150 Days Give-Or-Take A Few Days of Adventures Continued: Volume 11

June 17, 2017 -- Day 77:

The sun shone on this gorgeous day and that meant one thing: swimming! The three of us headed to the Lebo pool for a lovely day of splashing in the water and slipping down waterslides. Franco practiced his freestyle and gleefully ran through the splash zone. We absolutely had a blast. It's not quite the same as having a pool in the backyard, but it certainly is easier!

When we got home, we commenced the usual activities of games and music and dancing in the kitchen.

June 18, 2017 -- Day 78:

Happy Father's Day! Franco had picked out his dad's card and gift (the newest version of Beauty and the Beast on DVD) all on his own. Scott loved it. We relaxed all morning, which these days means Franco watches Kennywood Memories on DVD over and over and over. And over.

Then got ready to meet Pap, Gram, and Auntie for dinner at Hoffstot's in Oakmont. We enjoyed a trip to Oakmont Bakery before a delicious dinner filled with laughter.

Prior to our excursion, we talked about going from the restaurant directly to Kennywood to enjoy the evening. However, an ill-timed downpour foiled our occasion. Franco, while super disappointed, took it in stride. We drove home in blinding rain and Scott went straight to the recliner.

Isn't that what dads are supposed to do on this day?

June 19, 2017 -- Day 79:

Scott works late on Mondays, so I had a brilliant idea for Franco and me to go to Kennywood, to make up for yesterday's weather-related cancellation. It turns out my brilliance knows no bounds.

We arrived to discover the park not crowded at all, allowing us quite able to ride soooooo much. We started with our favorites, like the Raging Rapids and the Whip. Franco has been on the big roller coasters in previous years, and he's become a little skittish. But, on this day, we walked by the Jack Rabbit, and he decided to be brave and try again.

Well. He loved it so much that we went right back into line and rode again. And then again. Because the crowds were scarce, we barely had a wait at all. We ran to the Racer for Franco's first experience there. He adored it. We rode again. We alternated between these two classic coasters for hours.

We ran around the park like the two amusement park junkies we are. The only reason we finally left is because the good-bye music played and all the rides closed down.

There is only one word to properly describe the absolute marvelous day we enjoyed: Epic.

June 20, 2017 -- Day 80:

We awoke still elated from our previous day's adventure. Franco had a great skating lesson in the afternoon. In the evening, we headed to the gym for Kiddo Klub and some much-needed exercise.

After Scott headed to bed, Franco and I chatted about Kennywood. (Duh.) I received a text from Brandi, whose three kids Franco had so much fun with at Teddy-the-Puggle's Birthday Party at Auntie's a few weeks ago. (Brandi is married to Jesse, who is Uncle Steve's brother. The more you know.)

Anyhow, she asked if maybe we wanted to get the kids together to play the next day. To which Franco answered with a total freak-out. (That meant yes.) We shored up the plans, and Franco struggled to get to sleep in light of this new exciting plan. (His playmates -- Ryan, Brad, and Alyssa -- were soundly asleep like normal kids at that time of night. Obviously.)

June 21, 2017 -- Day 81:

Usually, Franco has gymnastics today. But because of the awesome adventure, we decided to just make it up another day. We headed north to New Castle for our "Living Treasures" experience.

We met up with Brandi, Ryan, Brad, and Alyssa at the park. It is a zoo-like place where you can feed and interact with most of the animals. The kids went goofy, and we all had a very fun time. The giraffes were undoubtedly Franco's highlight:

How fantastic!

After we had thoroughly run around the park (and the kids had been completely terrified of some actual bully goats) we stopped for a snack and ice cream together. The hilarity of the kids interacting can not be adequately put into words. Suffice it to say, Franco may have met his vocal decibel match with this crew! They honestly had a blast together, and before we all parted ways, we made plans to try and meet every week.

