FAMILY

I'm struggling with both writers block and a lack of energy to complete a blog - now in storage.

The subject is that of comparing the concepts of predestination and free will- one that probably will not be of interest to any of this bloggers readers - but, continues to fascinate me.

Therefore, this A.M., I paused to enjoy a CD from Brother Tom. The closing notes of a Stan Kenton production now waft around my small front office as I attempt another blog about family.

Nice way to enjoy a chilly Friday morning. Retirement is great - not just for me - but my wife who is recently retired. We find a lot more time to talk about everything - and nothing.

Early last evening we were healing our wounds after helping the economy at a local Cadillac dealer to the tune of about $1600 - one more reminder of the expense side of a good 2 1/2 month vacation.

We commiserated at, of all places, Hooters - located just down the road from the Caddy dealer, a good place to enjoy some Mondavi Pinot Grigio. ("You go Mr. Getz!". Oops, was lulled away by Stan Getz's mellow version of "Early Autumn")

Wife Phyl and I discussed everything from cabbage to kings - including my lifelong disdain for sauerkraut.

Primarily though, as we often do, we talked about our five kids and their families. We recently spent 2 1/2 months with my three and their progeny of nine.

These are the grandchildren with whom we had passing sight of as they moved from place to place at whatever family affair we visited. You sort of enjoyed them in bits and pieces with a few serious discussions interspersed. A good mix.

When you haven't been around kids for so long, that was fine with us - and we do love them dearly even if we were slightly overwhelmed at times.

We admit to having looked forward to a long but enjoyable weekend with Phyl's youngest, Tad, up in Baltimore. Tad is not married and is sans kids.

Tad's hosting skills are superb and include spurts of conversation infused with periods of just sitting and saying nothing.The man certainly does enjoy cooking new recipes along side his Mom.

Ethan "the elder" son and his wife Jen, now residing in Atlanta, have honored Phyl with her only biological grandson - a great little guy who responds readily to anything that sounds like Liam - his given name.

My three - in chronological order - Bruce, Michael, and Beth have always been a delight and true gifts from God. Phyl feels similarly about her two guys.

Both are enjoying careers with good compensation and job satisfaction and are moving up the ranks in their respective professions.

Our time in Pgh gave us a long overdue opportunity to visit and, for this old guy, to watch in amazement the growth and maturity of my kids.

As always, Michael, who seems to work 8 days a week got the least of our attention. It never detracts from my appreciation of him - a truly unique guy who may not have an enemy in the world.

(Sorry, was temporarily sidetracked once more while listening to Brubeck and Desmond do their thing.)

Anyway, we spoke a lot last evening about Bruce and Patties struggles with the big C - and how amazingly they are dealing with it. This challenge and it's intensity matches the personalities and strong will of both of them.

So far the only dispute they seem to have had during Patties recouperation is how many dishes should remain unwashed in the sink.

This is not my first blog on family. I recently cited their lives, parenting styles, and conquests as my legacy in a previous blog.

I sometimes wonder what a married couple, who have not been blessed with children and grandchildren, find to talk about - with or without wine.

I know that sounds silly - and more than a little self-serving- but I also admit that this subject is often the focus of many of our conversations, and seems to serve as a foundation for a good bond.

(Oooh, got to get back to that jazz. Miles is getting it on with his smooth version of "It Never Entered My Mind" - and Lady Day is about to do her famous treatment of "God Bless the Child" - one of my favorite tunes.)

Life is good.