June 2024

Weather: 80° and sunny. Low humidity. Light wind.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi. The number of bicycles on the path was truly insane. It sucked. Spread another two carts of mulch. Starting to make a dent in the five yards that I started with, two carts at a time.

Weather: 80° and sunny. Low humidity and light winds. This kind of good weather would not get boring.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk in the morning with Teddi. Light traffic on the Causeway path. Spread two carts of mulch.

Weather: 85° and sunny. Light wind.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi.

Stoic Prompt week 22 (2024)

The View from Above

Weather: 85° and sunny. Light wind.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi. Too hot and humid for the dog.

Weather: 70° and rainy and humid.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk on the Causeway path with Teddi. Rained the whole time. We got soaked. Jill said we looked like a couple of drowned rats when we walked back into the house.

Weather: 75° and more rain.

Exercise: none

Weather: 75° and rain in the afternoon.

Exercise: Did the lawn.

Musing

Went to a restaurant to celebrate Jill Rose's 61st birthday. It was wonderful having a great meal with my beautiful bride. We rarely dine out, which is my fault, really. We got out of the habit during COVID. One of the things I do not like about the Burlington, VT restaurant scene is the number of great menus available in the metro area, unfortunately combined with very poor execution. The service is suspect, and the end product does not even come close to the hyped descriptions on the menu. The prices are the same as they are in Boston, but the food one gets delivered to the table is not even close to Boston standards.

Weather: 65° and cloudy, threatening rain. Humid with light wind.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk with Teddi on the Causeway path.

Musing

Today is Jill Rose's 61st birthday. My beautiful bride and I are closing in on thirty years of marriage later this month. Jill is still bringing home the 'bacon' and I tell everyone that the secret to my early retirement is marrying a beautiful younger woman with a good job.

Weather: 65° and cloudy. Rain in the afternoon. Moderate wind and humid.

Exercise: 5.0-mile power walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi.

Weather: 60° and cloudy. Light wind.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk with Teddi on the Causeway path. The garden needs some sun to dry things out. Hope it is not a bust this year.

Weather: 65° and cloudy.

Exercise: 5.0 miles at brisk pace on the causeway path sans Teddi.

Weather: 75° and sunny. Light wind.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk on the Causeway path with Teddi.

Weather: 80° and sunny. Humid. Light wind.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the causeway path sans Teddi. Spread the last two carts of the mulch. Glad that chore is done for 2024.

Weather: 80° and sunny. Humid with light to moderate winds.

Exercise: 3.0 mile walk on the Causeway Path with Teddi. She hated it. I took her out about an hour too late. Made sure to cut the walk’s length by one mile.

Weeded the garden when we got back. Also cut the lower branches on the tomato plants, from the base of each plant up to the first level of developing fruit to increase airflow and to inhibit, or prevent, leaf mold.

Reflection

It’s Back

Weather: 75° and sunny. Moderate wind.

Exercise: 5.0 mile on the Causeway path sans Teddi.

Weather: 65° and sunny with light winds.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk on the Causeway path with Teddi.

Weather: 85° and sunny in Colchester and 95° and sunny in Denver, Colorado.

Exercise: None really. Schlepping luggage from the Uber to the United Airlines counter and then to the boarding area at Burlington International Airport, then walking to the shuttle and to baggage claim at Denver International Airport.

Musing

Our daughter is getting married this Saturday. Hard to believe, but true. Lauren has been a blessing from the git-go. Her beau, Chris, is kind, funny and thoughtful. As I write in my dad speech, “We knew that he was a keeper from the very beginning.” I further wrote, “There is no debating that these two, Lauren and Chris, are-each comfortable their own skins. Watching the two of them interact with each other, support each other, wear the goofiest Halloween costumes together, is a great predictor for the future as a loving couple.”

Fingers crossed.

Weather: 75° and sunny with a light wind in Lafayette, Colorado.