Franco talked about this possibility the entire ride home. Then, he called Auntie, and Gram and Pap, to regale them with his tales. Then, we talked about our day together until he finally fell out for the night.

June 22, 2017 -- Day 82:

Mamaw came for a weekend visit today, for which Franco COULD NOT contain his excitement! We cleaned the house and when she arrived, Franco monopolized her to play cars and play ball outside. He and Mamaw stayed together to catch up while I went to the gym.

We made spaghetti with homemade meatballs and sauce Mamaw had brought, and Franco stuffed himself silly. We watched the Pirates game together, and later had some delicious Oakmont Bakery cakes. Nice.

June 23, 2017 -- Day 83:

Scotty P. somehow convinced me to head to his dental office for a cleaning and some other dental fun. (Note: I do not count anything to do with teeth as an "adventure" of any sort. That is a new rule.)
We did this, planning on lunch afterward. It rained all day, which made our gluttonous excursion to Bado's feel perfect. After we ate everything possible, we went home for a rainy afternoon nap. It might have been kind of perfect.

In the evening, Franco taught Mamaw how to play Mystery Mansion and we all had a big laugh about  how intense that game can get. Much laughter ensued.

June 24, 2017 -- Day 84:

Once up and around, we drove to Oakmont Bakery and Hoffstot's to show Mamaw what a good time that can be. We succeeded. On our way home, we stopped by the playground so Franco could jump around a bit.

After we got home, we enjoyed the cool, clear night on the deck and chatted. Franco had a good time drinking lemonade and playing with cars, and all seemed right with the world.

June 25, 2017 -- Day 85:

Even though the calendar said June, the day felt more like September. Regardless, we went to the pool and shivered our way through a chilly, but entertaining, afternoon. It didn't last as long as it should, being June and all, but we made the most of it!

In the evening, we decided to teach Franco how to play UNO, and we had a good time doing it. In the middle of our game, Riley asked if Franco wanted to play and so commenced a long evening of backyard fun together. Riley even shared her McDonald's snack and cupcakes with him, so we know they must get along.

Once it got dark, Franco came inside dirty, covered in mosquito bites, and scraped up. As it should be. We proceeded with our game of UNO until it was Scotty P.'s bedtime, and we hung it up to be finished another day.


***To Be Continued.......

150 Days Rapidly Dwindling Down: Volume Ten

June 8, 2017 -- Day 68:

Well. Talk about a scheduling pickle. We planned on Star Wars night at the Pirates game for months. Franco and I bought new themed shirts at Target and carefully planned our outfits. (That, as you can imagine, quite put us out.)

And then, the Penguins decided to play the pivotal, all-important, literal do-or-die Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. On this very night. Damn it.

So, along with Auntie, Gram, and Pap -- who were all a part of the plan -- we made the crucial decision to go to the baseball game, eat, watch a few innings, and then book it to Lebo to (hopefully) enjoy the Pens game. Franco and I donned our Star Wars jazz, took the T downtown, tailgated at Atria's on Federal Street, saw some Storm Troopers, and headed into the ball park.

Who's stalking whom?

We had great seats and the weather could not have been better to enjoy a night at PNC Park. But, the Bucs were already down three runs in the middle of the first inning. Also, the plan. We stuck to it.

First, we did this.

Once we got back to the South Hills, we set about the stressful task of Penguins hockey. At this point, it really felt like a job. And.....on this night it happened to be the best job EVER! One shut out, six goals, and all is once again set right in hockey land. Wheeeew. Only one more win to go. So close, yet so far away.

June 9, 2017 -- Day 69:

Ol' Scotty P. headed to the cabin for something called "Ole Man's Weekend." Okey doke.

Before Gram and Pap went home, we had lunch at Eat 'n Park. Then, they dropped Auntie, Franco, and me at the T station for our planned Three Rivers Arts Festival outting. Because we had never been, we decided to go! "No day but today!" (Shameless Rent reference. SorryNotSorry.)

