What a drag it is getting old

Good Morning and here we are again!

I find it kind of ironic the Rolling Stones released a single called 'Mother's Little Helper' on July 2, 1966.
First of all, the line 'What a drag it is getting old' doesn't exactly ring true. It's not really a drag. Not for me and especially not for the Stones. I saw them when they played Philly last June. There was no dragging on the stage.
What I'm talking about is my knees. My right knee is not a big fan of this training I've been doing for the Broad Street Run. Over the weekend, I felt like it was laughing at me. Well, OK, not laughing, but at least making sure I wouldn't laugh.
I remember back in high school playing a pickup baseball game (Does anybody play pickup baseball anymore?). After getting a hit, I rounded first and was going to try for second, but the ball was thrown in from the outfield. I stopped quickly and tried to get back, but my right knee went the other way.
I lay in pain for a few minutes, then rubbed some dirt on it and kept playing.
Now, I might be paying for that decision.

Hoops vs. movies: The battle for the remote

Good Morning and I think I heard something about tomorrow...

Since we get to sleep in a little later on the weekends, we usually stay up later on Friday and Saturday nights watching some type of movie.
Most times, it's some kind of dumb comedy or action flick. With Netflix and the on-demand stuff, there are plenty of options. The good thing is if the movie is really terrible (there are plenty of those), it's not as bad as if paying at the theater.
The same schedule holds out for most of the year. The movies come on and everybody settles into their spots in the living room.
There is only one exception: The NCAA basketball tournament.
It's just something I like watching. It doesn't matter the game, if one is a blowout, there are three others going on at the same time.
So, we settled in Friday with basketball on the tube.
The first complaint came five minutes later: "Do we really have to watch this all night? Can't we watch a movie? This is BORING!!!"
Quick answers: Yes. Go in the other room. No it's not.
Now, I have to give my housemates credit. They aren't really basketball fans, so they put up with my indulgence before just going to bed a little earlier than a usual Friday.
Now, when I tried to pull the same thing Saturday? That's when the real battle began.

Ah, yes!

Good Morning and that's all we really have to say today.

It's spring. We have made it. That other word can leave our lips until next December. The season of misery is over. Time to smell the flowers.
My daughter bounced off the bus after school yesterday and said: "Dad, do you know what tomorrow is?"
Having been bogged down with work and home stuff, I answered: "I don't know. Thursday?"
"No," she said. "It's the first day of spring. Spring. Spring. Spring."
She wasn't excited about some free water ice (although you know we'll be stopping at Rita's maybe a couple of times today). It's like some weather blanket was lifted off of us.
It's spring, let's dance.

Couch potato?

Good Morning and I refuse to look out the window today!

I always thought I was doing pretty good during the day. I try not to sit at this desk for too long, even if it's just to walk to the front of the office. I try not to park in the spot closest to the door. I walk down to Wawa lunch, even if it's just to get out in the air.
Then somebody in the office talked me into getting this FitBit thing. It's like a watch that doesn't tell time, but, to me, it's become even more important.
See, the device measures how much activity you do during the day. Those days I do my training it ends up pretty good. The others? Not so much.
While I'm the only one looking at the stats on the web site, I now recognize how much sitting I do all day and it's embarrassingly high.
Time to get moving.

(Shaking head)

Good Morning and welcome back to the safest place on earth!

Do you ever wonder about people? Do you ever just believe you are wandering around in some bizarro world?
You know, you wonder why somebody has to leave their shopping cart in the middle of aisle, then walk halfway back to pick up a can of soup. Maybe you have to rub your temples when the person in front of you stops at the first pump instead of pulling through to the second.
How about that person who wants to make a left out of a shopping center onto a busy road and just pulls into traffic, figuring somebody will stop.
Then there's the one who needs to get a money order or something from the counter during the lunch rush.
Annoying. Annoying. Annoying.
Hey, where's my coffee?

Where do all the hippies meet?

Good Morning and I feel like throwing a party when that last snowflake melts!

Sitting inside Saturday was not going to be an option. It was too nice outside.
The problem was, with all the snow melting, there was a lot of mud. The last thing anybody wants is mud tracking through the living room.
So, after prying everybody off the computer, phone and video games, it seemed like a perfect day to take a stroll down South Street.
Of course, the idea struck thousands of others, but that's OK. Sometimes, it's nice to be out in the crowds.
When the children were small, we used to take that walk once in a while. Maybe stop for an ice cream or check out the book stores. That was years ago (I'd guess about 8), so it was really all new to them.
We found parking around 12th Street and started walking toward Penn's Landing. We stopped in stores (no, not THOSE stores) and took in the air (maybe not fresh, but that's OK).
When we got done I heard from the back, "Dad? Thanks for taking us."

Pizza, pizza, uh, pizza?

Good Morning and are you getting fired up for the Phillies yet?

I've always kind of wondered if there were more bars or pizza places in Delaware County. Can you really go anywhere around here without running into one or both or, sometimes, both at the same place.
A pizza place went out of business near my house and was replaced, yep, by another pizza place.
Now, for the most part, I think they are all pretty good. Sure, there are subtle differences in the sauce (or gravy, if you prefer). When feeding teens and pre-teens, well, those little things don't really matter.
I have a couple of favorites, but it's mostly out of convenience rather than anything else.
Earlier this week, Pica's Pizza in Upper Darby made a spot appearance on the Tonight Show.
It got a lot of reaction.
It fostered a lot of debate.
So, a thought popped into my head (yeah, it happens every once in a while): Where is the best pizza in Delaware County?
Well, we've taken the nominees and will be breaking them down over the next couple of days. Monday will be the start of Delco Pizza Madness. So, get your taste-buds (and voting fingers) ready.
For now, there's this:

Let's all drive to Miami

Good Morning and who's helping me shovel?

OK, so it might be the last one, but I want warmth. I am sick of being cold. I am sick of bundling up. I'm sick of looking at my PECO bill.
It's time to go South. Who's with me? We'll pile in my car and drive to Miami. After all, it is like this, right?

Mr. T? Whatever happened to Mr. T?

Good Morning and welcome back to the 'Net!

Remember that old actor Mr. T? Yeah, the one who was in Rocky III and the only real reason to watch the A-Team every week.
His catch phrase was: "Pain."
Well, as I continue my foray into the running world (OK, it's more like the speed walking world. OK, you got me, walking world), I'm starting to feel that pain.
Woke up today with a dull throbbing in my thigh muscles after probably overdoing it a bit yesterday on the treadmill, elliptical, bike and track.
I want to prove those naysayers out there that his can be done. I want to prove to myself that I can stick with it all. I want a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.
As I pulled myself out of bed this morning I had a flashback to many a moon ago.
When I was in 8th grade, I decided to join the football team. While the hits took a bit out of me, it was all the other practice stuff that was tough, especially the running.
One night, I could fall asleep as my legs throbbed with pain. I lay there thinking, "What the heck am I doing? This is ridiculous!"
I wasn't going to give up then and I'm not now.
If I see Mr. T at the front door, though, all bets are off.
By the way, help me keep going to the Broad Street Run by 'liking' my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/helpvincerun). I need all the inspiration I can get.

Bouncing off the walls

Good Morning and it sure was nice to pull out the light jacket this weekend!

So, the warm weather over the past two days (yeah, it's changing back today) got me to thinking about a few things.
I remember my mom packing and unpacking different clothes throughout the year. We'd get the winter ones out around November and the spring/summer ones would come out sometime in March.
I used to look forward to the day my T-shirts would emerge from the box in the attic. I knew it was almost the end of another school year.
In my own home, we don't pack up clothes. In fact, we wear pretty much the same ones all year long (sure, the sweatshirts don't leave the drawer, but still).
I wonder if anybody still packs clothes away for the seasons?
Also, even though it was nice to turn off the heat in the house the last couple of days (yeah, it will go back on today), I still felt like the walls were closing in. It was nice out, but there was still too much snow (and now mud) to deal with.
Hey, at least we have the first Phillies game Wednesday. So, things must be changing.

Time to get it going

Good Morning and there's a reason I haven't looked out the window this morning!

I don't consider myself an athlete by any stretch of the limitations of the word. I played sports though high school, but, when I look back, it was for the social interaction. I was never going past the level of next-to-last guy on the bench. I enjoyed playing baseball, football, track, basketball, whatever.
I still enjoy it, although my competition is now 30-some years younger. Most of the time, I'm trying to lose (Shhh ... don't tell anybody).
Well, at the end of last summer, I was sitting on the couch competing in my favorite sport of late (opening a beer and watching the Phillies). All of a sudden, I started to feel dizzy. I stood up and had a hard time keeping my balance.
At that moment, I decided it was time for a change.
I started walking around the block instead of laying down on the couch. In October, the YMCA opened in Haverford.
I signed up and was there on the first day.
It was time to get serious about exercising. I had done a good job a few years ago, but, you know, things happened in life and I let it all go.
When I went the first day, I can admit now I was up near 300 pounds. It wasn't fun.
The first couple of weeks were painful, but I saw a goal.
There was a sign for the Broad Street Run and I thought, there you go, if it comes to signup time and I feel like I'm still going forward, I'm doing it.
Well, 50 pounds and four months later, I feel confident I can do it.
So, when the e-mail came through yesterday saying we were entered (I'm going to run with my 14-year old son and my younger brother), there was a mix of trepidation and elation.
Now to really get serious. I'm sure there are people out there who don't think I can do it, but it's time to prove them (and me) wrong.