Exercise: None. Did some Costco shopping for the various items going in the welcome bags. We are expecting about 150 guests, but only making about 60 welcome bags to distribute to the three hotels and the few Airbnbs where out of town guests are staying.

Weather: 70° and sunny. Moderate winds and low humidity.

Exercise: None. Again. It's so hard to find time for a walk when one's time is scheduled bell- to-bell by the women in the family. Happy female relatives, happy life. Besides, I do not much care for walking on urban concrete sidewalks or in and around parking lots near shopping centers and hotels. Just saying.

Musing

As excited as I am for Lauren and Chris, I will be happy when the nuptials are in the rearview mirror. In all honesty, I would have been totally fine with stroking a check and seeing them elope. I am sure they will happily chisel on my tombstone: "He was so socially easy. Life of the party. (Not.)"

Tonight is the first wedding week event. Lauren and Chris are hosting a BBQ at their Denver home, a small gathering of immediate family and members of the wedding party who are in town already.

There is a heat wave in the rest of the country, east of Denver, that is. Today it is 95° in Colchester, VT and it is supposed to feel like 99°. Vermont! Come on. When we moved there twenty-five years ago, nobody had air conditioning. Literally. But now? The weather has just flat out changed. The best anniversary gift we ever gave ourselves was retrofitting our home with air conditioning about fifteen years ago.

Now, having said that, tonight in Denver it will be about 60° for the BBQ. I bought a sweatshirt today, so I don't freeze tonight. I was anticipating mid-nineties all week and I packed accordingly. The temperature climbs back up to the nineties in Denver tomorrow.

Weather: 90° and sunny. Dry. Windy. Like a blow drier.

Exercise: none really. Delivered gift bags to various hotel venues.

Last night went well, just a few of us at Lauren's for BBQ. The bulk of the guests begin arriving today. Picked Colyn up at DIA late this afternoon.

Weather: 80° and cloudy. Threatening rain, but it held off until the afternoon.

Exercise: None.

Today is the rehearsal and the diner, and then there is a reception for everyone.

Musing

The rehearsal was actually fun. I did not expect that. The mood was light, almost giddy; the bridesmaid's nervousness was refreshing, occurring contagiously among a group of young giggling women all approaching thirty years of age. For a moment they reminded me of teenagers. Honestly, the goofy nervous behavior of the young groomsmen was the result of the same electric sense of anticipation as it was among the bride's party.

An act of comic slapstick broke the whole group into shared laughter while the wedding party was standing on their respective marks on the ceremonial stage, listening to the instructions of the wedding planner. And I was the foil.

The bride and groom were practicing their kiss. I, unknowingly, moved my folding chair back, ever so slightly, and wham! I was on my way to the deck as the right rear leg slid off the large painted concrete paver where, fortunately, the other three legs remained. The offending back leg of the chair dug into the grass like a tent stake, and I was on my way to take a serious tumble.

Just as Lauren and Chris locked lips I yelled "Oh shit," startling everyone. I summoned my twenty-five-year-old self, the one who used to be tone and agile, engaged my core, and willed myself not to tip back and down to the right, fighting the momentum. I was able to plant both feet and essentially do a sit up in place, balancing myself and pulling, willing, my body up from the inevitable fall. It was pretty fucking impressive, if I don't say so myself.

Once I recovered, I took a bow in my seat and said, "Here 'til Thursday." All the kids laughed. And because of the group’s general level of nervousness, it was a while before they settled back into the rehearsal, back into the practice kiss. That's what old geezers are for... comic relief. It was much more relaxed after that, but I'll tell you, this old fellow had to take some ibuprofen after the practice session to ward off a kinked back.

Weather: 90° and sunny. Dry. Light wind. Threatening rain, but it held off.

Exercise: None. Passed on a chance to take a short hike with Cousin Doug and the lovely Nora. Wedding stuff to do.

Today is the big day.

