An East Coast Christmas

Twas Chrismas Day here on the East Coast, still in the high 70°’s but I’m not one to boast. The presents where wrapped the best with a bow, in hopes that St. Nick brought anything but snow. Some Coffee in my Baileys I think I’ll be trying, now rip and tare set that paper a flying. Hygiene essentials, slinky, putty and socks “Dadoo please, where’s my Mario Kart Box?” The sounding of laughter, faces of happiness and cheer, half my Baileys away shall I now have Amaretto or Beer? Forget the straightening bring on more fun… Oh a fishing pole and race boats lets go hit the sun. A few carrots, and tatoes, rolls, tasty roast beast, bring on the Cookies I’m ready to feast. Countless flashes of the camera the hours fleet by, our thoughts to the heavens as the sun leaves the sky. Hugs, kisses and good wishes from the East to the West, our Family and Friends… all those we LOVE best. So in true storybook fashion and doing this right……

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night XOXO ~ Ry and Xaine

Jacksonville, FL - SNOWING, 78°

Jacksonville, FL - SNOWING, 78°. No typo there… “SNOW”. Trust me... I was as shocked as you readers may be. Tis the season for my company’s holiday sponsored event “Snow in the Citi”. Admittance purchased well in advance we are off to Dadoo’s work for yuletide festivities and a promising of 15 tons of the white stuff. Having been provided our holly red wrist bands (Warning: DO NOT permit sticky tape on band to contact any forearm hair) by the friendly entrance elves it was off to decorate some cookies. (We could have made a wondrous wreath; however, my boy had sugar plum fairies dancing in him head). We wasted no time in the mixing of colors, scattering of a few sprinkles and one mustn’t forget the candy enhancements. Producing a truly scrumptious sweet tooth surprise and having put those plum fairies into a sugar coma it was off to the ‘Wait from this point = 30 min or more’ imaginary sign leading way to the balloon sculpture. Observing the Magician performing on stage helped us pass the time in line and now for Xaine’s creation. Would it be a Santa hat/beard, Penguin, Candy Can…. After clarification by the sculpture that he heard the desired creation correctly the art of inflation and twisting began… presto… a plain and simple Diamond? Sculpture in hand and only a few paces away you wouldn’t expect to see a sad face on my boy... “What’s wrong Baboo”… “Dadoo, this is not a diamond… he made me a SQUARE”. Oh, the horror of it all… Luckily Dadoo knew just what to do and upon rotating his sculpture 45° imagine the pure glow upon his face to see his ever longed after Diamond. Prolonged sadness averted, twas time to venture to the great outdoors. Weaving through the masses the luscious green grass beneath us gave way to a blanket of crackling white. Now this is the kind of snow I can enjoy; off the roads, in minuet amounts and still warm out (yep, still in the 70’s) Let the snow fights begin…..

Strong Branches

We are MEN… and today we shall satisfy our primal urge to hunt for a Christmas Tree. Using our innate senses (MapQuest) we track a flock or trees to a lot at The Home Depot (the manly man’s shopping center). Right off the bat my boy’s keen eyes spy an amazing 8 foot Fraser Fir. With but one swift and strong strike from my debit card the tree falls. Taking both of our brute strength we drag this prize into our den (can you smell the testosterone and pine?). The fir impaled upon a stand for all to see we sit back and enjoy the spoils of our victory… Ok, OK… we know you can’t have a bare Christmas Tree… so let the decorating begin. (Why is it that no matter how much care one gives to the lights from the year before, they always seem to just tangle up in storage?) Being the ever so patient person I am of course I gave the task of detangling all the lights into a single string to Xaine. Sitting back and enjoying the sight of my boy solving the clustered cord conundrum I figure I should do some work too, so after a few turns around the tree (acquiring several scratches and a sappy epidermis) (why do we decorate these again?) our tree was bound in over 1000 multi color lights. Tis time now to hang the traditional multi colored satin bulbs which have dawned more Evans trees then I can remember. The majority of my OCD’s (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders) diminished I let Xaine hang them by his choosing… One here, One there, a FEW on this branch, maybe one more, and let the creativity that is he ignite. “Look Dadoo… I have THREE BALLS” (this tree sure has some strong branches I tell you). To truly make this OUR tree we incorporate unique sentimental additions of: age marking memories, a stolen apple heirloom, and a new note worthy Snowman. Last but not least the addition of the tree Topping Bow… “Xaine the honor is this year is yours, take a bow, flip the switch, release the spark and set the tree to light….”
Happy Holidays …

