I Scream, You Scream

Day 230:

There are only a few things that suck more than getting sick on vacation, Boy'O.  2012 has been the worst year I've ever had in terms of how many times I've had some kinda cough, sniffle, headache, sore throat, whatever...  I typically don't get sick and if I do, I bounce back straight away; 24 hours down and I'm back in the game...  Between last Monday and today though, I've been bone chilling, feverishly sick four times in 2012.  Complete drag!

I called the Doc this morning, had them order up some antibiotics for me, and between the orange juice, Airborne tablets, cough suppressants, and Z-Pack, and the gallon of water I put down, I went toe to toe with this thing... So far the illness is winning.  I'm still a bit down - shakes and all that, but I'll be good to go tomorrow.  And if I'm not, I'll lie about it.

Part of the effort to fight this saw me firing myself up and getting myself together to at LEAST take you on a walk, so me and Mommy put you in the stroller and went for a good long walk.  Moving in the Sun felt good.  It warmed me to my core and felt great to get the muscles working.  And on the way, why not stop and have a Banana Split?!  So we stopped for ice cream and a day on the bench... Beach breeze blowing, you smiling and giggling, and I cannot confirm nor deny whether or not I gave you your first taste of vanilla soft serve!

Right after, it was back to the house and back to bed... Again.  And then up for a half hour and then back to bed... Again.  Then up for dinner, a blog post, and back to bed... Again.  Mommy is out with girlfriends, you're asleep in your bed, and I'm muddling through a glass of whiskey - it cures what ails ya, Boy'O.

After a good long stare at the silvery moon, I feel my eyes getting a wee heavy.  And with that I'll bid you good night, Boy'O.  Here's to tomorrow being a day of health and happiness...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Sand Between the Toes

Day 229:

Today Boy'O, was a perfect beach day.  Temperatures in the low 80s, bright sunshine, steady breeze, warm water, and you, Son.  Always you.  After lathering you up with plenty of SPF 50 sunscreen, loading up a cooler with lunch for all, bogging down the jogging stroller with chairs, towels, and an umbrella, and then trudging down the road a few blocks to the beach, it was time to relax.

Now, admittedly the beach has never been my very favorite thing.  I enjoy it okay, but given my preference I'd take an old wooden chair on a dock overlooking a lake.  Never the less, what I do love is the water.  I was born for it.  I love the water, Boy'O.  It was, in fact, my first love.  The older I get, the closer I'd like to be to a great big body of water.  So now here you are; my Son, my greatest love, and meeting my first love - the sea.  A truly perfect day...

It took some time but realizing you're far to small to be carried into the surf, I spent the better part of an hour blowing up a small baby pool to fill with sea water for you to play in.  Thankfully, after damn near passing out from blowing this thing up, Mommy finished the work and I went into the water to load up buckets of the warm salty Atlantic to pour into your pool... And you were in second Heaven.

We all took a nap on the beach, and it was bliss.  I laid out on the warm sand, shades on, and out I went while you snoozed away the afternoon in your stroller.  Mommy in her chair, Mom-Mom in hers, and MeMeow in hers, we all enjoyed a little quiet time on the beach.  The gulls squawked, waves crashed, breeze blew, and the bright sun to keep us warm... It'd been a long time since I've been that relaxed, Boy'O.

To follow up the beach day it was bad to the house to get showered and cleaned and then off to meet the photographer, at, you guessed it, the beach!  We took some great pictures of the whole family but of course, you Son.  The finest subject ever photographed in my opinion.

Now your Grandparents are all out to dinner, you're in bed, and here I sit in the crows nest over looking the sound getting ready to eat linguine and clams and drink a glass of wine.  A solid, solid day, Boy'O. And your first day at the beach...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

A Soggy Beach Day

Day 228:

Our first full day of the beach turned out to not be at all, really...  A late morning (thanks to your Mother's willingness to get up with you at 6:30am leaving me to sleep until 8:30am) turned into a busy day of gathering the things we couldn't fit into the Suburban.  Leaving you with all the Grandparents, including Mom-Mom, me and Mommy decided to make the run around Sea Isle, Avalon, and Ocean City gathering the final supplies of the week.

When we left the house the plan was to do 90 minutes of errands, have some lunch, and head out to the beach...  By the time we got back, some of the deepest, darkest storm clouds you could ever imagine were rolling into the area and the thunder began to roll from only a few short miles away.  After getting all of our booty into the house, the thunder was on top of us, the lightning cracking the sky, and the first few rain drops began to fall.

From that point on we were in the house, Boy'O.  It rained almost 4 inches in three hours...  Good thing the Olympics are on this week because it gave us something to do and something to talk about while the rain came down... No beach today.

Later in the day we ended up next door at your Uncle John and Aunt Moira's house with Sean, your Aunt Mag, Uncle Mike, Cousins Mike and Danny, Holly, Grandma MeMeow, Grandpa K9, Mom-Mom, and of course me and Mommy for a great lasagna dinner and some fantastic conversation coupled with very good wine.  Quite the night.  Despite not having any time to spend on the beach today, the prospect of hanging around with family, playing cards, eating and drinking, meant the whole no-time-at-the-beach thing was no big deal.

And here now I'm ready to catch some Z's, Boy'O.  And to that I'll bid you Goodnight, Son.

I love you,
-Dad

Goin' "Down the Shore"

Day 227:

When I was a kid, Conor, Your Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop moved us around quite a bit.  Chicago for 5 years, Houston for almost 10, then back to where I was born, back to where you were born, sweet home DC...  Back in those days we made the long cross country journey to the mid-Atlantic every Summer, two weeks at a time.  Each and every Summer was the same thing; visit the families in the Old Dominion, The Keystone State, and of course, "Down the Shore"...  That term of course referring to the Philadelphia local terminology for going to the beach is "Goin' down the shore"...

When I was 10 years old and living in Texas, well, to say the cultures are a bit different is quite the understatement.  We went to the beach all the time in those days, Son.  But what you heard was "Hey y'all!  Y'all join' to the beach today?"  The Philly area, and specifically South Philly and West Philly where your Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop and their families were all from, you'd hear, "Hey!  You's headed down the shore?"

It was confusing, Boy'O.  But it was our life and we loved it!

So yes, each and every Summer we'd head "Down the Shore", though typically to Wildwood, NJ which, present day, you don't go to unless you're armed and prepared to fire.  But I digress...  Kidding of course, but it's not the beach and boardwalk it used to be, that's for sure.  Anyhow, wonderful memories were made in those times.  Playing in the tide pools, catching hermit crabs, walking the boards.  It was everything an active young boy could ever want.

