A day off...with Bri and Alexis

Awakening to the sound of mi chica is music to my ears first thing in the morning. I open one eye, then after a bit of protest, open the other. Of course, my blindness prevents me from seeing clearly first thing in the morning without glasses. I see big shapes (one is Karen, the other the window) and can discern what are two scientific-looking vials in her hand.

"Good morning, baby, are you awake enough to listen to instructions?"

Interesting, indeed, but it registered that I was expecting this.

"Take this cup, pee into it, and then fill both of these vials up to, but not past, this blue line in the middle, ok?"

"Alright. I think I can handle that."

I had told Karen not to wake me up until the nurse was ready for a sample because after I rise and do business, I usually don't have to relieve myself again for a couple of hours. I didn't catch her name, but the gregarious, somewhat older nurse seemed like she had places to go and people to see.

"Ooooh, wow. You expanded five and a half inches, and most guys I measure can only get two or two and a half!!"

This was her reaction to my chest measurement after a deep breath. Evidently, I have the lungs of an olympic cyclist. I'm not complaining, for they have served me well for the last thirty some odd years. Her scale was mysteriously light by about fifteen pounds, though, and I'm not really sure why. It read 170 as I stepped up on it, but I know I am always in the 185 to 190 range. Interesting.
I'm still six one, so I now know I'm not shrinking. Whew. Not for another few years, I guess.

" BP, One fourteen over seventy. Boy, I'm just wasting my time with you two."

Apparently, those whom she usually visits are not quite as healthy as K and I. Again, nothing in the complaint box as she pokes one of the enormous veins on my arm that resemble a spewing oil well if pierced properly. All is done in a scant ten minutes.

Karen and I had discussed a life insurance policy even before exchanging rings, so this was the formal procedure before binding contract. All is well and we shall soon be covered if one of us has an untimely meeting with the grim reaper. I'm not prepared to cross the River Styx just yet, so I think this is good peace of mind, and I know K won't have to worry about a thing if I ever do hop in the boat for a ride with Charon before our thirty years is up on the term policy.

My sister Mandi just sent new pics of my gorgeous lil' nieces, and I thought everyone should get a good laugh. The email was titled Hannah Montana and Spider-woman. Briana is wearing makeup, and I hope she doesn't get used to that for another ten years or so. I'd hate to be a "Pageant Uncle". Mandi is doing well, and she seemed in good spirits while she was visiting for our reception two weeks ago. She was too kind, and even recited a loving letter that was cheerfully peppered with obscenities and altered somewhat by alcoholic beverages. That alone made me realize how much I miss her. Of course, the fact that she came bearing kick-ass gifts like a featherbed and that she cleaned our kitchen the night of the squad poker game really helped add to her shine in my eyes. Love you, Mandroni.

The Livingstons were here this weekend, down from Omaha for Mary's father's twenty-fifth anniversary, so they stayed at our house with their son, Evan. He's two and a few months, but as big as a few four year olds, so he can do some damage if provoked. We all made it just fine, and so did our house and three dogs. It was a good time seeing them, grilling out, and having other friends over Saturday night for drinking and games. Sailor Jerry really was good to me, but I'm out now, so that means another trip to Liquor Mart sometime soon before the next barbecue and good times. I think the Crooks and Colleys had a great time, too, and Jen's corn dip and my good burgers were the culinary coup de grace. Thanks everybody, for a great weekend. I hope to see another sixty years of the same thing.
CZ