Father's Day Is Sunday!

He was my hero, my knight in shining armor and Superman all rolled into one loud, outspoken dynamo.  He was so proud of his sons and treated us like royalty.  He taught me so much that kept me out of trouble and helped me stay out of trouble if it did come around.  

Folks either loved him or avoided him.  Didn't seem to be too many in between, as he took over a room as soon as he walked in.  It became his show and he was the MC and the entertainment if needed.  It was all a part of a day's work being my Dad.  And you guys think I am loud?  Barely a whisper beside dear old Dad for real...

Dad was an athlete, still holds records in several sports at his high school and played some minor league baseball.  He was an exceptional golfer, pool player and card player, and was nearly impossible to beat even playing for fun.  He was the most competitive Putt-Putt player to not go pro I've ever witnessed.

I remember him mostly driving trucks, but he was also on the city fire department for a few years and even owned his own service station/garage for a while.  After my brother got old enough for ME to take care of, my mother joined him on the road as a passenger/companion for his treks to the west coast.  The night he pulled in front of the house, tossed out a couple of suitcases and drove off will never be forgotten.  It wasn't my mother on the other side of the street, it was Dad!  "Who's driving the truck?"  "Your mother."

And that's just part of the story.  I'm misty-eyed right now just considering which photos to include with this one.  Glad I thought ahead to prepare this ahead of Sunday, when I know I'll be working on websites and editing photos.  My Dad was the best.  He's been gone nearly 25 years, but not a single day goes by that I don't think of something he said, or how he would react, or something crazy he'd do to make you laugh...

Submitted lyrics for the so-called "industrial" tune to Tommy on Thursday, it is now known as "It's A Lie" and has nothing to do with Egypt or the story of Horus any longer.  Doubled back toward the original intent with the point of commenting on the illegal opiate problems we face today in America.  A little bit Manson-ish is how I'm hearing the first couple of verses, with a rapid-fire (almost rap) segment in between.  While remaining in the constraints of today's popular industrial bands, the song continues but by the fourth segment of the song, Roxx steps out to a more familiar sound...I hope!  I'll post when a recording date is set.

Grand-daughter Imogen is now speaking a few words and today her mother posted her signing a new sign.  "Food."  She's chasing older brother Alden, who has cookies, and signing "food" to him.  

A few weeks away from the wrestling ring and I'm getting antsy.  Good thing, I have an RGL show on Saturday and CWF ABSOLUTE JUSTICE the following Saturday.  Also, RCW made it official, we will run Riders In The Country (Randleman NC) on Sunday August 6th for Jimmy Valiant's 75th Birthday Bash, Lizard Lick Style!  Yup, we're doing it "one 'mo 'gain".  Honestly surprised by this, I thought last year was our swan song.  RCW honors the original Boogie Man along with Lizard Lick Towing's Ron & Amy Shirley, on his actual 75th birthday!  It's gonna be a PARTY ya'll.  We'll supply the #Neckbone, ya'll bring the #NoiZ!

See ya at ringside, ya'll!

No, the year is not "half over" yet...

Made a flash-mob style trip up to Brunswick MD to spend a day with the grandkids.  We headed out Memorial Day Monday early and arrived in time for a journey to the park, hours of quality time and bonding and near exhaustion.  Yeah.  Me.  Delilah was her sweet normal self, squealing when I rang the bell and Alden warmed up to me instantly, sitting in my lap as soon as I hit the floor in the playroom.  Immy was the star of the show, we caught her saying a new word, she was trying to say "Ready Set Go" like her Mickey Mouse car and had the "Go" portion down perfectly!

(Above) Delilah setting out snacks for movie time (Moana) for everyone in the den.

Our oldest, Delilah begins first grade in the fall and already reads, writes, counts and uses sign language fluently.  She's our little Queen Bee, she's the teacher, the playtime organizer and the budding artist.  Alden, not yet three, is such a quiet little soul, coming out of his shell and appearing to be heading toward being a big kid, size-wise.  He's the sweetest little boy I've ever met and showered me with love and attention all day.

(Above) Alden's hair goes full electric on the slide at the park!

Immy, the baby, is becoming her own little individual and I'm seeing one determined little girl on the rise.  She is almost walking and can scoot around on one leg pretty quickly, especially toward any staircase that has no kiddie gate.  And she can climb steps like a little diapered mountain goat.  She'll be walking soon if she's not now behind everyone's back!

 

(Above) "Baby" Immy, mean mugging Grandpa at the park.

Driving is always an adventure, this time no different.  We headed home the next morning after going with Delilah to her pre-school bus stop.  It was a most pleasant trip, as we took the Fit rather than renting (Enterprise was closed on Monday) and it kicked it out like a champ.  I did have some issues with other drivers, especially the drunken car hauler driver in Virginia driving 220 like a roller coaster with his left arm hanging out the window catching the wind.  It took 6 hours even going up, with traffic on the Interstate completely stopping twice because of wide load vehicles using the roadway, with two stops.  Made it home in 5 hours 25 minutes even with three stops (food, rest & gas).  Now to get back on my normal schedule, please!