Not So 'Silly Putty'

As parents we raise children in a manner by which we hope that one day we’ve equipped our little babe’s with enough knowledge to safely and with confidence spread their wings and seek their independence. Never did I think my little man would start the flapping of his wings so early… Having observed Xaine resting his hand or scratching his head in the same location for some time I asked him to let me take a look. To my surprise underneath his 5 year old pad was... well... a BALD spot. “Xaine what happened?” I inquired to which he responded “My hair just fell out” (K… knowing men are prone to an ever expanding forehead as we age, I’m fairly certain my boy is not experiencing an advanced form of localized male pattern baldness). So with a smirk and that anti lying look us parents have honed...I inquired once more, “Xaine what ‘REALLY’ happened?” This time the tale was a slightly different one. “Dadoo, I got my Silly Putty stuck in my hair” … “Oh dear Baboo, why did you not tell me? Did you think I would be upset?” “No, Dadoo… I wanted to be bigger so I tried getting it out myself… I rubbed it with a towel but it didn’t come out… so… I just cut it”. That’s my boy for you. While he now has a Mr. Clean marking and will be sporting a ‘TRUMP’ do for some time… He could honestly care less… in his eyes (and mine) he still looks like the stud he is and more importantly….he faced his problem with a resolution of his own independent design…

45 Pounder

Tis the time for giving THANKS so Xaine and I would like to immortalize in script those relationships which endured/strengthened through our recent endeavors, those who we thought we'd lost but who's paths have diverged with ours once more and those newly introduced on this our East Coast journey. Whether you have entered our lives for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime... We cherish all memories of the past, those yet to come and lets not forget the NOW (i.e. Gobble Gobble Day)... Having accepted a gracious invitation of Holiday festivities we arrived with empty tummies and some Canned Cranberry Jelly. After some socializing, hor'derves sampling and one belt notch later Xaine and I decided to work some of our stuffing off by playing a little Hide n' Seek and Heelying around. Our waist lines had been somewhat restored just in time for us to follow the aroma of the main course which had penetrated our nostrils. As if magically transported to the kitchen we found ourselves before a feast for all saints. Living by the rule of having to try everything at least once we stuffed our guts till we couldn't get off our butts. (Mental note to either wear roomier denim or sweats next nosh fest). Needing once again to seek an activity to reduce the waist line, but fearing a sudden movement may projectile launch and injure our hosts/others with a bonsai button... we opted to stay put and entertain ourselves with the Sword Toothpicks at the table. Parry and defend and lunge and... impale my childs wrist (ok, not so much impale but a half inch bleeding scratch is totally a mood breaker) MEDIC...! Luckily our hostess had a ready supply of Jumbo Grande bandages. Avoiding the need for a transfusion by applying a sizable wrap and having almost Darth Vador'd my little Luke's arm I did what any guilt ridden father would do. Gave him one, two, three slices of Pumpkin pie with mounds of whipped cream (sugar free of course, I felt guilt but not crazy enough to load my boy up on that much edible crystalline substances)... Mmmmmm... All and all it was a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday. I'm Thankful for yet another happy memory to add to my growing collection... and not to speak for my boy but I bet Xaine is glad our Mashed Potato's, Olives and Turkey pan were not put to use. Beside, do you have any idea as to how long it would take to cook this 45 Pounder?
......................................................................................................
A moment of silence and the flickering of a flame in memory of those who where not with us physically but whom are never far from our hearts.

White with One Orange Stripe

Not sure what you all do every Tuesday and Thursday between 5:45pm and 6:15pm ET... but I sure can confirm my location on each of these nights. I've been supporting my little man as he diligently practices at Pak's Karate Academy. I can't believe it has already been 3 months and I now find myself watching him at the Quarterly belt ranking test. This time around he not only tests before his fellow White Belts but also the Orange - Black Belts (all their family and friends) and if that is not enough eyes on my boy Master Nathans Master (Master Johnson) is also in attendance. (No pressure at all) Xaine as usual shows no wavering in his confidence of his abilities. He ever so energetically joins his testing group in showing all his technique around this rankings 3 One Step requirements:

1st One Step -
Front Foot Side Kick
Down Block
Punch

2nd One Step -
Back Foot Kick
High Block
Punch

3rd One Step -
Front Foot Side Kick
Back Foot Pivot Kick


Having completed the One Step portion of the testing it is time for him to break is 'First Board'.. yep.. my little man is going to break a board (Now what boy/man doesn't find board breaking to be TOTALLY AWESOME).. so with a few practice kicks......

