I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas! Thanks Mom For A Lifelong Memory!

Not really, I just wanted to get your attention. I have said for years that if I lived somewhere that it would start to snow on Christmas Eve and continue through Christmas Day and then melt away that night it would be perfect. Living in Florida for twenty five years, I am certain of one thing year after year, it will not be a white Christmas.

I do have a story of one Christmas Eve when it did snow and very heavily. I grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, so the prospect of snow on this night was very good. We always had Egg Nog (non alcoholic) for the holidays and we didn't have enough for the night. I was only sixteen and did not have a drivers license, so my Mother asked me to ride with her to the only small store that was open in Butler, Jack McCain's. It was snowing quite hard and several inches already covered the streets of our town. It truly was a winter wonderland. The tree branches bent gracefully under the weight of the wet, white mantle that engulfed them. Power lines swayed and the wind whistled through the valley town. Mom drove the couple of miles, slowly and, thankfully we did not encounter many others foolhardy enough to venture out.
When we arrived, the parking lot was completely empty. Entering the small market. the only person there was, Jack McCain himself. I think we surprised him. "Ginny, why in God's name would you be out on a night like this?"  To which my mother replied, "Jack, why would you be open on a night such as this? We ran out of Egg Nog, Do you have any?" Spying the liquid gold that began our quest, we made our purchase and quickly went back out the door. The drive home was just as deliberate, but I do remember the magnificent scenery as we push forward.

The image of that snowy Christmas Eve some forty plus years ago is as bright and strong, as if the story played out yesterday. It was not very eventful, but it has, become, one of my fondest memories. The next day we were all greeted by the most remarkable Christmas morning ever. The sights we marvelled at as we stared out the window was more then a match for Bing Crosby's wonderful rendition of, "White Christmas", but my favorite part was that harrowing, but beautiful drive with my Mom the night before.

I will be taking the next couple of days off to spend some time and celebrate Christmas with my family. Try and remember a time that makes you smile and remind yourselves of the true magic of the season. Love, and the people you share it with. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to all.

The Simplicity of Faith.

As the New Year approaches, I am reflecting on my own spirituality and how to revive it. When Jessica and Nicole were young, Pat and I were adamant that they would be exposed to formal religion and give them the education to make decisions about their faith when they became adults. We attending St. Charles Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, religiously. We attended Mass every week. Went to Mass on holy days. We always enjoyed the Stations of the Cross, during lent. The girls attended classes after Mass. The best part, was I thoroughly enjoyed Mass and being part of the church.

Since moving to Orlando our attendance has been, at best, spotty. I miss not attending and receiving the spiritual uplifting that accompanies Mass. I firmly believe that the inner feeling of peace that comes with being in the church, is only accomplished there. This is very simple. As part of my simplification year, I am vowing to return to Mass as frequently as possible. For me I need that lift in my daily life.

How Are You Going To Simplify And Live Better?

I know the New Year is not quite here, but don't wait until the last minute to get ideas lined up. I am sure many of you are going to join the last minute shopping frenzy over the next couple of days and as you are doing it, will swear that next year all of your shopping will be completed by December 15. Just as quickly New Years Day will be upon us and that fateful moment where we decide, "Is this year going to be better?" It can be and guess what, it is all dependant on you. Nobody else will be to blame. One of the reasons, I am placing this out for everyone to read, is the fact that if you make a commitment in front of others it is more difficult to backslide. We can keep everyone focused and you all can hold me accountable if I do not achieve my goals. To simplify is actually easier then to hold on to the old way. Take that first step and commit. Do it. Come on I know you want to. Tell us all what you are going to do and we will work together and help you accomplish it. A better tomorrow starts today!

Thanks Marines! Simplify Feelings

I like the suggestion about feelings. We sometimes harbor negative thoughts about others, who may have even harmed us, and think if we show them our disdain they will be hurt. In reality we are the only ones affected when we do not let go. Simplify your feelings and thoughts and find inner happiness and peace. This is something I know I will work on in the New Year. How about you?

Simplify Life! Join Me and Have Some Fun!

