Things I Never Thought I Would Have To Learn In My 60's

So ... the twins are 16 which means that I have been teaching them to drive.  In fact, Laura just received her driver's license in the mail. I have been vey careful to instruct them in defensive driving techniques and they have been doing rather well.  Ok, I admit that there are some lessons that may be a little over the top, like my lesson in physics and centripetal force as it applies to passengers in a car going around a curve. Or maybe the lesson on hydroplaning when it rains and how friction is reduced which affects braking distance.  Oh yeah, maybe the one on how the engine cooling system works and also supplies heated air in the car.  I thought they were great points .. but I may hold the minority view.  I think the kids were more concerned about keeping the car on the road. I decided to let Laura drive into Montgomery, on Vaughn Road.  I was busy talking to her about what was going on around us and how important situational awareness was in avoiding accidents.  We were

I am trying my best to be "hip" or whatever the word is.  But ... with my record whatever the right word is, I will probably not get it right. 😩  Hey did you see that?  I used an emoji! And so begins my latest vignette in this saga we find ourselves in. Got a text from Laura yesterday. (L) Hey can I have  friend spend the night? She needs a friend right now. (Friday is a down day for them - no school) (P) You have not given me much information. (L) Her name is Kaylee.  We have the same class 4th period. I don't know what else to tell you. [I must think good thoughts before I type my response!] (P) How old.  Parents permission.  Nature of  problem. (why waste zeroes and ones - keep it to the point] (L) Same age .. hold up ... she is asking now .. give me a sec [I am at work .. I think she might have forgotten that ... she never did tell me what the problem was] (P) What about your game? (L) She said she would stay and leave with us. [not knowing what wa

You know that Laura and Nate are twins.  We have noticed a dynamic between them that I have decided is found only with twins.  It is a special relationship.  One that I did not have with my siblings and I had 6 chances to develop one.  So .... we are in the SUV.  The soccer game is done .. we won! and we are waiting on Nate. These past few months I have been perfecting the art of waiting with two kids in two different sports, practiced and played in two different locations.  Martie and I have been successfully losing some of the weight that we packed on since returning from Haiti. But, I would also like to figure out how to lose some of the "wait" that I have accrued since the kids have become active in sports.  Somehow, I don't think I will be quite as successful. Ok .. back to the story.  Laura had invited some of her girl BFFs to watch the game. They drove separately and the plan was to meet at Sonic after the game where they could get something to eat .. oh did I

So ..... there I was sitting at the table early in the morning, finishing my devotional BLOG, when Nate appeared to let me know that school was cancelled because of the storm that was coming.  He got a text from his soccer coach.  Isn't that the way we are supposed to be notified of such things?  I guess it is, today.  After working past his joy, he told me about an incident with his soccer ball and his friend Sam the night before. Several times a week, Nate will go down by the lake to practice dribbling with his soccer ball.  And now, with his buddy and teammate, Sam.  So as Nate tells it.  They were passing the ball to each other when an errant (my word not Nate's) kick sent the ball toward the lake.  They both chased it and almost ... almost got it when it went into the lake.  Oh, did I say is was dark outside? (What to do...what to do?)  They went back to Sam's house to tell his parents that the ball was in the lake and they were going to use a canoe to get it. (15-

I am really a pretty logical guy.  In fact, maybe to a fault sometimes.  I even sometimes think in math if that makes any sense to anyone who might be reading this.  My problem solving skills have been an attribute appreciated by many. And so, it should not be surprising to know that when I am dealing with someone who apparently does not think that way, well, it can be unnerving for me.  Tonight,  Martie and I were at the dinner table with Laura.  We were having a pleasant - "normal" conversation, or so I thought.  It was then that Laura shared some insight into how her mind works.  Laura - Why does the year start in January? Papa - What? Laura - I mean why does it have to start January?  Why can't it start in July? Why can't the first of August be the start of the new year? Nana - Why would you want the new year to start in August? Laura - Because it is summer and we are not in school. It makes sense to me. Now friends, my mind was blank.  I

I always thought I was a pretty reasonable guy.  In fact, in the past, people have called me patient, kind-hearted, giving, compassionate - you know... as I write this... I realize that I am not only reasonable - I am a pretty cool dude! (Just kidding but like Mac Davis sang, Lord it's hard to by humble when you are perfect in so many ways.) (just kidding again, I know where the goodness comes from in my life and it is not from my flesh but my faith) Getting back on track - teenagers are so self-centered.  (Can I get an AMEN?) Of course they don't think so and would deny it if confronted, but it - is - true! Let me give you an example of a lesson I am re-learning. Remember the "soccer dad" comment the other day?  Well ... After work, I routinely pick Laura up at school after Softball practice and then drive to the Soccer complex and pick Nate up.  A few weeks ago, I got a text from Nate that went something like this..... So I am at work when I receive a messag