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| Eternal clock (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Part One is Nearly Done
My first three weeks of "vacation" have been relatively computer friendly. Though I've not been able to visit all of your blogs as much as I might when I'm home, I have nevertheless been able to make reasonable rounds in keeping up with many of your blogs. Sorry to those of you I have missed, but I think you might understand.
So far I've been able to keep up with the Battle of the Bands posts reasonably well and I've managed to continue posting on my blog Wrote By Rote where I've been attempting to report on my vacation activities and reflect on my trip in general. Things are about to change I think.
First of all I need to wrap up as much as I can here in Tennessee. My time is running out here and there's much to do. I will not get it all done, but I'll focus on the main things. For more on my thoughts about this you can read my most recent post at Wrote By Rote.
Moving On
On Thursday I'll be departing for a brief visit to Charlotte, NC where I'll be visiting my old employer's headquarters and catching up with some of my old work friends. Friday night I'll head up to Danville, Virginia where I'll be seeing my son. Then Sunday I'll start making my way to New Jersey where I'll be for three more weeks. This is when my blogging time might get pinched. I'll likely be doing a lot of babysitting and playing the Grandpa role for my four grandchildren who live there.
For one thing, a new grand baby arrived on July 8th. Thomas John Z came into this world at 20 inches long with a weight of 8 lbs 10 oz. Mama Ada Z has her hands full already with a four year old and an eighteen-month old. She is going to have to have the patience of a saint in the years ahead. Some of you might remember my daughter Ada Z as the designer of the badge for the 2012 A to Z Challenge.
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| Thomas John Z born July 8, 2015 |
Proud Dad Tom Sr had been starting to feel overwhelmed in a house full of females so now he has an ally in Baby Tom. My son-in-law is a big Chicago Bears fan and an ex-football player himself and I'm sure he'll have his son in training with the pigskin as soon as he can. Mama Ada already has reported that she calms the new arrival best when she hums the "Bear Down" song. I don't know that song, but I guess I'll be learning it soon enough.
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| Proud big sister Lillee with new baby brother. |
Time Flies!
My month in New Jersey will fly by I know. I've got granddad duties slated for that time, but hopefully there will also be some time for my blogging duties. Maybe I'll still be able to meet with some bloggers if meetings can be arranged. Also I'm waiting for word concerning a meeting in the Big Apple. If I can swing this it could have some big implications for me. I'm hoping, but I'm also prepared for it all to fall through. Life goes on no matter what and I will simply make up a new strategy if that's what's necessary. I'm not saying any more about this since right now there's not much to say.
I've got Battle of the Bands posts scheduled through August so those will be appearing on the proper days. I hope I can participate adequately for each posting--I will do my best. The one that will probably pose the biggest problem for me is the BOTB post on August 15th. I'll be in the midst of the most intensive travel days of all as we make our way across the country back to L.A. Then my life will be back to normal--or maybe better. Time will tell and that telling will come quickly.
Be sure to come back this Wednesday July 15th for my next Battle of the Bands when I'll be featuring a song about the distance of a notable celestial body.
Will I be anywhere near you in the weeks to come? Can you guess what my song choice will be in the next Battle of the Bands? Anyone want to come help me babysit?
You will be overwhelmed with grandkids. But admit it - you're going to enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll enjoy my time pretty well, Alex. Don't get to see my grandchildren enough and now's the chance to enjoy being with them.
DeleteLee
Sweet pics! Grandpop duties are important! Have a grand time (get it grand time - grand dad).
ReplyDeleteI've been having a grand time so far and I'm assured of a grand dad time in the weeks to come.
DeleteLee
I'll be at the opposite side of the state on Thursday, doing a seminar in Wilmington.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with your grandchildren.
Diane, actually my time in Charlotte will probably be so filled up that I wouldn't have that much time for visiting very far from that city.
DeleteLee
Have fun playing Granddad and the new baby is adorable.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I am of the totally unbiased opinion that my grandchildren are all beautiful.