With this year coming to a close, I am starting to focus on the New Year, 2012. I am not someone that has usually looked for, or created New Year's Resolutions, but this year is going to be different. This blog, Father Thinks He, Knows Best is going to get more attention, as will my Old School Sports, site. America's Voice will continue to grow, of this I am sure. With this said I want to get back to my theme for today and that is simply, simplification. Yes I did actually mean to write it the way I did.

Simple is a way of life that we all have gotten so far away from and need to get back to it. Back to basics. I have already driven Pat crazy with the word and variations of the word simple. As we get into the year I am sure she will be on the verge of strangling me, because of the word. I am determined to go through closets and cabinets in search of the "Stuff' we have accumulated and no longer use. Donate the good and throw away the trash. I am going to start making food simpler, with fewer and fresher ingredients. This may mean more stops at Publix, but it will be simpler and healthier for all of us.

Simpler means more reading and less television. Simpler means more exercise and less sitting around thinking about it. Simpler means more conversations and less mindless disconnect. Simpler means more health and less weight on me. Simpler is a way of life and I will also spend time writing about it and my struggle to achieve it. I am going to strive and make all of my postings on each one of my blogs, more frequent and less words. Me saying less may end up being the greatest struggle of all.

In short, I am asking you to join me, first by reading and then joining me as I fight against the complications that life throws at us each day. Share your ideas, successes and struggles. Together I know we will learn from each other and have some fun, but most importantly we will regain control over our lives. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of my loyal readers on all three blogs.

Thanks Darden Restaurants, from This Veteran.

Yesterday Pat and I had a day of errands and, yes Christmas shopping to get done. As the day progressed it became apparent that coming home and cooking was not going to be part of the agenda. We did not want to go someplace to eat and pay a fortune, so the choices we went through ranged from Panera, to Chilli's, to T.G.I.F and finally Olive Garden. Pat decided she really wanted, salad from Olive Garden. There was our choice. We picked Jayden up at after school and drove down to the Loop.

When we entered to give our name for the waiting list, I was asked if any members of our party, were a veteran. I let her know I was. When we were seated I was given a choice of a special menu for Vets or the regular menu and also given a ten dollar Darden gift card that could be used at this time. To me this was a very pleasant surprise.

My friend Jon, the editor of SOG Oracle, writes most eloquently about his experiences at local eateries in the Tampa area. I will forgive Jon for not using the low calorie font on his last review, which I enjoyed reading, like I do all of his writings. I bring Jon up to point out that first of all Olive Garden is not a five star restaurant, but I enjoy it when ever we go. I had Spaghetti and Meatballs, wine, and salad. Pat and Jayden chowed down on their food and were very satisfied and full. Over all we enjoyed good food, good service, great company and even a discount, courtesy of Darden.

So to this corporation I say, "thank you" from an appreciative veteran and a loyal patron. To my readers I say support their company at Olive Garden, Red Lobster and any of the other fine Darden enterprises.

And they try To Fight Gay marriage!

I have been watching the media blowout on Kim Kardashian's pending divorce after 72 days of marital bliss and could not help but wonder. Why do the self righteous Christians, who are so adamant against gay marriage, remain silent? They get worked up over two people wanting to have legal rights to match their love and concern for each other and yet we watch a continuous march of celebrities and celebrity want-to-Be's, such as Kim Kardashian, without as much as a whimper from them. She makes a joke out of the sentiment and feelings involved with a true marriage between two human beings that love each other. Just something I wonder about.

Halloween and Fun Sized Candy

As I was opening the bags of candy in preparation for the trick or treaters tonight I noticed the phrase, "fun sized" on the small bars of candy. I don't know about you, but fun sized to me is not something that can be placed in my mouth all at once. To me fun sized would be a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup about the size of a large dinner plate. One that if I ate it in one sitting, I would go into sugar shock for about three weeks. What is so fun about something that just whets your appetite? The candy companies came up with this size years ago to appease the healthier lifestyle movement and have continued to convince us this is the best bag and size of candy to buy. Now my beautiful wife has me on weight watchers and it has been working. I have lost about 30 pounds and am continuing to loose, but tonight I will have to use all of my will power to avoid eating as much chocolate as I pass out. Each time I hand some little kid a hand full of "fun" sized candy, I will be dreaming of eating a Hersey Bar the size of my couch.