The heavy stuff

Good Morning and, the temperature doesn't matter, it's nice to see the sun.

Way back in the day, I can remember my Dad telling me to take the shovel and help an older neighbor clear the driveway. Being young and stupid, I balked. I still did it, but grumbled all the way through it.
When it was done, I felt very good. When I saw how much he appreciated the help, I knew the complaining was wrong. Sometimes, you just have to do.
Well, anybody who was out there last Thursday and Friday knows that was some heavy snow Mother Nature dumped on us.
I barely got through it Thursday, wondering why I didn't get the snow blower at that yard sale last year.
After clearing off the driveway and sidewalk, I was ready for a nap. Two hours later, I was ready to drive to Arizona.
After shoveling again Friday, clearing my drive and helping the neighbors on either side, I was ready for another nap (maybe a hibernation?). I looked across the street and saw an older man and his wife getting ready to shovel.
So, I grabbed the boys off the computers and told them to go help.
Of course, they balked. We argued. They went over.
An hour later, after helping clear two cars and a that stuff the plow left blocking the street, they came back in dog tired.
"Thanks Dad," one said, "that felt great."

Shoot, what happened to the 76ers

Good Morning and I think I can smell spring!

I've always been a 76ers fan.
Growing up, I was lucky enough to see some of the greatest teams in the history of the franchise.
I remember exactly where I was when the 76ers blew the 1977 championship to Seattle. I remember the Doc telling everybody "We owe you one."
Of course, that "one" didn't come until 1983, but it was still glorious.
This year for Christmas, I purchased a four-game plan and have been taking the children down to watch.
The last game, the 9-year old girl said, "The 76ers have a neat opening, but they sure can't play basketball."
I laughed.
Last night, the 76ers lost by 43 points to the Golden State Warriors. The night before, they lost by 45 to Clippers.
Yes, we knew the team was going to be bad this year. Actually, most were hoping they would be bad. In the NBA these days, you can't win without being bad and drafting well.
Losing by a combined 88 points in back-to-back games, though?
I don't think anybody is laughing now.

That bad, really?

Good Morning and enough about the weather!

You can't turn on the TV or read your local news Web site without being hit over the head with the weather. So, instead, let's talk about something else.
How about those Phillies!!!
Right, how about them? ESPN has ranked the Phillies as the second worst team in baseball this year.
They are slightly ahead of the AA-talented Astros. They are behind teams like the Cubs (THE CUBS), Marlins and those stinckin' Mets.
If experts are to be believed, we are in for a long summer of losing baseball.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the games still have to be played, but I get a bad feeling about this team.
It feels a whole lot like those teams in the late 1980s and 1990s.
You know, if Ryan Howard can figure out to hit, if Chase Utley stays healthy, if the outfield doesn't break down, if Carlos Ruiz can play like it's 2008, if the pitching holds up.
A whole lot of "ifs." A whole lot of losses.
Hey, at least there won't be any snow.

Little bit of this, a little bit of that

Good Morning and, yes, that was me who slipped outside the front door this morning (ouch)!

There was a time (I guess it was when I was in school), that snow days were fantastic. It snowed, we had off from school, what could be better?
Then I realized all these snow days made for a longer school year. Then I started to drive. Soon, I started to work.
Don't know exactly when that turnover happened, but, yeah, I hate snow. Unless I'm up the mountains and can ride a sled down a hill. Now, that's cool.
Speaking of being dumped on, how about those Denver Broncos!!
OK, somehow I get the feeling this Super Bowl just didn't get anybody excited. Yes, Seattle and Denver were the two best teams in the league this year. Yes, it was a classic matchup of Denver's No. 1 offense against Seattle's No. 1 defense. Yes, you had the whole Peyton Manning thing and the New York thing and the Seattle 12 thing.
Yeah, there was all that, but, come on, it was Denver against Seattle. Outside of Denver and Seattle, does anybody really care about these two?
It's like those years of classic wrestling when S.D. Jones would hit the ring.
The difference is the announcers were better back then and nobody cared about commercials.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S9PuRn443rI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Finally, you can't beat me

Good Morning to the Internet!

OK, that's it. I'm done. You can't beat it, so might as well revel in it.
I'm talking about the cold here people.
I turned on the TV this morning and was hammered over the head about how cold it was out there.
With the supposed wind, it was going to be like -500 degrees or something like that.
So, I sat there lamenting the cold and what it's doing to my PECO bill (really, can't you just see the PECO big wigs sitting around their conference room lighting cigars with $100 bills).
Finally, I said, "The heck with it." (OK, I used other words, but supposedly you can't print them.)
It's time to take this cold and shove it.
Bring on the wind and the negative temperatures. Bring on the snow. Bring on the ice.
Mother Nature, you can't get the best of me.
I'll dress in layers. I'll wear gloves. I'll put on a sweater.
Now, somebody tell me why I should get out from under the covers.
It's so nice and toasty in here.

That drive and those drivers

Good Morning and let's start dreaming about spring!

So, I know my vehicle (Mazda MPV) is not real good in the snow. I slide around a bit and have trouble getting up snow-covered hills.
Still, I stayed at work until about noon yesterday, thinking the roads wouldn't be so bad.
Of course, I was wrong. Anybody who drove anywhere yesterday knows it was tough going. The weather hit quick and lasted forever.
I had to get home, though. I once stayed all night at the office and, well, it wasn't much fun.
So, I reached Garrett Road pretty easy (there was some sliding heading up the hill at Springfield Road, but I was able to keep it moving.
It was OK until it was time to get back up the hill on Garrett Road. The tires were spinning, but the van was barely moving.
I knew from past practice I'd make it up the hill, but it might take a little bit.
Of course, the drivers behind were not patient. A couple went around me on the shoulder. One (OK, I'll be nice) driver, decided to stop next to me on the hill, open his window and start cursing about my slow pursuit of the hill.
My question is: What was I supposed to do?
Leave the vehicle on the road? Slide backward? Jump out and push?
Look, it is frustrating when the van didn't move. Believe me, it was more frustrating inside than out.
How about we all calm down a bit.

Great, now get out of the aisle

Good Morning and how about that winter!

So, I don't mind doing my food shopping. Sometimes, it's fun to walk down the aisles and check things out.
It's just that I don't understand people.
Case in point: Last Thursday evening, I was in the Giant in Havertown. I had my cart and my list.
Now, the store wasn't packed with people, but there were enough around.
In aisle 4, somebody left their cart in the middle while they checked out the chips. I enjoy looking for new things as much as the next person, but, come on, you have to leave the cart in the middle of the aisle? You couldn't move it off to the side? It was too much work?
Two aisles later, a couple of customers who hadn't seen each other in a day or so (my guess) decided it was a good time to chat while they blocked the way with their carts. It's not like they couldn't move to the end where there was enough room. It's not like they couldn't have put both their carts on one side while they chatted about cats.
No, they had to stand side-by-side.
I said, "Excuse me, I'm trying to get through."
As I squeezed past, I heard one shopper say to another: "Gee, some people are always in a hurry."
I think I'm going to start shopping at 2 in the morning.

Taking the work out of homework

Good Morning and welcome to the place you always wanted to be!!

Yes, I still remember when I was in school.
Yes, I still remember watching out my window as the rest of the children in the neighborhood played while I dilly-dallied with my homework.
Yes, I still remember the very last thing I ever wanted to do was homework.
All these years later, I still don't get the whole homework thing.
Seriously, the students are in school for long enough all day, why do they need homework.
Can anybody explain how homework is anything more than busy work? Is it the teacher's attempt to show you how tough it is to teach?
I don't know. All I know is, I'm sick of fighting the battle.
The homework will get done, but maybe not every night and maybe not to the full extent it's supposed to be.
Tell you what, if we get rid of all the testing, I'll re-evaluate the homework thing.
That's a pretty good deal.

Curious Case of the Disappearing Cookies

Good Morning and welcome to the rain!

Most times, I like to make my own cookies at home. With the holidays over, though, and the winter doldrums setting in, there was just no energy to make cookies.
So, when shopping last week, I picked up a box (is it a box or a thingy) of Oreos. The were on sale and Oreos make a nice treat once in a while.
When I got home Sunday night, I saw the pack and opened them up. I ate one cookie. Yes, one cookie. It sounds odd, but that's all I wanted at the time. Other times, I might go for a whole row, but this night one did the trick.
I then put the rest on the top shelf and, figuring it was homework time, nobody would be looking for cookies.
Anyway, I usually leave the boys in the house doing their homework while I walk up the block to welcome the youngest one off the bus.
I was gone, maybe 10 minutes.
Later last night, I decided to have another Oreo (OK, this time it was going to be more like 3, but who's counting).
I pulled down the box and it felt kind of light. I figured that was from all the weight-lifting I've been doing.
There was one cookie left in the box.
Is it possible for a teen and pre-teen to eat nearly a whole box of Oreos in 10 minutes?
Do I have a cookie-eating ghost in the house?
Guess it's time to head to the spy shop.

