tales from a far-land

Summer 2020 was an unusual one.  It was a summer of cancellations.  No fireworks for 4th of July.  No Jewish summer camp for the kids.  No blockbuster movie releases.  No family reunions or gatherings.  No swim team or summer sports.  And yet, we were able to find so many silver linings. We enjoyed swimming in our pool with family and friends. Josh constructed a screen in the backyard so that we could watch movies as a family and with friends. The kids did enjoy a couple of sleepovers and playdates. Family shabbat almost every week. A couple of trips to the cabin in Munds Park. Morning walks with the dogs. Family celebrations for holidays and birthdays. Pool time with Sydney and Campbell And Hope and Faith And Addison and Ben And with each other Movies on the Big Screen Sleepovers/Playdates with Gretchen Father's Day Pizza Night Summer Shabbats

Father's Day 2017 was an active one.  One could say that we celebrated it to the fullest extent that we could.  Celebrations began with three/four games of bowling.  The adults (me, Josh and my Dad) had one lane and the kids had their own.  It seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves.  Although, at times, we wished our scores were a little higher. Bowling Josh and the kids Me and Madi Our scores and game statistics After bowling, we joined my dad and mom at Valle Luna for lunch.  I tried to get a photo of me and my dad, but he was being a little camera shy. After stuffing ourselves full of fajitas, chips and mini burritos, we drove over to the nail salon.  The kids really wanted to get pedicures with Daddy.  So, we did.  It was a first for the kids, but I am sure not the last. The final product.  Aiden only wanted to show one foot. We concluded our Father's Day celebrations with an afternoon ful...

To the man in my life who has played so many roles ... Dad, I can never repay you for all the things you've done.  I can only love you more and more for each and every one.   Hoping you have a day full of love, golf and good times.  Happy Father's Day!

Thinking back throughout the years, I am not sure if my dad would agree, but I feel this Father's Day is a very special one for my dad.  For this year, he celebrates not only being a father, a grandfather, but also retirement.  My dad has worked hard creating a wonderful life for me, my sister and my mom for the past 30 plus years in the employee benefits arena. Throughout my childhood and adulthood my dad has held so many roles -- my hero, my teacher, my sports coach, my advocate, my editor, my chauffeur, my cheerleader, my contractor/carpenter, an instigator, my benefactor, my ally, my co-star, my pinochle partner, my kids "Papa" and so much more. However, seven years ago, my dad also became my co-worker. Even though we had worked together in the same industry for eight years prior, becoming his co-worker was one of the most amazing moments in my life.  It enabled me the opportunity to see my dad on a daily basis and learn even more about him, so much more than when yo...