New Year New Fear

Here we are in 2018 already.  Haven't posted much I see.  Still looking for my new muse I guess.

Boys are growing up so fast it scares me.  They will be grown and gone before you know it, and I will be lonely.

Got a couple of years left with Aidan until he's off to college.  Typical teenager right now.....caring more about his phone and his friends than anything else in his life.  I try really hard to still teach him things, but he's at that stage in life where he knows everything.  I guess we were all that way when we were that age. 

Christopher is still young (10), and let's me still be a dad.  I like that.  Makes me feel needed.

I hope to start writing more.  I always have things on my mind.  I don't get to express myself much, so I guess I need an avenue.  I don't think anyone reads this blog anymore, so I'm probably just waxing poetic to clouds.  Oh well....

Until next time.

William

I'm Still Breathing

Half of the year gone by, and I'm just typing my first entry in 2017.  Wow, what a strange time in my life.

To be honest, the sad truth of the matter is writing hasn't even crossed my mind.  I used to be filled with so many things that I wanted to share.  So many stories that I thought were worth telling.

I've found picking up the pieces of ones life at this age is much more difficult than expected.  Emotionally, I'm still stuck.

Work has gotten better.  I'm not putting in the 60+ hour weeks anymore.  I knew if I kept that up, I would not be well.  I have cut down my hours, and come to the realization that I can only control so much. It has certainly helped with my blood pressure and stress.

My sons are my life.  I live for the time I get to spend with them.  I still deeply regret that I only get to be involved in their daily life half the time.  Kids need both parents 100% of their childhoods.  Don't get me wrong.  Both boys are great kids.  I would never say otherwise.  They are just different kids than they would have been had both parents been around 100% of the time.  I get sad knowing that I'll never meet those boys.

I have not had the desire to start dating again.  I think the pain that I still feel from the divorce blocks any thought of ever being back in "the game".  I just don't think I'll ever take that chance again.   I'll never say never, but I consider myself lucky knowing I met the love of my life, spent 17 great years together, and had two fantastic boys.  Sure I wish it could have lasted a lifetime, but I wouldn't those memories for anything.  Most people never get to experience such happiness.  Was it fair it ended the way that it did?  No, but such is life.

I'm looking forward to Father's Day weekend.  I get the boys, and we'll do something fun.  I know on Sunday we'll be going to a baseball game together, and I always look forward to that.  I love baseball, and I love my boys.  Put them both together, and it just doesn't get any better.

Hopefully I find a little more time to share some stories about my adventures with the boys.  There hasn't been as many adventures or stories as their should have been, but I'm starting to climb out of the financial whole I have been in since the divorce, and I can see some trips in our future.  I of course will blog about it when it happens.

Oh, best of all...... I'm still drawing breath.

Thanks for reading.

William

20 Years

Well, today marks the 20th anniversary of my father's passing.  It's really hard to believe it's been that long ago.  I was a 31 year old kid when he passed, just starting to get my feet under me.  Still looking for my path in life. 

So much has happen in the last 20 years.  Some good days, and some bad days.  I still wish each and every dad that dad could have been around for both. 

There have been many times I could have used his wisdom, and many times when I thought to myself "he would have loved this".  I still tear up thinking about how much he would have loved meeting his grandsons. 

I can still see his smile, and hear him whistling.  Oh how he loved to whistle.  I've got a picture of him, holding my dog Dante sitting right next to me on my desk.  I look at it daily and think about all the good time we shared.  I know that is one of the reasons that I am so good to my children.  I hope one day, long after I've left this world, my sons will look at a picture of me and remember all of the great times we had, and feel all of the love I have for them.   If so, my dad did his job.....and did it right.

Rest in peace pop.  I love you.

William

Happy Holidays

It's been a while.  It seems I type that every time I log into this blog.

I wish I still had the motivation to blog like I did in the past.  I loved to tell the stories of our family, and writing about it came easy.  It's not like that anymore.  I struggle for inspiration.

Well, it's Christmas time again.  I am blessed to have the boys this year for Christmas.  I rips my heart out when I'm not around the boys on holidays.  I'll never get comfortable with that. 

We are all looking forward to traveling to Grandma's house for the Christmas break.  It's going to be fantastic to have some vacation time, and spend it with the boys, Mom and my brother.  I certainly need the break.