Christmas decorations before Halloween!

I know I am old fashioned in many ways. My wife, could give you numerous examples of this, but I believe that any store that displays Christmas items before Thanksgiving, let alone, Halloween, should have it's doors shuttered in penalty. I remember the tradition of having stores ready for,"Black Friday". This is when we all started to get into the holiday spirit. Now as the Halloween candy is pared back the Christmas decorations start to appear. When the stores did it the day after Thanksgiving, it seemed somewhat magical. Now by the time Christmas comes I am ready to dig Bing Crosby's body up and beat the hell out of him. Why, I am tired of hearing so many renditions of "White Christmas". Please could we have a little bit of sanity! Wait, what's this. The Sunday, Target ads. They have Christmas lights on sale! I'm out of here. Better get there before they run out! 

Epcot Wine and Food Festival!

It is really hard to have a better day then what I experienced this past Sunday. I had the company of my favorite person in the world, my wife Pat, the skies over Central Florida were the most brilliant shade of blue, the sun was bright and we were heading to Epcot for one of our favorite events at Disney World, the Wine and Food Festival. Eating and drinking, something I am very good at.

We started our trek at the Norway bakery, where we waited until 11:00 for the doors to open. We have been here before and you do not have to wait for the W&FF, since this is always open. They serve Viking coffee. Now I am not sure if any real Vikings drink this, but it really doesn't matter to me. They have Bailey's Irish Cream,  Coffee Liqueur and, of course, coffee, I think. All I know is this is the perfect start to the day. Pat got her coffee with Baileys. We each got berry creme horns, a pretzel pastry and an almond pastry. Delicious.

As we left the bakery, I spotted the Norwegian food booth and got a plate of their specialty. Some pickled herring, smoked salmon, shrimp in a cream, dill sauce and a beer. Man this day is going great.

We then proceeded to Germany, where we each purchased a sausage in a pretzel roll. We dipped this in the brown mustard provided and quickly devoured the entree. I only had water at this time. Remember to pace yourself when drinking.

We strolled past several booths, enjoying the sights and smells of the delicious foods. Our destination was France. Here we wanted Champagne, for Pat and a Grand Marni er Slushy for me. Fantastic.

Our last stop for this day was Ireland. Pat ate a lobster and scallop Shepard's pie and I got the cheese plate. Man this was great. Again just water. Sorry but I am not a food critic, I just know what I like, so the rich commentary from critics will have to wait for the newspaper.

We were leaving to go to our daughter, Nicole's house, for a birthday party. Our youngest grandson, Elijah, turned one on Sunday, and Grammy and PopPop, wanted to be there and help celebrate. It was the end to a perfect day.

Beautiful weather. Great food. Great Drinks. Most importantly great company. It all adds up to a wonderful day and one we will repeat, soon. The food Festival ends November 19th and I know there is plenty of other foods and drinks to try this year. Oh and if you are looking for me at the Festival, you may want to start at the bakery in Norway. The Viking coffee is always hot and delicious. See you there!

Sunday Mornings!!

I didn't have to work today, and it was great. What is better then waking up at 7:30, it is pouring rain and the Sunday paper is waiting. That is what I did this morning. Add to that, a nice, hot cup of coffee, my favorite chair and lastly the Sunday news shows. MSNBC has a new show titled, "Up, with Chris Hayes," that started a few weeks ago. I usually record it and watch it on Monday, but this week I got to watch it live. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and catch it. It is very much worth it. I promise you will learn something and get drawn into the conversation at the same time.

The rain let up long enough for me to get out and do my walk. It was a beautiful fall morning, despite the rain. I always enjoy my walk and really need to get more consistent at going out for one. For an hour, plus I get lost in my thoughts, boy that is scary, and just relax.

The Steelers were on at 12:30 and televised here in Orlando, so I got to enjoy watching them, blast the Titans. Watching Steeler football is one of the things I miss, since moving to Florida. Once a Steeler fan always a Steeler fan.

This afternoon Pat and I caught one of our favorite movies, "A Few Good Men," with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. Is there a better, more intense scene in movies, then the courtroom scene between these two actors, when Nicholson shouts, "You can't handle the truth!" I have seen this movie maybe twenty times and still feel the emotions.

