Winter is Winning - For Now

Hey, Blog Buddy, time for a quickie. Baby, it's cold outside. I just read it's the ninth coldest November and December on record. I can believe it. And I traveled twice to Florida in November to even heighten the contrasting climates even more. Winter is one up right now. Both Mercedes jalopies are hurtin' for certain. Lauren's E420 is without power-steering and is a real ice-skate in the snow. Whitey, the E320 wagon lost an alternator and battery last Saturday, and has become frozen in my driveway. Gus is on call and the Mercedes doctor will tackle them one at a time soon, very soon, like tomorrow. As a result, I have a minor touch of cabin feaver, didn't leave the humble abode today. The good news is my first-class sore throat is departing slowly. What a way to lose pounds, but you can't eat when you can't swallow. Shoveled snow today, not fun. An enterprising neighbor's kid left a flyer on my door saying no job is too small...hope he feels that way about my tips. I did breath a sigh of relief when I saved his name and phone number, just in case we get a Big One. Well, the Chief received and read my ghost-written contributions to his biography. Word is he seemed pleased, thankfully. Well, it's time to rev up the dream machine. Early to bed, early to rise, keeps your belly under-sized. That doesn't sound right, does it? Over and Out, Ricky.

Scattershot Rambles

Time for a free flow ramble. Great Thanksgiving with the Smith family in Florida. Pearl and Sharon went all out for a wonderful meal and warm get-together. I thank them both from the bottom of my heart. My Dad's health is status-quo, he's good most of the time yet he battles stroke-induced dementia and equilibrium issues when he is fatigued. Speaking of health, mine is terrible right now. Somehow, by plane ride or by interaction last week, I contracted a terrible virus right in my throat. It is so sore, I have been unable to talk or swallow without discomfort since Friday. I will bear with it until next Monday, a week from now, but if it doesn't improve it's time to see Dr. Ambler. Actually, it has helped the waistline. I'm down five pounds and haven't had an appetite for a week. Great basketball week that included three games with the Big Five gang. North Central is in for a long year but Carthage could surprise many. Wheaton will have to hold focus to win the CCIW. I truly believe they have the horses to return deep into the NCAA tournament this year. It will be a great CCIW season. I predict 3 losses will win a championship with several upsets unfolding all year. Kent Raymond and Stevie D. will be All-Americans for sure. The cats survived my Florida stay. Charlotte and Sam hang tough but the damn felines are destroying my wood trim everywhere. Oh well, it's a small price to pay for companionship. Completed the book The Shack over my sick weekend. What a wonderul combination of theology and imagination....actually it was very moving and I strongly urge anyone reading this blog to read this book. Wow, did my Dad do it to me this time. I called him on his inability to say anything about me or my kids in his autobiography. It was done in classic Coach McD 'shit-sandwich' approach and actually went quite well. But, due to his inability to address those closest too him, he delegated the challenge of writing something to me. So, here I struggle. My running guru, Gopala, said do it from a third party angle who knows him well and leave emotions out of it. My pride is hurt because here is a guy whom I have given my all to and he totally leaves out his grandchildren and me from the book. Oversight, ego, or inability to address those closest to him, whatever it is, it hurts. But, moving right along, I am going to write something soon. I have to. The book is on a deadline for later this week to gather everythin together. I'll make it happen to the best of my ability. Patrick is in academic crunch time and I'm worried about the results. Lauren is looking for work at a snail's pace and her results have not been positive. I sense things are also alive and well with her friend Jamine and, as her father, I know she's too young to get so serious. I've been there, done that. Relationships are for those who can focus on them totally, not something to jump into recklously. Parenting, it's a life sentence. OK, Ms.Blog, my friend...I feel a little better, very little, but better. To Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu...how about opening my doors to your healing winds..please know I love you. I know I can do better with our relationship. I will, I must. God's Peace to all. Over. Ricky