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Tonight at the dinner table

2008-07-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Lately, we've been trying to reinforce the "please" and "thank you" routine at the dinner table.�

�So tonight, after listening to Stephen demand "more, more" repeatedly, I asked him "More what?" �To which he replied "More water!" �Not satisfied with that reply (obviously), I asked him "What's the magic word?"

Stephen: �"Hocus pocus."

Literally, a Web Log

2008-07-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

For grammar and usage Nazis, a blog that tracks abuses of the word "literally."

http://literally.barelyfitz.com/

Literally.

Oh, Wrigley

2008-06-15T05:47:00.001-07:00

I did something this week that's been on my list for a while -- attended a game at Wrigley Field. I think it was meant to be. A seminar I was interested in was being taught in Chicago, and my supervisor at work ordered me to spend some of the office training money. So what's the next logical thing to do? Check the Cubbies' schedule. And 'lo and behold the lowly Braves were scheduled in for three games. Perfect.

I knew Benjamin has occasional business in the Chicago area, so I talked to him about whether he could arrange things to be there, too. And he did have a meeting in the general area, so we scheduled it for Wednesday evening and I bought two tickets at Stubhub. He drove into the city from South Bend, Indiana, returned his rental car and we met up at the venerable old Congress Plaza Hotel, which was a trip in itself. We caught the subway a couple of blocks away and rode in a train full of Cubbies t-shirts and hats (no problem knowing which station to get off at) to the park.

Except for Fenway, Wrigley is the oldest major league ball park in the country, and the best one I've been in to watch a game. Although it holds 41,000 fans, it has a very intimate feel, almost like a minor league field. And there is, of course, the ivy. As Braves fans, Benjamin and I kept a low profile, but the crowd was mellow, probably because the Cubs are leading the NL East. There's a real sense there that this may be their year after the long drought. We had three beers each, talked about a bunch of stuff, and watched the Braves go down in ignominious defeat.

At the end of the game, we decided to savor the park for a while longer, and were surprised that the crowd didn't trip over itself trying to get out like they do here in Atlanta. Instead, they stuck around and broke out singing the Cubbies National Anthem. It was quite moving.

Finally security signalled us to depart, and we headed back to the train.

The seminar? That was good, too.

You are all invited!

2008-05-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't regular readers of decaturga.com, this is your official invitation to the Grand Opening of the new McKoy Pool!

On Friday, May 23, just in time for Memorial Day (and Decatur Arts Festival weekend) McKoy will unveil its new facilities (see drawing at left). Mayor Floyd will be in attendance, although it's unknown if the local resident pony or Tom Keating will be guest speakers.

From 6-8 p.m., refreshments will be served.

Fried Coke

2008-04-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Atlanta is often accused of being "white bread city," with no distinctive local cuisine or particular discernible culture (aside from sprawl). Now, though, we have fried coke!

John Kessler writes this week in the AJC that you can get it -- a coke and sugar-infused funnel cake concoction with cinnamon and whipped cream, served in a paper coke cup, this weekend at the Atlanta Renaissance Fair.

It's described by one food critic as "unequivocally disgusting." Aw, they said that about fried chicken and waffles, too.

Gumbo Tales

2008-04-02T04:25:00.001-07:00

When we last visited New Orleans, in the middle of March, Mommy picked up a copy of Gambit Weekly and it contained a review of this book that caught my eye. It had only been out for a couple of weeks and I had some trouble locating a copy at the local bookstores. I finally found one (autographed even!) at the Garden District Bookstore on Prytania St.

It absorbed me immediately. We were in town the weekend before St. Joseph's Day, a big deal in certain ethnic communities in New Orleans, and nearly a whole chapter is devoted to the tradition of cooking and embellishing an altar to St. Joseph, who seems to be the Patron Saint of Just About Everything. While Mommy was at her conference, I visited the altar at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church on Louisiana Street, and it was like entering a time warp. Everybody around me reminded me of my Italian relatives. The altar at the cathedral in Jackson Square was also very impressive.

There aren't any recipes in this book, but there are lots of stories that revolve around food and the culture of the city, and the timeframe spans Katrina, so the losses make the stories even more piquant. Best book I've read in a long time. Next time you come visit, we'll have some Sazeracs.

The author's website is http://www.sararoahen.com

The Move is On

2007-09-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

As some of you know by now, I got a call from King's Bridge early this week and they have a two-bedroom apartment available for Granny and Granddaddy. It should be ready for them to move in at the end of the month, and the movers are now scheduled to pack them out of Texas on October 30. They will probably depart for Atlanta a few days prior to that, the end of the week of the 22nd, and stay either in a hotel, at our place, or in guest quarters which are apparently available at King's Bridge. We're still working on what the options are.