This really was, very close to a perfect day.

My Family How I Became Me!

Like many people I some times wonder what has made me the person I am today, and like most people, who we are comes directly from our family. Over the next several weeks I will be writing about my family. I am talking about the people I was surrounded by at birth and through the early years. My parents, grandparents, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. This is not some expose, but more of a stroll down memory lane. I remember the laughter and fun times that is really what shaped my personality. In some cases, my family may try and deny the influence they had on me, but too bad, this is my blog and this is my way of looking back. This should be fun and I invite my family to give their twists on my memory and I invite others to just remember the people that influenced them.  I am going to do this starting with the oldest, which means my Grandparents.

I am starting with my Grandpa Lambert. Ed Lambert. Grandpa Lambert was tall and thin, yet his rough and weathered features belied his wit and humor. When I think of him I remember his laugh. It was the type that made you smile and laugh with him. He always had a "chaw" of tobacco or his pipe in his mouth. The empty Maxwell House Coffee can was beside his chair, to spit the tobacco juice into. So many times he would offer me a chew and my Grandmother would admonish him, which would lead to a gale of laughter from Grandpa. He always seemed old, probably younger then I am now. A side note here. If he seemed old, why don't I seem old now? He was constantly in motion. Most mornings he would start the day with ham or bacon and eggs. He ate all of the things that would clog my arteries now, but he lived well into his nineties. He worked hard which explains how he survived the food he ate.   I guess one of the things I got from him is the ability to laugh hard and laugh frequently. There  is so much  more that he gave me and I will talk more about him as I introduce more of my family in future blogs. One thing is certain, I think of him often and have missed him for years.

I Never Want To Look At Paint Chips Again!

Pat and I are going to paint our house, hopefully in the next five years. Any married man will tell you this can be one of the most frustrating procedures of all time. It is bad enough when we paint the inside rooms. At current count, my beautiful wife  had me paint the kitchen, three times in a month. The entry was done twice. The den twice. The dining room twice. The spare bathroom twice. The spare bedroom twice. I lucked out on the Master bedroom and bath and the family room. The laundry room is still white. However if you add all the rooms I have painted 10 rooms a grand total of 17 times, meaning I could have painted a house twice as big. Now I am not being critical of Pat. Those little squares of paint we get at the paint stores are very hard to visualise until they are on the walls. The problem is that for each room we looked at approximately eighty five thousand little paint swatches. Half the time I could not tell the difference between them. Also we have to take into account the Community of Hunters Creek, which I love, has community standards and painting the outside of your home is under this guideline. Just when we thought we had the color, the paint was not approved. Back to the drawing board. I can honestly say that I could have picked the color, months ago. It may not have been the right color, but I would have made a choice. I believe that tonight we have a winner. I just hope that by daybreak, Pat will not have a new revelation, in color selection, and God knows I hope that the color is the right one, because if it isn't, guess who will be out repainting it, the month after the painters leave.

Star Trek Captain!

I grew up watching William Shattner and Star Trek, so when I bought my new phone the other day, I also got a blue tooth devise. I love this thing. I do not even have to touch my phone to answer it, I can give it commands to call someone or answer the phone. Once I understand it better I will even be able to retrieve my text messages by voice command. You have to love technology, Jayden, Pat and I all survived, Jayden's first week back to school. He likes his new teacher. One problem though. As the week progressed it became harder to get him moving in the morning. I remember when I was a kid. My parents would call for me to get up. I jumped straight out of bed, made it, took my bath or shower, ate breakfast and was ready at least one hour before time to go to school. At least that is how I remember it happening. One of the advantages of writing your own blog, you can change the facts about your childhood to what ever  you want. One thing that was true when I was a kid. The first day of school you would wear one of your best outfits. You would then start out to school with either your lunch money or your packed lunch. Today we have to take all of the school supplies, for the kids, to school several days before, so they are not overloaded their first day back. We keep cutting money for the schools and cannot understand why they struggle to educate our children. Last item for today. I cannot believe how much technology has changed the way we do things. I remember when cell phone first came out I said, "Who in Gods name needs a phone with them all of the time." Now as I get in the car I check to see if I have mine with me. I was one of those people that thought nobody needed a computer in their homes and now I am not sure how we ever survived without them. We have TVs in every room. Dvrs are the normal. We use them to record shows and watch them when we can, and we even get to skip the commercials. I don't know  about you, but I can't wait to see the next new item that will make our lives easier or better. Maybe a devise that will get kids to clean up their rooms without being asked. Now I am just being ridiculous.