Video game redux

Good Morning and let's just all agree we should end winter now.

I remember when we first got video games in our house.
Suddenly, I could play pong and space invaders on the television (Thanks Atari) instead of waiting to go to the mall.
It was a good time.
As I got older, I found it was more fun to head to the mall and hang out at the arcade. Don't think that had as much to do with the games as being able to just hang out.
The arcades soon went the way of the dinosaurs (well, except for the down the shore) when the games at home got cheaper and better.
Now, it's all about the games.
My biggest threat for good behavior is I'll not let them play games. Sometimes it works, other times it just gets worse.
I pull them off the computer and they start playing on the phone.
I take the phone away and they are lost.
So, what can we do about this? How do we unplug teens and pre-teens?
Time to pull out the basketball.

Yeah, we get it, it's cold!

Good Morning and welcome to a new year!

So, it's cold outside today. Yeah, I know, it's winter. Uh huh, it's cold.
Yep, I get it. Please stop telling me it's cold outside.
Tell you what, I was expecting it to be worse, but from the house to the car and the car to the office, it wasn't that bad.
Bundle up and sing these songs to yourself and everything will be OK.

or
or
Finally, of course:

People ... AAAAHHH

Good Morning and here we go again!

I hate shopping.
I hate food shopping. I hate birthday shopping. I hate Christmas shopping.
I, well, OK, I kind of like beer shopping, but that's another story.
Anyway, I was reminded how much I hate Christmas shopping last week at the mall.
After taking a ridiculously long time to get there, I found there were hardly any parking spaces. That's good, I thought, must mean the economy is coming back.
So, I went into the mall and quickly wished I didn't have another 15 minute walk to get back to the car.
There were just too many people around. Now, mind you, I really enjoy interacting with people most of the time. I want to hear your stories. I sometimes just start talking in elevators.
This was different, though. It was just people standing around.
What possesses you to stand right in the middle of the walkways to talk to a neighbor you see every day? Why do you walk the opposite way of the crowd? Why do you leave the cart in the middle of the aisle to check out the latest Elmo? Why do you smell?
Geez, no wonder I did mostly everything online.

Lights and that Christmas spirit

Good Morning and how about that sun???

I admit to being very lax on the Christmas decorations this year.
One day I hope to have a Griswold-like house, but time always seems to get away from me.
I decorated one tree and put a couple of lights around the door last week, but the snow and the cold kept the rest in the garage.
So, when I saw more snow was coming last weekend, I figured I had one shot Saturday morning to do something before the ice/snow mix.
Getting out there early in the morning, I strung the lights along the bushes and generally made it look nice.
I tested it all and half the string was out.
Now, I know some people use those extra lights that come with the pack and try to find the bad one, but that's not me. I pulled them all off and tried the next strand.
The other half lit on those.
By the way, why is it half light all the time. Just all go out at once, it would make it far less frustrating.
Finally, after a quick jump to the store, we had lights.
Next year, I'll do it all up.

Ugh and double Ugh

Good Morning and, OK, let's just call it winter.

I had a great idea to write about today. I had it all planned out. I had searched up some cool videos to back up my point. I was going to end with some good music.
Then I got the alert: "SCHOOLS CLOSED TODAY!!!!!"
(OK, I might have added a little punctuation.)
I'm not so old enough that I don't remember snow days.
Looking out the window and seeing unpassable roads was like my little slice of heaven.
I remember spending the whole day out in the snow sledding and building snowmen.
Of course, that was before I had to work full time or drive or make sure there was enough toilet paper in the house.
Oh well, time to make the best of it. Pass the hot chocolate.

Great, Big Thank You

Good Morning and, sure the snow looks nice, but come on?

There are many reasons I do not like winter weather.
The major reason is it seems to be my luck it always hits when I am at work.
Now, on the surface, that might not seem so bad. What's the difference if you are safe at work or safe at home? Yeah, OK, that's one thing.
It cuts even deeper than having to slog through our parking lot.
I always get nervous about shoveling. The last thing I (or anybody I think) want to do is work all day, then get home to shovel. Especially when I'm working on a Sunday and I just know the rest of neighborhood was out hours earlier clearing the sidewalks.
So, that was on the top of my head while I sat in the office and watched the snow fall yesterday. I figured I was here until late into the night, because it was a better option than driving in the mess (not to mention the mess of Delco drivers).
As I pulled onto Providence road at about 10 p.m. (took a good 30 minutes to clear the car after sitting all day), I figured I'd have to get home and pull on the boots.
By then the roads were certainly passable, so it didn't take that long to get home. As I pulled in front of the house, I couldn't help but smile.
My great neighbors had cleaned off the sidewalk.
I thought I lived in a great neighborhood, now I know for sure.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
The next one's on me.
Of course, I'll probably be at work when it hits...

About that Healthcare Web site

Good Morning and what crazy traffic!

There's been a lot of talk on those 24-hour news stations about Healthcare.gov and how it works and what side of the political spectrum you are on and whether this is a good thing or not.
To me, it seems like so much noise.
Anybody who has ever worked on a Web site (or even visited one) could have predicted Healthcare.gov was going to crash as soon as it came online. No server can handle that crash or users. Anybody who thought differently was just fooling themselves.
Now, I am lucky enough to not need healthcare, but I know tons of people who do. One just the other day said, although they never even attempted to try Healthcare.gov, they knew it wasn't going to work.
Why, I asked.
Then this person told me how they heard it wasn't working and you had to pay tons of money just to sign up. In other words, there's a lot of misinformation being fed from both sides (OK, mostly from one side).
I went on the site yesterday around Noon. I found it easy to navigate. It took me about 5 minutes to see which plans I could purchase.
So, much like most things politically motivated, I would suggest you check it out first and not listen to the rhetoric.
Let me know how it goes.

The Tree Dilemma

Good Morning and enjoy that sunshine while it lasts!

"So," I asked, "what should we do about a Christmas tree this year?"
The boys shrugged their shoulders. Pretty much the same thing they do every time I ask a question.
What do you want for dinner?
Shrug.
What did you do in school today?
Shrug.
What color is the sky?
Shrug.
Do you want $100?
Shrug. ... Wait, what?
It was pretty obvious they were going to be no help. As long as it didn't take too much time away from their video games, how the tree got to the house didn't matter.
That's when the boss spoke up.
"We should go to Linvilla and cut our own," said the just-turned 9-year old girl. "That's what we are going to do."
Of course, the first thing that entered my mind was the Griswolds. The second thing was "I have to use a saw?"
The third was, if it will make a just-turned 9-year old smile, then that's what is going to happen.

Shopping

Good Morning and I'm glad I didn't get caught in all that 'ponding' this morning!!!

I remember years ago heading to the King of Prussia mall on Black Friday. It wasn't so much of a family tradition where we all got excited about going to the mall. It's just something that happened.
We got in the car, went to the mall, ate lunch and went home.
When the whole early-morning Black Friday explosion hit about 15 years ago, I didn't take part.
Really, I never needed a $10 microwave, so getting up early didn't appeal to me.
Neither did the crowds. It's became like a zombie takeover out there with people pushing and shoving for no reason than they could push and shove.
I understand people liked the party atmosphere. They made it a family thing and got all their Christmas shopping done by 9 a.m.
Bully for you.
Now, stores are opening up Thanksgiving night. I think I just heard Toys-R-Us will be open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Of course, there's a bit of a stink with people complaining about letting workers stay with families. Give them a day off.
Sure, that's great.
I won't be shopping Thanksgiving night. It's not because I am making a political protest. It's just that I don't like shopping.
If people want to work. Let them work. If stores want to open, who cares?
I think we have long passed the point of return on that.

War and Rememberance

Good Morning and watch out for that rain!

I had a high school history teacher who always said the greatest risk of another World War was going to be when we get people in power who didn't remember what war was like.
His theory, and one I believe more as the years go by, is those that lived through World War II didn't want to see that again. It didn't solve anything. It just killed a whole lot of people.
Well, we are pretty much in the era he warned about now.
Which, makes this video even more disturbing:

Like a cold slap or just shaking your head

Good Morning and I guess the heat has to go on!

This morning, while doing my usual stuff on the Web site, I happened to have the Channel 10 news on in the background.
Like most days, I use half an ear to listen to the news while working. Mostly, it's just to hear if there are any traffic troubles. Most of the rest of the morning news is just a rehash of stuff that happened yesterday.
Then the guy on TV started talking about a storm we are going to see later this week.
It's the same storm that's been dumping a lot of snow onto the Midwest.
So, of course, they showed video of cars skidding in the snow and people shoveling.
Then they cut to the weather guy who said we were going to see all rain out of the storm.
Yes, I know it's just a minor thing, but don't let me believe it's going to snow until, you know, it's actually going to snow.
Oh yeah, and don't bring the snow unless it's a day I have off.

Winter blahs already

Good Morning and, yes, I know it's not officially winter yet.

I tried to put off turning the heater on, but that was busted before Halloween. I tried to take the weather in stride, you know, since I can't really do anything about it.
Yeah, but I still want to complain.
I've decided I'm going to hate the cold this year. It has nothing to do with the flu-like thing that's floating through the office.
OK, I lied, it has everything to do with that. If you are sick, stay away from the office.
We have now windows in here. It's worse than an incubator.
Then I step outside and it's like 30 degrees.
How long until spring?

