Kids, part 4

This little series starts with Kids, part 1; other links at right.

Lauren 9, Zack 6-1/2

A girl at school whacked Zack on the head with a purse that had rocks in it. Tom asked if Zack wanted a “daddy kiss” to help it feel better. “Where on your forehead did you get bonked?” Zack answered, “It wasn’t on my forehead, but it was in the same column.”

* * * * * * *
Mr. Logical begins spelling his name “Z-A-C-K” because “Z-A-C-H” would be pronounced “zatch.”

Kids, part 3

If you haven’t read them, you might want to start with Kids, part 1
and Kids, part 2.

Lauren 7, Zack 5

Lauren was admiring her reflection in one of the big dining room windows. Tom had her sit on his lap and told her the story of Narcissus, the handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection. He eventually drowned when he tumbled into the water trying to get a closer look at himself. Lauren thought for a moment before concluding: “Boy, I’m sure glad I know how to swim!”  

Kids, part 2

Hold it! This might make a little more sense if you start with Kids, part 1.

Lauren 6, Zack 4

‘Reading’ a Christmas poem to Tom, Lauren rattled off the gifts presented by the Wise Men to the baby Jesus: “Gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh.”

* * * * *
Lauren asked Susan last night if there was electricity when she was a little girl. Yes, we had electricity, but no color TV, fancy stereos, CDs or VCRs. Lauren then asked, “Did you wear bustle dresses?”  

One mailbox at a time

Problem: Neighbor Margie’s mailbox came off of its post today; the thing’s probably been there for 40+ years. Margie’s arm is in a sling, so all of a sudden a “little” thing like getting the mail is a lot more difficult.

Solution: Neighbor Laura already had her tools out – she’s building a fence around their patio. At Susan’s suggestion I went out to help – brought my little 10mm cordless drill and a couple of mismatched screws. Laura’s cordless drill was twice the size of mine, and her pockets were full of wood screws and bolts and washers, but she was kind enough to allow me to feel like I was helping. Without a single trip to the hardware store we were able to remount the mailbox – and the door even opens most of the way.

Conclusions: Sometimes it’s the little things. One mailbox never stood a chance against two determined neighbors. And sometimes it’s helpful to think that building and rebuilding neighborhoods can start with just one mailbox.

Kids, part 1

Over the years we’ve jotted down things the kids said that have had us in stitches or in tears, and have helped us see the world through their eyes. We’re very glad we did it…

Lauren, age 2

Roads on the Oregon Coast were being repaired after winter storms. When a car passed us driving much too fast on a large patch of gravel, Tom muttered, “Idiot!” Lauren immediately wanted to know what an idiot was. The next night we were driving on the same stretch of road and Lauren asked, “Daddy, where’s the idiot?”  

Death of a Friend

We knew it could happen any time, but we weren’t ready. When we received the news that our dear friend Scott Becker had died, it hit like a freight train. Even though this was his third brave fight against cancer, we had hoped he’d be around for at least many more months and even years.

“Not this instant democracy”

September 21, 2007

In his press conference yesterday, President Bush unveiled another big surprise: The Iraqi government will not meet the goal of taking over security in its 18 provinces by November. The President set that goal in January but now tells us that, “Achieving those goals have [sic] been slower than we thought.” Oh, no. Does that mean that things are not going according to plan in Iraq?  

Road Trip, chapter 8: Homeward Bound

This is kind of embarrassing, but we can’t recall much between Sacramento and Redding. Lots of almond trees (a pronounced like cat), a couple views of Mt. Lassen, and plenty of heat. That’s about it.