The Trauma of Buying a New Phone!

Today is a day that most Americans have faced but nobody really talks about. The new cell phone purchase. We are inundated with terms like 4-G, 3-G, Android, IPhone and endless other technical terms that had my mind swimming, by the time I arrived at the phone stores. My first stop was Verizon and was immediately greeted by a very pleasant young lady. She asked about my phone usage and when I told her I had a Motorola Razor phone she remained composed on the outside, but I am sure that in her mind she wondered if I had parked my horse and buggy at the far side of the building. Armed with a array of phone prices and plans I headed for AT&T. We have been with them for 12 years and I felt I should at least hear what they had to say.  I was met by a very pleasant gentleman. This time to avoid the humiliation of my razor, I started with the fact that Pat had an IPhone and was less then enamored with it. I also stated that I wanted to have a smart phone and the plans that would allow me to join the 21st century. He hid his contempt well and showed me the latest and greatest phones. I was soon convinced that the Motorola Atrix 4G was just the ticket for Pat and myself. An hour later I was on my way, but then a terrifying thought hit me. Pat had not seen or approved of the phones, I had chosen. My wonderful daughter, Jessica, heightened my anxiety, when she exclaimed, "Dad, you didn't buy those phones without Mom. Well I hope you have fun returning them tomorrow!" Her and Wes, her husband, had a good laugh at my discomfort. Well the joke was on them. Pat was perfectly happy with my choice and we are now in the two years process of learning how to use them. I am sure by the time our new plan expires, I will have learned to at least turn the phone on and off with considerable proficiency. I will let you all know my progress and if you could, please pray to the cell phone Gods, that they will grant me some small amount of knowledge, in phone usage.

Out of The Mouth of a Seven Year Old Boy! Priceless!

A short while ago Jayden was laying on the couch with his head on his grandmothers lap. He looked up at us and announced the reason he did not like girls. "When ever something goes wrong, they always blame us, boys." Sorry but all I could do was howl with laughter and point out he has now, at only seven figured out the secret of life. Pat of course faked disdain of his pronouncement, but she had a huge grin across her face. I only know that  I have to  convince him the smartest thing he can do, is admit to the wrong doing and move on. This may be difficult, but one thing I have learned living with my wonderful bride for 36 years and raising two daughters, the best part of valor is to just accept the inevitable and lay low. Wow at seven years old and already starting to understand the meaning of survival. How lucky can he get!

First Day of School. Never Easy.

I am not one of those people that wait until the last minute for anything, however no matter how hard we try, or how prepared we are the first day of school is aways stress. In years gone by I have helped prepare our daughters and had them ready and out the door on time. After the first few years it became some what routine to accomplish this. Today it was getting my seven year old grandson, Jayden, prepared and off to second grade. Last month Pat and I got all of his school supplies and clothes bought and stored for the big day. Last week Pat and Nicole attended, meet your teacher night and safely placed his supplies in Jayden's new classroom. Last night we packed the paperwork, remaining supplies, laid out clothes and were completely ready. This morning was  approached with military precision and out the door Jayden and I went. The walk to his school takes about two minutes and we left a full thirty minutes ahead of time. As we approached the school Jayden announced he had, "No idea what he was supposed to do!" I showed no outward emotion, but inside I was saying "Shit, neither do I." I quickly pulled it together as we got beside the school. He only wanted me to walk him to the bike rack and then turn and go home. When we arrived at the "jump off " point I asked if he was O.K. Then he spotted some classmates. My apprehension was somewhat relieved, so I let him go and went home. The luck part for me was, number one, he wore a bright, yellow, Shawn White shirt. The second is I can look out the back of our house and see the school. I spotted him right away, and was able to keep an eye on him as the teachers moved them along the way to their rooms. He will never know, how his paranoid Grandfather watched him. I am sure the moment he saw his friend his apprehension disappeared, mine lasted for a while longer. I guess releasing our children to others never gets easy.

