trade-in value

There's goes our stroller. Yes I said stroller.

My mother bought us this gift of transportation before Big E was born. Our stroller had four wheels and a canopy to protect our precious cargo. A fine and foldable machine it was. If we needed it, it was either in the garage or in the back of the van. Early on, I am sure we used that stroller every day.

Our stroller didn't have brakes anymore. The cheap plastic of the brakes had broken long ago in the daily wear-and-tear of raising little ones. When our little ones couldn't walk, that stroller was their legs. It was their room outside of their room. It was their bed on the beach at nap time for many years. It's wheels met the roads of distant lands, never complaining, doing it's job. I am sure I even stored a case of beer in the storage area underneath during one of our many walks around Pennsburg. Now I'm getting a little misty.

Still, in order to move on, we need to learn to let go. It's use is done with us. We needed to get a shower gift for a dear family friend who is about to be blessed with the gift of Motherhood and Sue caught wind of a deal where you can trade in your old stuff for a lower price on new stuff.

So, there goes our stroller. I hope they fix the brakes so someone else can get good use from it.

my boy of summer

Eric had his first baseball practice today. He played tee ball last year and did well. This year, it's the dreaded machine pitch league. He practiced fielding and did some running around. I wonder if Mike Schmidt did these things when he was six years old. Did his coaches look at him and proclaim to themselves or aloud that this kid is special? Was he in another boy's shadow early on then only later learn to wrist-flick 97 mph fastballs 500 feet? We all know how that story ended. With a plaque in Cooperstown.

Whether or not Eric's coaches see my boy's talent, I surely do. So much so that I'm planning a road trip in 35 or so years to an induction ceremony in upstate New York.

I hope you will join me.

the last strawberry

Eric was having a hard time finishing his lunch. He had his eaten his sandwich but couldn't finish his last strawberry. It was too mushy. Sue wasn't budging on not being able to get up until he finished everything and she wasn't buying the mushy defense. Evan, who was finished with his lunch was watching and waiting for his brother so they could commence playing. Eric is very particular about the texture of his food and he was in full tear and whine mode but he gave it one last go. He put that last strawberry in his mouth, chewed it for a full 2 seconds and spit it back into the palm of his hand and slumped down in his chair in distraught failure. Evan calmy got up and took that saliva-pile of strawberry from his brother's hand and ate it. Without hesitation he says "you're done Eric, let's go play."

Cool Hand Evan. The lunch finisher.

I am Tampa bound, but first...

Here I am. I've been here the whole time. Have you missed me? My goodness, so much has been going on with the family. Yes, I have neglected my occasional reports on this subject but I have been storing the many events of our growing (as in "up" - not new members) boys in this over-ripe mellon some people would call "my brain."

Let's start with Big E. The kid's growing, man. Which is surprising because he basically lives off bread and water. To get him to eat any kind of fruits or veggies deals have to be made. Can't argue with his water habit though. He made Sue and I swear off soda or we owe him eleven dollars. Because he doesn't want us to die. And because he doesn't want us to end up with diabetes like Rex. This bit of news from his mouth was a tad surprising but I decided to listen to the six year old. Maybe a future fitness instructor or gym owner is in the works. We'll have to keep watching and guide accordingly. As far as his schooling, he is coming along. I sure am glad Sue is a natural teacher. She has good patience and is stern when need be. There's a switch in his head that takes him from superstar counter and reader one minute to below average the next. Short attention span? Maybe. We will see. He will be fine.

Little E has a slight addiction. The kid likes gadgets. And yes I know it's our fault. Don't get me wrong, he is growing up nicely. He speaks well but I think his two favorite words are "iPod" and "iPad." People marvel at his dexterity on these machines but for Sue and I, it's getting to be too much. We are plotting (like all good and cruel parents do) for the day when these two gadgets "break" or "become lost or stolen." It'll probably be akin to weening crack from a crack addict but we will be prepared. Spring is knocking. Time to get outside.

Finally, Sue has granted yours truly a weekend hall pass for a golf trip to Florida with some friends. Yessir, gettin' on an 8:05 bird outta Philly. Half of our group will be getting off the plane and heading to a golf course while the other half will head to Brighthouse Stadium for a Phillies spring training game against the Orioles. As far as bucket lists go, I never really had the urge to see a preseason game but since I'm there it's getting crossed off. Thanks Sue.