With all boards having been taught to fear 5 year old feet a silence fills the room as the Masters review the scoring and determine who will progress in ranking.... Master Nathan takes the floor and calls out name.. after name ... till ... XAINE

Told you he was confident.. Not like you could miss that fact by the manner in which he leaves behind his 'White Belt' and struts up to receive his 'White with One Orange Stripe Belt'

Pocket Weight

Pockets weighed down with cash.. what to do? (surprisingly our plans on this Sunday did not involve a shopping spree) Rather we hit the road to Downtown for the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural FAIR. After a short drive with scenic detour (Yep, got us lost... but this time I was just a street vs. a State off ) we arrived. Having snagged a prime parking location ($5), passed through the metal detector with 'complementory' pat down ($0), entry passes acquired ($25 BOGO) and a booklet of 20 ride tickets ($25) we where ready for some good times. Traversing our way around the grounds to identify rides Xaine would brave we stumbled upon the Carrousel (6 tickets). Round and round...man, all that Merry Go Rounding sure created a fatigue. So we caught the 'Kan Du - Magic Show' while stuffed our fair ground faces with grease dripping Pizza and large soda ($14). Well caffeinated we ventured over to 'Jump the Ultimate Dog Show'.. Frizbees flung, fur a flying and Xaine in his 'tall voice' exclaiming 'Floofpoof can do better then these dogs" it was time for an awkward retreat to find more entertainment. "Step right up" "Free, prize if you let the little guy try" "Everyone's a winner".. something about the gamers ranting is like a sirens call. With watchful eye I spy a water gun target shoot ($6) with only little kids on the triggers. Xaine on trigger 13 and I on 12 (WHAT? my inner child wanted to play.. no disadvantage to the other kids), Ding went the bell, water steamed, flashing station 12 light... "We have a winner". Xaine pick your prize.. "Sorry kid, the giant 'Stewie' requires two wins" (like I'm not getting my little man that prize)...One more flash on station 12 ($6) and Xaine had STEWIE. So little to do so much blog space (strike that reverse it).. we whiplashed in the bumper cars (8 tickets), placed a trifecta at the 'Robinson's Racking Pigs' and 'Great American Duck Race', slid down the Potato sack slide (3 tickets), scurried through the extreme obstacle course (3 tickets) and nosh, nosh, noshed the whole day through: ice cream cone ($4), meat sticks ($10), and Funnel Cake ($8 and worth every penny). Relatively late, a tiered boy upon my shoulders (compensating for my much lighter pockets) and our newest Family Guy in hand.. we left the Flashing lights, Aromatic munchies, Intriguing entertainment and Rides. One can calculate the expense of our outing... but in my eyes it was just another "Priceless" day with my Baboo.

POLE Dancer

Yesterday evening as I walk the long halls of Greenland Pines Elementary to pick up Xaine I was greeted by one of the After School Program directors who says calmly “Mr. Evans, Xaine is fine…” (While somewhat reassuring, words like these still invoke a surge of protective parental emotions) “What Happened?” I inquire. “Well, he has a good size bump … he wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings and walked right into a POLE”. (Internal dialog “He walked into a POLE?”) Mere moments later my little man rounds the corner with an ice pack held to his newly acquired right brow bump. “My poor Baboo” I get down to his level, gave him a big hug and a magic kiss on his booboo… and then……

(Here is where you leap forward through time with us… feel free to insert at this point any special effect or theme music you desire)

Today, on one of the never ending conference calls in my daily schedule I notice a local number on my display. As the red light illuminates (indicating a message has been left) an unsettling feeling overtakes. So I drop my conference, access my mailbox and hear “Mr. Evans... this is Mrs. Sisbarro (Xaine’s Teacher) I need you to call me back…..” Wasting no time I return the call. Upon answering she says calmly “Mr. Evans, Xaine is fine…” (What is it with everyone thinking those words are so comforting?) “What Happened?” I inquire… “Well, he has a good size bump … he wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings and walked right into a POLE”. (Um... anyone else having the same sense of déjà vu?) Unsure if I’m in a bad Groundhog Day remake I respond “I’m sorry… did you say he walked into a POLE … TODAY?” “Yes Mr. Evans…” was the response I received. So a short drive later I find myself picking up my right brow bump, newly left side forehead lump sporting, ever so observant… POLE Dancer.