Now Son, I've been to beaches from Long Island to and through the Caribbean.  I've been to beaches along the Gulf in Florida, Mississippi, and up and down Texas.  I've been to beaches in California.  But the memories I have as a young boy are the most lasting in New Jersey, and as a teenager in the Outer Banks.  And so here we are today, Son...

For the week at least, we're in Sea Isle City, NJ, not at all far from Wildwood.  And there are new memories to be made, Boy'O.  And with family you'll know you're whole life...  And so the week begins, Boy'O.  Good times ahead...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

Blowing Town

Day 226:

What a week it's been, Conor...  Work has been hectic, planning has been constant, projects have been many, and circumstances have been pressing...  A week to leave in the rear view, indeed.

After dropping the Tahoe off on Monday and being assured it'd be ready for the trip to Sea Isle tomorrow, predictably it wasn't ready.  What's more, I found this news out as I was on he way to get her!  Thankfully, the shop doing the work is a first class, top notch repair shop and on top of that it's owned by a friend.  So to ease the blow, D and V Auto-Body in Sterling, VA was kind enough to give us a 2012 Chevy Suburban for the week.  I'm already dreading dropping it off next Monday and I've only had it for a few hours!  Great truck...  Seems I'm shifting away from my Big Horn pick-up dreams back over to old faithful, Chevy Tahoe.  Still, we're months, if not years away from a new car, Son.  Priority one is selling this joint and getting on with life elsewhere...

To that end, through six degrees of separation, turns out that a friend of a friend has a pretty nice little house over in Penderbrook; about an 1/8th mile from where we live now - which is IDEAL.  Keeping in Fairfax is important to me, Son.  It's more or less where I've spent the better part of the last 25 years, Son.  It's home.  I know it backwards and forwards and, for the time being, claim it as my own.  And save for only three other spots in the whole of the U.S., it's really the only place I can see staying in...  But now I'm getting ahead of myself...

Anyhow... work, houses, cars, and anything else doing it's very best to sap the life from us will all be in the rearview tomorrow, Conor.  This bus is leaving for points Northeast at the crack of dawn, Boy'O.  And with that, I'll say goodnight.

I love you, Conor.  Can't wait to do nothing but spend time with you for the next seven days...
-Dad

The Good Times

Day 225:

Life will forever dish out its fair share of ups and downs, Conor.  No two ways about it.  And you may have heard me mention this in a previous post, but certainly, life isn't about the 'downs' Conor.  It's about the 'ups'.   The little things.  Remembering a first trip to the beach, or going to the Houston rodeo with your Dad who, a Philadelphia boy born and raised and with his 6 year old in tow, decided to buy a 10 gallon Stetson hat simply to impress the young boy; the boy who saw him adorn that hat and could only think of one word "Hero".

 Clearly I'm recollecting my own memories, Son.  Epic Houston Oilers games at the Astrodome, a  ridiculous 10 gallon hat making my Dad, your Pop-Pop, the biggest, baddest cowboy who never rode a bull and never would.  It's my first puppy, the first time I crashed my bike, the first scrap I ever won and why and how my Dad reacted to it.  These are the things that make up your youth, Son.  So many memories have left me while others never will.  But those are the good times, Conor.  That's what life is all about.

We've many, many great memories yet to create together, Boy'O.  And one day perhaps you'll write a blog to your Son or Daughter and tell him or her all about them.  But for now I'm only focused on making those memories with you and loving every second of it...  Because you can never stop remembering the good times.

Speaking of good times, your MeMeow and Grandpa K9 came to town today Son.  Of course, they'd not seen you (in person) since April and in that time you've literally doubled in size!  You're hardly the same kid!  To see those who love you holding and playing with you, Boy'O, well, I can't explain it.  It sets a man like me at peace, if only for a few moments.

And now, everyone in bed, even the dogs, here I sit, waxing poetic again, Conor.  Guess it's just the wine on this night.  Though I'm not sure what it was last night!  Never the less, it's off to the rack for me, Son.  Tomorrow is a big day and I need all I have to tackle it.

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Know Thyself

Day 224:

Know Thyself, Conor.  It's a catchy quote and, despite it's rather simple nature, it's a a few words which can actually mean so much, or so little, to so many.  Waxing poetic, I realize... Allow me to expound on where I'm coming from...

In finding some recent fascination with the term, given you and so many other things about my / our lives in general, I found this to be the easiest to understand in terms of it's ancient meaning...

"The proverb is applied to those whose boasts exceed what they are," and that 'know thyself' is a warning to pay no attention to the opinion of the multitude."

I found this explanation going back as far as the 10th century Suda - a book of Greek wisdom.  And I agree with it's example.  Know what you know and damn what others might think about what you unequivocally 'know'.  

The term "Know Thyself" was also used by great philosophers Plato and Socrates. to name a few, and through time it's been used to a purpose of some explanation or another for everything from the dawn of a religion to justification for fighting wars.  But for me it carries its own meaning, Conor.

Every day of your life holds an opportunity to learn, Son.  And the more you learn and understand, the more you 'know', the more you're shaped into the person you've always wanted to be, or the person you've never wanted to be.  Okay, okay, waxing again... But truthfully your life will be defined by what you know, what you love, and what you stand for.  Sometimes that's something as simple as a belief in a spiritual possession...  Other times it's a stark realization as to the realization of who you REALLY are.  And what I'm referring to in this case Conor, is you.

I was meant to be your Father, Boy'O.  Every moment we spend together, I learn more from you than you ever could from me.  Be they simple joys to the truth and understanding behind blind love.  For all the things I've ever possessed, and for all the things I've ever lost, in the 224 days you've been on this Earth I've gained more perspective as to what really matters than I ever thought possible...  There's just no way to get enough of you, my Son.  No way possible.

I still have my selfish moments, Conor.  Everybody does I imagine.  However, being your Dad is truly the tip of the spear in terms of finally understanding my life's calling.  Now, it doesn't end there of course.  You're without a doubt a large part of what will define me, though to "know thyself" also means I should be exceptional at whatever it is I do in life if for nothing else than to be an example for you.  And I've certainly got some work to do there, Son...  But without question those efforts now have a purpose they never did before.  You.

I love you, Conor.

-Dad

Back in the Game

Day 223:

I'm still not quite 101% yet, Conor, but I'm definitely back in the game.  And it's a good thing too because this final week at home before the big family beach vacation has turned intense in a hurry...

