The End is Here

No this is not some sort of prophetical assessment of the end of time. It's just the realization that the calendar now gets flipped to a new start and that all the things, goals, agendas and plans that were established in 2014 are now gone.

I was thinking this morning as I was running around the loop in my neighborhood that this would be the last time I would run it......this year. I finished 600 miles of running this morning contemplating how many times I began that route. Probably close to 200 times, (42 times in one day).

During my run I tried to lift my head and look around and see what I so often probably miss because my eyes are focused on the road ahead. How much am I missing? Who have I not seen? I realized this while I was running in Colorado. Such a beautiful sight, it would be a shame to run thru this country and not be aware of my surroundings. I should always be at the forefront of my attention and focus.

There are many lasts:

It was the last time I would go to work.......in 2014. 

It was the last time I would eat pizza.....this should be so true but it is so good!

It was the last time I would wake up......sounds morbid, just recognizing.

It was the last phone call, last email, last text message, last Skype, last blog post, last voicemail, the last piece of digital communication in 2014. How will I communicate in the new year?

It was the last time I would kiss my wife, hug my wife, tell her I love her, tell her I'm sorry, tell her a silly story, make her laugh, make her cry, be grumpy towards her, hurt her feelings, lay down beside her, wake up next to her, stare into her eyes and hold her hand. A painful thought if it couldn't exist in the new year. How will I do these things tomorrow......and the next.......and the next......and forever?

At the office there are many last times. Last time to drive to work, last time to sign in, last time to log in, last meeting, last phone call, last project, last invoice, last check, last bill, last time I clean my desk (okay I don't do that now), last time to doodle an idea, the last time to make a difference, last time to leave the office. What will we do different at IONIC tomorrow? And the day after? How will I feel when it really is the last time?

It will be the end of our silly doggie greeting us so energetically when we arrive home. Whether we have been gone all day or just five minutes, we get the same loving greeting.

It will be the last television show, last movie, last article to read, last scripture to recite, last broadcast to hear, last song to sing, last time to wake up to birds chirping, last time to go to sleep with fireworks blasting off (illegally) by the neighbors, last time to fall asleep before my wife making it difficult for her to sleep due to my snoring......sorry :(

It will be the end of tasting food......oh so tasty food, not cardboard but really good stuff. Why waste our palettes on things that are not really worth it? It was the end of eating out, the end of warming up leftovers, the end of counting calories, the end of taking my meds, the end of checking my insulin, the end of poking my finger, the last cookie, the last piece of candy, the last time I eat healthy, the last time I cheat on my diet and the last time I step on the bathroom scales.......the last time to be dissappointed.

It will be the end of talking with my children, the end of hearing their voice, no more reading their texts, no more hugging them, no more telling them I love them, no more picking up their babies (our grand babies). It will be the end of sharing my advise, my wisdom (is there any?), my stories, my goofiness, my seriousness, my sorrow, my encouragement, my struggles, my triumphs, my failures, my care, my concerns, my shortfalls, my wishes, my dreams......my regrets.

It is the ending of picking up my clothes off the floor, the end of missing the hamper, the end of folding them and putting them away (okay, I don't do that now), the end of washing the dishes, the end of wiping off the counters, the end of sweeping the floor (okay, I don't do that now.....Rosie the Romba), the end of mowing the lawn, planting flowers, trimming the hedges, mulching the beds, fixing what is broken (okay, I don't do that now), the end of making the bed, of fluffing the pillows, of hanging up my coat, of throwing my coat on the sofa, of trying on clothes that don't fit.....too tight...too big....too old.....too ugly.....never did like it anyway.

It is the end of taking a shower, the end of brushing my teeth, the end of shaving my face, the end of combing my hair (okay I don't do that now), the end of using mouthwash, the end of splashing on colognes, the end of having to go to the bathroom room, the end of sitting on the pot without any toilet paper and having to text my wife in the other room to bring some from the other bathroom......okay, TMI.