We had a glorious afternoon. We walked through the city and enjoyed all the vendors. Franco especially loved the different artists. We ate fried Oreos. We stopped at a cool bar for refreshments. Once back in Lebo, we ate a delicious Mexican dinner at Totopo, then walked home at dusk. The air felt cool and we could take our time. Franco only fell down one time. When we got home, we played games and laughed and listened to music.

Whatever the crap an "Ole Man's Weekend" is, it could not be better than our day.

June 10, 2017 -- Day 70:

Once we got up and around, we set out for lunch at Mindful Brewing Company. But, we I made a wrong turn and instead decided to try out Carbonara's. (Franco chimed in, telling us we could go to "Panera's" and it took me a few instances to realize he was actually telling us to go to "Carbonara's" instead. Thank you, Franco.)

A few times in the past, Scott, Franco, and I had tried to eat there, but the crowds would not allow it. We were pretty excited that at noon on a Saturday, we could walk right in. Straight away, we knew we'd made an excellent choice. Our waiter was a human embodiment of Pittsburgh. He mused about his sleepless nights, anxious about the Pens possible Stanley Cup repeat. He gave us awesome recommendations, and the food lived up to all the hype. We truly had a wonderful time.

After stuffing our faces, we loaded Emma into the car and headed for Gram and Pap's. We all (well, not Emma, who stayed at Gram and Pap's) went to a high school graduation party for a dear family friend's son, where we luaghed and reminisced and again stuffed ourselves with delicious treats.

When we returned, we played some epic board games. Gram, thoroughly frustrated over her station in the mansion, threw the Mystery Mansion die at Pap, and a moment of sheer family bliss was born. We partied into the wee hours, as per usual, and fell asleep completely, delightfully happy, if not subconsciously anxious about tomorrow's hockey game.

June 11, 2017 -- Day 71:

When we woke up, we all became painfully aware that we only had ten or so hours until the puck dropped for Game 6. This final series is getting ridiculous. And, if we lose this game, I don't entirely know if some of the city's population will be alive for its inevitable conclusion one way or the other later in the week. Please, for the love, can we just finish this out? (These are tidbits of actual conversations had in the house all morning long.) The mood fluctuated from nervous excitement to plain nerves to just wanting to throw up. (That last one is all me.)

Before we left for home, we headed for some ice cream, which we had to eat as quickly as possible due to the temperature being roughly 150 degrees Farenheit.

Challenge accepted.

And.......well, it can't properly be described as "fun" or entirely "enjoyable." No one scored at all for nearly the entire game, leading us to believe it might actually go into overtime tied at nothing. (Forget about the actual players for a minute --does anyone think I could even remotely handle that scenario? Come on.) I did not even jump or muster further talismans because the tension prevented all rational thought and movement besides labored breathing and hand-wringing. Scott stomped up to bed, not knowing how long into the night this could go, so he could just go to sleep if it all became too much. That left Franco and me downstairs, standing on our step, panicking, and muttering to ourselves.

And then, like a Christmas miracle in June, Hornqvist took an ugly, yet spectacularly beautiful, shot at a puck and it landed in the net. Mayhem ensued. (Also, the Penguins appeared happy as well.) Franco and I screamed and hugged and ran upstairs to high-five Scott and we bounced around for the last several minutes of the game, simply hoping that this score would hold and we would repeat as champions. Thankfully, with less than a minute to go, Hagelin scored an empty-netter, and we could finally exhale. We won the Stanley Cup. AGAIN!

The celebration in the house was a fraction of that on the ice, or in the South Side, but nonetheless, we did our best. We watched some post-game reveling and then crashed out, elated and exhausted.

June 12, 2017 -- Day 72:

Unfortunately for Franco, he did not sleep peacefully. He woke up sick in the night, and the poor guy spent hours awake, desperately trying to settle his stomach. He never gets sick, so it seemed brutal to end the wonderful weekend this way. But, alas, such is life.