Those of you who might be called on to help in the transition know who you are and we've already talked to you. Now that we know they will be living in Atlanta during the holidays, we can better shape how things will look for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We'll be doing our usual Houston Quilt Market thing starting the 26th (flying out the evening of the 25th, probably), proceeding to San Antonio on Sunday, preparing for the moving van, then driving G&G's Honda (which we're buying from them) back to Atlanta (through New Orleans, of course!) We should be back around the 1st or 2nd of November.

More to come, of course.

A little to the left

2007-08-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

We spent five hours in the Bayfront emergency room today, as Jennifer was experiencing dizziness and light-headedness. Stranger still was her tendency to lean to her left while sitting or standing.

The diagnosis? After ruling out stroke, pulmonary embolism and brain tumors, the docs decided it was vertigo.

I am convinced that this is the blanket diagnosis they use when they have no idea what is making someone dizzy.

Be that as it may, Jen was ordered to take two days off work, and to avoid driving. The hope is that this is a passing inner ear infection / hiccup, and that rest, fluids, and anti-dizziness meds will clear things up for her.

Personally, I think it stems from excessive Wii-ing.

Father's Day a Mixed Bag

2007-06-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

We had a very nice gathering at Benjamin and Ginger's last evening. They did a low country boil that was delicious. And I got lots of wonderful stuff, thank you all very much. I will be inflicting fish-eye and polaroid photos upon you all soon.

Unfortunately the day was not without its down side. I tripped while trying to clean up the basement and made a three point landing (one knee, two wrists), so that almost any use of my hands now involves pain. Tying my tie this morning was fun.

But more distressing was having to have Isabel put to sleep. She had some sort of major medical event (a clot, seizure, something) yesterday morning and became semi-paralyzed. We took her to the vet and they agreed that they could make her "more comfortable" but that she would likely not improve much at her age. So we decided it was time.

So now Fiona is the senior cat (though she still cries like a baby) and the rest of the group is figuring out the new dynamic. Unfortunately it probably won't mean any less marking. Pamela has suggested cutting out the five o'clock feeding in the evening. We'll see how that goes over.

Baby on the Move

2007-06-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks, William has become increasingly mobile. He started by dragging himself a few inches (with great encouragement from Amy E. and Jyotika) to grab a toy. In surprisingly short order, he has progressed to pulling himself around on his belly to create havoc with the dog, his older brother, the cats. He's crawling on his belly like a reptile, and no one is safe.

Pile On

2007-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday: Our daycare person gets sick and has to go to the hospital for a couple of days. (Word is that she'll be fine, just needed to stay for observations). Daddy stays home with disgruntled sons. Jennifer's van overheats on way to dinner, much as it did in Roanoke. We get home to Tampa after dinner, around 10. Diagnosis for van: Who knows? It's working fine right now, but will see the Ford dealer as soon as we get the time.

Thursday: Daddy stays home with boys again. Stephen wakes up with nausea and a fever of 103. Diagnosis: double ear infection and throat infection. He gets 2 shots and another doctor appointment for Friday. We also close on our new house.

Friday: Daddy still at home with boys. Stephen returns to the doctor, much improved. He gets another shot, though he is "90% better" than Thursday. William sounds a little congested, so doctor checks him out. Diagnosis: bronchitis, presumably from germs passed from Stephen. Treatment: a nebulizer, the delivery of which we still await.

Saturday and Sunday: Try to move. Wonder how far we'll get.

There's More than One Way to Become Famous

2007-04-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

Baton Bob
Originally uploaded by robholland.

Baton Bob's contribution to the cultural life of Atlanta was recognized Saturday when he appeared as the Grand Marshall of the Inman Park Festival parade. He has a large following in Atlanta and a flickr group devoted to him. I love the balanced academic tone of his Wikipedia entry.

Make a wish

2007-04-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

Make a wish
Originally uploaded by stomptokyo.

Christopher was in town for the Atlanta Film Festival, so at his suggestion we had an early birthday party for Benjamin yesterday. Actually we did it up rather nicely. Mommy got some trinkets at the Dollar Store and we got a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake from Brewster's. We even opened a bottle of champagne to toast A Quarter Century of Benjamin.

Before he got to eat, however, he had to assist Christopher and myself in completing the construction of the new "Clubhouse" in the backyard. The instructions said it required two people and two ladders to get the roof on, but it was more like three people and three ladders.

Happy birthday, Benjamin!

I Will Get a Papi To Do It

2007-02-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, since none of the brothers posted a birthday blog here for their little sister, I suppose it is a father's duty to see that things are put right. Moon turned 23 on Monday, and was taken out by friends in Nashville. After opening her birthday stocking and speaking to her parents. She will be home in Atlanta for a few days starting on Thursday, then off to Vegas to visit Max while on her spring break. Her early entrance into Atlanta is to accommodate a callback interview with a law firm here for summer employment.

