...but not riding the backroads of Texas.
The last month or so has been busier than any I can remember and definitely the most momentous. Yes momentous, at least for my family and myself.
On May 14th, after 17+ hours of labor and many happy tears (not mine, of course), my first grandchild was born.
Moose and My Girl are the proud parents of a strapping (10 lb and 21 inch at birth) young man. His given name is Liam but I just call him Buddy, or Buddy Bear. As you can see from the picture, he has already outgrown many of the newborn sized clothes including this little outfit (the first thing Grampa bought him) and, yes, Grampa Buddha has already begun spoiling him. The way I see it, that is my duty and obligation as a grandparent. Just wait until Christmas!
The following day My Baby Girl (my youngest daughter, not the baby's mommy) attended her Senior Prom which was another event that generated many joyous tears and again...none were mine. Seriously, it was only allergies...
Like all proud Dad's everywhere I honestly believe that she was the most beautiful young woman at her prom. To this tired old Buddha she looked more "Red Carpet" than Prom and my allergies are getting worse just thinking about how beautiful she looked.
She and her date made sure that everyone was able to share this special day and they made time to come up to the hospital so the new mommy, daddy and baby could be a part of the pre-Prom festivities. The folks at the hospital really didn't know what to think about a girl in a prom dress showing up to the maternity ward...or at least I would like to think that.
Once my Baby Girl was off in the limo, Wonderful Wife and I shared a quick meal and then headed back to the hospital to spend a little more time with the new grand baby (and his parents). Wonderful Wife was chaperoning the after-prom party in Surfside so she was on the road after all too short a time with the new addition to the family. I felt bad for her but she was going to be able to share a more of a special occasion with My Baby Girl and I was able to actually get some holding time with the new guy; my little Buddy Bear.
Monday the hospital released My Girl and Buddy Bear to come home so yet another momentous event to take pictures of and shed tears over (not mine...more allergies I tell ya') within the space of four days. Wow!
Of course, the first stop for the boy on his way into the house was a brief rest on the back of his dad's bike. I had suggested previously that we bring him home on it but his parents, Wonderful Wife and the hospital staff objected...strenuously...very strenuously.
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| Less than three days old and already on a Harlety. Yup, that's my grandson! |
We had less than three weeks to rest (prepare) for the next big event; My Baby Girl's graduation. She and 622 of her closest friends and classmates walked across the stage on the floor of Reliant Stadium while we all strained to see them across the gulf of space and time that separated those of us in the stands from the ceremony. Again, I thought she was the most beautiful young woman in attendance and again there were tears aplenty. I wasn't crying though, it was sweat running into my eyes from wearing a jacket in heat and humidity of Houston.
The Graduation itself was followed by Project Graduation that kept the seniors off the streets and busy throughout the night. I was kept busy all through the night preparing for a small party of about 30 or 50 friends and family. Like all such events this entailed a "
short" list of honey-do's; only about 120 hours of manual labor. Basically, all I had to do to get ready for the party was re-landscape the backyard and make sure the pool and the rest of the outside was spotless. I had three large briskets, 15 lbs of sausage and about 5 gallons of beans (we do like to eat) to cook up before the party. No problem, that's what vacation days are for, right? There may have been some tears shed at the party. I couldn't tell since my eyes were watering from the smoke coming off the grill...
In all honesty and truth this really has been one of the busiest times of my life. It has also been among the most memorable. There are only a few times of my life that could compare and all of those centered around these same people. The ones who truly make this world such a special place. My family.
These are times I would not trade for all the world. The lack of seat time, in this case, was not only a fair trade but I believe it was a heck of a deal.
Hang in there,
-Buddha
For those of us old enough to remember, Bell helmets were the thing (if you wore a helmet) back in the 50's and 60's. In honor of that original design, the 500, Bell has brought out the Custom 500 complete with classic styling and even featuring a quilted liner, similar to the original. The main difference is that the Custom 500 carries DOT approval.
The Bell Classic 500 is available in two classic metal-flake colors, orange and silver, as well as three designs that look like something from a 60's flashback or a bad trip.
The following day My Baby Girl (my youngest daughter, not the baby's mommy) attended her Senior Prom which was another event that generated many joyous tears and again...none were mine. Seriously, it was only allergies...
We had less than three weeks to rest (prepare) for the next big event; My Baby Girl's graduation. She and 622 of her closest friends and classmates walked across the stage on the floor of Reliant Stadium while we all strained to see them across the gulf of space and time that separated those of us in the stands from the ceremony. Again, I thought she was the most beautiful young woman in attendance and again there were tears aplenty. I wasn't crying though, it was sweat running into my eyes from wearing a jacket in heat and humidity of Houston. 