I'll try to take pictures this Christmas and post them.  It's unbelievable how much the boys have grown. 

Happy Holidays! 

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"
[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]
Linus Van Pelt: "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Luke 2:8-14 KJV]
Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

The Greatest Nation On Earth

As Jack Burton once said "May the wings of liberty never loose a feather"

Another Day Another Month Another Year

I am 50 years old now.  It's hard to believe.  That wonderful birthday arrived last December, along with a nice AARP invitation peeking out of my mailbox about the same time.  AARP......Geesh.....

Where did all the years go?  For the first time in my life, I am starting to feel my age, both mentally and physically.  That thought scares me to death. 

For the last couple of months, I have been devoting on average, about 65-70 hours each week to my job.  It is certainly taking it's toll.  My kids have started telling me that I work too much, and that is never a good thing to hear. (it actually breaks my heart)   Trust me when I tell you that I do not want to work myself to death, but I'm afraid that's what I'm doing. 

Work should not occupy 90% of the hours that I am awake.  It's not healthy.   It's cost me friendships, relationships, and now it's starting to interfere with time with the boys.  I can't have that.

I fought tooth and nail to obtain as much time with Christopher and Aidan as I could.  Even with all the effort, I still had half of their childhood stolen from me.  I'll be damned if I let my job steal any more.

I have never been a "clock watcher" when it comes to working.  I have always done whatever it takes to get the job done right.  I still carry that same work ethic now, but something has to give.  I cannot continue the pace that I currently maintain.

Starting Monday, I am going to turn over a new leaf.  I have to allow time for the few precious important things in my life.  My health and my children.

I am going to start updating this blog more often.  It will serve as my chronicle of change. 

I will still give 100% effort to my job, but only during business hours.  As Harry Callahan once said:

"A man has got to know his limitations"

William

From My Fingertips

It's been awhile huh?  Only 5 post this year.  Pathetic.

Writing used to come so easy to me.  I would sit down at the keyboard, and wonderful words would just flow through my fingers.  Obviously that doesn't happen anymore.

I doubt anybody even reads this blog anymore.  I don't blame them.  There has not been very many updates on the boys and me, and the blogs that I did write this year, seem to be one big pity party.

I certainly hope that one day I can find the kind of happiness that allows me to once again want to express my thoughts and feelings in prose form.  In the meantime, I will update when I can.

If anyone is still reading this blog, thanks for checking in.  I appreciate the thought.

I leave you with a new picture of my boys.  They are my life, and I love them dearly.

William

It's All About The Boys

Aidan and Christopher are still in Tennessee with their mom, and I miss them more than any of you can imagine. Life is just not very much fun when they are not here. I decided to post of few pictures to help cheer me up. Here you go:

The one above is my favorite.  My dog and my boys!  All are beautiful and healthy. 

Don't grow up too fast.....OK?

William

It's Nice To Be Excited!

Once again, it's that time of year. You know....come on you know......BEACH TIME! Yep, heading down to Galveston with the boys tonight, and I can't wait to see my friends, and play with the boys in the ocean. It's going to be fun.

I believe this will be the 10 year anniversary of our traveling down for Memorial Weekend. It started with Lori and Aidan and me so long ago, and now it's up to me and Aidan and Christopher to carry on the tradition. As always, Lori will be missed, but we will still have a blast.

I'm sure its only going to be a couple of more years before Aidan decides he is too cool to hang with pops, so I better make the most of our time while we are there. I've still got many years left of frolicking on the beach with Christopher though.....Woo Hoo!

I'll have great pics when we return.

Maholo

Intertwining Of Life

As I look back on my life, I have too many regrets to count. Missed opportunities drift like dandelions on a windy spring day. Tangents forever capped by forgotten decisions.

I'll be 50 years old at the end of the year. I'll reach that milestone just as lost and just as confused now, as I was 20 years ago. Oh don't get me wrong, I am definitely smarter and wiser than I've ever been, but my hopes and dreams have been altered so profoundly, I find myself on a route that I would never have chosen for myself. It's a train that seems to be speeding forward, and I can't seem jump off or alter the path.