Xaine, if the past two days are any foreshadowing as to the career you may be leaning towards… Please work on an awareness of your surrounding prior to shaking your Bonbon… (I’ll give you my change belt when you are older)

'Say Hello...."

All Hallow’s Even has got to be the best holiday ever to be celebrated. I mean on how many other holiday’s is it deemed acceptable both socially and by the national psychiatric community for one to let their inner child (or split personalities if ya got them) to take over and run amuck. In our youth we are encourage to become anything we desire. Unfortunately, we all didn’t achieve those youthful dreams of being a Plastic Surgeon, Mime, or even the most powerful Sorcerer ever. Lucky for us though it’s October and Halloween is here. Yesterday the only limitation set upon us was those within the scope of our minds eye. So following the lead of my boys imagination we dawned some slick looking slacks, dress shirts, form fitting vests, Four in Hand Knotted ties and midnight black fedora hats. Get ready to hand over your sugary loot world; two Tall, Dark & Handsome 'Gangsters' are loose on the town….

Oh… we almost forgot to introduce you to our little friends…..…

Our 'Tops' Are Off To You

Hello there, I’m Ry and this is my boy Xaine. We would like to ask each of you to join us in recognizing the horrors inflicted upon the Great “Pumpkin”. Yearly, thousands of them are taken from their patches and placed into seemingly good homes. Their pure innocence blinds them to the realities of the gruesome fate which waits. When they least expect it they are turned upon by their abductors. The poor defenseless things have their tops sliced right off, their guts ripped out and discarded or even baked leaving them as just a hollow shell of their once full selves. The brutality sadly does not stop there. Their flesh is all too often sliced, stabbed and in extreme circumstances chunks of their being removed. If this were not enough, they are then filled with a toxic glowing substance or set a blaze, light emanating from the monstrous expression imprinted upon them by this torturous experience. They are then turned out, alone, scared in the frigid night air. Our apologies for the graphic depiction, however, Xaine and I hope you see why we feel these orange orphans deserve at least a moment. So, to all those lost through the years… Our ‘tops’ are off to you…..


Hey... We never said we were n't guilty of taking in a few of our own…

Fearful And Nightmarishly Good Scares

Dusk soon approaches and I find myself before the entrance to the lanai. With clammy palm I turn the knob and find that it effortlessly creaks open “Doesn’t anyone now a day’s believe in locks?” I think as I cross the threshold. The coldness of the concrete upon my bare feet sends chills up my spine. Heart rate escalates ever so steadily as I inch toward the shadowy figure. Now is the time, struggling to control my anxiety I ever so cautiously extend my right hand… and... AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No, this is not an excerpt from “Interview with a Vampire” or “Twilight” but rather a valuable lesson in the dangers of disturbing a 5 year old recipient of synthetic Nosferatu nibblers (Scare me real). Having had several discussions with Xaine on the topic of Vampires this month, compounded by his recent fascination with my pearly white predominant Cuspids, he has expressed that he is eagerly awaiting the loss of his baby teeth (oh, sorry Xaine…not baby but rather Kindergartener teeth) to see if he will be blessed with some sizable blood suckers. Regrettably, as the Tooth Fairy has yet to schedule a visit to my boy, he’ll have to settle for make believe with his plastic chomps. Which just so happened to have arrived just in time to be worn to the “Fall Festival” over at the Citi complex. Nothing better than a gathering of souls to partake in Gaming, Trick or Treating and the ever so anticipated (and in our case very very short lived ) Haunted House experience. In many ways similar to the passages above… We cross the threshold… approached a shadowy figure… behold a Killer Clown (apparently Xaine, like another in our bloodline, does not appreciate these characters)… and… with the force of all his youth, I find myself being pulled out of the haunting zone. All screams from within are masked by his exclaiming to me “Dadoo, we are so done with this… come on NOW!!!!). You sure can tell who wears the FANGS in this duo.

Good Clean Fun

Xaine’s bedtime routine involves a bath and then storytime (i.e. Book, Magazine, Farmer George, etc). One of our recent readings was a publication from a 'Highlights' magazine. Within the pages are numerous Stories, Games and Crafts. This edition just so happened to have directions for something that totally complimented my boys nightly regimen “Crayons for your Tub”… so we figured we’d have some fun and see how they turned out….

