Gear Heads? May 20, 2008

I’m not sure what, if anything, they “fixed”, but they sure had a good time. It’s fun to watch them mimic their daddy. The Pilot is so sweet with them. He shows them the tools and how they work. He explains the importance of a full radiator, as if they understand that all British cars tend to overheat. They talk about the twin, dual choke SU carburetors. They nod. (I wonder if they know that “twin” can refer to anything other than them; in fact, I wonder if they know what “twin” anything means.) They both enjoy a ride in the car and time spent with their daddy.

Not Quite Right May 19, 2008

The local gym (yes, we have ONE) is co-located with the local McDonald’s (yes, we even have one of those).  That’s job security for ya!

Back in the Saddle May 14, 2008

As you might remember, I was in a car accident two years ago this month. I can’t believe it’s been two years. I am still in pain, daily; and I am still fighting with the insurance company. Contrary to what the marketers want you to you believe, the insurance companies are not “on your side”…ever.

Anyway, I went for my first ride in one of The Pilot’s little cars this week! The weather was perfect. There was enough of a hole in the exhaust pipe that the rumble was just loud enough. And the fumes, well they almost made all of my troubles fade away! Note to future riders: crack the window!

1967 Triumph TR-4A

Night Vigil May 11, 2008

By William R. Mattox Jr.  (a member of USA Today’s Board of Contributors)

Twenty years ago, I found myself in the kind of situation every first-time parent fears the most.  It was 3 a.m., and I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in the eight weeks since Allison’s triumphant entry into our world.  Night after night, my wife and I had taken turns trying to get our daughter to sleep peacefully.

On this particular night, I tried every trick I knew to calm Allison.  I rocked her.  Walked her.  Burped her.  Changed her.  Held her.  Read to her.   Sang to her.  Hummed to her.  But still she cried.  No, make that wailed.

At the height of her wailing, I heard an inner voice say, Long ago, someone was there for you at times like these.

At that instant, I was filled with a profound appreciation for my mother.  It occurred to me that she had made numerous sacrifices for me, including many that I would not even remember.

Looking back, I consider that night the most frustrating night of my parenting career.  But it was also the most glorious, for in a moment of desperation, I had learned this spiritual truth:  We love because we were first loved.

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!

Yardening May 9, 2008

What is it?

It’s Your Present, Mom! May 8, 2008

“This is your present. I can’t tell you what it is. It isn’t soap.” Bigweld

The boys were kind enough to unwrap my Mother’s Day gifts 3 days early. They made soap “with flowers” at preschool. They were very excited about it. I wonder how they will feel once I use it?