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