Yet another plumbing problem with this old house as now there's a slight leak in the shower pan from the Master Bedroom that's found its way into the ceiling in the Living Room.  I've already taken corrective action and brought in the pros.  It's a job I'd normally take on myself but considering the time constraints I've fallen back the whole "it's who ya know" philosophy.  And now that this problem is (being) solved, it's time to focus on a few others...  Namely, packing the Tahoe with my stuff, Mommy's stuff, your stuff, the dogs' stuff, and, most importantly, liquor, wine, and beer...

Thankfully your MeMeow and Grandpa K9 are coming to town on Thursday and this will assist us in alleviating a number of problems.  First, someone to help in taking care of you, and second, a backup vehicle to throw a few items in.  Saves us from going big time and hooking up a trailer or saddling Sister Tahoe with a Thule rack.

On top of that, the maids are coming, I'm driving a rental car, I have a massive project I'm working through at work, and I have to prepare professionally for being out for a week.  Definitely taking me out of my comfort zone, Son!  But as long as you're comfortable, well, that's all I care about...

I'm turning in early tonight, Conor.  My body still needs rest... These last several days have sapped my normal high energy and believe it or not I've even lost weight!  In the last two weeks, exactly 16 pounds...  Look at what you can do when you set your mind to it, Boy'O!

I love you, Conor.  Can't wait to spend a week with you and your 14 family members and 10 family friends... Oiy!!!
-Dad

Down for the Count

Day 222:

I am death warmed over today, Conor.  And here, in yesterday's post I was going on and on about how strong I am and how I'm a quick healer. And while that's certainly true, something's got me, Boy'O, and I've spent the better part of 2 days lying in bed shaking and sweating.

A trip to the Doc's didn't state anything unequivocally; I don't have strep though, so that's nice.  However, the two things they do want to keep an eye on for the next 24 hours are Kidney Stones (which I've had for years but never passed), and Appendicitis which, if it is that, would obviously require surgery.   And a only days before a week at the beach...  Here's hoping for kidney stones!  (ugh...)

I'm in bed again even now, watching baseball and trying like hell to put away as much water as my bladder will allow.  Simply getting out of bed is as painful as knee surgery, and anytime I move I start sweating again...

Okay okay, enough whining.  I'm a tough guy, I can take it!

In other news I was able to get the faithful Tahoe into the body shop today, Son.  She's been as good to us as any car I've ever owned.  Better even.  I've had the vehicle for 7 years, 130,000 miles, two accidents, a bunch of door dings, and a ton of memories.  Oh the memories...  So naturally she's deserving of a face lift and, in this life Conor, it's not what you know, it's who you know...  We have a friend who owns a body shop and detailing service and, aside from the two claims to the bumper and the fender, our friend Ron has agreed to pull all the dents throughout the car AND detail her for NO CHARGE!  So, provided I don't have appendicitis (and I don't believe I do) we'll be riding pretty into the beach on Saturday, Boy'O.

Here's to your health, Lion Heart!  I love you...
-Dad

Exhausting Weekend

Day 221:

This weekend has put me down, Son.  All the way down.  Seems after two days of exhaustive work whatever bug you had, I now have... And it's got me buried under the covers, Boy'O.  The day started out okay... Cup of coffee for me, bottle for you.  Bagel and cream cheese for me, apples and rice cereal for you... And then came the bath and the nap, Son.  For you that is - I don't nap... or take baths; though I should!  Anyhow, that was my queue.  Operation Closet Tear-Down.

I pulled every single article of clothing from my closet, Son.  And with few exceptions - if it hadn't been worn in the last 6 months, it wasn't getting worn again. At least not by me!  This turned into a project of epic proportions, Son!  HOURS of work!!  Folding, stacking, hanging, folding stacking hanging... on and on...  When the job was finally done, you were awake again!  Great timing if I do say so myself.

In the mean time, Mommy was in the kitchen getting busy on the floors; a task unto itself.  Not because she was merely cleaning the floors, but because she was cleaning the GROUT!  Arduous, painstaking work, Boy'O.  As rough as any I could imagine.  And with my gimpy knees, it's work that's almost an impossibility for me to do!  When it was all said and done it was time for you to get a bite to eat, Mommy to have a shower, and Uncle Justin and Aunt Marti to come to the house and meet us to go house hunting!

We hated them ALL, Son.  Not a thing about a single house we liked.  After losing the perfect house in Fairfax City and seeing what we saw today, who knows, Boy'O... Could be a while before we take this show on the road...

And so now, as I'd mentioned earlier I've caught whatever it is you had, only worse.  It's paralyzing me to the point of immobility in bed right now, Son.  Fever, chills, aches, the works.  The good news is though, your old man heals quickly.  From everything.  By tomorrow I should be right as rain...

Everything has purpose, Conor.  Even great disappointment.  Some disappointment seems fleeting whole other never ending.  In the case of the house it feels as though it's been eons searching for the perfect place and then just like that "POOF!" it's gone.  And so the search continues.  What will be will be.  Perhaps it's all just a blessing in disguise.  Only one way to find out, Conor.  Day by day, Son...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

A Day of Preparation

Day 220:

Today was a day of preparation in so far as getting the house ready for sale, Boy'O.  A busy day for me and a day of leisure for Mommy and you.  An early morning gave way to a productive day in that I was able to get started on a couple of projects to get things organized, tidy, and showing well.

After a late breakfast and some discussion about how to space this day of projects out, off you and Mommy went to Clarksburg, MD to visit with Ms Marsha and her family while I got busy knocking out the house stuff.  It was a bit of a blessing even if I was missing you, Son.  Specifically because I didn't have to worry about you; didn't have to check on you, feed you, or PLAY with you!  (Truly my favorite thing to do!)  So, with no distraction I got to it, Son.  Cleaned out the bar, the family room, the back room, the garage.  I did yard work in the rain, arranged the garage, loaded our truck with all the stuff to get into storage and all the stuff to drop off to friends...  And so off I went.

One destination after another, I pulled in, dropped off, arranged, and headed off to the next place.  Storage facility, Goodwill, Harley Davidson, and finally home.  When you work at a frenetic pace you feel two things; energized in your efforts and exhausted when you're done.  And that's where I am now, Son.  Exhausted...  But, all things considered I'm feeling pretty good!  And now that I have a whiskey in my hand and good friends by my side, it looks as though it's going to shape up into a nice quiet Saturday evening.  Some dinner with Mommy and Uncle Paul and Aunt Jennifer, a couple of ice cold cocktails, and maybe even some sweet dreams in regard to your new house.

