Micronaxx

On a flight last summer, I had the misfortune of scoring a middle seat next next to a tremendously drunk young guy. When he wasn’t passed out from the three cocktails Southwest had served him (for a 50-minute flight!), he began LOUDLY serenading me (and the rest of the cabin) with slurred info about his life. He couldn’t shut up about how his girlfriend was blonde (“BLAAAHNDE!!”) and hot (“HAAAAWT!!”), sharing way too much detail & repeating himself over and over.

Having “enjoyed” his performance art for two hours (thanks to bonus time stuck waiting for a gate), I finally escaped with my wits somewhat intact. At home I treated Margot & nearby Finn to a recap, making the little guy ask, “What is ‘Blaaande‘? What is ‘Haaaawt‘?” I tousled his hair and explained that *he’s* blonde–to which he added, “And hot!!”

This week as I prepared to head to Germany, Finn asked out of the blue, “Is the ‘Blonde, Hot’ guy gonna be on there?” I told him I sure hoped not! Even better, Henry–who’s clearly been on full record mode & is ready for some playback–started chiming in from the next room: “Blaaaand… hawwwt!!” What a proud dad I am. 🙂

Yesterday as Mom-O did a 10-mile walk (putting the “go go” in “Margot”), the guys and I fooled around with neighborhood trash cans, “rescuing” some discarded Swiffers & mops from the gutter. (Hey man, cheap thrills, and they were as happy as clams!) After hauling home our loot, we spent much of the day redistributing leaves around our driveway; here’s a photo.

Soon enough it was time for me to head off to my flight to Hamburg, where I’ve now landed. Finn, recalling our extensive pirate lore, said, “Dad-O, if you run into any pirates, maybe you could bring a broomstick and beat ’em with it!” After we discussed the general incompatibility between long wooden truncheons & airline carry-on policy, he agreed, “Yeah, maybe you could just get a broom handle while you’re over there.”

And to that I say, Avast! Time to Swiff some scallywags into the sea!

Margot kids me for my “grandma stylings,” slinking around the house with a blanket over my shoulders. Finn spied me like this on a recent cold morning:

Finn: “Hey, I see you’re wearing a cape! I’m going to take it off you.” (proceeds to try)
Me: “No, but I’ll be cold!”
Finn: “It’s okay, Dad-O. I’ll just hug you to keep you warm.” (proceeds to wrap himself around my legs)

Heartwarming & leg-warming, all at once. 🙂

I interrupt our regular lad reportage to mention how proud we are of Mom-O & her ongoing race training! Today she blazed through the Go Green St. Patrick’s Day Run in nearby Los Gatos, en route to walking a half marathon on May 1st. Way to go, P! We’re so proud of you. (And thanks, by the way, to all our great family & friends who’ve contributed to Margot’s ongoing fundraising efforts on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!)