The hot and the cold of it

Good Morning and it is nice to see the sun before 7.

Driving around after a cool birthday party Saturday (Laser Tag!), I was hit about how nice and warm it was for Nov. 2.
So, I asked my passengers what they wanted to do.
"Let's go the mall," said one.
"I want to go home and play video games," said another.
"I don't know," said the third (yes, he's a teenager).
OK, to me, when you can wear short sleeve shirts outside in November, well, you better take advantage of it.
So, my first thought was a playground. That would be fun ... for about 15 minutes. Then the older ones (OK, just the teenager) would start moping about things being boring.
I remembered a miniature golf course from days go by. We were close, so that was the idea.
We played (yes, there are always arguments), but the warmth and the sun made it pretty nice.
Then came Sunday.
I knew when I first woke up and heard the wind it was going to be cold.
That playoff soccer game at 3 was going to be downright chilly.
I wasn't ready for the winter, though. My light jacket wasn't going to be enough, but I didn't want to miss the game.
So, I froze, but watching the team of 10/11-year olds play their hearts out made it feel just a little bit warmer.

Time to get the candy

Good Morning and welcome back to the Internet!

I was flipping through the TV last night, hoping to find a decent horror movie in honor of Halloween. Since last week I watched 'Halloween,' I was looking for something different. My choices were 'Nightmare on Elm Street 3' and 'House of 1,000 corpses.'
I, for some reason, settled on the latter. Guess I should have just gone to bed early. That was 2 hours, I'll never get back.
By the way, why do TV stations have to talk about healthy Halloween? There's nothing healthy about Halloween and, really, there doesn't have to be.
For the most part we eat healthy, but there are a couple of days better to have at it.
Halloween is one of those days.
So, bring out the pizza and don't get between me and the bag of Reese's.

Halloween: Then and now

Good Morning and welcome to Halloween week!

OK, so maybe it's not an actual holiday (at least not in the good, ole' US of A), but Halloween is certainly a lot of fun.
Sure, it's changed over the years. I remember dressing up and going door-to-door for candy, but there wasn't a whole lot of difference between houses.
You knocked, they answered, maybe joked around and gave you some candy.
When I was in, I think, 7th grade, a neighbor's father up the street started dressing up and answering the door. It was great fun. Everybody laughed and that was it.
I like to take that to the extreme. I try to make a little Halloween party in the front yard. I'm not as crazy as an old friend was who turned her whole house into a Halloween adventure every year. It took a month to set up and and month to clean up.
I want to be part of the fun. Now, I just have to decide on a costume.

Movies and such

Good Morning and I liked it better when the sun came up earlier.

Anyway, so I was flipping around the TV channels last night around 8 and stumbled upon the original 'Halloween' just as it was starting.
So, of course, that meant I was stuck. Even though there were commercials on the AMC showing, I kept coming back to the movie.
Now, it's obviously one of the best scary movies of all time. Those seeing it for the first time even 35 years after its release (Yes, it came out in 1978) will be screaming and hiding their eyes. The amazing thing is the movie still holds up after all this time.
Sure, the teens are using landlines instead of cell phones and they are watching black&white movies, but it's still pretty shocking with Michael Myers sits back up.
Sure, there questions we ask now that probably wouldn't have been asked in 1978.
Like, wouldn't anybody notice a guy in a mask following teenage girls in a brown station wagon? Wouldn't the Myers' house have been torn down by now and replaced by a Wawa? How did it get so dark so quickly? Why was Dr. Loomis driving up in the rain? Where the heck are everybody's parents?
Doesn't take away from the movie. Actually, I think it adds a little bit.
It's too bad the dumb sequels and remakes kind of taint the original. Do yourself a favor this Halloween and check it out again or for the first time.

Air conditioning and heat

Good Morning and if I hear that 'We buy any car' commercial one more time this morning ...

I have kind of an unwritten policy in the house. It's unwritten, because I can change it any time, but usually don't.
So, when the thermostat hit 90 a couple of weeks ago, I turned on the air conditioner even though it was October. See, the rule is the AC goes off mid-September (the date is flexible). Then it doesn't come back on until June.
I usually stay hard and fast with that one (sorry, PECO), but I did break down when the humidity got too much one day and we were all sweating while watching TV.
The other rule is the heat doesn't go on until November (hopefully not until Thanksgiving). It doesn't go on in October. If you're cold, put on a sweater.
I nearly broke down this weekend, though. Even though I knew in my mind it wasn't that chilly, it certainly felt that way. There was close to some teeth chattering during Saturday night's movie fest.
Close, but not yet.
So, I won't get penalized yet as the heat stays off.

Welcome to ...

Good Morning and how is it out there today?

Ever get the feeling it's going to be a long week. You know, one of those weeks where the days just crawl past. It seems like you are always at work. There's never enough time to get everything done, but the clock slows down.
Yeah, I know it. At least, though, we have this:




If your head hasn't exploded just yet, check this out:

Spinning in mud

Good Morning and I keep wondering why the alarm has to go off so early!?!

Ever get that feeling you just can't get ahead?
The rain Friday knocked out all our soccer games Saturday, so, suddenly, there was a free day.
We didn't have to be anywhere. We didn't have to do anything. We didn't have a schedule.
So, we cleaned the house a bit (yeah, yeah, I know, I fall behind easily).
Then, we tried to take a drive.
Big mistake.
I guess everybody figured it was a good day to get out on the road. OK, everybody and their mother.
Tried to drive up to Marple Crossings shopping center, about 3 miles from the front door.
Yeah, it took nearly 45 minutes. Probably could have walked quicker.
Instead of heading to the mall or maybe some other store, the traffic got the better of me.
So, we spent the rest of the day watching movies.
Probably a better idea anyway.

Putting on the AC

Good Morning and how about that summer?

OK, I've had enough.
It's one thing if I were living in San Diego or Phoenix. At least there, I could wrap my mind around the heat.
Maybe if I was living in Los Angeles or Las Vegas, I would relish the fact I would like to be swimming in a pool in October.
Maybe if I was living in Texas ... OK, never mind about that.
Anyway, I've had enough of this heat. Yes, I like the summer. Yes, it would be OK with me if we stayed warm all year. Still, when you expect the weather to change, it better change.
I broke down Saturday and turned on the air conditioner. I felt like a wimp turning it on in October, but the heat was too much.
Looks like we are getting a change this week. So that will be good.
Now, I can keep the complaining to a minimum until it starts to snow.

They did what?

Good Morning and here's hoping the Internet doesn't get furloughed today!

So, those geniuses in Washington decided it was better to placate to the loudest (not necessarily the largest) mouths. Again, we have special-interest groups taking over.
The Government is broken. If we don't vote each and every one of those bozos out of office in the next couple elections, I'm afraid the country might be broken as well.

For everything, a season

Good Morning and how about them Eagles?!?!

I'm one who likes everything in its own time.
For instance, I won't do any Christmas shopping until after Thanksgiving (usually not until the last week, but that's another story). I cringe when I see those Halloween stores cropping up Sept. 1. Don't even talk to me about the Valentine's candy that shows up just after the New Year or the Easter stuff that hits the same time as the Super Bowl.
There's enough rushing in this world. I don't need to hear 'Jingle Bells' before Santa drives his sleigh in front of Macy's. (Yeah, I know those lights and trees are already up in most stores. I'm just going to ignore them for a few months).
So, when I saw Pumpkinland was opening at Linvilla Orchards, my first thought was "isn't it still summer?"
That's usually a Saturday in October trip for us. Get pumpkins, take a hay ride, stock up on apples.
Still, for some reason, the pull was too much for me to ignore and we were there Saturday afternoon.
Guess what? It was a fun time even though we were only in the last weekend of September.
We picked out pumpkins (really, 20 pounds each?) and were there until it closed.
Now, I'm ready for what fall has to offer.
Just don't start singing 'White Christmas' until November please.

Vegging out with the tube

Good Morning and how can it be only Tuesday? I swear this is the longest week in history.

Yes, I watch TV. Wanted to get that out of the way first. A lot of people figure most TV melts your brain or something. I watch what I want, when I want. Don't judge me. OK, judge me, but I guess I'm mostly like anybody else.
Now, for us fellow TV watchers, this time of year can get a little exciting. The new shows are starting and there's always the hope one will be pretty good and stick.
I remember watching the first episode of 'Lost' in the Fall of 2004. I was hooked right away and didn't miss an episode (I even watched the dumb one where Jack gets his tattoo a couple of times).
Anyway, I can usually tell if it's something I'm going to like after a couple of viewings. I know a lot of people liked the show 'Fringe.' I watched it about a half dozen times and found it uninteresting.
So, there's been a lot of buzz about two shows that debuted last night. I watched 'The Blacklist,' and DRVd 'Hostages.'
They both have interesting concepts. I'll have to see about 'Hostages,' but I found myself zoning out during the premier of 'The Blacklist.'
James Spader is OK as a super-criminal, but the rest of the cast seems a little flimsy. I'll give it a couple of weeks, then see what happens.
By the way, thanks to 'Lost,' it seems every show has to have some kind of goofy twists. Just saying...