We spent the day napping and watching TV, and later in the evening, he felt good enough for a game of Old Maid and some Stanley Cup highlights and recaps.

June 13, 2017 -- Day 73:

Franco desperately wanted to skate at his lesson, and he genuinely seemed okay to do it, so we did. He had fun and played in the gameroom afterward with his pals.

Once home, it became clear he was not out of the woods yet, and he spent the night sick again. He cried and cried because the Stanley Cup parade was the next day, and this state of affairs made it clear we could not attend. I vowed to make it up to him somehow, which did not really help anything in the moment, but calmed him down eventually. Poor little fellow.

June 14, 2017 -- Day 74:

We snuggled up on the couch to watch the parade live on television. Which ended up okay because this day was hot as tamales and our house was as cool as an ice surface upon which the Penguins WON THE STANLEY CUP. Still obviously bummed not to be there, after our tremendous time last year, we decided that life does indeed go on.

So sad and pitiful. Also, a true example of first-world privileged kids' problems.

We enjoyed the celebration, and afterward Franco told me that we could just "go next year, when they win again." (I like the way that kid thinks. Sounds like a plan to me!)

Later in the evening, he did perk up and want to play, marking a good end to a decent day.

June 15, 2017 -- Day 75:

Another day spent mainly at home, recuperating. Franco and I decided in the evening that we would go out, but it rained very hard and we decided to pass.

He did start to have an appetite and wanted fish sticks, so do you know what this terrific mom did? I booked it to Trader Joe's for fish sticks and other goodies. Because going to Trader Joe's, as we all know, is a sacrifice that will be made anytime, anywhere, for anyone, for anything. (Seriously. I love Trader Joe's.) Later, we played together and it seemed Franco was one day closer to being himself again.

June 16, 2017 -- Day 76:

We had to get out of this house. We had to buy Stanley Cup champions merch. We had to go to Dick's.

And, though I did know the Stanley Cup was scheduled to be displayed this evening, I really and truly believed that we had not planned accordingly to be able to see it. I did not even mention it as a possibility.

Which made this adventure all the more special.

Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley....

I did tell Franco I would make up to him our absence at the Penguins parade. He has since told me that this may have been "the greatest day of his life."

Mission accomplished.


***To Be Continued.....

150 Days Flying By Continued: Volume Nine

May 30, 2017 -- Day 59:

Franco's Kindergarten Evaluation Day! Not to be confused with the previous Orientation Day or the upcoming Popsicle Playdate. Kindergarten now officially has more lead-ins than my freshman year of college. The teacher said he is in good shape overall, knowing quite a bit, and needs to work on learning his address and a phone number by memory. (Come to think of it, these tips might also have been helpful at college orientation.)

Afterward, he told me he knew a lot of numbers and letters, and he did not say any bad words at all. So, we know he can keep it together for roughly 15-20 minutes. I'll take it.

We headed over to buy the kid some ice skates because that is where we are now. He adored seeing all the hockey gear displayed in the store, and told me it will be no time at all until he gets a stick. We'll see. I did not come right out to the salesguy that I am a self-avowed penny pincher and wanted the absolute cheapest pair of skates that would work, but he may have seen right through me anyhow. We did get a great deal, but I still think the cost for a five-year-old is obscene. I have been told to get used to it if hockey is his thing. We all know that's not a thing that will happen.

He was so excited to try the new skates out, so it is good that tomorrow is skating. His dad was impressed and happy for his improvement to this point.

May 31, 2017 -- Day 60:

For the first time on the new skates, he did really well. By the end of the lesson, he was barely tumbling head-first at all due to there being no toepick on hockey skates. His coach was happy, and he had fun. All the skating parents talked about the Pens and that stupid catfish joker at the last game and whether the refs are ever going to do anything but be nimrods. Good stuff.

