Favorite Goddaughter Determined?

Posted inBeach, Columns, Family

In my family, most of us have an opportunity to serve as godparent. I have had this privilege twice, for my nieces Alanna and Colleen.

This really creates a special bond between the three of us. They were born when I was in my early 20s so I have literally watched them grow up.

We also have a fun little game where they vie for the title of “favorite goddaughter.” I don’t remember when this started, but it continues even though one has graduated college and the other will do so in the next year or two.

The game never turns ugly because we all know it’s not serious in any way, shape or form. It merely provides each one of us the opportunity to get a little dig in at the others. Like if one of them is late for something, the criteria is surely punctuality.

I have tried to decree that the only true criteria for favorite goddaughter is the one who doesn’t try to prove that she is my favorite goddaughter. This has failed miserably.

But our most recent family vacation may have provided the answer once and for all.

Kung Fu Panda Scores

Posted inMovies
I have put off writing about this for a while for no good reason. In our family. I have turned into the one who takes our daughter to the movies.…

Adventures in Plumbing

Posted inColumns, Family

Because we don’t have a dishwasher, that regular task falls to me.  I don’t really mind because it makes me feel like I’m actually contributing to the daily maintenance of the house.

I settled myself in front of the sink over the Fourth of July weekend to attack the mountain of dishes, cups and other assorted items which we used while entertaining Maria’s family. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary.

Then I felt something funny. I couldn’t quite figure it out at first, but realized I had a wet sock.

Book Review: Straight Man

Posted inBooks
My wife picked up Richard Russo's 1997 novel "Straight Man" for a Father's Day present without too much foresight. She knew I would like a book, and she knew that…

Senior Games, Here I Come

Posted inColumns

We went out for breakfast on a Sunday morning with our daughter on a camping trip with her Girl Scout Troop.

I thought I would just have a Belgian waffle and some coffee. Instead, I discovered where I needed to focus my attention for the next seven years.

My wife and I sat across the table from each other reading the newspaper when it happened. I had the sports section, of course.

My destiny hid in the middle of the page alongside results of professional sports I could never dream of playing.

From now until I turn the summer of 2018, I need to put all my energy into preparing for the York County Senior Games.