I know that I have to try to turn my life around. If I don't, I will certainly not make it to 60. The thought of living only 10 more years or less, makes me distressingly sad.

I want to see my boys grow up. I want to see them fall in love for the first time. I want to see them succeed in whatever they choose to do with their lives. I want to see them marry, and I want to do what my dad never got to do.........I want to hold my grand children in my arms, and tell them I love them.

I am currently in the worst shape of my life. Wallowing in self pity seems to be very fattening. Who knew? My job is more stressful than any I have had in my life, and the 3 hours I spend on the road commuting to and from work, is sucking the life out of me, one bumper to bumper mile at a time. Tic Toc.

They say that the world is what you make of it, but I have found differently. The world is just a backdrop for the intertwining of life. Too many external factors seem to have a say on direction, and too much time is spent on the convalescence of being.

I need to make changes, and only hope that I am strong enough to conquer my own stubbornness.

Wish me luck.

William

PS. The next update will have a much more jovial tone, and pictures of the boys are guaranteed.

What might have been

17............

Ruined

I stopped at a gas station the other day to fill up my truck. Gas stations seem like my home away from home nowadays. Between driving 90+ miles round trip to the my office each day, and making frequent trips to the job sites I am now running, I spend far too much time seeking a new home away from home every 2 to 3 days.

On this particular day, I was parked on the far end of the station. Pump number 1 as it would have it. As I was getting out of my truck, a new Infiniti SUV pulled up to the same pump, but on the opposite side.

As I began to pump my gas, a man in his mid to late 40's got out of the drivers seat. As he was getting ready to pump his gas, I could hear him carrying on a conversation with a pretty woman sitting in the passenger's seat. I didn't pay particular attention to what they were discussing, but what caught my attention on this day, was how they were referring to each other.

Now, I have told many stories on this blog about my ex wife Lori, and the wonderful times we shared while we were married. Most were fun and cheerful, others.....especially during the divorce, much more cynical and raw. Regardless, writing always seemed to help me with some type of release.

I guess that is why I am on here tonight. Looking for some type of therapy. You see, last month marked a sorrowful anniversary for me. As of last month, Lori and I have been officially divorced for 1 full year. Hard to believe. I have done my very best to move on with my life. I have succeeded in some areas, and failed miserably in others. I still find myself far too fragile for my liking.

On that note, let me get back to my story. As I was hearing bits and pieces of this couple's conversation, I distinctly heard the man asking his wife a question. The question itself was of no importance, but his use of the word "mom" almost brought me to tears.

When dealing with Aidan and Christopher, I always refer to Lori as "your mom", but there was a time when "mom" was how I always addressed Lori. Hearing this man referring to what I could only guess was his wife as "mom" brought back so many great memories, and such profound sadness at the same time. It was everything I could do not to lose it right then and there.

How long will little things like that have such a hold on me. One part of me wishes it would last until my dying day, while another hopes for indifference. Who knows.

As I finished and turned to get in my truck, a pretty voice called out to her husband "hey dad, can you go in and get me a diet coke when you're done?" Mer.....that used to be me.............

I still think the world is unfair.


William

The Path of Least Resistence

Wow, it has certainly been a long time. A long, long time.

I was at my mother's house over Thanksgiving, and she asked me why I had stopped blogging. I thought about it for a minute, but I really didn't have a good answer. I would like to blame time. Time seems like a good scapegoat. I'm just too busy sounds like a good answer, but really, it's not.

Like it or not, time is going to keep moving along with it's own agenda. It doesn't care how busy we are, or how tired we are, or even how lonely we are. It's job, it's sole purpose is......to continue. To move along so to speak.

That is kind of where I am now. I am just moving along. Floating down time's river feeling as helpless as a leaf in the wind. I work, I eat, I sleep....repeat... Hopefully one day I will find myself.

The kids are growing older by the day. Innocence is fading away much faster than I hoped. Both boys are great kids, and I am very proud of each. Christopher is brave and stubborn, and I like to think I see a lot of myself in him. Aidan is sweet and manipulative, and too smart for his own good. He certainly takes after his mother more than me.

It seems so strange to me that two kids from the same parents can be so different. I guess is shouldn't. My brother and I are not very alike either. He is much quieter and much smaller than me, but he was born with that same Thornton "argument" gene. We can debate with the best of them, and Christopher and Aidan are well on their way to filling our shoes.