Monsters under the bed

Good Morning and I'm sure glad you are here!

I think it was like a week ago when I went into the teenagers room and what aghast at what I saw.
His closet, actually the biggest in the house, looked like it was hit by a tornado. Shirts, pants and God knows what else was thrown all over the floor. There was nothing on the shelves. The hangers were actually hanging, but empty of shirts. I swear I saw a pair of shoes with holes in the bottom.
Now, I don't stay on top of them as much as I should when it comes to keeping their rooms in order. I don't know why. I guess I just figure as long as they can get to the bed it is OK. I don't let them take food up, so there's now worry about that.
Frustrated, I walked into the other bedroom. It looked OK. Maybe a little too many books in front of the bookcase, but, on the whole, it looked pretty good.
That was, until I opened the closet.
Ever see that old comedy standby where a character opens a closet and the whole world falls out?
I guess we better see about cleaning up.

I have laundry ghosts!

Good Morning and, well, here we are again.

I've become used to the monster in the dryer. You know, the one that eats socks.
I have a pile of single socks in my room who have lost their mate. There is no logical reason to have so many single socks, but they are there. So, there's no denying that something (or someone) is eating them.
What I can't wrap my mind around is the amount of laundry I seem to have.
Now, there are four of us in the house, but, despite what the teenager might believe, there's only one adult.
Somehow, though, I seem to have enough laundry to do some every day.
Mind you, the teen wears his school clothes much of the day. The middle schooler would wear the same shirt and pants every day (until I force him to change). The third grader changes every day.
Seriously, there shouldn't be that many clothes to wash. There must be a ghost running around the house dirtying things up.
Now, if that ghost would only start folding, I wouldn't mind so much.

Skype? Skype this

Good Morning and it's nice to see you all again!

The question came so innocently: "Dad, can I play with my friends?"
Without even thinking, I said, "Sure. Do you need a ride to their house or are they coming here."
First there was a perplexed look, then: "No. We are using Skype."
So, that's what it's become. The boy and his friends connect on Skype and play a video game called Minecraft. They battle each other, build worlds and eat pork chops.
All across the Internet of course.
I sometimes shake my head at these things. Other times, I just see it as a normal part of life in 2013.
When I was 11, most of the time was spent outside playing football, riding bikes or whatever. These days that doesn't happen.
Now, I'm not like some people who look at it and see the downfall of society. Would I prefer they go outside or to a friend's house? Sure, but as long as they are interacting, that's OK too.
At least once a day, I make all electronics turn off and make them do something else. I could be reading. I could be going outside. I could be just sitting and breathing in the air.
Now that school has started, it will change a little. Games are only allowed to be turned on two days a week and that's after all homework has been finished and checked.
I don't look forward to that fight.

Crying at the fence

Good Morning and here we are again!

There were times during the summer that I couldn't wait for school to start. There were times I wished it wouldn't begin again (of course, I also wished I won the lottery so work wouldn't begin again, but that's another story all together).
When school did start last week, well, I figured it was about time.
What I wasn't prepared for was the sleepless nights leading up to the first day.
It wasn't the children. They went out like lights even though there was some nervous excitement about starting a new year.
It was me. You see, the oldest boy is in 9th grade. High school. Really, high school.
For some reason, that kind of hit me like a rock. Every time I closed my eyes I saw him standing at the fence screaming when we dropped him off for kindergarten.
I kept up a front then. All I really wanted to do was scoop him up and take him home. Forget about school. Don't grow up.
I knew that wasn't the way it could happen, so I drove away while he was standing at the fence. What he didn't know is I would park a block away and walk up just far enough until I could see he would be OK
Of course he was. He'll be OK in high school. He'll be OK when he gets to college.
In a way, though, I hope he will always be the boy at the fence looking for me.

OK, I'm boring

Good Morning and whatever happened to Hannah Montana?!?

OK, so I try to stay current. I've refrained from listening to Oldies radio, because, well, I've heard every song they play. Don't they play the same 10 songs anyway?
Most of my music comes from Spotify or stations like WXPN. Sure, I've seen the Rolling Stones live this year, but I've also been to the Tin Angel probably too many times this year.
I watch all the hottest TV shows and keep up with the news (well, I guess I don't have much choice there).
I ride my bike. I go to parks. I check out street festivals.
I have an earring. I once walked into a tattoo shop (chickened out, but I at least walked in).
I am connected to the Cloud. I am on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Circle and a bunch of other social sites.
In fact, a friend of my 14-year old son was shocked when he found out I was on Instagram. "That's cool," he said.
So, I'm cool (not Fonzie cool, but cool enough). Then again, I just referenced Fonzie so maybe that makes me uncool.
I don't know, but I do know I flipped off one of my cool shows last night to check out the MTV awards show and saw this.

Get More:

2013 VMA, Artists.MTV, Music, Miley Cyrus

I'm not sure if I want to be cool anymore.

Listening

Good Morning and welcome back to the Internet!

Listening to music can do a lot of things. Let me know how these songs work out (Before you ask, Yes, it's an eclectic mix):

How does your garden grow?

Good Morning and I hear summer might make a visit this week!

So, once again this year, I dutifully worked my garden.
I got a few tomato plants, a couple of peppers and a couple of bags of organic dirt.
I pulled the weeds, watered the plants and made sure the squirrels stayed away.
I have tons of green tomatoes all over the vines.
I have scant few that have ripened.
Now, I've been told it's because of all the rain we had this year.
"All my plants are slow this year," said one fellow backyard gardener. "I think it's one of those slow years."
Yeah, right.
I'm going to be stuck with a thousand green tomatoes again this year. 
I'm going to have to go to my green tomato cookbook.
Hey, maybe there's a deal there. I could write the Frustrated Gardener's Guide to Green Tomatoes.

You want an actual book?

Good Morning and, come on, who's really loving this humidity?

About a year ago, I purchased a Kindle. It's not one of those fancy ones with games and videos and more games. It's just a basic Kindle.
I found out I could 'rent' books through the library web site. Since I never remembered to bring books back to the library on time (I seriously had a $10 fine once) this was a great solution.
I've probably read more books in the last year than I had in the previous decade, so the Kindle has proved to be a wise investment.
Of course, when I first got it, the group at home was enamored with it. They all wanted to read books on the Kindle. It got to the point where I had schedule times each could use it. Once again, not a bad thing. They were reading, but it felt somehow different.
For Christmas, somebody was getting rid of a basic Nook for cheap. OK, I thought, perfect. I can keep my Kindle and they could use the Nook.
Worked great. We were reading. We were talking about the stories.
So, of course, I figured it would be easy to get through the school's summer reading lists.
"Hey guys," I said, "I downloaded some of your summer reading on the Nook."
"I want a real book or I'm not reading," said the 8-year old.
"I thought you liked reading on the touch screen."
"It's not the same," she said. "I want a real book or I'm not reading."
I thought those days were gone.

Speed

Good Morning and I think the summer is going too fast!!

I just glanced at the date in the lower right of my laptop and (WHAT!!) it's already August 12.
Where did the summer go? What happened to July? I still have too much I want to do this year!!
I've seen the commercials and the ads pushing 'Back to School.' I've been to Target and I get the feeling they hope to clear out the pencils and crayons so the Christmas decorations can be displayed.
I know time moves on. I know it. I can feel it. Doesn't mean I have to like it.
I'm not one of those parents who looks forward to the school days with glee. Sure, it will be good to get everybody back into a structured environment, but I like the free-form of summer.
I like waking up late and saying, "Hey, lets drive down the shore."
I like waking up late and asking, "Who wants to go swimming?"
I like waking up late and hearing the snores from the next room.
OK, mostly I like waking up late, but that's another story.

Blueberries? Who doesn't like blueberries?

Good Morning and are those aliens flying around in the sky?

OK, first of all, I wan to get this out of the way. I never, ever, used PEDs while writing this blog. I've never met Tony Bosch. Up until a few months ago, I thought Biogenesis was some new way of explaining Darwin.
Thanks. I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.
Now, to the nonsense...
Every Sunday morning I make fresh waffles, but I mix up the ingredients. Some Sundays we may have a maple/walnut waffle. The next week it will be banana/chocolate chip or maybe oatmeal/raisin.
After they are made and put on the table we play a little Guess the Ingredient game. Mostly by the second waffle, the gang has all the mix-ins down.
This weekend, I decided to add blueberries. I mean, who doesn't like blueberry waffles?
Well, I found them. Two of my diners all of a sudden announced they hated blueberries. One toasted himself a bagel.
The other? Well, she still wanted the waffles, but decided to pick out the blueberries. By the time she was done, there was probably at least another waffle on the plate attached to blueberries.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"You know I don't eat blueberries," the 8-year old said. "I picked them out. And Dad, don't ever put them in again."
I'll teach them. Next Sunday it will be spinach waffles. Then we'll see how fast they beg for blueberries.

Bases and balls

Good Morning all you gentle readers!