Musing

Lauren and Chris planned for everything. There were roughly 150 people at the ceremony and for the diner and reception that followed. I must admit that I spent as much mental energy during the exchange of vows stressing about my ‘Dad speech’ as I did engaging in the nuptial moment. Too bad. Basic fear.

The wedding is, in some ways, the moment of Lauren's transition. I know that viewing this as THE seminal event in her life, counterpoised against my aging out, is a cultural relic, a societal artifact. They have been living with each other for years and they own a house together, for goodness sakes. But there is something to be said for making public statements, ceremonially; for declaring one’s life's intentions before one’s community of family and friends. One's marriage vows, although primarily directed at each other in a nuptial ceremony, are also vows to your familial community as we bear witness to the bonding. It's a beautiful thing.

Although the weather was for casted to be 90° and sunny, we lucked out on two counts, one there was a nice cloud cover that shielded us from the hot Denver sun and two, it did not rain. Sitting in the Denver sun wearing a suit jacket is no fun. I'm sure the ladies were glad their make-up did not run in the heat either.

After the ceremony is when I started to sweat the Dad speech. My cousins, who love to poke fun, just like every other member in my family, including myself, kept asking me if I was ready for my Dad speech, trying to tune me up. It worked. It has been years since I addressed a large audience; I was already little nervous. One of them said, "You used to be a politician. It's like riding a bicycle... by the way did I ask if you are ready for your Dad speech?"

Dad Speech

Are you having a good time? Great!

Look at all those beautiful women out there, wearing all those gorgeous outfits. You deserve a hand. Ladies, give yourselves a hand . . .

. . . and the men . . . eh . . . you’re OK, too . . .

I've been terrified of giving this speech ever since I watched my cousin Doug absolutely melt down during his daughter's wedding. I thought we were going to need to call for a stretcher.

Cuz, if I lose it, I may need you to spot me.

Good evening.

Greetings to those of you visiting from out of town, to family and friends . . . to new family . . . to newfound friends.

On behalf of my lovely bride, Jill Rose . . . and my son Colyn Michael, welcome to the Front-Range.

Thank you coming and for helping us make this a wonderful and joyous celebration.

Congratulations to Chris’ parents, Julie and Chuck: Cheers.

It will not surprise you that we knew that Chris was a keeper from our very first meeting.

Chris did little things that I credit, even back then, as hopeful signs.

For example . . . he looked me directly in the eye when he shook my hand. . . he maintained eye contact whenever he spoke to me; and much to my surprise . . . he actually asked ME questions.

I know . . . these are old school, Boomer dad relics. I can hear Lauren’s heavy sigh, right now.

But THAT was a good start for this ex-military, Boomer Dad.

Chris told me at one point that his dad used he and his brother as landscaping Sherpas during the summers.

NOW . . . that was truly music to my ears. Work 'em hard and work 'em again.

Right before their senior year in college, Chris and Lauren left to spend summer break in Denver.

I’ll be honest. I was conflicted.

Before they left, I took Chris off to the side and said, in my best Boomer Dad voice: "You better take care of my little girl."

He looked me dead in the eye and said: “I’ll take care of Lauren.” His sincerity disarmed me. I’ve been in his camp ever since.

Two Christmases ago, Chris quickly bounded down the stairs in our Vermont home, acting all furtive and nervous and wearing THE goofiest looking pajamas I’ve ever seen.

He asked us for Lauren's hand.

How could we say no? It was like he was from central casting . . . from some Hollywood Rom-Com.

Chris' sense of fun, his gentle way of interacting with Lauren, speaks volumes about his humanity. His basic goodness.

Speaking of Lauren . . .  I remember in the fall of 1995, showing off her ultrasound to my colleagues, one of whom, in his twenties, said. "Awesome. Is that your grand baby?”

I was forty-one when Lauren slid into ‘home’ plate.

My grand baby. Come on.

When Lauren was about six years old, she walked into my bedroom where I was lying on the bed reading a book.

She came alongside the bed, gave me a once over, evaluating me with her serious little Lauren face.

