Things my children will never experience during road trips: *Gaps between radio stations (I love you XM). *My father singing 50s gimmick songs (Tom Dooley, etc.) to keep himself awake. *Potty breaks behind trees on barren stretches of road. *Travel without music players and DVD players. *Traveling without seatbelts. *Sleeping in the back window. *Sleeping […]
Grandaddy: “Gay Street? There’s nothing on Gay Street.” Me: “There are restaurants, shops, a high-tech arcade, a movie theater . . . ” Grandaddy: “No. Downtown is a dive. Nobody goes there. What are your plans for when your brothers are visiting?” Me: “I thought we’d see if the fountains at the Candy factory are […]
My mother is in her 60s, but she has the same love for music that she has always had. Unfortunately, she never buys music for herself. Most of the time, I buy her CDs that are safe and easy bets. Crooners from the 60s & 70s always get played over and over. Bubble-gum boy bands […]
A year and a half ago, my mother got two new knees. I didn’t heed the hints from my mother and father how much this would involve me. I had a love/hate relationship with the hospital, especially the ever present invisible germs. I was too tired to post much more than thoughts that should have […]
Granny: “Are the boys really going camping for spring break? It still gets cold at night.” Me: “Maybe the cold will keep the mosquitoes and alligators away.” Granny: “Alligators? They camp near alligators?” Me: “It’s a swamp. The alligators live there. Last year they tried counting the gators on the canoe trip to the island […]
“I’m having my second eye surgery on Tuesday.” Me: “Tuesday? What about voting?” Grandaddy: “Who’s running?” Me: “You live in the city. You have city council members running. There’s a presidential primary for goodness sake.” Grandaddy: “Eh. I don’t care about the city council bunch and the presidential candidates are pretty much the same. I’ll […]
Today is my father’s first birthday. He’s having dinner out with friends. At 4 in the afternoon! For his second birthday tomorrow, I think I’ll give him a lap blanket and a giant AM radio.
Topics that you should never discuss with my father: Religion Politics The “war” on Christmas Sex Normal bodily functions Immigration Race Issues Gender Issues Guns Topics that are safe to discuss with my father: Grandchildren Food Sports Cars Death
A group has filed a report with the state of TN asking for adoption records to be opened. While I think that the records for current adoptions will have to be handled on a case by case basis instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I am certain that after a certain period of time has passed, […]
I guess I’m supposed to tell an inspiring military story for Veteran’s Day. I just don’t know any. My grandfather was a career Navy man. He left behind a few medals, his military weapons and the buttons from his uniforms. He also left behind some silver demitasse spoons. The ONLY story he ever told us […]