I am really tired right now, so I will move on. Hopefully this weekend with bring good weather, and good blogging.

William

Surprise

I bet you thought I forgot about this blog. Nope.....not at all. I have been smothered as far as writing goes, but I believe a small window is coming up. I have lots of pictures to post of my two favorite people in the whole world, and I'm going to try to post a long blog over the weekend. Life is OK. Just kinda going through the motions right now on a personal level. Not very motivated to explore......Seems unfulfilling.

Anyway, talk to you soon.

William

Tired

Work is absolutely kicking my booty. I am at the office and on job sites approximately 10 hours a day. Add to that a 1 hour and 15 minute commute to the office and another back home. Once I get home, add an additional 2 hours on average of work at home at night, and what do you get? 15+ hours every day devoted to my work. Ouch, no wonder I'm a walking Zombie.

One thing about it, no one will ever accuse me again of being lazy and "unmotivated". Ridiculous.

The blog has suffered, and for that I'm sorry. Hopefully after a while, my mind and body will adjust to the extreme demands placed upon it right now, and I will eventually have more time to write.

I can dream......

William

Echo

One year. A whole year. It's hard to believe.

One year ago this week I was forced to move out of the house that I shared with my best friend and our two wonderful children. I wish I could say that everything is better now, and I was over the shock of the situation, but that would be a lie. Sure, I love my weeks with the boys. I love their laughter, their inquisitiveness, their challenge. They are the light of my life, and their well being is what drives me each and every day.

With that said, I still miss all of the other stuff. Sharing part of my life and my soul always made me feel complete. I know that sentence contradicts itself, but there is no other way to describe that feeling of belonging. The feeling like you are always in the right place.

I work and I socialize and I try to do things to help me forget how wonderful my life was, but so far I have not come close to filling the void that was left when Lori decided she no longer wanted me in her life. It's hard to explain. It's like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and yelling at the top of your lungs. You stand back with hopeful anticipation, patiently waiting for your echo to serenade you from the other side. Except in this case, the echo never arrives. You look around....pause.......and you think "how is that even possible".

William

Bittersweet

A little over a month ago, a woman in a 2013 Altima decided it would be a good idea to try to turn into a Walmart parking lot without looking for cross traffic.  I was headed northbound in my truck going about 45 mph and didn't even really have time to put on my breaks.  Luckily for her, I did have time to swerve to the right and I made contact with her car right in front of her front passenger tire instead of directly T-boning her.  Her 7 year old daughter was in the back seat on the passenger side, it if I would have T-boned her, the results would have been devastating.  As it turned out, my truck ripped off her entire front end past the tires, and her car was instantly totaled.   My truck was damaged, but at the time, it did not look totaled.  She admitted fault, but she used an insurance company that was unknown to both me and all the police officers at the scene.  Because of this, I decided to just let my insurance company handle my claim.  I knew I would have to pay the deductible, but I would recover it plus interest when State Farm collected their money through subrogation.

After two weeks, I was told that my truck would be fixed.  I was happy.  I had owned my truck for 14 years, and it was in fantastic condition before the wreck.  I just wanted it back.  Fast forward another two weeks, and I get another call, this time letting me know that they discovered that the frame was cracked, and it would now be totaled.  I was not happy.  I figured that would get screwed with the settlement, and I would miss that truck.

I purchased Old Blue in May of 2000.  Brand new Wedgewood Blue F150 Supercrew Lariat 4x4.  At the time it had every option, and the MSRP. was a tad over 35K.  I think I paid 32K out the door at the time.  I put 155K miles on that truck, and never once did it fail to start when I put the key in the ignition.  Other than routine maintenance, it never made or needed a trip to the mechanic.   It was rock solid for 14 years, and I kept it in very nice condition. 

After finding out it was totaled, I was prepared to fight with State Farm.  Instead, I was a bit surprised at what they offered.  Without haggling, I was offer $10,900 as a settlement price.  For it being a 14 year old truck with 150+ miles, I thought that was more than fair.  I accepted, and picked up my check the next day.

