Poppa Bruce

Happy birthday to the old man, my padre, husband to my mom, granddad to my kids.  71 years young.  Still looks good.  Did you know that there was a lunar eclipse on the night of his birth?  That explains a lot.  He shares a birthday with actress Jane Alexander.  October 28th is also the Christian feast day of Godwin of Stavelot.  Other than that, there's not much else happening on Oct. 28.  Sure, it's Czechoslovakian Independence Day - but that didn't turn out so well.  So, I guess the most important event of that day, was the birth of my Dad, who is still a terrific parent, role model, and important part of my life.  I am so proud of his accomplishments:  rising from a Bronx tenement to providing 3 boys a middle class upbringing in a peaceful midwestern suburb to a nice retirement in warmer climes.  He instilled in me a terrific work ethic, strong family values, and a love of reading (his interests in exercise - not so much).  I owe so much to my Dad and hope to be as good a father to my kids.  And I love him very much, which is more than I can say for Godwin of Stavelot.

Dad "talking" to a cactus

Invasion of the, uh, hammock invaders...

The P's arrived for their mid-summer exodus from the Sonoran.  All is well.  Had a little BBQ, a slumber party, an early morning trip to Coronado for the 3rd of July parade (can't conflict with church), our annual pilgrimage to Pt. Loma seafood (the memorial site of Josh's first ever spanking) and another BBQ.



 Like I said, all was swell...until my folks decided to upgrade to an Iphone.  What have I done!?!.  I've possibly created a monster.  Too much technology in the wrong hands.  We'll see.

Go Go Greene

Just settling in after a whirlwind trip to the desert of my past.  After blowing off ll practice (they lost without me on Sunday, btw, so it isn't me....although I am the one who picked the team - no fantasy baseball for me this year), we had an uneventful drive to my P's house.  I was feeling congested and unfortunately missed my old neighbors' St. Pat's party (Steph went and didn't get home til 2).  Had Micky D's with the rest and played some RummyQ.  I must have been sick because my Dad won once.  Sunday had some Dunkin' Donuts and took the wife and kids to a Cubs/Angels spring training game in Tempe.  It was hot, steep and full of bees.  The kids got autographs of Larry Rothschild, the pitching coach, and some prospect named Chris Robinson.  Three innings and $80 in food later the kids had had enough.  The Cubs went on to win.  Took Cubby to visit his rock star brother, Bugsy.  Dinner at NYPD.  Monday:  had breakfast at OverEasy, took the kids to school, Chipotle and the hotel.  Played taxi service between the kids friends' houses - Perry's, Max, & Katies.  Had a nice dinner in a choice hotel - the Westin Kierland, thanks to shopper wife.  Drinks, picked up the dogs (thanks Mom & Dad....and how about my Dad, walking the beast after going on an all morning hike - impressive), and back on the road (mmm, Popeye's).  Think the desert air cleared my congestion.  Need to go back and be more liesurely next time.  Now packing for Atlantis.

p.s...hope to get back on track with literary tues, geni wed, and novel thurs. soon....

They're here.....

Don't cry for me Orange County

My day so far: dropped the kids at school, dropped the dogs at the groomers, drove up PCH, breakfast with lovely wife at Cafe Zinc in Laguna, short stroll, Ikea, Target, pick up Lexus from dealer, lunch at Surfin' Souvlaki, bank, library, pick up kids pottery, pick up cute dogs, go to bathroom, pick up cute kids, smoothies, & home. And scene.

Still have to go to batting practice, plant some things, and watch a ton of TV. But mostly, I'm looking forward to a visit by my parents on Saturday. Saw them about 6 weeks ago, but can't wait to hang out.