inheritance

How far will you take a joke? At times I think I'll go farther than most, and sometimes baffle those around me with the lengths to which I'll follow a tangent. Ironic laughter (even if it's me laughing alone) seems to motivate me far more than what most people would find worthwhile goals.

Perhaps it's my legacy from my dear departed father. He wrote a lot, and never ever forgot how to laugh.

My kids, like most kids, love to play pirate. When I was their age I did the same.

While I undertook the construction of all kinds of pretend forts and rafts, and later learned to sail on salt water, I never did get to dig up buried treasure. As all parents do, I wish to make possible greater things for my kids than I had myself. So I procured a giant bag of coins.

Some years back the European countries about to go over to the Euro had to collect and convert all their national currency and coin. Just after the conversion, these coins and bills became essentially worthless...unless you really wanted a giant bag of loot.

I got one.

Soon enough it became the stuff of dreams as it was enclosed in a chest and given to Isidore with a complete outfit of pirate accessories.

Random specie from many countries; while beautiful they remain totally worthless. But who's counting?

My kids give me things all the time. As most kids do, they gather things as they find them, and take what they think is the best of what they've found and proudly present them to Robin and me. Treasures all, I wish I could keep up with all the gifts I get from my kids. I've managed to keep a few of the more long-lasting treasures they've given me, but some things necessarily are more transitory.

Ellie gives flowers. Flowers fade and die. Sometimes she gives and gives and gives...and while I can't keep most of what she gives for very long, I'll never be able to let go of her. I hope she keeps piling up things for her daddy.

About the only lasting thing I think my kids will count as a legacy of their father will be an appreciation of that which is beautiful. While you can't count that, and you certainly can't deposit that, I hope they'll keep it forever.

Peace, Love, and Frogs

Our family just completed our usual participation in the Calaveras County Fair. Those of you up on your modern literary history will remember the place as the setting of the tall tale written by Mark Twain, and as the one that set him on the national stage as a writer of note.

Thus our fair is known as the Frogjump.

This years winner was "Bozo" who's set a record, not for jumping far, but for consecutive wins, at 4 years running...er...jumping.

Robin, the kids, and I didn't jump any frogs. Perhaps next year.

As usual I have a booth displaying my photography business, and the kids have entered all kinds of things in the local crafts competitions. All three kids won blue ribbons this year! Lego creations were entered by each, and Elizabeth took a first place in flower arranging.

Eat your heart out Uncle Brendan!

I'm particularly proud of Elizabeth for her prize as the competitors were all adult women and she still took a first prize! She's 5....she's amazing.

I've been told for some time that I should enter a picture in the photography contest. I haven't done so in any venue for some time. Having been a judge in the past it'd be a a bit odd to be a competitor.

There is however the "Mark Twain Liar's Contest" which requires one to enter a piece of written balderdash and then read it on stage.

I was pleased to have been able to attend this years contest, but disappointed to have heard nobody manage a particularly good reading. I don't know about the criteria for the judging of this contest, but if the delivery of the entry is any part, I could take down the field next year.

Certainly I could manage the bullshit.

As for the photography...in the booth this year I decided to include a themed portrait if Isidore. So I got him in the rustic garb and posed him at the neighbor's pond.

Something in the spirit of Mark Twain was in order I thought. It came out well if I do say so myself.

We all had a great time, and Robin and the kids had 4 days of just enjoying themselves. A long needed break for all.

Do yourselves a favor; go fishin' sometime soon.

Patrick