Now, I owned two F150s in a row, and loved both.  Both were totaled in wrecks that were not my fault, and I walked away without a scratch each time.  I wanted another F150.  I got in touch with 1ags, and he gave me his contact's information.  I tried to get close to what I had in options on Old Blue, but doing so made the price of a new one more than I could spend.  I'm a "all the bells and whistles" kind of guy, and there was no way I could afford a new F150 with all of those things.  I searched for other options.  I finally found an acceptable alternative, and I made a deal and picked up a new vehicle last week.  Here it is:

2014 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X in Metallic Blue.  It has every option they offer, and then some.  Leather, sunroof, navigation, bluetooth, Sat radio, skid plates, bilstein shocks, hill descent, sonar, reverse camera, Rockford Fosgate 10 speaker system, factory spray in bed liner with a their Utili-track system, roof rack, ect.  Everything!  

Rest in peace Old Blue.  Losing you was like losing an old friend.  We had some great memories.  Thanks for always getting me home.  I will miss you.

William

Slammed

No, I have not quit blogging.  I know it seems that way.  I'm sorry for the lack of updates.  I started a new job on Monday, and I have been slammed.  I hope to maybe get time on Sunday evening.  Again, thanks for being patient. 

William

Giddy

Sorry it's been a while since an update.  I will have a long one after this weekend.  The boys and I are going to Galveston this afternoon and coming back on Memorial Day.  This combined with a visit to Grandma's house last weekend should make for a lot to write about.  I'm looking forward to it.

William

Risen

Well here it is, Saturday morning, and it sure is quite around here.  No kiddos this weekend, so I'm a bit bummed.  At least I will get to see them in a couple of hours during Christopher's soccer game.  I am certainly looking forward to that.

Last weekend I did have the boys, and we had lots of fun.  The fun started on Friday night.  It was Little League Baseball night at the Frisco Roughriders ball park.   Tickets included all you could eat Brats, Hot Dogs, Nachos, and Fountain Drinks.  Yummy!

We sat with Aidan's baseball team, and had really good seats.  As a matter of fact, we were right next to the Roughriders bull pen, so we got to watch the pitchers warm up from just a few feet away.  The boys were amazed at how hard the pitchers threw the ball.   The Roughriders won the game, and the park had an awesome firework show afterward.  We all had a great time.

Saturday, we played outside, and the boys helped me do yard work.  After that, we went shopping and then sat down on Saturday night to watch the newest Hobbit movie on my 3D TV.  We cranked up the 7.1 THX surround sound, and watched the Desolation of Smaug.  It was really good.  I still can't get over how incredible the picture is on my Samsung TV.  Just beautiful. 

The boys were super tired after the movie, and both fell asleep on the couch.

Sunday morning was Easter.  Easter has always been very special to Lori, so I called her last week and asked if she would like to see the boys on Easter even though it was not her weekend.  She jumped at the chance, so we headed over to her house on Easter morning.  She made us a nice breakfast, and then he boys had their Easter egg hunt.  Like always, the were super excited, and finding eggs right out of the gate. 

The both made out like bandits.

We had a really nice time celebrating Easter with Lori. 

After we left Lori's house on Sunday afternoon, we had a pretty quite time the rest of the day.  We stayed around the house mostly, and I cooked a nice Easter dinner.  All in all it was a wonderful Easter weekend.

William

P.S.  Tuesday for my first time to attempt a Prime Rib Roast.  I marinated it overnight, and then put it in the oven on convection at 215 degrees for 3 hours.  It turned out fantastic!  I was so proud of it, I took a picture of the outcome.

Delicious!!!!!

One Year And I'ts Still Surreal

It's really hard to believe that this coming Friday will mark the one year anniversary of my dream life coming to an end.  I am still left in a haze when I think about what has transpired over the last 365 days of my life.  I really don't think I will ever lose that feeling of disbelief.  The scars run deep and the pain I'm afraid, will follow me to my grave.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about what might have been.  What a wonderful life and family I once shared.  I love the boys will all my heart, and I try harder than ever to make them happy and fulfilled, but it's not the same.  It's hard to describe.  The boys, as strong as they are, feel it too.  There is just a void that lingers.......that permeates each day.  You try so hard as a single parent to distract the kids as much as possible to keep that void suppressed, but there are times.....certain instances, that invoke memories of a better time.  The emptiness that you feel during those times is difficult and sad.