Being A Grandparent Is The Greatest And The Hardest Job.

When ever I get to see any of my Five grandchildren it is both fantastic and difficult at the same time. The one side of me just wants to spoil and play. The other side is the part of me that wants everything in order. With children all under the age of seven, order is seldom the word used. I have to fight the urge to be a parent, with the urge to just enjoy them. Some days I struggle and sometime I succeed and just have fun. Jayden, our first grandchild, is now seven and for most of those years he has and still does live with us. He causes the most consternation in that, I do at times have to be a parent and teach him the responsibilities of growing up. Pat, is always there to remind me that he is only seven and helps me lighten up. He is a great kid. I know what else would a grandparent say, but he really is. he is extremely polite, always, please and thank you. He will say excuse me if he inadvertently walks in front of someone. He works hard in school and he plays hard when out. Probably the thing I like best of all is how caring and loving he is. He always has a hug and kiss, followed by, " I love you". Having him with us is work at times and I will admit I loose my patience, but each and everyday I am grateful for having him here and could not imagine it any other way. I love him so much.  I will be writing about each of my grand kids and introducing them over the next few weeks. They will be part of the stories I share and hope you will do the same.  

Kindle Vs. The Newspaper

About one year ago I bought the Kindle. First off, I love this fantastic invention. When I want a new book, I go onto Amazon and buy it. Within seconds I am reading the book. What can be better then, that for a book reader, like myself? I have bought several books and am completely happy with this. My problem came from the fact that I ordered the Orlando Sentinel on the Kindle. At best it was O.K. I say alright because after 40 plus years of holding a regular newspaper in my hands, I could not get used to having a tablet sized news sheet. The grand experiment ended a couple of weeks ago when I started home delivery again. I almost cried as I held those sacred sheets of newsprint in my hands. There it was the comics, the ads and most importantly the full expanse of paper. I shook with excitement as I poured a cup of coffee, sat down in my favorite chair and opened the paper. I was in heaven again. The smell of newsprint and the paper they use. The thrill of actually having the paper in my hands. There is no other feeling like it. As good as that Saturday edition was, the next morning when I retrieved the bulky Sunday edition, was pure ecstasy. Ads in color, comics in color and the coupons. As I brushed away the tears I reminded myself that saving a few dollars may have been nice, but tradition was so much better. Keep your electronic news and information. As for me when I die, please remember to place the days newspaper in that casket with me. I want to be able to read, "Peanuts", as I go on my voyage into eternity.

Where Do I Begin, Maybe The Name?

Now maybe to some, the idea that choosing a name for a blog would be a very simple thing to do. For someone like me it was a long and thoughtful process. My first idea was, "Mature Adult", the idea came from what I told my grandson, Jayden, how he had to address me concerning age. One time he was joking and said I was old. I immediately corrected him and stated people like Pop Pop were not old, we were mature adults. That has become our phrase. The problem with that idea, was if you put mature adults on the web search, several porno sites come up, no pun intended, on the browser. Next came a series of ideas like, John, thinks he knows best, Pop Pop thinks he knows best, the Emperor of Estrella Dr, and the Emperor knows best. When I asked the Empress of Estrella Dr, also known as my lovely wife, Pat, what she thought I quickly received, the look. For those of you wondering what the look is, most husbands are very familiar with it. If you ever watched the TV show, "Everybody Loves Raymond," it is the look Deborah always gave Ray along with the comment, "You're an idiot." So this is the look I received from the Empress and with her help I decided on the above title.
    Anyone that knows me, knows that first of all, I always have an opinion and I am not shy about sharing it. Secondly I have this, "small," tendency to believe that I am always correct. Even if I suspect that what I just said is not correct I will debate and try to convince everyone that it most certainly is right.
     During the months and years ahead I will share stories about what has shaped my thought process, what I have learned along the way and what I believe will come in the future. My hope is that it will be humorous and funny. I also hope that each of my readers will share their stories. This is meant to be lighthearted and quirky. Irreverent, silly ( which I am very good at) and just plain fun. This will be a contrast to the more serious political blog that I write. So come on in, take you shoes and anything else you want off, get comfortable and stay a while.