When did summer end? I woke up this morning and could have sworn it was September. Well, except for the lack of buses and such.
So, today's the day that Major League Baseball cracks down on about 12 players as it continues to try to 'clean up the game.'
Whenever I hear these stories, I hasten back to years of yesteryear. During the last big steroid controversy (I think it was Barry Bonds chasing the home run record), Daily Times columnist Jack McCaffery was asked what he thought about drugs in sports.
To paraphrase (OK, to clean up the language), Jack said something like, "I don't care what they do to their bodies, I just want to see long home runs."
Now, that might be a simplistic argument, but the question remains, why does anybody care? If these highly-paid people feel they need to put their health in danger to win a few awards, so be it. If the leagues (any league) wants to kick them out, so be it.
In the end, it does nothing for me. I'll watch the games if there's nothing better on TV. I'll sleep OK.
I guess there's a need to talk about something in the middle of summer and this is probably as good as anything.
I think the over-riding feeling, though, is we like to see the privileged fail. Especially, if they cheated.

Time for videos

Good Morning and welcome back to the Internet!!

Know how there are mornings when your brain just doesn't want to work? Yeah, that's today...

Kids Hate Smurfs 2 - watch more funny videos

Tom Brady's Best Friend from Tom Brady

Darn alarm

Good Morning and, my, it's nice out there today!

I know I'm going to be behind all day today. I know it already. I've known it since I woke up.
How?
Well, instead of hitting the snooze button on the alarm this morning, I must have turned the thing off. I don't even remember doing it. For the most part (unless some idiot is beeping his horn outside at 3:15 in the morning), I rarely remember hitting that first snooze.
Sometimes I guess your brain just says, "No. You need sleep. I don't care if you're a little late for work."
When I looked at the clock and it said 6:15, I knew I was going to have a behind-the-horse kind of day.
Oh well. Doesn't happen that often, so I better just enjoy the sun.

Phillies stink. Let's read

Good Morning and who wears a watch?

One thing I've found this summer is now that we can finally agree the Phillies stink, there is suddenly a lot more time to do other things.
Like read.
I must admit that over the last year or so, I've been a little lax in my reading. I used to go through a few books a summer. As the Phillies got better, though, I found myself doing less reading and more watching in the summer.
I would usually put the game on the radio or TV and then that would be it for the night. I guess I could have done both, but these were exciting times for us baseball fans. Gone were the years of ugly losses after ugly losses. We were contenders every year.
This year? Yeah, these are the Phillies I remember. I only wish there were a few ugly losses. Now, it's laughable.
On the bright side, though, I've rediscovered reading. I've gone through a new book about every two weeks (that's how long the library lets you keep them on the Kindle).
I've delved into a couple of different worlds. I've solved mysteries along with the police. I've learned about Darwin.
Sure, I've done other things. I check e-mail for special messages. I listen to music. I watch the birds and butterflies.
I also get caught up in spirited battles on Words With Friends.
OK, maybe it's not all productive.

Funny thing happened on the way

Good Morning and this is a break from the humidity?

So, right before I was to leave for vacation last week, I received an e-mail: "Congratulations, you have won two tickets to see Flock of Seagulls."
After I stopped laughing and realized this was a real message, well, OK, I laughed a lot more.
I asked if Flock of Seagulls had more than one song. Uh, never heard any more, but they probably had a few more.
So, figuring this had to be one of those experiences that will never be repeated, I went downtown to actually watch a Flock of Seagulls concert (Hey, it was free!!).
What I found was a bunch of people like myself who had memories from the 1980s. Maybe we were just trying to see something like an old movie or whatever.
I did reconfirm my suspicions that the music of the 80s still stinks and Flock of Seagulls, well, with the exception of that one song, are awful.
Still, where else can you relive your youth for a few hours? OK, maybe my head wouldn't have hurt so much if I watched the 'Breakfast Club' instead.

Post-vacation blues

Good Morning and how about that Prince?

Yeah, I don't care much about the new Royal either. Unless he's going to bring Kansas City back to the glory years (boom, boom, boom).
Ever have one of those vacations where everything went better than planned and you hoped it could never end? OK, OK, we always say vacations are too short, but on the other side a week off with the kids sometimes makes work look pretty good (Yes, "sometimes" is the key word).
Last week, I took my group to Williamsburg, Va. The first thought I had before leaving last Tuesday was: "Are you insane? Driving three children for seven hours?"
After getting a supportive e-mail, I went full-speed ahead. Well, I did have to drive down 95 around Washington, so full-speed may not be the optimum word.
We did all the history stuff, went to Busch Gardens, sweated with the rest of the world.
 Amazing to me anyway was, despite the overwhelming heat, there was very little arguing and a whole lot of smiles. At one point, my daughter said, "Dad, this is the best vacation ever!"

On the last day there, we were walking around Colonial Williamsburg when somebody noticed my son's Phillies shirt.
"Hey, some friendly faces from Philly," a man said. "Good to see somebody from home."
After some pleasantries it got around to home towns.
"We're from Chadds Ford, but we've lived everywhere, Haverford, Upper Darby."
You know, throw a stone...

Rise and Shine --- WAKE UP

Good Morning to all you loyal readers (I know you are both out there)!

Ever have one of those mornings where you are so tired you want to just stay in bed, but you know you wouldn't fall back asleep anyway so might as well get up.
Yeah, those days. Like today.
I swear I hit the snooze about 10 times this morning. I knew I had to get up and get to work, but it felt so much better just to stay under the covers. Somehow, maybe because this seems to happen more and more, I know I wouldn't have fallen back asleep. At least if I had fallen asleep, I just knew it wouldn't have been restful.
I'd want to check my e-mail to see if I have any cool messages. I'd want to see if it really is that hot outside or is the air conditioner just set too high. I'd want to eat my breakfast.
So, yeah, I curse that guy who invented the snooze button, but I also honor him (apparently it was an unknown worker in 1959 who came up the idea).
Now, where's my pillow?

Rise and Shine --- Electronics

Good Morning and laugh it up!

It's amazing how things can change so quickly.
I look forward to checking my e-mail throughout the day (and having a good laugh or a smile when they arrive). A couple of months ago, all I did was clear out junk mail (it's amazing how much of that slips through the various security measures).
About 10 years ago, even a cell phone was a bit foreign. OK, it was good for emergencies and ordering pizza while out of the house, but that was about it. Back in the old days (and I'm talking those heady 90s), if somebody needed to get me and I wasn't home, there was an answering machine.
My phone doesn't ring any more often now (actually, probably less. I don't remember getting a phone call that wasn't bill-related). Still, I have it with me. Wait, is that a beep?
It's not that I don't think it's better now, it's just different.
When I was 14, I saved my birthday money and walked up to the local Sears to get an electronic football game. I was so happy I finally had it (I was the last of my friends to get one) that I played for hours. Picked it up the next day and played a little less. Finally, it was relegated to that spot under the bed where toys went to die.
Yesterday, I was watching a 14-year old play a game on his phone. OK, it wasn't so much a game as an excuse to send texts. I have to sometimes force him to put the thing away during the day. Somehow, I don't think it will end up under the bed (actually, it seriously better not).

Rise and Shine --- Old humor

Good Morning and please tell me why my e-mail is not updating!?!?

You know, it is July here in Pennsylvania so I, for one at least, am not too surprised it's pretty hot. Those TV news stations last night made it seem like that episode in the Twilight Zone where the woman is dreaming the sun is moving closer to earth and frying everything (SPOILER ALERT: Earth is actually moving away from the sun and it's getting colder).
Anyway, there are certainly 100s of ways to beat the heat, so to speak.
Saturday, I decided to use the Marx Brothers.
The Bryn Mawr Film Institute was showing the movie 'Animal Crackers' and, well, everybody can use a little comedy once in a while.
So, my crew made it through the movie which led to the following exchange with an 11-year old:
"Dad, was that a comedy?"
Come on, man, it was hilarious.
"I didn't get the jokes."
OK, some have may been dated, but wasn't it funny when they broke the table.
"I guess. I don't get why the one guy didn't talk."
It's just part of the fun.
"Yeah, and they didn't look like brothers."
That's what makes it so funny.
"Sure. Can we see a real movie next time? Something that's in color?"
Here we go again...

Rise and Shine --- Words

Good Morning and welcome back to the only place on the Internet you can find this!

I've always been fascinated by words. Which, I guess, is why I am still in this business.
It amazes me how people can put words together and have a profound impact on your day, week, month, year.
For instance, you can hear or read a message that simply says 'Cut the grass.' Depending from where the message originates can make a difference between a laugh and a scowl. If your boss says it, well, it's just another annoyance (and if my boss says it, I'd have to raise my eyebrows). If it comes from a different person, it brings a smile (especially if it's at the end of a bunch of messages that make you smile).
I've listened to press conferences by Barack Obama and Tiger Woods recently. One knows how to make somebody listen, the other forces everybody to tune out.
We've recently been hearing a lot in the news about words that have hurt. About words that have caused havoc in the streets.
I've been lucky enough to read words that have made a big difference, that can only be described as, OK, epic (like the kid's say).
Of course, I've also heard other words lately, like 'Dad, can we play the computer' or 'Dad, can I watch TV' or 'Dad, I don't like this food' or 'Don't mix the colors with the whites.'
Can't do anything but listen.