I certainly hope that one day I will be able to make it through a day or a night without thinking or dreaming about my marriage to Lori, and the wonderful "family" we created and shared.  Everybody tells me that eventually I will be at peace with what has transpired, and time will wash away any pain and grief.  I hope they are right I guess, but forgetting about the dream that I worked all my life to obtain seems..............unfair.  I guess time is merciless for a reason.

On to better things:

The boys are enjoying the school year, and growing like weeds.  Not only are they physically growing, but mentally they are maturing faster that I could imagine.  Aidan is as smart as a whip, and I am constantly in awe of how easy he seems to absorb and process complex issues and problems.  He has a drive when it comes to learning, even at 11,  that I wish I would have had at any point in my life.  Christopher is also becoming more and more aware of his abilities.  He is reading way past his age, and something recently seems to have clicked when it comes to his studies and understanding what is needed to succeed.  If we can just get him to "like" school, instead of just "going" to school, than the sky is the limit. 

Both boys make me immensely proud, not matter what they are doing.  The are both polite, well spoken, and handsome.   Combine those attributes with their intelligence, athleticism and compassion, and you can understand why I think they both have very bright futures ahead of them.  I'm glad I have a front row seat. 

Last weekend I took the boys to see Captain America:  The Winter Soldier in IMAX 3D.  It was fantastic, and we all really, really enjoyed the movie.  We can't wait for the next one.  On the way out of the theater, I snapped a quick picture of my two favorite super heroes!

I really love the boys.......and I can't wait for our next adventure together.

William

P.S.  Again, I'm sorry for the delay in posting.  I'll do better.

Tardy

Sorry I have been tardy with my latest blog.  I should have one churned out in the next day or so.  Thanks for sticking with me.

William

Boys, Beaches, Battleships, and Bonding

As I mentioned in my last post, the boys and I shared spring break together this year. It was certainly a bit different that what we have experienced in the past, but we made the most of our time, and really had lots of fun.

We left for Temple late Friday night. I always try to leave late to avoid some of the crazy traffic that now seems routine on I35. While it wasn't stop and go traffic that we encountered, it was still bumper to bumper most of the 162 mile journey. Traffic was moving about 70mph, which is good, but being bumper to bumper for the duration makes the stress quotient extremely high. I was very happy once we arrived and I could sit down and calm my nerves. We all went to bed pretty soon after arriving, and looked forward to seeing Grandma and Uncle Jim the following morning.

We woke up Saturday morning around 8:00am, and it was sure nice to see mom (Grandma). Once again, it had been far too long since we had been down for a visit. Jim arrived around 11:00 that morning, and we spent the day playing outside in her backyard, and playing various board games. It was really nice to relax and laugh with the extended family again.

Sunday was spent doing pretty much the same thing, and the boys and I really had a good time. After lunch, I the boys and I slipped away for a 1/2 hour or so, and took the Radio Controlled vehicles that Grandma got them for Christmas down to the parking lot of the church a block away for some fun.

I really enjoyed watching them run around and laugh as they were piloting their respective vehicles.

Monday morning came too quickly, and we were all sad to leave Temple.  We had a great time visiting with Grandma and Uncle Jim, and can't wait for our next trip down.

After leaving Grandma's house about 10:00 on Monday morning, we headed to Galveston.  My good friends Kenny and Hailey offered to let me use their beach house during spring break, and we were all eager to take them up on their offer.

The trip to Galveston went smoothly.  We dropped our stuff off at the beach house, and headed back into town to get groceries for the week.  By the time we got back to the beach house, it was about 6:00pm, and almost time to start dinner.  Here is a shot of the beach house just before I rolled out the grill to start cooking some yummy steaks. 

Of course Thunder was super excited about the new surroundings too!

While I cooked, the boys played on the hammock.

We ate dinner on the deck, and enjoyed the ocean breeze.  After dinner, we watched some TV, and then called it an early night.  We were all pretty tired from all the driving.  Want proof?  Well.....

