Father of Six

Here are what some of my children do during the summer when school is out and I’m at work.

A&R at poolside.

And Boomer in the Kiddie Pool.

Oh yeah. The upstairs bathroom is complete.
Here are a couple of photos of the finished product. Remember it is a small space, so getting photos of the entire thing is difficult.

The first entry in “The Superior Persons Book of Words” by Peter Bowler is Abecedarian, which means arranged in alphabetical order, or, elementary, devoid of sophistication. A tease in the entry suggests that the reader see the entry for “unbelievers defense, the” which is supposed to be a clever way of avoiding scripture lessons or other church functions without actually declaring that you are an atheist or agnostic.

My collection of recorded musical performances will be catalogued in an abecedarian fashion.

Better than the entry for Abecedarian, is the second entry; for an Abecedarian Insult – using an insulting word from A to Z and delivering it to the intended party. The example given by the author is outstanding.

#11. Exercise 30 minutes times 6 days per week for each week (143)
Well it’s important, I like doing it, and I’d be grossly overweight and unhealthy if I didn’t.

#12. Swim one mile without stopping once a month beginning June 2007 (33)
Since I presently can’t run, I’ve been swimming and cycling. The swimming plan I have is based on training to swim a mile in 6 weeks. Once I’m able to do it, I’d like to demonstrate the ability each month.

#13. Run a 5k race under 30 minutes in 2007
I was able to do this back in 2000. Since I started running again in June 2006 (disregard the broken foot, it will heal) I haven’t been under 30:00 yet.

#14. Do a MS150 Bike Ride
Part of the overall fitness demonstration theme. And it’s for a good cause.

#15. Do a triathlon
The swimming training got me to thinking about this. If you do the “Sprint” versions you’re more likely not to hurt yourself. 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, and a 5k run.

#16. Go to the movies with Tami once a month (34)
Dates are important. We both like the movies. Let’s go.

#17. Go for a walk with Boomer once a week (143)
Boomer’s curiosity can be fed. He and I can spend time together. We can both get some fresh air.

#18. Do the 26 Things Photographic Scavenger Hunt each month (34)
I did this in May and it was kind of fun, although hurried at the end.

#19. Write a 55 Fiction. (If I like the results, revise this entry and do more.)
Can you tell a story in exactly 55 words? I’m going to try,

#20. See a Wagner opera

I understand that the person of Richard Wagner is often considered controversial. His operas are among the most influential ever written. I’d like to see one, preferably from the Ring cycle, but I’d “settle” for a performance of Tristan and Isolde.

#1. Go to a Colorado Rapids Game.
I like soccer, and I hear that the new stadium is 1st class, best soccer facility in North America.

#2. Go Camping.
It’s fun. And Golden Gate Canyon State Park is pretty. And Reverend’s Ridge Camp Ground suits my family.

#3. Go see Oklahoma play football against Iowa State in Ames on 10/20/07.
Actually, I haven’t planned this at all. I hope we can do it.

#4. See Oklahoma play football against CU in Boulder.
This should be easy.

#5. Find an Oklahoma football game to see with Dad in 2008 and 2009.
This should be easy too.

#6. Catalog my books in Library Thing.

This is really cool. And have you seen my library? Two 3-shelf bookcases and four 5-shelf cases, some of them starting to over flow. This really needs to be done.

#7. Go to the Denver Art Museum 3 Times.
It’s just too cool not to. Art is cool.

#8. Go to the Denver Botanic Gardens 3 times.
Once a year. Plants and Flowers are cool.

#9 Go to the Colorado History Museum 3 times.
Se #3 7 and 8. History is cool.

#10. Keep membership in Wine of the Month Club . . . from the Wine Company.
It’s good for you. And it’s fun to experience and learn about different wines each month.

I rode the stationary bike for 40 minutes at the gym this morning. I also sat in the steam room for 15 minutes, which is an every day routine for me.

After the gym, I went grocery shopping, which is an every week routine for me.

Tami mowed the lawn (as opposed to “cut the grass.”) My foot is still broken.

I watched the England vs. Brazil “friendly” soccer match on TV this afternoon. It was a 1-1 draw. Two things surprised me. Michael Owen played, and so did David Beckham.

Becca went to spend the night at Catie’s. Manda, Nana and Tami went to Joanne’s with Michelle for a Creative Memories demonstration.

I gave Boomer a bath and the three of us (including Dubois) hung out, like guys do. We went out in the backyard and goofed off. I played my guitar.

That describes the typical way I spend my 9/80 off Friday’s.