Midnight Soccer Casualty

OK - so it's not really at midnight. However it really ENDS at 11:50PM and begins at 11:00 PM. And for a forty-something parent, that's close enough to midnight.

For the second year, Alex is playing indoor soccer in an Under 19 group in Frederick. Some of the games are scheduled for a reasonable 7pm or 8pm. However the majority are scheduled for 11:00. Sharon and I go to virtually all of the games - not only because we enjoy cheering (quietly - but that's another story) for the team, but also for the simple reason that Alex cannot legally drive himself home after the game. Like Cinderella, his chariot turns into a legal pumpkin at midnight.

And yes, there were many times in years past when we wouldn't THINK about going out until 11:00 - after all, the Ott House had a cover charge until midnight - and who wants to pay that just to find out where the party was... But thankfully, those days are long gone and our kids are spending their late Saturday nights in a bit more constructive pursuits. So, I shouldn't whine as it's not a school night and unlike baseball, when the scoreboard clock winds down to zero then the game is over. Even with that, I can still dream of just one more 7:00 game, can't I?

Christmas Night at Gracerock

It's been a quiet week here in Gracerock out on the edge of civilization
Another Christmas has come and gone.
We didn't quite make it to the Messiah sing-along and we didn't go caroling in the streets. We did sing at the town Christmas tree lighting ceremony and at 7:30 mass Christmas eve. But there is always that list of things that you really meant to do.

For Christmas Alex gave Chris his original Yamaha Guitar - the one that their Aunt Jennifer had given Alex a couple of years ago. This is the guitar that Jen used to play while she and I tried to work out the harmony parts to Scarborough Fair on the front porch in Johnsville so many years ago. Alex has since upgraded to an acoustic electric and so has passed along the venerable Yamaha to his brother.

From the day he was born, Alex has lived in his older brother's shadow. Chris would dominate their very close relationship in a way that only a brother can - rarely physical, but always mental. So now as the years have passed and they have each excelled in their own areas, Chris is in unfamiliar territory. How to ask for help without giving up his dominant role. With a very quiet paternal prod, Alex let him off the hook. They've been sitting on the couch for the past hour - Alex as the instructor and Chris the very willing student. "Your assignment is chapters one thru sixteen before tomorrow's lesson". Aaaah the magic of Christmas.

Tomorrow while Chris is on the couch still recovering from the extraction of four wisdom teeth and working on lessons 1 thru 16, Alex will be participating in his first non-school tennis tournament. Tennis. Play tennis, watch tennis, think about tennis. It's what he likes to do. So now is his big chance. He'll play singles against a total stranger. In high school he has been playing doubles with his friend Joey Alvarez - so in the past when they have lost, it has always been due to the one that the other guy let thru. But not tomorrow. It's singles and all up to him.

We've moved Christmas dinner at Gracerock to Boxing Day. This will allow Jennifer and Louis to join us. John Hasty will also make his annual Christmas appearance. Over the past twenty years John has joined us for way more Christmas dinners than he has missed. And it is always a pleasure to host him. Darrin and the little boys will be off at grandma Evelyn's house so Cathie has requested that a car and driver pick her up. I think she intends to chill out.

So that's it. Even though the Christmas season officially lasts for another 12 days the overwhelming message from retailers over the past couple of months have left most of us worn out and ready to move on. However, I think that Big Bird said it best. "Keep Christmas with you, all through the year".

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

On Saturday I had the opportunity to help the local Lions Club distribute boxes of food to those less fortunate. A total of 42 families were served, up from 22 last year. Each family received one or more boxes (16'' wide X 30'' long X 24 '' deep) that included milk, eggs, bread, a frozen turkey or hen, canned goods, etc. Truly a feast in a box.

Part of the small town charm was that the recipients were not nameless folks, but rather Bob or Helen or Abby. The gentleman that I assisted with delivery probably knew 60% of the recipients. Neighbors helping neighbors.

While this assistance is needed this time of year, an off-hand remark from one of the other volunteers struck me. He said "you know, I bet those folks will be hungry again next month". Do what you can folks.

Pre-Christmas Lament

'Twas four days until Christmas
and all thru the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The guys are in bed
Their dreams not a thrillin'
I hope Chris remembered
To take Penicillin

For tomorrow they come
Right out of his head
Those four wisdom teeth
He's beginning to dread.

But Sharon will be there
To ply him with sweets
Press ice on his face
and keep bringing the treats.

A few days from now
He be smiling and merry
And Santa will visit
As will the tooth fairy

And just after that
He'll get back on the plane
Fly thru the air
To Atlanta again (say it so it rhymes with plane... it's late)

Then to the Peach Bowl
The Jackets will play
With support of the band
They'll conquer that day.

And lo, 'fore we know it
flowers will bloom all around
Before Sharon knows it,
He'll be home safe and sound