We took a break and then attended gymnastics, which also hit. At home, we cleaned up and then I headed to a Zumba class while the boys debated food options for the upcoming hockey game. When I arrived home just in time for the last few minutes of pre-game talking heads, Scott informed me that Riley and Franco were upstairs playing. I popped in to see ordering at a food cart and Franco only being slightly bossy about it. They had a really great evening, and she went home right before the first period started because obviously.

The boys had agreed upon Nick's Pizza for dinner -- a staple around here for hockey nights -- and so we all settled in...to be pleasantly surprised by a real stunner! Despite some of the biggest bullshit calls/non-calls I have ever seen since the last time I watched an NHL playoff game a few days ago, the Pens really ran away with it. It was something to remember forever. Or until Saturday.

June 1, 2017 -- Day 61:

A year ago today we closed on this little house and changed our lives forever. Clearly, a move to Pittsburgh was the best idea I ever had. And it was the best idea Scott ever heard me mention and subsequently put into motion with his Type A personality. We make a good team. Luckily, we are unpacked this year as opposed to last. Franco and I did muse about how many boxes were packed into the living room last year and how, frankly, that mess ain't ideal.

The Lebo pool opened a few days ago, for evening hours, and Franco and I vowed that the first sunny day, we were there. And today, we were there! It was not all that warm and if you happened to get out to go down the waterslides it was downright chilly, but come on. It's the pool! We had a good evening swim and then went home to chill.

June 2, 2017 -- Day 62:

So, tomorrow we leave for New York's Finger Lakes to see a Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds concert. I have had to remind Franco no less than ten times that we are not going to New York City, even though we are going to New York. (The kid is clearly afflicted wiht his mum's "Love of Big Cities" syndrome. And, no, I will not apologize.)

Ol' Scotty P. took Emma to Gram and Pap's for the weekend and brought the gosh-darned camper back with him, as we are ostensibly taking with us if it actually works. Franco had a blast helping his dad fix it up, clean it up, make sure we have a working satellite to watch hockey tomorrow, and check all the systems. So far, so good.

Then, Scott and Franco made their grilled favorite -- a rack of ribs. When Franco saw his dad with the groceries, he proclaimed, "Awwwww yeah!! This is gonna be awesome!" I absolutely congratulated him on his strong commitment to a menu and his lack of cussing.

We watched the Buccos and prepared for our weekend trip. I decided a part of "preparation" was "drinking" so -- cheers!

June 3, 2017 -- Day 63:

We set off for New York, and to everyone's total shock, the camper actually functioned and we all made it! Franco rode with his dad in the camper and I drove my car. When I pulled into the campground, Franco had already convinced his dad to buy him a toy car with tow-behind camper from the overpriced gift shop, proving once again who is the easiest mark in the family. He was so tickled that I was not around to put the kabash on the purchase, so I had to laugh and remind him he is lucky. This time.

Once we (Scott) set up the camper, Franco and I set out to explore. He jumped on the jump pillow, he and I rented a pedal boat for a half hour (and did not tip it over) and then we played on the playground.

An old-fashioned metal slide? Heck yes!

After all that, we made a unanimous family decision. Ice cream before dinner. And we set out to the ice cream shop to make it happen.

There may have been a hockey game that night? Honestly, I believe it has been erased from my memory, so that is literally all we will say about that.

June 4, 2017 -- Day 64:

Good thing we shoved all the fun in last night because we woke up to rain, rain, chilly air, and also rain. Boo. Franco and I took a drive to the local Dollar General for Oreos, a coloring book, and crayons. A little later, we braved the weather to play a few games in the gameroom. Then, we holed up in the camper to play and nap before the show.

Miraculously, the rain cleared and the sun appeared just in time to head over to the concert. Thanks, Dave! We enjoyed the venue, with all the local food trucks and interesting beer choices. Franco and I braved a ridiculously long line to buy our swag, and then settled in for a lovely evening of music.

Celebrate we will....