Happy birthday, Pamela!

Dreamland

2007-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

We now have adopted the northern route to New Orleans, spending the night in Tuscaloosa on a late afternoon start. Not that Tuscaloosa has such fine hotels, but because Dreamland Barbecue is there.

They sell one dish: A slab of ribs, accompanied by American white bread and sauce. No sides available. Two domestic, two imported beers. Sweet tea.

Best ribs on the planet.

The Big Six-Oh

2006-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my favorite daddy! We love you.

Happy Birthday Geoffrey!

2006-11-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Geoffrey. Loving husband, doting father, cat fancier, mini-van owner, and jolly good fellow. May your extended warranty serve you for many years to come.

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving for the Georgia branch of the Hollands (at least part of it) was in Hilton Head, SC, at Tom and Spring's place, where Geoffrey and Jennifer and the grandchildren gathered, along with Travis. Jen's grandmother and grandfather, Colleen and "The Gonk" also attended.

We didn't get there without tribulation, as the mini-van broke down on I-95 near Rincon, Georgia and we had to wait for a tow, and rent a car. Tom and Spring were kind enough to drive down from Hilton Head the day before Thanksgiving to give us a hand in getting all of our stuff moved, as all we could rent on short notice was a Ford Focus. We are forever indebted to them.

Eventually we bought a new van, which is a story unto itself. Some of you have heard it, but it involves Tom knowing about a good deal on basic-model Ford Freestar models at the local dealership (about half-price of new for some 2005s with less than 2000 miles on them). Ended up, we bought one, Geoffrey and Jennifer bought one, and Al and Colleen bought one. They were a little amazed at the auto dealer, but happy to take our money.

We got home safely yesterday afternoon after disposing of the old van in Rincon, and Pamela left for Nashville this morning. G&J and kids and Travis were headed back to Tampa today as well. Onward to Christmas!

RIP Wesley

2006-11-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I took the Wes Man to the vet to be put to sleep. That's the term we always used in my family, though in the south they use the inelegant and rather brutal "put down." Whatever. The boy's quality of life was gone, he could hardly limp to the water fountain and wasn't eating, and had developed abscesses in his mouth, apparently typical of cats with kidney failure. It was more emotional than I thought it would be -- I lost it in the vet's office -- but he's been the sweet mainstay of the cat colony for nearly 20 years and we will miss him.

So now the cat karass is down to six, and I doubt we will be adopting anyone new. We got Wesley's "replacement" (see accompanying double portrait) a couple of years ago, and he has his own style.

Isabel seems to be dealing with it. She has spent a lot of time with Wes the last couple of days, like she knew something was up, and she asked no questions when I came home with an empty cat carrier.

Happy Halloween

2006-11-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hope Everyone Had A Great Halloween, I Did!

Stephen

Home at last

2006-10-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Snooze
Originally uploaded by Gerver.

Having prepared for at least another few days in the hospital, it was a pleasant surprise when Jennifer and William were discharged Saturday.

Both are doing fine, though Jennifer will continue taking Coumadin for another 6 mos or so.

Meanwhile, Stephen and I are doing our best to adjust to family life again. Those 5 days of the bachelor life really spoiled us.

Thanks to everyone for the love and support. We'll do our best to keep the photos and (eventually) video coming.

William Maxwell Holland

2006-10-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Not. Happy.
Originally uploaded by Gerver.

Well, the baby down the hall may soon be declared number 300 million, but we came close.

Big Willie was born at 8:02 am today, at a hefty 8lbs 5oz, complete with curly brown hair and chunky cheeks. Mommy and baby are well, if exhausted.

We'll get some more flattering photos up on Flickr as the day wears on, so stay tuned.

Stephen's Pre-cake Dessert

2006-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Stephen's Pre-cake Dessert
Originally uploaded by Gerver.

Happy Birthday, Son. There will be more from the boy's big day to come.

Christmas in July

2006-07-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Even as we get ready for Benjamin and Ginger's wedding next week, we're already thinking ahead to the Christmas follies, when there will be three babies in the house. Mommy has been trolling Craig's List for baby goods, especially a Pack 'n Play, and we found an almost brand new one from a couple in Toco Hills for just $35.

I put it up to see if it was all there, and it was a great object of cat curiosity. That's Leo on the interior. Later, we managed to retrieve all the pieces of the mobile.

We're looking forward to seeing everybody in Charleston next week. It looks like we will be arriving Thursday evening (July 13) and have extended our rental of the house by one day, so space is available there starting Thursday night, through Sunday night. I will e-mail everybody with the address and entry code (it's a lockbox).

Happy Birthday Nicholas!

2006-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

nicholas & stephen
Originally uploaded by stomptokyo.

That's right, it's the Na's birthday today. He's the one on the right.