Ingredients:
2 - Bars “IVORY” soap (NOTICE: To any Ivory executives gleaming this blog of the blatant plugging of your product. We believe in the goodness of giving and if you feel so inclined to ship us free samples, jewelry or vehicles… we would not reject any such offerings)
1 – Cheese Grater

1 – Package of Food Coloring
4 – Tbsp Warm Water
1 – Ice Cube Tray
1 – Can Spray Vegetable Oil

Directions:

1. Grate the soap using the smallest holes on the cheese grater. (NOTICE: Children are encouraged to ensure proper adult supervision prior to attempting this step. Additionally, I cannot stress enough that ANY members of my family (regardless of age) should request adult supervision from someone other than those in our bloodline)

2. Add 10 – 15 drops of food coloring for desired effects. (NOTICE: The Addition of one’s own thumb flesh/blood from step 1 to enhance a desired RED effect is not needed and/or recommended).

3. Add a few drops of warm water and stir, smash and mush until it looks like thick dough.

4. Press the mixture into sections of an oiled ice-cube tray and freeze for 30 min. Pop crayons out of tray and let dry.

5. Enjoy some "Good Clean Fun".

His New Coiffure

Hair styles come and go with the times, but any who know me also know that I never wait around on time or let a trend dictate my nature. Fact is, should anyone glance through portraits of me, they’d be hard pressed to find a shot where my hair was styled the same. Be it months apart or just the very next day, it will be observed that my hair style is ever changing. Fathoming for a moment on the endless combinations one’s hair could take on (considering length, texture, color spectrum, product, styling tools, etc) why follow the status quo…? (I obviously don’t) So being self aware of the fact that the ‘hair style’ gene in my DNA is anything but recessive, it was only a matter of time before the gene which I passed to Xaine activated. And this past week it did. Of his own free will, at his latest trim and touch up session, he instructed his stylist to cut off his flowing locks in order to now fashion a multi textured Fawx Hawk.

He is able to mold and shape his new coiffure (a.k.a. Hairdo): up, down, left, right, anything in between and even make it look like he has done nothing with it at all. The activation of this gene in my boy has opened him up to a world of endless possibilities. Enjoy you new found freedom my son… I look forward to seeing what fun, creative ways you choose to express your individuality…

A Touch of Yellow

For Xaine’s homework assignment this week he was asked to draw a DETAILED picture that depicts a story and then tell me about what he had drawn. He was able to pick from any one of his fondest memories and depict it in his own artist flare. The story as narrated by Xaine “I drew about when you and me and brudder went to play at the pool and there were other people there and the other peoples son peed in the pool” (hence the yellowish tint in some areas of the pool water) Not sure about Al, but I don’t recall any kids peeing in the pool… but tell you what... when my boy told me this story I sure about peed myself…

Digging For Water

One of the many pastimes I’ve enjoyed at Huntington Beach, in my youth and adulthood, is “digging for water”. How do you do this? Well, you find a nice location just up from where the water is surging on the shore and dig, dig, dig until you reach the water table. I know, truly amazing how the simplest of things entertain me. Now on the East coast and continuing to share beach experiences with Xaine, it’s only natural and expected for my offspring to add his own touch to whatever he does. So here we are dig, dig, digging (ok, so I’m doing all the work and Xaine is giving direction)… Eureka, we’ve stuck water. Hole dug, water struck, I’m entertained, Xaine however is not done. Now into the hole he two pad pounces, stomp splashing around and requesting that I fill it in and pack the sand around him. Who am I to deny a child’s request? So I pack him in the hole. “Where’s my legs Dadoo...?” “They are in the hole you goof ball” “No they’re not...they’re right here.” (my creative child has depicted his appendages with a drawing in the sand… ) A smirk and sense of self accomplishment emanating from him a request to be freed is commanded of me. So here I go dig, dig, digging again… and once set loose it is deemed my turn to experience his version of entertainment… “Dadoo…You get in the hole.” Being the good direction follower that I am, I comply. A moment later I find myself locked in a standing position buried up just past my knees. “Great work Xaine… now let’s dig Dadoo out.” Xaine.. Xaine?... Xaine!!!!?…. (my boy has abandoned me for the siren call of the ocean) So here I am, rocking back and forth in an attempt to free myself, enjoying the stray looks/giggles of passersby and the knowledge that this is one of those memories that will have me chuckling through the ages. (Making this event even more meaningful is seeing Xaine’s artwork from school)