Tuesday morning we woke up about 8:00am and had some breakfast.  We took the golf cart for a morning drive, and hit the marina and the beach to check out the water.  It was still early and a bit chilly, so we were still in our sweat pants and long sleeve shirts.  The water was cold, but that did not deter the mentally ill boys from going wading in their sweats and getting soaked.  Thunder jumped right on lunatic train with the boys, and was soon soaking wet too.  Me.......well lets just say that I did not have to immediately change when I got home.

After eating lunch, we loaded up the truck and headed to the part of West End beach where they let you drive right up to the water.  We parked Old Blue (my truck), and as I unpacked the back, the boys and the dog made a bee line to the water.  Check that........that should read the crisp 58 degree water.  Brrrrrr............

The boys and the dog did not seem to mind the frigid temperatures, and maybe I'm just old, but it was too chilly for me.  I had just as good of a time just watching them laugh and have fun.  This was Thunder's first time at the ocean, and he was as happy as a fish in water.

Normally, on a dog's first time to the ocean, they will drink the salt water in the ocean from simply not knowing any better.  It usually results in a one day bout of diarrhea and throwing up.  I am proud to say that Thunder knew better, and did not get sick the entire time we were there.  Dante and Mystic were not so fortunate when I took them for their first times.  I was ecstatic that I did not have to clean anything up this time.

Wednesday arrived with a 35-40 mph wind.  To go along with that insane wind, were tempatures in the mid 60's.  Using my keen sense of deductive reasoning, I made an executive decision to forgo the beach and take the boys on an adventure instead.

We headed out to the port of Houston, where the USS. Texas Battleship is docked.  After stopping in La Porte, TX at Whataburger for lunch, we got to the Battleship around noon.  The boys and I were silly with excitement.

The whole experience is very neat.  You get to walk and climb wherever you want on the ship.  There is lots of history to read about, and the ship itself is a beautiful museum.  Needless to say, the boys had a blast.

What a great experience.  Oh, and about that wind............

Ferocious

About a 1/2 mile away is the San Jacinto Monument and museum.  We left the battleship, and headed over to the museum.  Wow, what a great educational experience.  We watched a nice 20 minute HD movie in their theater about the famous battle, and then went 590 feet up to the observation deck.  It was quite the site.

Yep, that's the battleship off in the distance.  Fun times!

We got back to the beach house around 5:30pm and just spent time riding scooters, and playing.  After dinner under the stars again, we watched some TV and went to bed fairly early.

On Thursday, we headed home from our adventure.  I believe everybody had a really good time.  Different that what we were used to in the past?  Well, no doubt.......but fun nonetheless.

Thanks boys for making my life better, and for keeping me young.

William

C'est La Vie

I was married to the love of my life 16 years ago today. It, along with the births of my children are the three happiest days of my life. It's weird to me that 3-14 is just another day on the calendar, now that Lori and I are divorced. Strange. Oh well..........I'll pour myself a drink later, and lift a glass to happier times.

George Bernard Shaw once said:

"There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it.”

He's right.......I've experienced both.

William



PS. Just got back from Spring Break. I should have lots of pictures to post within the next few days. It was certainly a fun week.

Breaking For Spring

After school today, Spring Break officially starts for the two monkeys. Since this is an even numbered year, I am supposed to have both boys for the entire time. Wow, it feels just as weird typing that, as it does saying it. Anyway, I'm really excited about spending so much time with my two favorite people in the whole world.

Now, I wish I could say that I was whisking them away to some fantastic tropical beach somewhere. I sure wish I had the funds to do that. I don't. Maybe 2016? Who knows...... Nope, this year we are going to Temple to see Mom and Jim tonight, and staying through Monday morning. On Monday, we are going to pack up ol' Blue (my truck) and head down to Galveston. My friends have offer me the beach house for the week, and if the weather cooperates, it should be fun. We are going to stay until Thursday morning, and then head back to Little Elm.

Once back, I have decided to let Lori have the boys for Thursday and Friday. I am under no obligation to do so, but I am doing it out of my love for the boys. I know they will miss their mom after not seeing her for a week. She will give them back to me on Saturday morning, after Aidan's first baseball tournament game.

It will sure be a different spring break than any of us have ever experienced. It will be awkward at times, not having "mommy" around. It, like everything else will get better with time.

I will take plenty of pictures. Smiles all around!

William