"Dad. You’re fat. But that's OK. Lots of people are fat."

I said, "Well, thank you.” And she walked out without saying another word.

Lauren has always been direct. I have no clue where she gets it from.

Must be her mother.

When Lauren was in elementary school, she announced to me, out of the blue: "Dad. When I grow up, I'm going to live in Colorado?” In retrospect it was a done deal. Subject closed.

In high school I required that she and her brother play one sport and participate in one extracurricular activity.

Lauren chose Lacrosse. Maybe that’s why she chose Chris. And Lauren joined the debate team earning two trips to the US National debate finals, along with her debate partner, Summer, sitting here at the head table.

Not surprisingly, I have not successfully won an argument with Lauren since she was in 9th grade.

There is no debating, however, that both Lauren and Chris are comfortable in their own skins.

Watching them interact with each other, supporting each other, and wearing the craziest Halloween costumes together, is a great predictor for their future as a successful loving couple.

It bodes well for their partnership as they age, evolve, and adapt in each other’s company.

Now, I know it is strictly forbidden to talk about children. But I’m an old man. And my cousin Doug got away with it at his daughter’s wedding. So there.

I'll only say this. I recently told Lauren, "Chris will be a lot more fun as a dad then I was.” To which she immediately replied: "Yep . . ."

Jill Rose would like to welcome you . . . Jill?

Please stand and join us in a toast to Lauren and Chris.

May there always be love and patience in their home. And may they always have each other's back. Cheers.

Dad/Daughter Dance

This had me pretty intimidated, too, especially since I do not recall having ever danced with Lauren. If she dances anything like her mother, then, I kept thinking, I’ll have to fight her for the lead the whole time. Thank goodness that did not happen.

A couple of months before the wedding, Lauren asked me to pick a song. I dreaded it. So, I put it off until the last moment. Lauren finally enlisted Jill to prod me with a deadline. When I began the search, my criteria were twofold: first, I had to believe in the song’s message, its reflection of sentiment about my having a daughter, specifically from my perspective. Secondly, it had to be short. I did not want an interminable dance out in front of 150 people!

Gracie
Song by
Ben Folds

You can't fool me, I saw you when you came out
You got your momma's taste but you got my mouth
You will always have a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see
Gracie girl

With your cards to your chest walking on your toes
What you got in the box only Gracie knows
And I would never try to make you be
Anything you didn't really wanna be
Gracie girl

Life flies by in seconds
You're not a baby, Gracie, you're my friend
You'll be a lady soon
But until then you gotta do what I say

You nodded off in my arms watching TV
I won't move you an inch even though my arm's asleep
One day you're gonna wanna go
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
Gracie girl

Weather: 90° and sunny. Very hot. Dry with no wind.

Exercise: None

We attended the brunch sponsored by Chris’ parents in the morning. After which, I took Colyn to the airport. It was nice to gets last minutes hugs and kisses before everyone headed out to their home states. There were a few foggy heads from the partying - lead by Chris and Lauren, wearing ‘Husband’ and ‘Wife’ sweatshirts and goofy footwear with something similar printed on them.

Jill and I ate dinner with my nieces, Heidi and Alicia and their partners, Matt and Josh. Joining us were Chris and Lauren. We had a wonderful meal at Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar in downtown Boulder, CO. It was awesome. I only get to eat sushi around once each year, because our sushi restaurants in Burlington suck. They are as expensive as any other urban center, but not very good, frankly. I usually wait until we travel to venture out for sushi, unless I am having a sushi attack, then I will get some in Burlington. Sometimes I grab the prepared stuff in Healthy Living, the high-end grocery store where we shop, (we call it Wealthy Living). It’s not the same as eating in a fine Sushi restaurant, but it staves of a Sushi Jones.

Weather: 90° in Denver, 65° in Colchester, Vermont. Looks like it will be raining when we land.

Exercise: Schlepping through the airport.