Title: ‘Dadoo and Baboo digging for water in the beach sand’

The Karate Kid

Move over Ralph Macchio, there is a new Karate Kid in town. This past week, Xaine began his studies of the art of Tang Soo Do at Pak’s Karate Academy. No “Wax On, Wax Off” or “Paint the Fence” for this future black belt. He met with Master Nathan Alexander (6th Dan) for an introductory private lesson where he was presented his uniform (such a STUD) and schooled in: The martial art history, Terminology, Traditions, Respect (“Yes Sir” as a response to a question vs. “Yep” is something we’ll need to work on), Fore fist (front) punch while YELLING Kiai and the equilibrium testing Side Kick. Master Nathan exclaimed that Xaine presented great form; easily switched up his hand placement and used his heal on all kicks (this tends to be very difficult for first timers). Xaine totally enjoyed himself so much so that even he tried convincing me that I was mistaken and his lessons are Everyday vs. only Tuesdays and Thursdays. So imagine his excitement once Tuesday and his second session finally came about. This session was a true test of Xaine’s retention level as he was asked to stand before his peers and Master Nathan to present all he had been taught. He bowed, assumed ready position, fore fist punched (KIAI!!!!!!!), switched feet and side kicked. What I can say… my boy is a natural. Having successfully demonstrated these abilities he earned and was awarded his White Belt. My little boy is an official Moo Kup Jar.
Terminology

Tang Soo Do - A Korean martial art which teaches empty hand and foot fighting, fighting forms, self-defense, and weapons. Tang Soo Do also teaches people to live a healthy and harmonious life. This ancient martial art traces its lineage back 2,000 years.
Dobok – Martial Arts Uniform
Dee – Belt
Moo Kup Jar – White Belt Student
Kyong Yet – Bow
Chun Bee – Ready Position
Jung Kwon Kong Kyuck – Fore fist (front) Punch
Yup Cha Gi - Side Kick

A Cart in the Corridor

“Publix” our friendly neighborhood grocery store is literally just around the corner. Xaine and I walk there often and it would seem that someone in our community did the same last night. Apparently though, they did not realize that objects as they appear on coupons are in fact larger then they may be depicted in the image and in turn needed some assistance in transporting their munchies and crunchies home. How do we know this? Well as we headed out for a new days’ adventure we were surprised to see a stolen shopping cart just outside our door. Now, being the upstanding male members of the society that we are, we recognized the right thing to do was to...

Take the cart...and ......Race up and down the complex corridor.........

Running, Jumping, Throwing ...

“Running, Jumping, Throwing, Biking, Playing…”No you are not being serenaded with a Captain Kangaroo medley. Rather with Fay finally on her way, the Sunshine state was ready to live up to its nickname and Xaine and I were out to relieve some pent up energy. Topped off with rain and a scattering of palm leaves, dislodged by the winds, the pool was a most refreshing start to the day. With a swift paced run and an Olympic worthy Jump….Cannon Ball!!! Having been deprived of the H2O plunge for some time we were soon togged up in this season’s “Haute Couture”… (Telling you, the chlorine engorged prunish look is sure to be all that this fall).
Now wide awake and ready to show our appreciation for the blue skies and piercing rays of light it was time for some Football. Sweat bubbles materializing a top our upper lips, our gazes of intimidation fixed on one another and our shoulders absorbing the solar heat promote our endless fury of passes, catches and in the sport on honesty … fumbles. Xaine has an arm that you would not believe. The power he discharges in each throw is only
comparable to Zeus’ hurling of lightning bolts. Which may explain the static charged follicles on his head? Or maybe, the faint sounds of an evening storm emerging as echoes in the air have something to do with that. With truth in every dawn having its dusk, ours is soon approaching. No time shall be lost by us. Before the sky opens up and drenches the land we shall set out for at least one final physical activity. Xaine…Dawn your helmet, tie up those laces, rev up your HUMMER and let’s hit the road.