And with that, it's off to enjoy the night, Son.  And you as well!  'Cuz you know I'll never be to far away...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Boys Night

Day 219:

Today was a relatively easy one, Son.  Turns out my company is moving offices this afternoon, and so we were relieved of our business duties early; around Noon.  The idea was that the company would then head out to a family picnic, but the forecast called for rain and so I made the decision to ditch the work folks and spend the afternoon with the Lion Heart.

After picking you up around 12:30pm, me and Mommy decided to meet for lunch at the local mall and make a couple of stops to pick things up for our vacation next week.  After running those errands the decision was made to head back to the house and get you out of the car seat, as you'd now been sitting in the thing for hours on end.  Well, not only were you elated to be released from your tiny safety net, you were fired up to be free to move around!  With some new toys for you to play on and play with, you were all to happy to burn some energy doing just that.  Though soon after, Mommy would run out of the house for a few hours and leave us to our devices!

When will they ever learn, right Boy'O?

We made a party out of it!  I got you upstairs, stripped you out of that onesie you'd been lying around in all day, and we got down on the floor and started rough housing!  You have such fun being roughed up on the floor, Boy'O.  Tickles and zerberts and tons and tons of laughter!  When you started to fizzle out it was bath time, and so to save my shirt from your incessant splashing I took it off and decided you wouldn't be the only one to wreck the bathroom!  And did we have a ball, Son.  Splashing around and laughing, you were right in your element, Conor.  Great times indeed.

Now though, we'd been playing for almost 4 hours!  That's about all I can take, let alone you!  Though after a fun yet relaxing bath, you were done...  A quick bottle a bit of a rock and away you went to dream land.  And what wonderful dreams they must be.

No philosophy tonight, Son.  Just time spent with the Lion Heart.  And with that, I'm off to get some rest.

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

The Ever Mighty Lion Heart

Day 218:

"From a small seed a mighty trunk shall grow." --Aeschylus

There is oh so much truth in that, Conor.  In oh so many ways...  And today was yet another example of the mighty Lion Heart!  You see, Son, in the last few days you've had a bit of gunk building up around your right eye.  It's not so bad, certainly a small infection of some kind and it seems as though it's healing all on it's own.  Still, as a precaution ahead of the weekend, Mommy decided to make a run to the Pediatrician with you and see what's what...

As suspected, the gunky eye is a result of a slight infection, and so your small but mighty body has commenced to fighting to off.  And though the Doctor showed no real concern, we can only suppose there's none to be had.  But with the Doctor's visit came a stop on the scales, and after having not ben on the scales for two months, there was really no guessing how much you weigh.  It's so hard to tell for Mommy and me because we see you every day!  My guess was 15.6 pounds anyway.  But no!  Not 15... Not 16... But 17 pounds!  The nurses started to refer to you as Chubbs!!

You are a big boy, Conor!  A big boy with a hearty laugh and a contagious smile...  Each day your personality grows as big as anything else about you.  Each day I love you a little more than I did the day before... And it makes sense, right?  Because each day there's a little bit more of you to love...

The world is a place both kind and wicked, Conor.  A strong mind coupled with a strong body while powered by the heart of a Lion will be your ticket to prosperity and love, Boy'O.  And to be sure, if I could protect you from those who would deceive you, I most certainly would.  But I can't...  Not forever, anyway.

What I can and will do however, Conor, is give you what I know and hope and pray that you only ever find health and happiness... And it sure seems as though you're off to  great start, Boy'O.  My Mighty Lion Heart...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

A Night Out

Day 217:

Tonight Mommy and me are doing something we've never done before...  We're leaving you with a sitter for the evening to head out to the Nationals game with your Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Paul...  In fact, your Cousin Abby is coming over to take care of you; and we know she will.  Still, I would anticipate a nervous phone call or two from Mommy to check in and be sure all is well with you, Boy'O.

We'll see though; there are some really nasty storm in the area!  So much so in fact, local transportation agencies along with the FAA would shut down all three area airports!  If the rain comes, we'll just go to a restaurant and call it a day.  Still, a little time out won't be so bad, Son.  Besides, you'll be asleep anyhow, right?  Well, that's what we'll tell ourselves anyway.  At least so as not to miss you so terribly.

So then Conor, as per the house ideas, we're still progressing, Boy'O.  I spoke with Grandpa Gil today concerning getting a loan on a place we can essentially make our own from the inside out, but it'll take some serious scratch, Son!  That's okay though... He's reassured me that it's not impossible and simply suggested to get all the details together before taking the next steps, and so that's what I intend to do.

And now, it's off to go and meet you coming into the house, help get you settled when Abby gets here, get changed, and seize the night, Son.

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Patience is a Virtue

Day 216:

In a previous post I'd mentioned another colloquialism as the title, "Everything Happens for a Reason".  Surely that's the truth, Conor.  When things don't necessarily go your way, rather than react and upend the situation further, it's often best to sit back and wait to see what shakes out of the tree.  That's to say, assuredly some good will come out of it.  Well Son, today we learned that we did not get the house we were vying for.  In fact, somebody got a contract in on it literally hours before we did, and the contract was accepted...  Disappointment...

After fuming about it for some time I decided to take a drive, make some calls, speak with some other area home builders, do some poking around online, and in fact, the good began to bubble up.  When one door shuts, another invariably opens.  Fact.  And each time I lose sight of that, it's proven to me...

In spite of my enthusiasm for this new scheme currently developing in my ever active imagination, and understanding I'm going to need to do some serious selling to your Mother on this plan, I'm going to temper my desire to blab it on this blog and continue to fine tune my pitch.  Though to be sure, if we play this hand ever carefully, we're talking jackpot, Son.  I'm seeing a home that could be featured in a magazine!  And what's more, it's totally do-able!!

It's time for a plan, Conor.  An honest to goodness executable war theater and an opportunity to give Mommy everything she's ever wanted in a home, you a wonderful house to grow up in, and me the piece of mind to know that it's exactly right for all of us.

Now Boy'O, it's off to see your Washington Nationals dismantle the dreaded New York Mets with some colleagues... But stay tuned, because big and wonderful things are happening, Son.  They're always happening.  All you need is the right frame of mind.

I love you, my Lion Hearted Lad.  So very much.
-Dad

Blink and You'll Miss It

Day 215:

It's amazing, Son.  Every time I talk to almost anyone about my seven month old Son, they almost all say the same thing, "It goes by so fast!  Don't miss a moment!"  Now Conor, I believe colloquialisms exist based on their merit.  Certainly there's a reason for every clever expression; there's truth behind it.  But to be sure, the time is flying as we watch you grow before our very eyes.

