Well, excuuuuuuuuse me!

On the reading front, I am behind in what I want to read and in what I have to read. My own fault. However, thanks to Charlie and his HGE Gifter, I recently read Steve Martin’s autobiography Born Standing Up. It’s a slim volume; Charlie and I both wished for more pages between the covers.
I have a weakness for Steve Martin. His early standup routines made me laugh uncontrollably, until I nearly fainted. Dad/Larry and I bought his records (Yes, records. 33-1/3 rpm.) and listened to them over and over. His Egyptian routine, and his interpretation of Michael Jackson’s "Billy Jean", Two Wild and Crazy Guys…all hysterical. I had to wear Depends while watching The Jerk.

So, what about the autobiography? I half expected it to be akin to a comedy routine, which it wasn’t. I hoped it would be funny, which it was, but almost incidentally. Martin’s eclectic interests and talents--- from art to philosophy to challenging himself to perfection as a comedian, and more--- are intriguing pieces of his self-story. He starts connecting the pieces, but then he backs off rather than pushing on. I want to know more.

Oh wow, on a quick search I found this website—more Steve Martin to enjoy! http://www.compleatsteve.com

Visiting Miles

How did it get to be 4:30? I'm swimming in papers to read and grade, not to mention final grades to finish. It's all due on Monday by noon. I have no one to blame but myself, so after I write this blog entry, then empty the dishwasher and check my email, I'll get right to it. Wait--maybe I'll take out some garbage, too. Do you think intentional procrastination is more than a venial sin?

Yesterday I went to O-Town to see Miley while his mommy went to her six-week post partum check-up. Annie is doing great, and loves to share the story of her exam with anyone who will listen. I'll leave it up to you to ask her about it. I also played with Miles while Annie went to her office Christmas party in the evening. Tanner was officiating a bball game in Mankato, so he missed the party. Miles and I talked about any number of interesting things. Thanks for a fun day, Miles!

Larry/Dad/Paco/Grandpa is feeling better, but not 100% yet. He expressed concern about his protein deficiency over the past few days. How about a nice greasy pork chop? Or some Schmidts' beef tips?

Miles, staring intently at a large caterpillar that
got into the house during the night

Miles cries over the late arrival of Daddy's
perpetual golf calendar, a belated Christmas present

"I've got my firetruck suit on in case I'm needed.
Will somebody please teach me how to slide down the fire pole!"

Snuggle time

Bloggus interruptus

Sorry folks. I've been (pick one)
under the weather
not up to par
in bad shape
green around the gills
out of sorts
sick as a dog
feelin’ poorly
not myself
run-down

lately and haven't wanted to write about my symptoms for the world to read. It wasn't pretty. Let's just say both Larry and I used a lot of this recently:

I'll be back...

Where is everyone?

'Tis six days after Christmas
in the Potts Church Street Daycare;
Not a baby is here now...
It's so sad, Grandpa Lar!
The babies are back
in NC and O-Town
And now Grandma Jill
is wearing a frown.
Uncle Charlie and Aunt Angie
are in Richfield once more.
They'll rest peacefully tonight
sans Paco's loud snore.

Clement C. Moore had a knack for rhyming; I find it irritating to write that way. I'm sure you'd never guess! This is the best I can do, despite perusing my Night Before Christmas book collection for inspiration. Hannah and Miles, we miss you. Elisabeth, Evan, Charlie, Angie, Tanner, and Annie...we miss each of you, too! It was a wonderful week of watching Hannah smile and play, and hearing Miles squeak and toot. We won't mention how the little guy smelled.

Miles, chillaxin'Hannah, in her kickin' new leggings

We're not just cousins, we're buddies

Introducing the Prince and Princess of Patagonia

"There, Baby Miles. You'll stay nice and warm now!"
The wrestling match ends in a tie

Hand-holding cousins

Fun with Hannah and Miles

My attempts to write blog entries this past week have failed completely. The Church Street Daycare Center is open for business and the employees are kept busy with Mr. Miles and Miss Hannah as clients. Some days the ratio of adults to babies is 8 to 2; too bad the babies get so little attention! Rather than prattle on and on about how cute Hannah and Miles are, you can see for yourselves...

Auntie Elisabeth (taking precautions not to spread a nasty virus)
and Uncle Evan meet Miles for the first time.
Angie and Charlie, wondering why the babies are getting
all the Christmas presents

Angie, a.k.a. "The Baby Whisperer", with Baby Miles

Annie and Miles at Great-Grandpa Charlie's house on Christmas DayHannah catches snowflakes on her tongue on Christmas night
Hannah-in-Wonderland grows giant legs

Hannah and Miles love being held by Grandpa Larry...most of the time

Snow runners--Angie, Evan, Elisabeth, & Charlie
Tanner, Annie, & Miles--chillaxin' together
Hannah fills Grandpa Larry in on the latest in Mother Goose rhymes
Hannah, devouring a book
Sweet dreams...

GG Charlie meets BabyG Miles

Today Great Grandpa Charlie and Miles met for the first time at Miles' home in O-Town. Their 84 year age difference didn't matter a bit: they got along like old friends.

GG Charlie, Annie, G Larry, & BabyG Miles chatting it up

Two grandpas and a baby
Great Grandpa Charlie holding bear-foot Miles

Miles, telling Great Grandpa Charlie a good story
What made Grandpa Larry go into a trance?

Well, it's the whiff of DIAPER GAS he detected coming from innocent little Miley. That boy can toot! In fact, Annie and Tanner refer to him as Tooter McTooterson. I must admit I witnessed/smelled the foul odors, too. How does an adorable and gentle little feller like Miles have such a large carbon footprint (or rather, fartprint??)?