DeleteLee
Hope you enjoy Tennessee, I remember Nashville, on our way to Nashville we had to wait at Charlotte NC for three hours for our final plane.Beautiful pictures of Thomas,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy yourself.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, since Charlotte is a major hub airport I guess a lot of travelers have spent layovers there.
DeleteLee
Congrats on that new family member! Now you do have a lot to do.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, seems like I always have a lot to do but this kid thing will be a change of pace.
DeleteLee
Sounds like you are going to be living it up with grandkids and be a whisper of yourself in the end from all the excitement. I know your daughter could use a nap.
ReplyDeleteTake care and wishing the best with the possible meeting in New York.
Ann, my daughter does an amazing job with her kids. I don't know how she manages to stay as calm as she does.
DeleteLee
I never had kids so I don't get the whole 'can't wait for grandkids' thing at all, even though Russell's oldest son's fiancee' is expecting. I just don't see myself as a mother or a grandmother. I guess you have to actually like kids, and I just can't relate to children till they are verbal and potty trained. But I hope you enjoy your time with them.
ReplyDeleteI hope whatever is going on in New York works out for you! Then you can reveal what it was!
JoJo, having grandchildren means we're getting older and I'm not totally thrilled about that. When the children or grandchildren are yours I guess it's best that you like them.
DeleteLee
As I scrolled through the comments thinking I could not add much, I saw this one, Lee.
DeleteI will point out that there is an alternative to getting older...may not want to venture into those waters just yet, though!
Larry
I am still ambivalent about the prospect of grandkids.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I wasn't overanxious about having grandchildren, but it happened and it's pretty cool.
DeleteLee
TJZ is a cutie. He can be forgiven being raised a Bear fan for that!
ReplyDeleteCW, don't let Tom Sr hear you say that!
DeleteLee
Grandkids are the best. I wish you could see them more frequently. Hope the best for you and the NY venture.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, when my wife retires I really think we are going to have to make a move.
DeleteLee
Lovely kids and congratulations on the arrival of the new grandbaby. Enjoy yourself doing your grandpa duties.I am sure you will enjoy it immensely.
ReplyDeleteJo, I'll enjoy it or maybe go nuts!
DeleteLee
You are one busy Grand Papa! The baby is a cutie and his older sister is truly a beauty! I have no idea why but when you mentioned planets "Calling Occupants" started going through my head but I know I am wrong
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I'm not sure what "Calling Occupants" is but I like the name and I guess that answers your guess.
DeleteLee
Have fun with the family.
ReplyDeleteMRR, fun is a big part of my plan.
DeleteLee
Lovely pictures of your grandbabies! Have a wonderful visit.
ReplyDeleteLiza, thanks! I'm excited to see all the grandkids and my daughters as well.
DeleteLee
Welcome to my home state, NJ! Enjoy your visit. Well, I know you will, hanging out with those cute kids!
ReplyDeleteLynda Grace, I never dreamed that one day most of my daughters would be living in New Jersey. They seem to enjoy it.
DeleteLee
Family always come first. Enjoy! Precious babies! I'm too South to be on your journey's path. But hey we live close enough to one day meet in the middle.Be safe! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have a wonderful time! Enjoy every minute :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful kiddos! Have fun babysitting :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your grandfatherly duties, Lee. ☺ Kids grow up so fast. As for the blogging duties, I'm sure everyone understands if you can't make all of the usual rounds. No idea what song you'll have for us tomorrow, but, see you then!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new grandchild! I don't have any kids yet, but it's always so fun to watch someone going from newborn to baby to little person in his or her own right.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee - congratulations on baby Thomas and then Lilee looks wonderful looking after her baby bro ... enjoy the family time - and take care with the driving ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI love children, though I'm not having any of my own. My nephew is seven months old and amazing. I would love helping baby-sit, if I weren't so far!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're creating memories on your trip. Safe journey.
Arlee, congrats on the new grandbaby! Thomas is such a cutie. I know how good it mist feel to get that family time. It sounds like you have some busy weeks coming up. Don't worry if you can't visit as much. It's summer, and to be honest, I haven't had that much time myself. But we do what we can:) Enjoy your vacay.
ReplyDelete