Rise and Shine --- Water. It's always water

Good Morning and I don't care if it's raining, the sun is shining!

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. A nice breeze was blowing. Everybody was having a good time.
Then the water guns came out and everything changed.
Sure, the girls of the Pink Ladies softball team were laughing and chasing each other around, but the water was getting perilously close to the parents.
Watching the water being sprayed (and dumped) on and between screaming children is one thing. It's entirely another thing to get it on the table, because then you'll be in trouble.
Well, fun trouble, anyway. In previous parties, once the adults started getting sprayed, the hose came out. Think you're wet now? Oh, you don't know wet.
This time, the water stayed on the children (for the most part). I guess there is a certain age where walking around in wet clothes is fun.
For some reason, though, no matter the temperature or the sun, the water makes an appearance.
Oh, well, I guess it could be worse.

Rise and Shine: What's next?

Good Morning and it always seems odd when the Phillies are playing on the West Coast!

The question came moments after the everybody was in the house: "What are we going to do today?"
Uh, we were at the beach all weekend, how about a rest day?
"Yeah, but I'm bored. What are we going to do today?"
OK, we'll go see a movie. It's pretty darn hot out anyway, so how about that?
"Sure. At the theater?"
So, we trekked out to the Regal Cinema in Marple. Saw 'Monsters University' and started to go home.
(First, here's a quick review of 'Monsters University:' Kind of cute in a Pixar way. Kind of odd in a cartoon way. I kept being asked if that was what college was really like. 'Monsters Inc.' was much better, but Billy Crystal is still funny, so the movie works).
No sooner did the air conditioner go on in the car when I heard: "What are we going to do the rest of the day?"
Yes, summer is here. Yes, it is!

Rise and Shine --- Feet in the water

Good Morning and the sun is shining brighter these days (along with the moon)!

So, got to the beach for the first time this summer and, man, the water was cold. Well, it was at least cold to me. I set up the chairs, the umbrella and the towels, then raced the brood to the ocean.
Let's all jump in.
Ever see the scene in 'Vacation' when Chevy Chase jumps into the motel pool with Christie Brinkley? Aaahhh! It was cold.
A couple of days before, my brother had told me the water was warm. "It's like 69 degrees," he said. "Usually don't see that until July."
Yeah, that's the last time I trust his knowledge of the ocean.
Still, there was something magical about the beach. I was able to tune out the 100s of other people who had the same idea and just breath in the air.
Now, if I could only figure out how the sand got, uh, there.

Rise and Shine -- To Rain

Good Morning and welcome to U.S. Open week!

Not a very good start to things this morning. Noboby made it out to for an early practice round. Want to know why? Check this out

Or how about this:

Rise and Shine --- End of Days

Good Morning and why would I possibly need a jacket this morning?

In honor of school ending, there's this:

Letters to teachers from students

Rise and Shine --- Guess it's not like the movies

Good Morning and welcome to a few degrees cooler!

So, I guess it's not like the movie:

Rise and Shine --- Of life and death

Good Morning and welcome back to summer (at least for a few days)!

OK, tell me today how there isn't something wrong with our weather. Last week, I had to pull out the jackets and sweaters. This week, I'll be searching for a pool (or at least a sprinkler).
Speaking of last week, a few interesting things happened.
A friend of mine had to deal with the loss of a sister. Another was sitting in a hospital room with a child. A third is trying to deal with cancer.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
Then I looked into the eyes of a boys celebrating his 14th birthday and the sun shined.
Sure, he's a handful at times (although not as much as other 14s I'm sure). He likes to get under the nerves of his sister and brother (especially his brother, no his sister, OK both).
He likes to pretend he doesn't hear me when I say simple things like: "Put away your socks" or "Set the table" or "Put your book bag away."
He plays too many video games and spends too much time texting (well, so I've heard).
If I leave him in the house alone for even like five minutes, all the cookies will be gone (so will everything else that isn't tied down).
Yeah, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Rise and Shine --- Oh, those Phillies

Good Morning and who's out there this early?

The first memories I have as a Phillies fan is listening to the radio with my grandmother as they lost yet another game. Those Phillies teams in the early 70s, though, were soon to become World Champs.
They put out a lineup with Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski and Bob Boone. There was Steve Carlton on the mound, which pretty much meant a win every time.
Those winning teams, though, were short-lived. They Phillies that followed put a new spin on terrible teams. When your season is pretty much over in May, well, it's tough to remain a Phillies fan.
My children's first real memories of the Phillies is a championship team. I reveled right along with them. Yes, finally, the Phillies were the best in the league. The best players wanted to be here.
My children don't know what it's like to see a bunch of losers run out there every day, collecting a paycheck, then heading off to the golf course in October.
Now, though, I'm afraid we are heading that way.
This year is going to be a tough one for Phillies fans. Yes, we have to admit Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard probably have to be traded and replaced.
Yes, it's time, but I, for one, just want to hang on a little longer.
I'll admit it would be tough to see Rollins in, say, a Cardinals uniform. I don't want to see Utley (even an injury-riddled Utley) legging out singles for the Dodgers. I remember how weird it was for a young fan to see Luzinski with the White Sox or Carlton with the Indians.
I remember when the last strong nucleus of Phillies faded. I hope this time it doesn't take as long to get back.

Rise and Shine --- Thanks, dude

Good Morning and welcome to a whole new year!

As he turns 11 today, I'd just like to say thank you to a boy named Brendan.
Sure, he can be a little tough at times. When it's time to put the video games away, well, let's just say I need a negotiator. When it's time to clean, well, let's just say it can get a little frustrating. When it's time to do homework, well, let's just say it's time to reach for the aspirin. When it's time to get up in the morning, well, let's just say it's better to count to 10.
When things get a little tough, well, let's just say Brendan's infectious smile makes things all better. When a bit of tiredness seeps into your brain, well, let's just say his energy is better than any coffee. When the rain clouds are gathering, well, let's just say his tenacious attitude clears it all up.
Saturday afternoon, after playing a baseball game, Brendan asked if he could practice catching fly balls. There were too many cars around the neighborhood, I said, let's eat dinner first then we'll see.
There's plenty of room, Brendan said.
He threw the ball into the air and it looked like it was on flight to smash through the window of the neighbor's new car. We all held our collective breaths. Instead, the ball fell just short, then bounced over the car. 
So, thank you Brendan, for keeping me guessing.

Rise and Shine --- More taxes? Really?

OK, so everybody who was calling on their Senators to pass an Internet sales-tax bill please raise your hands! Anybody? Hello? In a world where those running our government can't pass a gun background check that most of America thinks is pretty good, we get consensus on something that will cost us more money.
In the words of a great philosopher: 'Great. Just f------g great!'
Would somebody out there please explain to me how this is a great idea.
Instead of focusing on something that can get people back working, we have things like this.
Our government is so broken right now that common sense has no place in it. I fear most of our elected officials are just cashing paychecks and don't really know what's going on in the real world.
They focus on things like Internet sales-tax and ripping apart health care while the rest of us struggle to keep ends meet.
Then, if you try to contact them, you run into office workers who have an excuse why your Senator can't be reached today.
What's next from these fat cats? Regulation of the air?
Anything to take the focus off the real problems.

Rise and Shine --- Yawn

Good Morning or whatever this thing is!

I used to laugh at people who would complain about Monday's. The 'I Hate Monday' crowd didn't make much sense to me. I mean, after all, what's the difference? You have to get through Monday anyway, so just buck up and work.
Now, I might be coming around. Well, at least partly. I've decided the early-morning alarm is the work of the devil.
It always arrives too soon and it's never wanted. When that alarm starts ringing in my ear, the only thought I have is how to break it.
Now that I use my phone as my alarm, it would do no good to throw it against the wall, so I guess I have to get up (after hitting snooze about 10 times).
Yes, I hate mornings. Much like Monday's, though, it's just the way it goes.

Rise and Shine -- Get on out

Good Morning and how about those Clevelanders!!!
Really, I don't get into this too much because, well, there are certainly more important things in the world to worry about, but doesn't it seem odd that in 2013 we still see teams like the 'Indians,' 'Redskins' and 'Braves.' I mean, in Cleveland, there is still a guy who pounds a drum in the outfield (OK, he's no longer dressed like a Native American).
Just a little odd.
Anyway, I encourage the gang to get outside whenever possible. The usual retort is something like, "I've been outside all day in school. I want to watch TV/play video games/eat candy."
The convincing has been a little easier as the air has gotten warmer and more people are outside. Yesterday, the first question I got was "Can we play outside?" Sure, there's homework to do and stuff, but I can rarely answer in the negative to that question.
I don't know how long it will last, but it is nice.
Now, my next thing is to convince them it's really fun to cut the grass.

Rise and Shine --- Sublime to ridiculous

Good Morning and, man, those Phillies are getting hard to watch!

Anyway, with nothing much happening (I think we are in one of those weird world loops), I found these videos going around the Internet. Yeah, there's some foul language, but they are darn funny.

Cheech & Chong Count to 1 Minute from CheechAndChong

Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter from Michael Shannon

Rise and Shine --- Why ruin things?

Good Morning and hope everybody is doing well today!