Yes, Boy'O, you entering the world has impacted us all in more ways than you'll ever know; and all for the good.  And with those changes, or shall we say, blessings, decisions are made that will impact us all even further.  Again, all good!  One of those is the decision to continue moving our family forward.  Not as though we'd ever had a choice but to do anything else, though some changes are certainly bigger than others.   A new and safer car, better and more consistent investments in our future, and now, a commitment to get you in to a new house that we can watch you grow into.  And so we press on.

Mommy and me have been in this house for the last 10 years.  It's a fine house and it's got a rack of memories associated with it, both good and bad.  But with the chapters of our lives unfolding at a breakneck pace, so to then is the need to write some new ones.  New and exciting ones!  Fun ones... Loving ones...  Great times await indeed, and so we begin a new chapter.

The appropriate steps are being taken to get that house I mentioned the other night, Son.  Paperwork is coming along, stars are aligning, and the pressure is beginning to mount in so far as getting this house ready to go; again, provided we're able to nail everything down and get the house we've waited so long for.  Just like you...  We waited a long time for the Lion Heart and now here you are!  As beautiful as anything in this whole world.  It's time we step up and give you what you give us - more.

Time keeps on ticking, Boy'O.  But all that matters is how we spend it.  And I assure you, we're going to spend it really, really well.

I love you, Conor.
-Dad






  

A Great Day

Day 214:

This was an absolutely fantastic day front to back, start to finish...  An easy Saturday led to an early night in bed, an early and fun morning with both you and with Mommy this morning, and then golf in the late morning and early afternoon with Uncle Justin, Darren, and Justin's Brother in Law, Barrett.   It was a nice warm day so swinging a golf club was easy for an old man like me!  After a few beers, every bad shot was almost welcomed; another opportunity to have a sip!

I played well enough, a few birdies on the front, one on the back, and finished with a 90 - a reasonable score for a weekend hack like me. But most importantly, I got to hang out with friends I've known for almost 25 years each.  And these days, all of us with kids or one on the way, those times are fewer and fewer.  It was a chance to reconnect to the folks in the world who are real.  The people in life who you know you can call on, who you can rely on.  With each passing day, trusting people outside of a very select core friends become close to impossible.  Eventually, you just stop caring.   But not with guys like Justin and Darren.  Not with people who, for a phone call, would give you whatever they had if you needed it.  And they's do that because they know you wouldn't be calling if you didn't need it!

What's more, you and Mommy were off to Marti's baby shower and you spent the day being passed around amongst your adoring public!  Fans new and old couldn't wait to take their turn holding the Lion Heart.  And your reputation precedes you, Boy'O...  Mommy had a great time, you had a great time, I had a great time.  It was truly a great day.

Now it's off to nosh on blue crabs with all our friends and then some for the 2nd time in 5 days!  Oh how I love Summer, Conor.  So many possibilities.  So many memories.

I love you, Son.  Very much.
-Dad

On the Move

Day 213:

What a wonderful day, Conor...  An easy early morning gave way to a busy mid morning, and then the fun started!

Me and you got to spend some great time together today, Conor.  In fact the morning was a 'Boys Day' as Mommy wet out shopping and errand running early on, so we spent the time piecing together your new high-chair, eating, playing in the high chair, eating some more, spending some time rough housing, eating... You know, typical "dude stuff"...

In the almost three hours Mommy was out, I swear you ate three times.  Certainly not bashful when it comes to your morning apples and then carrots...  So much so, I'm beginning to worry we're feeding you too much!  Of course, I don't really subscribe to that school of thought; all you have to do is look at me and you'll figure that one out.  But WOW!  You're really packing it on now, Son!

When Mommy got home your Uncle Justin came in a few minutes after and it was off to see a house!  What's most exciting about that is, it's actually a house we really like!!!  There are a few odds and ends to clear up in so far as financing, etc., but we're going to make an offer, Boy'O!  And let me tell you, if we get this place, right in the heart of Fairfax City, you're going to have a TON of room to play!  It's a brand new five bedroom with all the trim'ns, Son.  A place plenty big for a family of three; lest we forget about the mutts.

So there it is, Boy'O.  Keep those fingers and toes crossed!  If everything happens the way it should (and I personally believe that's the ONLY way things happen; the way they should) we could be packing up and moving out in the next couple of months... And just in time for Football Season!!

I love you, Conor...
-Dad

Moving to the Beat

Day 212:

Finding the the things that make you tick are about as much fun as anything I've known, Conor.  Today, while spending a solid hour of playtime with you on the floor of your nursery, I discovered you really enjoy percussion!  So much so that, as soon as you would fuss at all I would start drumming away and you would stop whatever you were doing and focus on me...  Your eyes would train in on mine and I would hammer out a clever little beat on my knees, on my chest, the floor, your legs; clapping, slapping, and popping...  You could't get enough!

I take some pride in this as I've always been able to hold a beat and carry a tune... In fact, on both sides of my family we've had singers, crooners, dancers, and just general lovers of music.  In my immediate family though, I'm really the only one to have ever really held a passion for it, and so when you started focussing in on the beat I was laying down, I have to say I really wasn't all that surprised!  Still, I've always felt as though I'd missed my calling to become the next great rock and roll drummer, and so maybe now you can fulfill that dream for me!  Of course, I don't want to you fulfill any dream for ME, rather for you... Always for you.  But if you chose to be a percussionist, well, let's just say I'd watch and listen to your efforts intently.

Yes Boy'O, being true to yourself is just another part of what it's all about... And when you're not true to yourself, you're cheating yourself.  I've often heard people say of their lives they have "no regrets".  I believe that means they've either never experienced the pain of a missed opportunity, or they're lying.  My guess is it's the latter.  How they live with that is up to them.  Frank Sinatra once said, "Regrets, I've had a few...", and I know just what he's talking about...  Because I've certainly had a few, Conor, and one of my great regrets was not getting into the drums early in my life!

The point is, Son, if it's what you want, you gotta go get it.  And if what moves you is a solid beat and some positive energy toward that beat, then I promise you, we'll get you a kit and watch you make some noise.  And what fun that would be!

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Find Your Happy Place

Day 211:

The best thing about life Conor, is that it's just life.  There's nothing perfect about it!  Yet it's so....... perfect...

Every day you have a choice, Boy'O.  Every single day...  When you wake up in the morning you have the choice to make it a good day or a not so good day.  Depending on what you decide will ultimately determine the outcome of that day... In fact, every hour of your day is impacted by that decision.  And yet, we make the decision every day; no two ways about it.  I've personally done it both ways and I can tell you unequivocally, the decision to make it a good day trumps all.

Redundant?  I don't think so.  I've been on the down side of up and I can tell you, I would have loved having someone there to remind me that, no matter what, tomorrow's a new day and you get to make that decision all over again.