Dave and Tim did not disappoint. My soul is filled for another year. Franco fell asleep at the very end, but enjoyed every minute of his time. The rain held off until we were safely in our car, proving once again that Dave Matthews is the center of all good things in the universe.

June 5, 2017 -- Day 65:

We had to pack it all up and drive back to PA. On the way, we stopped for lunch at Eat 'n Park beside the Grove City Outlets. After we ate, Scott headed out to pick up Emma at Gram and Pap's, and Franco and I explored the outlet shops. We found a Steelers Store, where Franco pointed out all the things he already has, and the things he still needs. (I mentally did the same.)

We piled into the car to drive the rest of the way home together and blasted Lady Gaga's Joanne CD all the way down I-79. We agree on all the best tracks and replay them over and over. Once we got home and unpacked all the crap, we snuggled Emma and welcomed her back into the fold.

Later that night, there may have been some kind of televised contest, wherein men skate around on ice and try to shoot a hard, rubber mass into a net? I honestly can't recall it. So, that is all we will say about that.

June 6, 2017 -- Day 66:

Dreary day outside. Franco used his imagination to create some elaborate concoctions in the house, and I left him to it. Until we had to clean it all up and head to the gym.

On our way home, Scott called and informed us that Riley was waiting for Franco to play in the backyard, which he did until dusk. Then, he ate a bunch of fish sticks and passed out on the couch. (Don't judge. We've all been there.)

June 7, 2017 -- Day 67:

Franco had an exceptionally terrific ice skating lesson. (Something a few professionals in this city might look into.) Afterward, he joined one of his friends in the gameroom adjacent the rink for an epic tabletop hockey battle against his friend's dad. The kids had so much fun, and really hung in there, until they lost.

We headed right over to the gym for a short playtime, and then ate lunch. Franco began a few episodes of Ninjago on Netflix, at the suggestion of one of his skating buddies. (If you don't know, it's Ninja Legos. Duh.) I pulled him away from the TV for gymnastics, which went very well, and then he returned home to binge-watch his new addiction. He is hooked.

Later that evening, we played cards and Scott slipped Franco cookies and we all enjoyed the end of a darn good day.

***To Be Continued.....

Countdown of 150 Days of Awesomeness Continued: Volume Eight

May 23, 2017 -- Day 52:

Franco and I decided to venture back to the gym today, so we can all get some serious exercise. We both left sweaty and refreshed, and got home in time to ready ourselves for the Penguins' wrap up of the Eastern Conference Finals. Time to put away the Ottawa Senators once and for all...

HA! Joke's on us! We all sat in the right spots, drank the right beverages, used the right cheers, and somehow the Pens managed to blow it all to hell. Onto Game 7, whether our hearts need it/can take it or not.

May 24, 2017 -- Day 53:

Whether the fault of the terrible hockey game or something else, I woke up feeling absolutely awful. Sadly, we did not even make it to skating. We did manage to get to gymnastics, but that just about took it out of me. We crawled into bed and watched the iPad before taking a very long nap.

Later in the evening, the boys decided to order BRGR for dinner, and we all watched the Pirates game. After Franco ate his hot dog and poutine, he put away two bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios for dessert. We stayed up to see the Buccos lose, which did not hit, and then called it a day.

May 25, 2017 -- Day 54:

All was right with the world when we woke up, and we set about calming our Game 7 nerves straight away. We diverted ourselves with a trip to the library, where I convinced Franco it was high time we introduced him to Little House on the Prairie. We came home with Season Two complete on DVD, but we could not watch it because we had to get ready for hockey euphoria or despair, depending.

We all settled into our step-sitting/drinking routine in the basement, knowing it would be a long night. We were blissfully unaware at that point just how loooooong.

Here's one way we coped earlier on:

Stressed? Who, us?

Later on, as the Pens continued into the first overtime, some more coping strategies emerged:

Fairly healthy....

By roughly 11:30, the so-called adults in the house were just about going crazy. And then, as the clock nearly struck midnight, Chris Kuuuuuuunitz mercifully won it in the second overtime and sent the Pens to the Stanley Cup Finals!

