musings

So I'm waiting patiently at the store today. I need some enchilada fixins . I making a roast tonight and I make some killer beef enchiladas with the leftovers. A young lady is standing right were I need to be. She turns , smiles shyly and says"Oh excuse me " and moves on. That simple act of good manners made my day. She joined a male companion at the end of the aisle. My conservative nature thinks it's her husband,but in this day and age who really cares? That they joined hands and smiled at each other is the most important issue. I grouse about our Wal-Mart society a lot. But if you look and be patient you will see little points of decency here and there. Just as there "will always be an England " there will always be good people. Oh that's a portrait of Myrna Loy. I suppose no relevance,but then again maybe. Don't you think she would have acted the same way 70 years ago as my young lady did today? So maybe, just maybe some young lady will smile at another old man 70 years from now. Lord I hope so.

Talking Points

Relax, I only have two. First off, you may remember from previous episodes that this Ethan. He is the son and heir of my oldest daughter. On Thursdays and Fridays his parent's work schedules require day care. It is my great joy to provide it. Last Friday Ethan went straight to the kitchen and in a very soft voice asked"cookie?" Now go back to the photo and I ask you, could you say no? His Mom was going out the door, so I handed him an Oreo. Now the little rat finds his volume and yells"COOKIE!" Back comes Mom and needless to say I'm busted. "Tell me you didn't give him a cookie at 8 am?!" Well I ignored the obvious retort and explained I brush his teeth at 9 every morning and his meals are healthy and well eaten. She sighs ( she's known me for 30 years after all) and tells me no more cookies in the morning. I reply then you'd better take some place else in the morning! Well I would have except for the fact I knew she needed to get to work and had no time for debate. Yeah that's it. Ethan and I had a long talk on loyalty and conspiracy. Then I gave him a double latte and a puppy before his Dad picked him up.
The second point is I wish to thank Beth at Social Climbers for posting an interview with me.
She has a very well done and popular blog, come to think of it she is very well done and popular as well. I just want to brag about the pretty blonde on my arm in the photo. She's my Baby Becca. Its her wedding day and one of the happiest of my life. Member of The National Honor Society and an All State catcher in fastpitch softball , she was our tomboy( is that PC anymore?Wait I don't care). The man she married took her to a city far away. She calls me almost everyday and that helps.