California Dreamin’
As I sit here in my office, watching the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin (and await the potential arrival of Hurricane Dean) flood parts of my city (5 inches of rain in 2 hours), create a multitude of traffic accidents, and high water rescues I am somehow strangely reminded that it’s time to get back to the business of this blog, stand up straight, pay attention and show some appreciation of my handful of readers out there who express some level of interest in our life here in Texas.
As many of you know, I’ve recently returned from a visit to California, a really pleasant visit with my folks, 2 concerts and a chance to see some of my favorite cousins, aunts, uncles, and relatives. To those who were there, it was a great pleasure to see everyone in a casual atmosphere, it was quite reminiscent of our Sundays at Mom and Pop’s and that is something I terribly miss. As trite and repetitive as those visits had often become, they now have become some of my fondest memories and some of my most missed times.
Mom & Dad really went all out, had Kris and I running all over town picking up dessert tray, goodies, cheesecakes, cookies, regular cakes and nearly every dessert imaginable. Dad made his world famous sangria punch (always a hit), and Mom busted her hump (for weeks prior) in the yard and in the house, ensuring everyone had plenty to eat, plenty to drink and a comfortable place to sit. A big shout out to the weather for being so cooperative too.
To those who drove distances to be at my Mom and Dad’s dessert party, I truly appreciate your efforts to be there. Patty and Mike, I know it wasn’t an easy commute from Modesto and it was truly great to see you. Lynne, as my closest cousin, it’s always wonderful to see you, to Tina and Jim, I know you all had lost your dog earlier that day, Lord knows I understand how difficult that is and to Uncle Vito, Aunt Annie, Aunt Millie, Uncle Barnie, Pat & Bob and all the others…God bless you, you all look terrific and it was such a tremendous pleasure visiting with you all. My only regret was the absence of Aunt Lorraine (who was down with a cold) and of course, the absence of Uncle Rocci.
All in all had a great time in California, spending some time with Mom & Dad and hanging out with my buddy and nephew (often referred to as my little brother), Kris, though he doesn’t talk much, we had a great time seeing Rush twice. For those who don’t know, Rush is our favorite band and we’ve made a tradition, over the past 15 years, of seeing the band multiple times each time they tour. The guys are getting older now (mid-50’s) and probably won’t be doing this much longer so we jump at every opportunity. This was a great time, we had the chance to dwindle our cash reserves by eating nothing remotely healthy and sipping sour $8 amphitheater beer, see a band we are fanatical about and spend a whole bunch of time together cheering, singing completely out of tune and making general fools of ourselves (along with 10,000 other middle-aged dorks). It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that, and I always appreciate the chance to be together (with Kris, not the other goofs).
So thank you to my Mom, Dad and Rusty for putting up with me for a week, feeding me, housing me and accepting my ceaseless advice on healthy eating and water consumption. I hope it wasn’t too annoying.
In any event, folks, Summer’s almost gone the kids are heading back to school and I hope you all have enjoyed and appreciated your children, relatives and family this Summer. Now, it’s time to reload, pretend to be a mature adult, act responsible and do it all over again. Can’t wait ’till next Summer.
“Summer’s going fast, nights growing colder
Children growing up, old friends growing older
Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each impression a little bit stronger…”