I drank that. And I own every bit of it.

Yes, that is an accurate picture. Scott later remarked that it was impressive that I put all that away. (He totally did not put it quite like that, but that's what I heard.) I truthfully remarked that, given the circumstances of the game, it could have been far worse. My mom saw this photo and said, "Eh. Not that bad, really." So, thanks mom. For everything.

Holy moly!! Pens win!! Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley................

May 26, 2017 -- Day 55:

We all awoke on a cloud of excitement over a Stanley Cup rainbow. I showed Franco the winning overtime goal on the DVR and we cheered all over again. But, we had some big plans for this day, too, that went beyond just sitting around re-watching Chris Kunitz score.

We went to get current passports, where the passport lady told us how tired she was from staying up into the night watching the Pens, and we agreed. Fun!

We then headed to Kennywood to spend some time as a family, where most people casually remarked  how tired they were from staying up into the night watching the Pens, and we again agreed. Super fun!

Franco had a great time showing his dad all the things he rode with Drydie, and we ventured onto some new rides, too. Although it was breezy and cool, Franco and I decided to take the Pittsburg Plunge and get crazy soaked -- because he and I share roughly the same emotional intelligence inside of an amusement park, and it is clearly not all that high. (Scott opted out because he claims to have some sense, or something like that.)

We had a blast!

Family fun! 

When we got home, we played games and danced around to music. A celebratory Friday in the books!

May 27, 2017 -- Day 56:

Today, we ventured to Altoona to visit Auntie and attend a birthday party. For Teddy. He's a dog. I'm serious.

Gram and Pap were there, along with Uncle Steve's family, and Franco had a great time playing with the kids.

Kids, look at the camera.....

We ate tons of food and cake and generally enjoyed a simply lovely Saturday afternoon together. At a birthday party. For a dog.

Teddy's dog cake, made of dog-friendly ingredients. He loved it. The humans had an ice cream cake to ourselves.

This is the face Uncle Steve makes when we sing Happy Birthday. To a dog.

WTF?

Teddy slept well that night, to be sure. I think, all in all, he rather enjoyed his lavish birthday party. The humans did as well.

May 28, 2017 -- Day 57:

After spending the night at Auntie's (What? Did you think we stopped partying when everyone else left? Psssshhhhhhhh.......) we drove to Gram and Pap's to spend the day with them. Franco and Pap found an old loopty-loop battery-powered racetrack in the basement, which no one can even remember and which does not entirely work. Nonetheless, it shall become a fixture at 1394 Washington Road. Pap's vision of sending us home with all the old crap is slowly but surely coming to fruition.

Later on, we visited some dead people at the graveyard (they didn't seem too impressed) and I showed Franco all my favorite graves from when I was a kid. (It's a macabre tradition to be kept alive, if you will.) We ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday and then rummaged around to find the best card game ever invented: Busy Bee. It took some doing, and we also uncovered about a hundred other "treasures", but we did it. We found the elusive game, along with Old Maid. We set about teaching Franco all about these classics from my childhood, and he's now verifiably hooked.

We ended the day on a high note for certain.

May 29, 2017 -- Day 58:

Memorial Day. While packing up all our stuff, Scott discovered a coiled snake under the porch and we (i.e. Franco and I) ran around the yard screaming like a bunch of lunatics on our way to get into the car. Good times. (Pap threw that snake into the woods with his shovel. This is one of endless reasons I live in the city now.)

When we got home, we got out all the crap that we had schlepped from Gram and Pap's, and Franco had a big time. We made hot dogs, ribs, and corn on the cob for the big holiday, and settled in for Game One of the STANLEY CUP FINALS!

The Pens did not disappoint, putting us through yet another round of late-game stress. But, they won, keeping the "Drive for 5" alive. And we could all rest easy, for another night, at least.

***To Be Continued...