Fickled "FAY"

Xaine… Dadoo thinks he has this school commute thing figured out. We leave now and there should be no issue ensuring you are on time. See Xaine, look how smooth our drive is going, barely a person on the road. Wow!! Look, already at Greenland Pines and plenty of parking as there is only one car in the lot? Pulling next to this lone vehicle and windows rolling down through the morning showers I here “Sir, Duval county schools are closed due to Tropical Storm Fay”… (Obviously Dadoo missed that rather important notice while watching the weather report last night.) Looks like Dadoo will be working remotely and Xaine will be getting some home schooling. Between roughly 8am and 4pm ET, the remainder of this week, Xaine will be introduced to: Conference Call Etiquette, Keyboarding, Project /Workflow Management, “Dog and Pony Shows” and of course Weather Forecasting. On shore, off shore, on shore and off again… how hard is it for Mother Nature to decide where she wants to reek havoc? Report after report that Fay still cannot decide when and where she wants to go translates to “no pool today” in a 5 year olds mind. Continuous showers, the occasional wind gust and pretty much confined to the house, what are two boys to do…? With our "overactive" imaginations shouldn’t be too hard to figure something out: Pillow FIGHT!, Tickle Wars, Bucking Bronco (… anyone know a good chiropractor?), Nerf Dart Gun battles, Hide and Seek, Silly Putty ball bouncing, and of course STORM Chasing. Come on, I love the rain… like I’m going to pass up the opportunity to jump in these puddles. Fay can stay as fickled as she desires… it’s not stopping Xaine or I from having good times and creating lasting memories to share. Faint sound of an electric fan (or is that my razor?) a tickle on my leg and singing coming from Xaine “shaving Dadoo’s leg hairs, shaving Dadoo’s hair”……….gotta go…

First Day of "K"

Monday’s come and go but there shall never be a Monday like this again. This day marks one of many milestones Xaine will experience in his life, for today he starts Kindergarten. As the suns gaze caresses his cheek I rub his back and whisper in his ear “Morning my Kindergartener.” No request for 5 more minutes of shut eye from this little boy but rather a few morning stretches, strategic scratches (what do you expect, he is a boy) and this wide eyed bushy tailed son of mine is ready for some grub. As he noshes on a wholesome breakfast, Dadoo irons’ his outfit of choice and cram packs his PacPac with school supplies, a “Brown Bag” Lunch and an Extended Day Snack. Dressed to the 9’s, some moldable texture to his dew the little stud is ready to hit the road (Flash Flash Flash… first day of “K”… like I’m going to pass on any photo op). Xaine chooses the SUV for his morning transportation, so we’re off. Now you all remember the 15min drive time rule for getting to anyplace worth getting to in Jacksonville, FL. Apparently Greenland Pines Elementary is not one of those ‘worth getting to locals’. 45 min on the road, now 15 min beyond the first bell and still in bumper to bumper traffic… Oh, look a field (deductive reasoning taking hold… SUV + Off Road = Parking Space)… Now just a swift walk later we are approaching, a line? Apparently any parent wishing to escort their child to the classroom door must go through processing. Well Xaine, at least you are not the only one Tardy on your first day… Xaine.. Xaine I’m talking to you... Oh, I see... already too big a boy to be associated with Dadoo... geez (Flash Flash Flash). Finally sporting my pretty bright red visitor nametag it was off to the right, a left at the pole, first right after that and down the corridor to Room 157 (Mrs. Sisbarro’s Class). I open the door to reveal his home away from home for the next year. Having located the cubby dawned with his name; he hangs up his PacPac, gives me a hug and whispers to me “We’ll be alright Dadoo”. We do our sign language “Eye Love You” and blow one another a kiss as he joins his classmates on the singing mat (A-B-C-D-E-F-G….). I now find myself standing just outside the threshold of the door… He doesn’t look back… the sound of singing fades… The door closes… My Baby Boy is a kindergartener now…..

A Slobbery Solution

Every parent would have to agree that while our children are our lives, there are those instances when we all could use just a smidgeon of adult time. What could I propose to keep Xaine busy without simply plopping him in front of the boob tube? Think, think, think… I’ve got it. Xainer, try to lick your elbow. (Internal dialog “Great idea Ry, that is sure to keep him busy). Task delivered, Xaine raises his elbow upwards toward his outward stretched tongue (didn’t get it that way), then an attempt from the top (nope, no luck that time either). Now with a momentary pause and a look of deep concentration , Xaine peers at his right elbow, then shifts his gaze to his left hand and what do I proceed to observe? With his saliva drenched tongue he licks his hand and rubs his elbow. “All done Dadoo, I licked my elbow”. Well what can I say, sharp kid and that had to be most rewarding 32.6 seconds of adult time I’ve had in a very long time.

Disclaimer: The preceding photo was a fabrication of the event depicted. While the parties involved remain the same the location and timing have been altered.