No matter how positive a soul you are, every day you'll see, hear, read, and feel things that can easily take you down - if you let them.  Don't.  Don't let them take you down, Conor.  A favorite quote for me, Son, "If you're going through hell, keep going."  --Sir Winston Churchill.  Indeed...

The decision to make it a good day trumps all, Son.  Disgruntled bosses, bad traffic, stubbed toes, even heartache...  The trick is to find the good in it, and to be sure, there's good in every single thing that at first seems bad.  The good may not become immediately obvious, but then you see it.  And when you do, smile.  Just feel happy and move on; Another challenge awaits, I promise.

Make each day a good day, Conor.  And maybe one day, you can remind me to do the same...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

Everything Happens for a Reason

Day 210:

If you've read the previous 209 posts at this point Conor, you've surely realized that some of these posts are far more deeply thought out than others.  Simply in the sense that, some days, nothing really 'happens'.  Other days, dreaded things happen.  And then of course there are the days where wonderful things happen.  The most wonderful things...  Human nature though seems to favor our remembering the dread...  Something as simple as a poor experience in a restaurant to something as devastating as losing a loved one, the bad experiences will shape you if you let them.  The human condition...

Of course, this can work in two ways.  Remembering the bad experiences will remind you to take care when those moments resurface.  And they always resurface, Conor... Be it not going back to that restaurant where you had the poor experience, or perhaps better understanding your emotions when you feel the pangs of loss.  The other side of course, is finding the moments that bring you peace and embracing those.  Living through those moments.  Loving those moments...  Remembering those moments eternally...

The reality is, life is hard enough without our making it even harder by hanging on to the negatives.  And again, human nature seems to make those moments stand out more than they should.  Certainly more than life's finer moments.  More than we want them to anyway.  But the moments spent loving who you are, who you're with, what you're doing both individually and collectively and remembering all the little moments that got you there in the first place, that's when you feel enlightenment.  That's when you realize that every single moment; every conversation, every experience, every emotion happened for a very specific reason.  Your reason.  And when you DO realize that, Conor, you feel absolute elation.  For those few who find serendipity, well, you can only feel happy for them.  And I do...  Truly.

This evening I rode out to meet the Fairfax Harley Owners Group at Patriot Harley Davidson in Fairfax Virginia to personally thank them for their thoughts, prayers, and efforts in raising money for my friend, Ziggy.   I was joined by several others who would ride for Zig... Who would be there to show our appreciation for those supporting our close friend.  Doug, Jim, Bryce, Chris, Nelson, and Jeric all rode with me to stand before these 100 or so motorcyclists just to say thank you.  And frankly, I could personally stand to do that more myself...  Just saying thank you and remembering the moments, good and bad, that put you there in the first place.

To you, Conor, I say 'Thank You'.  You're being my Son is making every moment better than the last, and I'm learning to live again because if it.  Thanks, Boy'O.  I love you, eternally.
-Dad

Looking Around Once in a While

Day 209:

You know Conor, it's really easy to get sidetracked in life; caught up in the day to day that, in the grand scheme, means less and less.  And, to quote Ferris Bueller (movie from the '80s that maybe you'll someday appreciate - then again, maybe not) "Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it."  Certainly words to live by, Son.

Today was one of those days we definitely enjoy and look forward to all year, Conor.  The only downside being, it's a day spent away from you.  But now and again, that's okay too, Boy'O.  Every once in a while a little kid-free time is needed to get the old mind right, and so playing hooky from work, taking a long boat ride to St Michaels, slugging back very cold beer, and picking plenty of fresh hot steamed crabs is just what the doctor ordered.  It's quite literally following Ferris Bueller's philosophy...  Life is moving fast, and I'm not afraid to look around.

And now here I sit, Conor.  Comfortable on the couch in gym shorts and a tank top, All Star Baseball on the television, both you and Mommy off to bed, and I'm content.  Content in the decision to 'take a look around' today.  Content in the knowing that what I have is quite simply, enough.  In fact, it's everything.  And sure, Boy'O, there are plenty of things that I want, and many things I know I'll never have, but then if that's the case, I simply wasn't meant to have them... And I'm content with that, too...  But I'll never, ever lose my zeal for life, Conor, and my great hope is that you never do either.  Because you can never see too much, Son.  You can never hear enough music.  You can never taste enough nectar.  You can never live to much, Conor.  Never.  And all you have to do is remember to look around once in a while...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

Back to Work

Day 208:

After 5 days off Conor, getting back in the swing as far as work was concerned was not easy.  It's like a whole new adjustment!  All I could think about was you, Son.  And yet, I had to try so hard to focus on work!  Total drag, but necessary in order to keep us all in the lifestyle we're accustomed to...

After work I had an errand or 2 to run and by the time I'd returned home, you were in a really bad mood.  I think it's because you're cutting teeth.  Mommy just thought you were cranky.  None the less, all it took was a bottle and a few sweet words, and Mommy had you crashed out in no time.  It's a talent I surely do not possess.

After straightening up the house and doing some additional work in the yard and on the deck, we finally managed to get a bite to eat.  While watching TV Mommy and me turned on the Home Run Derby during the MLB All-Star break and got a laugh at the dozen or so boys and girls in the outfield shagging balls that don't clear the massive wall in Kansas City... And you know what, we both thought the same thing...  Someday, that'll be you, Son.  And maybe even someday after that, it'll be you at the plate cranking those things out of the ballpark...  Wouldn't that be fun?!

That's all for tonight, Lion Heart... Time to get some rest.

I love you-
Dad

The End of the Merciless Heat Wave

Day 207:

It seems the seemingly never ending heat wave is finally starting to break, Conor.  And though it's been a wonderful 5 days spent with so many wonderful friends from literally all over the World, the best of it all has been spending 5 days with you, Boy'O.  Despite the heat, we've had a blast.  From West Philadelphia, to South Philly, and all over NoVA, we've had a whirlwind week!

Today the oppressive heat persisted yet again, though with the promise of breaking this evening and providing some temporary relief with temperatures in the 80s vs. triple digits.  But before we could get there, we just had to find a way to stay cool TODAY 'cuz this old house ain't gettin' it done, Son.  In fact, this afternoon your bedroom was 86 degrees!  There are a few things I could do to help work against this, Boy'O, but instead Mommy and me are thinking it's just time to punch out.  Ten years in this old house is quite enough, and so it's time to make some changes.

