I've been on the road all day, to Louisiana and back, to pick up my son Matthew from a week at his grandparents' house. This was his first Big Trip Away From Home, and he had a fantastic time. Spent his last day bobbing in False River (a lake near the Mississippi) off Mammy and Pawpaw's dock for four hours. He also brought home a dried alligator hide, and a Swiss army knife his grandfather gave him. Because he'd been enamored of catching raccoons in a live trap and setting them free down on the Paper Mill Road in St. Francisville, I gave him a copy of "Where the Red Fern Grows" when I picked him up from my mom and sister halfway between Dallas and St. Francisville; he finished it as we crossed the Dallas County line. His verdict? "Good book."
That's it! When I first read that novel, I cried like a big old baby. Old Dan and Little Ann -- I mean, hell's bells, how can you not bawl? But that's my boy -- no sentimentalist.
We are so glad to have him back! Julie bought a bottle of Roederer Anderson Valley Brut Rose nonvintage sparkling wine for the welcome home celebration. It's really special stuff -- $29 for the bottle, and it's far livelier and altogether more interesting than the more expensive Veuve Clicquot Champagne we usually have on special occasions. I poured a wee glass for Matthew, and a wee-er one for Lucas, and we toasted to his return, and to family. I am so blessed by my children.
(Next week: "Old Yeller -- yeah, nice dog. Too bad he got sick and all.")
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i found the way your wrote about your son delightful. well, i find your son just delightful. i guess your description of his reaction to the book (and the hilarious upcoming reaction he might have to old yeller) is particularly appreciated by me is because i met him once several years ago and even at a few years old he was such a mature little gentleman and quite the reader. it's me- katherine sullivan- julie's friend in oregon. i just totally happened upon your blog tonight after reading an interesting article by frederica matthewes-greene. i found her article by chance also. i've never read her stuff before- what do you think of her? the title of the article i read was "Let's have more teen pregnancy"
http://www.frederica.com/writings/lets-have-more-teen-pregnancy.html
what do you think of that article?!
tumalo@mac.com
Try the Lucien Albrecht Rose Cremant d'Alsace some time. It's $16.39 at Goody Goody on Greenville.
Ah the joy of being in the moment and recognizing that the good old days are often what we are too busy to celebrate. Few men enjoy their family more than you do Rod, and that is valuable to see and read in an era when agressive ambition often precludes actually raising children in any real sense. That's the up side. The 'down' side? Your son's take on a tear jerker classic; Proof that boys raised by Republicans are unlikely to have empathy.
Barefoot California winery's sparkling chardonnay. I know...the word Chardonnay sounds like sugary high heels to me too, but apparently that is what Champagne from nowhere actually is. Think Centennial carries the line. Very socially responsible company, donating wines to fundraisers, etc. Believe it or not, it's a very cheap thrill and absolutely wonderful when combined with fresh sqeezed summer fruits for an upscale mimosa/sangria mutation.
Wonderful title for the post, btw...
Aw, c'mon Rawlins. At age 2 and 1/2, I was very sorry that Goldwater lost (and that GHWB lost his Senate race), but later on I cried and cried when I read "Where The Red Fern Grows."
I'm a big fan of Gruet, New Mexico sparkling wines made by a transplanted French family. $15 at Central Market. The Brut, the Blancs de Noir and the rose are all good. They also make Demi-Sec that's very nice for those times that you want a dessert champagne.
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