So, as I was watching the early coverage of the bombing at the Boston Marathon Monday, I was struck with one thought: Why do people have to ruin everything?
I mean, in the end, whoever did this is one of the most selfish people alive. The Boston Marathon (or New York or Philly or wherever) is one of the purest events around. It's just people pushing themselves to their limit, then reaching for a little more. It's about family and friends feeling a sense of pride as the one they know crosses the finish line.
Last November, I attended the Ironman competition in Arizona to cheer on my brother. We were able to wander around the course, check on him at certain points and give him a bit of a boost.
There was security around, but you could just feel a comraderie among the 10,000 people watching. There was no thought that somebody would do something to harm anybody.
Also, everybody (I mean everybody from the 2-year old to the 90-year old) were carrying backpacks. You are out there for a long time. You need water. You need snacks. To check everybody's bag (or ban them completely) would cause a bit of a problem.
Now, we have some whack-job up in Boston yet a little bit more of our innocence away. Yeah, I keep being reminded we live in a different world every day, but there should be some things we can all celebrate without fear.
I hope it's really not all gone.

Rise and Shine --- Waffles

Good Morning and let's keep this up!!

Sunday mornings in the house are a little busier than most. We don't have to get out to school or work, but its the one day a week we make the 'Big Breakfast.'
We make bacon, bread, eggs and either pancakes or waffles. Everybody chips in, whether it be setting the table, pouring the juice (OK, chocolate milk) or just keeping out of the way.
I usually make pancakes one week and waffles the next. That was, until the old waffle maker started shedding (you know, the non-stick stuff on the bottom was coming off on the waffles). So, we've been sticking with plain, old pancakes.
This weekend, though, we were given an new waffle maker.
It put an extra step in everybody's morning. Sure, it was the same, but it was different.
The 8-year old said she had a hard time sleeping, because she was looking forward to making breakfast.
 So, with that kind of kitchen help, it made things go easy. We sat down to the usual, plus some chocolate chip/banana/peanut butter waffles (yeah, we like different kinds every week).
It doesn't solve world peace, but it's the little things that make the day go smooth.

Rise and Shine --- Crack of the bat

Good Morning and finally some warm weather!

This weekend was the annual start of a busy spring. That's right, baseball/softball season officially began in our house.
We had the parade (why is it always so chilly?) and the first game.
The thing that always gets me is the enthusiasm. The players want to be out there on the field.
Here we have a group of 8 and 9-year old girls who want nothing more than to put on a glove and start playing.
Sure, there's the social aspect, but it's about getting outside. It's about breathing in some air after being stuck inside all winter.
The funny thing (at least I find it funny) is how the boys act the same way. For the most part, they would rather sit at home playing video games.
The spring, though, brings a change. Sure, they want to keep playing the video games, but they don't argue as much about going outside.
OK, they argue a little, but once they get there it's all smiles.
Yeah, it's only a couple nights a week, but it really sets things up nicely.

Rise and Shine --- It's a marathon

Good Morning and why has winter returned?

I was looking forward to the opening of the baseball season a little more this year. I don't know why. I think because it's a little bit unknown. I mean, if everything goes right the Phillies may be able to make the playoffs. I don't think they are good enough to win the World Series, but stranger things have happened.
I think it's just that the opening of the baseball season (no matter the weather) brings me thoughts of the summer and vacations and warm nights at the ballpark.
We can't afford to actually attend a game at Citizens Bank Park. The owners of baseball teams outpriced families years ago. Instead we'll hit the minor league circuit. I'm sure there will be more than a few trips to Wilmington. The plan is to get to the other stadiums within driving distance.
Now, if the Phils can win one game in Atlanta....

Rise and Shine --- The flu and the weekend

Good Morning and welcome to the beginning of baseball season!

For the first time I think ever, I got a flu show this year. The only reason I got one was because they were giving them out free during a community day.
Whatever, it seemed to work. I got a few stuffy noses and things like that during the winter, but managed to stay away from the flu.
That was until the shot wore off sometime last week. Then, I got knocked over. After a slow build up, I was knocked down by the flu. I had a sore throat, weakness in my bones, coughing, sneezing, you know, all the fun stuff.
The worst thing about it was we were on our annual trip to Ocean City for the Easter weekend. So, for the first day, instead of enjoying the beach (yeah, it was cold, but, come on, it's the beach), I was down for the count on the couch.
It's been a slow recovery though the weekend, but I might be able to see the other side.
Either that or it's time  for another shot.

Rise and Shine --- No phone?

Good Morning and welcome to the Internet!

So, I forgot my iPhone at home the other day.
I was already running late, so, instead of turning around, I figured I could survive the day. I mean, after all, I remember when there weren't any cell phones.
The first phone I got was in a bag and it only worked when connected through the cigarette lighter. I think I used it twice the whole time I had the thing.
Anyway, times change and now my phone is pretty much a little computer. I might get three calls a week, probably make about the same amount. Most of the time, I'm checking e-mail, texting, playing Words with Friends or just goofing around.
The day I didn't have the phone was actually kind of liberating. Not that it takes away from the work at hand, but do we really need every minute of every day connected?
I thought about leaving the phone at home while we went on an adventure Saturday, then thought better of it. The day I leave it home is the day I really need it (broken-down car, etc.).
Still, I think I'm going to start leaving it in the car each day. It's good to disconnect.
Now, I have to go. I have to figure out what kind of word I can make out of 'H-R-E-F-B-O-J'

Rise and Shine --- Madness?

Good Morning and don't you wish another storm would come tonight so the TV people can get all crazy?

Anyway, there used to be a time when I would study all the NCAA Tournament match-ups. I would break down the guard play of teams like Tulsa and how they could make a run through the tournament. I would recognize that a team like Butler would be poised to make some noise. I would go game-by-game all the way through.
You know what? None of it mattered. I never seemed to do any better than somebody who would pick by uniform color. Still, it was fun watching all the games.
It still is (again). I lost it for a few years. I didn't watch many games, mostly followed them through late-night highlights.
I won't watch them all this year. I find it kind of tough to be sitting inside watching games on a Saturday afternoon, but I'll catch my fair share.
Now, I have to ask my daughter which team's uniform is better.

Rise and Shine --- What schedule?

Good Morning and why did I have to turn the heat back up?
 Anyway, maybe I'm just remembering it wrong, but in year's past, didn't TV shows have new episodes every week.
Sure, there was a break in late December when everybody is busy wrapping instead of watching. Once we got into the dark or winter, though, I remember the season rolling through May.
 These days, it seems like most network shows put on a couple of new episodes, then follow with weeks of reruns, before another new one comes on. It's not like there's nothing else to watch while vegging out after a long day.
Still, I want the few shows I watch every week to keep the reruns for the summer.
Not that it's earth shattering or anything, just thought I'd share.

Rise and Shine --- Thinking

Good Morning and where was the panic for today's rain?

Just for today:

Rise and Shine --- Ice, Ice, Baby

Good Morning and it's almost here!

You know, I'm not a big fan of the snow. I really don't like being cold. Yeah, I have a pretty good winter coat that keeps me warm, but I don't usually get into running around during the winter.
Give me the spring and a baseball. Give me the summer with a Frisbee. Give me the fall with a football.
Like a bear, I'd rather just sleep through the whole winter. Wake me up when the flowers start to bloom.
A few weeks ago, I won passes to Sno Mountain in the Poconos. I asked the group if they wanted to do some snow tubing. The answer was the typical: "I don't know."
So, to me, that was a challenge. We were going to do it. We pulled out the boots, hats and gloves then made the long trip to the Poconos this past weekend (yeah, we cut it kind of close).
Luckily, the spring-like weather kept a lot of people off the mountain, so we didn't have to wait very long to get to the top and then to the top of the line.
Tell you what, it was liberating. After a winter of uncertainties, it was nice to just let loose.
Sure, it only took a couple of seconds to get down the slope, but it was awesome. Just let go, feel the air and speed.
OK, maybe it's a short thing, but I think we'll be heading back next winter.

Rise and Shine --- The problem is...

Good Morning and is Rand Paul still talking?!?

I have a fear that our government will never be fixed. The crazies on each end of the spectrum have shut it all down.
They can't even vote on a new director of the CIA, for gosh sakes. How can we have any confidence anything will get done?
We've been hijacked by special interest groups, big business and Congressman who are more worried about keeping their job instead of getting something (anything?) accomplished.
Is this why Mr. Smith wanted to go to Washington so bad?

Rise and Shine --- When new is old

Good Morning and what's that they are talking about this week?

Anyway, the house has recently discovered the joy of board games.
For years, we had games sitting around the house, everything from "Chutes & Ladders" to "Candyland" to "Operation."
We played the games maybe a couple of times a year or every other year or something like that. Somehow, the pieces have all disappeared. There are broken boards. There are missing cards, dice, whatever.
In January, we picked up "Monopoly" (actually a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer edition of the game). Since then, we've played probably ever other day.
As fun as that has become, we needed to branch out. I remember sitting around the table all those years ago playing games like "Clue" and "Life."
So, I picked up "Clue" a couple of weeks ago and now that's in the rotation.
It's actually kind of cool in this age of video games where we can gather around the table, laugh and have some fun.
Now, I have to find more games for everybody.