Flying home today. And it was a piece of cake. Wonderful to sleep in one's own bed. But mostly, it was so good to see Miss Teddi. I missed my dog; I love my dog.

Weather: 85° and sunny with a light wind. Humid.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk early in the morning with Teddi on the Causeway path while the temperature was still in the mid- sixties. It climbed to the seventies by the time we were done.

Musing

Stopped to talk to a local couple, recently retired; the wife wanted to visit with Teddi. She mentioned seeing Teddi and I walking throughout the years on the Causeway path. She and her husband lost their sixteen-year-old yellow Lab about a year ago. I could tell she missed her dog by the way she gave some love to Teddi.

Their dilemma, like all retirees who lose a pet, is whether or not to replace one's faithful and loving dog (or cat - but dogs are best; just kidding) when it passes. As the Brits say, dogs are a proper member of the family; they deserve that kind of commitment in return for the selfless love and loyalty they show to the family. It is part of the deal. We take Teddi everywhere. This couple chose not to replace their Lab so they could travel. I am not sure what we will do when Teddi passes. I am not sure I want to go without a canine companion.

But I get the dilemma. Last night Jill sent me a text at 9:41 pm, “Teddi can’t get up from the floor.” It gave me shivers. I came down the stairs and stood a few feet away by the pantry doors and asked her if she wanted a treat. She struggled up, motivated by the prospect of the reward, and made her way to me to get the treat. I went upstairs afterward, and as I lie in bed, I thought about my dog.

Weather: 80° and sunny. Light wind. Humid.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi.

Musing

On this day thirty years ago Jill Rose and I got married in Denver. It was the hottest day of the 1994: 104° (I looked it up). It felt much worse. I was, no surprise, wearing a suit and because of the low humidity, luckily, I did not sweat it out. It was like being in a dry sauna, only fully clothed. I blanch to think about it even though it is three decades later. The photographer took a gazillion photos, mostly outside in the sun, but he only gave us a few, then he ghosted us. The prick. I would have skipped the torture of taking those photos had I known. I’m over it now. . .

Jill Rose has given me the best thirty years of her life, making those the best thirty years of my life.

Since we just got back from our daughter's wedding two days ago, and we have been bleeding $$$, we agreed that we would not do anything special to mark the day. But I lied, pissed her off, too. In the afternoon, thirty red roses with a blue flower to celebrate our son and a pink flower to celebrate our daughter mixed in with baby's breath and green leaves arrived at the house for my lovely bride.

I thank my lucky stars. Third time is a charm.

Weather: 80° and rainy and mostly cloudy with a breezy wind gusting to strong at times

Exercise: None.

Went to pick up our new aluminum cargo trailer in Milton, NH. The 5×10 trailer will haul our Ebikes and a host of other stuff down south on our three month's stay in an Airbnb, ducking the mean months of the Vermont winter.

This was my first time pulling a trailer, with exception of the landscaping cart I haul behind the John Deer riding mower. Not even close to being the same. I admit I was a little apprehensive, but it was not that bad. Backing it up into its parking space was a challenge. Thank goodness for Jill giving me direction, otherwise I might still be out there trying to park the trailer.

Weather: 70° and sunny. Dry. Light wind. Not a cloud in the sky. Chamber of Commerce weather.

Exercise: 4.0 mile walk on the Causeway path with Teddi.

Reflection

Exit Stage Lefties

Weather: 65° and rainy. All day.

Exercise: None. Couch potato.

Weather: 85° and sunny. Very humid. Sultry, but a nice breeze to move the air around. Threatening rain this afternoon.

Exercise: 5.0 mile walk on the Causeway path sans Teddi.

Musing

There was a steady stream of bicycles going and coming back from the Causeway. As a pedestrian, I felt a little like an obstacle in a video game, rather like a challenge item. Hit me with your wand, your coupe stick, and win a weapons upgrade or a health kit. Old guys are fifteen points. Children? Thirty points.