Lost Week

Arianna has been sick all week. Fever compelled Sharon and I to keep her home from school. I worry about her falling behind.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Last night was St. Catherine of Siena's Daddy Daughter Dance. This was the first year Arianna and I attended. (I'd bought tickets last year, but Arianna caught a cold.)

Given that Arianna woke up sick (again! -- we continue to pass it around this month), I can't be held entirely accountable for her lack of enthusiasm last night. Oh, she enjoyed herself. We learned the Foxtrot, danced the 'Car Wash', and enjoyed several 'snowball fights'. Nevertheless her energy was low -- so low that by evening's end, I was less a dance partner than a leaning post.

Arianna is a singular joy.

As I stood on the sidelines and watched her with the other girls, the speed with which she's growing up overtook me. Perhaps -- were I not approaching 50 -- I'd be more confident of having what it takes to provide for her needs. Fatherhood is a blessing. To be sure. But not all Fathers are equally equipped.

Valentine's Day

Arianna decorated the house and planned games and other activities throughout the day. She loves to celebrate special events. And we love to indulge her in this.

Long Winter

We finished reading The Long Winter. We've read this book three times over as years. Each time it increasingly impresses me.



Given where we are as a nation and as a culture, the struggles with which the Ingall family dealt are inspirational.




They lend us a standard which has long been forgotten -- a standard of hard work, self-reliance, perseverance, integrity, and acceptance of God's will.



It is laughable to consider the Winter's we "endure" with the Winter of 1880-1881. The hardship and deprivation homesteaders contended with illustrates not merely the grim realities of a bygone era, but also the mettle of Americans.



What happened?

Groundhog Day -- Almost

First D.J.: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
Second D.J.: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
First D.J.: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
Second D.J.: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
First D.J.: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
Second D.J.: Especially cold!
First D.J.: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
Second D.J.: - On their chapped lips...
First D.J.: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
Second D.J.: Punxsutawney Phil!
First D.J.: Thats right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's
[in unison]
First D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!
Second D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!

Some 'traditions' are so corny and without rhyme or reason. Like our gathering to watch Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.

Ah well . . . even Grandpa "gets a bang outta it."