First effort to stay cool was a day at the pool...  We took a walk and tried to beat the heat laying poolside with you while taking intermittent dips into the water... Only trouble was, the air temperature was about 100 degrees and the water temperature was about 85 degrees...  It was about as refreshing as drinking Tabasco sauce on ice.  Still though, a bit of fun!

We left the pool after about 90 minutes and headed home to shower up and then get out for an errand or two; including looking at a few houses!  First stop, "Babies 'R Us" to do some research on a high chair for you.  Trouble there was, their air-conditioning was out!  The inside of that store felt like an OVEN! I think we were there maybe 10 minutes before we'd just had enough- we ALL needed relief!  And so off we went to Dogfish Head, a favorite restaurant and brewery...  Their air conditioning actually worked and so did their refrigeration because the beer was cold!!  When we'd left the restaurant, the air temperature had dropped almost 15 degrees giving way to what looked to be heavy Summer storms; though they never arrived.  Still, it was enough to suck the heat out of the house and so life is now returning to normal...  And on that note, I'm off to bed, Son.

I love you, Conor... Stay cool, Boy'O!
-Dad

Beating the Heat

Day 206:

It is hotter than BLAZES today, Conor.  I can't remember a day it's been this hot in Virginia!  It's so hot in fact, simply going outside is cause for concern for your health!  Mommy and me decided to run a few errands earlier in the day and a few of those would see us outside for 15 and 20 minute stretches... And even at 11:00am the heat was almost UNBEARABLE!  The temperature gauge in my truck reading 105 and again, it wasn't even Noon!

This old townhouse we live in now has served us well, but Mommy and I agree, it's time to move on... It's so hard to regulate temperature in it and, now that you're here, it seems even smaller than before.  Time to get on the hunt, Boy'O...  Time to get serious.

In other news, I took your dogs to get bathed and brushed because well, frankly with this heat, Mickie is dropping more fur than we can sweep!  Had to get her all brushed out and cooled down and well, it's just good to get those guys cleaned up every 6 weeks or so.  Otherwise we're headed out to where the beer is cold, the food is hot, the conversation is fun, and the air-conditioning is thrice what ours is!  We're headed out to see Uncle Paul and Aunt Jennifer, to see Nate and Drew, and to meet our friends Adam and Amanda and their new baby boy, Ryan!  It surely promises to be a fine time...

I love you, Conor...
-Dad

Meeting Your Namesake

Day 205:

After three wild and fun filled days with wonderful friends, it was time to head back to Northern Virginia; home.  But before we did we had to make a stop at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Philadelphia to see your Grandfather and namesake, Captain Daniel Dougherty.

Your Grandfather Dougherty was killed in a plane crash when Mommy was only 3 years old.  He was an aviator in the United States Marine Corps and while flying his F-4 Phantom was involved in a midair collision; an accident that was no fault of his own.  Your middle name was given in his honor.  A name we know you'll be proud of for ever after.  Named for a man who gave his life in service of our country, Son.

Today was yet another hot day, Boy'O, and seeing as how we would make our way to visit your Grandfather and tour around Philadelphia anyway, we made our way to South Philly for a couple of Tony Lukes "cheesesteaks wit", an order of fries, and some ice cold drinks...  A fine way to end a great couple of days.

I love you, Son.  My traveling man...
-Dad

Hot Summer Nights

Day 204:

A wonderful 4th of July celebration saw it's way to an early retirement for me last night, Boy'O.  I had plans for golf this morning, the first time I've swung a club since before you were born... I knew I would need my energy.   On top of that we were walking the course, and the course happened to be the Country Club of Philadelphia; one of the oldest country clubs in the country as well as one of the hilliest...  Despite the 100 degree temperatures though I have to say the round was worth it.  And as bad and as out of practice as I could have possibly been, I ended up finishing the round par, boogie, par, par...  For a hack golfer / biker like me, that's as good as it gets, Son.

Upon our return home I immediately changed into my trunks and fell limp into the pool; splashing down into the cool blue water to feel my body temperature drop to what it should be, and bob to the top in a state of pure relaxation...  Moments later, I had you and there we were, bobbing in the water...  It wasn't an hour later your Aunt Bobbi Jo came back to Buckingham Place with a a number of blow up floaties to try, including a police car and a canopy floaty!  The canopy seemed to do the trick, hence the pic.  Son, you were in the water for close to an hour; legs kicking, head snapping left and right and back again, having the time of your life.

And here's where the coup de grâce came in...  When I brought you into the house to change you and get you fed, I laid you on the floor as I normally would and you immediately went into 'play with me!' mode...  Without needing much more of an invitation than a big smile and a scrunched up nose, I of course obliged.  Suddenly your energy was surging and you seemed far less interested in food as you did play, so I decided to tempt the fates of happy babydom and flip you onto your belly for a little tummy time... This action didn't go unnoticed by the passer bys at Buckingham Place, and in seconds there was a gallery of spectators watching as you, for the first time, flipped over on your own!!!!!!  A CROWNING achievement, Son!  The house erupted in applause for this significant achievement Boy'O!  The only bummer of it being that Mommy wasn't there!  She was outside floating in the pool herself, though she heard the applause and celebrated on her own and with everyone else who wasn't there...  Still, I've no doubt Mommy'll be plenty happy to see you doing this more and more all on her own...

That's all for tonight, Son.  The night is hot and full of friends with plenty of drink to go around, and so I must go and enjoy while you sleep the night away...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

A Day of Independence

Day 203:

An easy breezy day at the Buckinghams today, Boy'O.  An early rise to your smiling face, a hot cup of coffee, a warm bottle for you, and a quiet palatial estate not 10 miles from the heart of Philadelphia - Home of the Declaration of Independence and where the document was ratified on July 4th, 1776.

Our 236 year old country, the United States of America, is, as countries go, one of the youngest in the World.  It's also arguably the most powerful in every way.  And the U.S.A. also happens to be a beacon to those who would look to escape the darkness of oppression in search of freedom and democracy.  Our country, YOUR country, is the light, Son...

This day is to be spent celebrating with friends and family, cooking out, enjoying cold beer, splashing in a pool (when available), and remembering who we are.  And the group of people we're enjoying this day with this year, Boy'O, doesn't get any better.  I've had the opportunity to spend the morning with you, the early afternoon at the Country Club of Philadelphia playing golf, and the evening having a lobster bake poolside with a cold beer sweating in my hand.

However, as far as 4th's go this is the best one of my life, and it's all because of you, Son.  It's because you're here with me and Mommy and I'm able to appreciate just a little more what our wonderful country provides, Boy'O.  Because you've been born in to freedom.  You were born into democracy.  And I know that you'll both love it and protect it at all costs as has been the case for the last 236 years.

I love you, Conor... And Happy 4th of July, Son.
-Dad

Welcome to Buckingham Palace

Day 202:

The 3rd of July this year falls on a Tuesday, Conor.  Why is that important?  Because the 3rd of July, of course preceding America's greatest Holiday, the 4th of July, is a day when virtually no business - at least not in technology - gets done.  Like, NOTHING.  With the 4th of July landing on a Wednesday, Boy'O, virtually kills any hopes of having a long weekend... Unless you go ahead and take Thursday and Friday off!  So I did...   5 days with the Lion Heart!  Nothing could be better...

Going to work this morning was torture, Son.  It was dropping you off at day care for a half day when really all I would accomplish at all is to clean up my calendar and what's shaping up to be an exceptionally busy couple of weeks.  Still, what was to follow made the effort worth it, and so I patiently waited to pick you up from daycare at 1:00pm, and move on down the road...

For months now we've been planning on heading to some very special friends' house, Son.  Lisa and Phil Buckingham live just Northwest of Philadelphia in one of the most beautiful homes any of us would ever see.  To say their home is opulent doesn't do the property justice.  In fact, the kitchen alone is as spectacular as any you'll see in even the finest custom kitchen magazine!

They've invited us, as well as several other friends who Mommy and I enjoy very much, to stay with them for the next few days and celebrate the 4th... And we've only just begun, Son!  Tomorrow promises to be a day of pool side lounging, cocktail drinking, exquisite food eating fun... Golf on Thursday at a Members Only country club, and then we'll see what happens... But one thing is for sure, these folks are all to happy to meet the Lion Heart and soak you in, Son.  You're a hit!  And that's no surprise to me.

I love you, Conor.  See you in the morning, Boy'O...
-Dad

Pass the Baby!

Day 201:

A busy Monday today, Son.  The day started with a full house once again... Aunt Jen and Uncle Paul, Nathan, and Andrew were all here shuffling around this morning trying to figure out how we would all make our respective days work... For both work and home!  Having no idea if they'd be here tonight or not, the Landers family tried to make everything as smooth as possible for Nathan and Andrew, and so it became a joint effort... Feeding, watching, occupying time, playing guitar (me and your little cousin Nate were heating things up with some dueling acoustics, Son.  At 20 months, he may already be better than your Old Man).

It was quite the busy start to the day...  Given that your daycare service was still without power I decided to work from home and keep an eye on you, though I had an appointment in Reston as well as one in Sterling later in the afternoon.  Mommy too had meetings, only hers would be in Arlington - clear on the other side of NoVA.  We brainstormed as to what we could do for somebody to watch you and came up with the perfect solution... Jimmy'O's daughter, Briana O'Hanlon!  She's 16 years old, drives her own car, and LOVES you, Son.  And I'm pretty sure you may well have for first crush as well, because when I came home to relieve Briana, you were smitten like you read about!  Smiling and flirting with her, giggling and showing off...  I definitely had a laugh!  You big flirt, you...

Well, as it turned out the Landers got their power back and so they're all resting comfortably in their own home tonight, Son... As are you in ours.  And now it's that time for me... Time to catch some Z's, Son.

I love you, Boy'O.
-Dad

Layin' Low, Keepin' Cool...

Day 200:

Well Son, yesterday about sucked all the life clear out of me... For all that went on throughout the day - power outages, bad phone lines, an the hectic and frenetic pace of even the event itself - it took everything I had to get going this morning, Son.  As each day passes and I grow just a little bit older, so then does my recovery time.  To be sure, your old man has typically been a pretty quick healer and recovery time for me was once measured in hours, not days...  Today was a day I'd-a liked to have spent in bed.

Though still, I have to continue to tell myself that it was worth it.  It was all worth it!  The work, the stress, the benefit as it was happening... Certainly worth it...

When I got up this morning, understanding we have a full house too (see: Previous Entry) I knew I had to get out of the house and get breakfast.  I headed to Wegmans in Fairfax to pick up bagels, lox, tomatoes, an onion, some double smoked Virginia ham, and of course, coffee...  I'm pretty sure I was in the store for all of 20 minutes. When I came out I thought I may catch fire it was so hot!

"Back to the house..."  I thought to myself.  "I have to feed these folks and come up with a plan!"  My grand plan?  See Uncle Scotty and Uncle Bear off on their motorcycles, then pack up the crew and head to the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airtport.  Cool things to see, cool temperatures,  a great place for little dudes like you and Nathan and Andrew.  It was a great way to beat the heat and keep you boys cool...

An interesting factoid about Udvar Hazy, Boy'O...
When I was 17 years old I worked as a Bell Hop for Hyatt hotels. Part of my responsibilities were to run out to Dulles Airport in a Hyatt Crew van to pick up the Continental crews arriving off International flights.  On March 6th, 1990 I arrived on the tarmac in my gigantic Ford 350 Econoline van to pick up the crew, the entire tarmac was a parade route!  A select 50 people (or so) were sitting in a grand stands in the middle of the runway and they were all looking toward the sky.  I got out of the van and asked the Continental pilot what they were looking for!   He told me to wait, and to look up... And just as I did I saw a streak rip the sky wide open followed by a series of distant booms and what looked like smoke rings...  The clear blue sky cracked as if it were being split by a laser!

Immediately the band started to play and people gave applause and I still didn't eve know what the hell I just saw!  A few minutes later the original SR-71 Blackbird came in on approach... To see her land and taxi to our position on the tarmac remains one of the top 5 coolest thing I've ever seen in my life!  This bird was massive!  Her nose glowing like a radiating electric stove, and as she cooled fluids leaked from all over the aircraft.  She was so impressive, Conor.  An absolutely amazing aircraft and easily one of my very favorites to this day...

Turns out that old Blackbird was to become the first piece in what is now known as the Udvar Hazy Aerospace museum.  Pretty special to have been there..............

As a matter of course, the SR-71 made a flight from the Pacific to the Atlantic in just over 1 hour and 8 minutes at an average speed of 2112 MPH...  Impressive indeed.

After a stroll through the museum, me, you, your Mommy, Uncle Paul and Aunt Jen as well as Andrew and Nathan, made our way out for lunch immediately followed by a trip back to the house for the evening...  See Son, the Landers power is still out in Falls Church and so we've opened our doors to them, just as they would us were the situation reversed...  Because that's what you do for those you love, Conor.  You answer the call; as per my previous entries.

That's all for tonight, Conor...  I'm wiped out.  But I love you, Son.  And I loved spending so much time with you today; with everybody in fact...  Twas a great day.

I love you-
Dad