If it was truly the end and there were no more opportunities I think it would truly be sad. Just writing some of these was sad. How often do we miss opportunities today that present themselves right in front of our faces that we don't take advantage of? How much time and opportunities do we waste? As time continues to march along in my life I have been given more opportunities to reflect on my mistakes and my misses. Age and wisdom has that effect.

Fortunately for nearly everyone of us we wake up every morning with those opportunities still in front of us. Still the ability to act and react. We use the new year as our RESET button, a time to start over, to change what we do and how we do it. In reality we shouldn't have any RESOLUTIONS. We should be doing the things we are supposed to already, only adjusting them, to do them better than before. It doesn't take a new year to hit the reset, we have one every morning if it is needed. What you did yesterday is in the past and the future is before you to make a difference.

The real question is........will you?

My friends, do not waste the chances you have been given. Do not forget about all the little things we take for granted...........and I will see you in the morning.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

A clean slate to run again in 2015. All that I did in 2014 doesn't matter, it is what I do tomorrow that counts.

The Collapse of Christmas Morning

It isn't really the downfall of an entire empire just the evolution of how Santa and Mrs Claus wakes up on Christmas Day. The kids have all grown up and some have moved away. Each one now has their own Christmas traditions and things they do as their own little families. That is exciting that we taught them to make the event memorable by creating something special together. However it leaves my wife and I a little bit lost.

As our kids grew up we created several of our traditions we would partipate in during the holidays. Some of them were our own creation and others were traditional ones that we adopted as well. They were all fun but now time has passed and it doesn't seem like those Christmas events will fade away. Here is a list of some of those:

1) Cookies and Milk for Santa

We no longer leave out goodies by th the fireplace for Santa. This is for several reasons. First there are no kids to leave them out on Christmas Eve before bedtime. Second, I think one time we did it and the dog kept eating them. Mavrick would surely help himself. And lastly, "Santa" is a diabetic now and trying to keep the weight off. Carrots and almond milk just don't cut it.

2) Mountains of Presents

There were times when we used to have mountains of gifts under the tree. With little kids we could always get more gifts because many of them didn't cost much. Little kids ar like that. Big kids are a differnt story. Their toys cost a lot more these days. Santa and Mrs Claus is on a budget. Bigger presents might actually mean fewer presents. Also we have no clue what to get our kids and their spouses.......gift cards. A little bit boring but at least we didn't get them something that will thrown in the back of the closet. Note: Grandchildren might resurrect this tradition!

3) Using the Number System

When our kids were....well kids.....they were pretty smart. They would eventually guess what was in their presents under the tree. So we needed to devise a method that kept them from guessing as easily. All the presents "from Santa" had numbers instead of names. No names at all. So you might guess the box had Legos in it......but you wouldn't know if you were getting the Legos or someone else. With kids in different part of the country now and schedules of visiting other family this tradition might very well disappear. We still did it some this this year but it wasn't quite the same.

4) Stocking Pins

I can't remember even why we started this tradition. I had made custom labeled stockings for each of the kids and then added a pin to the stocking. In the beginning it was just a pin. Later it began tying in to the theme of each Christmas as we tried to match things up more. Alas, as more kids spending their own Christmas' at their homes, we may see this one fade away too. We had to decide that if you didn't come home for the holidays then you didn't get a pin. It was just too much to make all the pins for so many. Rules are rules. This one was fun though.

5) Stars for the Tree

The last few years it has been a struggle to complete the new star for the tree. We have made a new star for the tree every year for as long as I can remember. A new star was partly a task by one of the kids. They would make up an idea for their construction and put it together. Here recently the star has also played a part in the theme that was established. Now, I have to come up with the idea, make the star, get it finished and put it up. Not always accomplished as quickly as desired. I think it was put up the last few days before Christmas for the last three years. Sadly, this one might disappear as well.

Well, it looks like Santa and Mrs Claus will need to revamp and evolve to keep up the Christmas spirit. No bah-humbugs here......just facing the changes.

Merry Christmas
Eugene Thompson
ET This I Believe.

RUN EUGENE RUN Update

Just a quick update on all the things involving my own personal fight with diabetes. As most all of you are aware, I have finished up six marathons this year's plus a slew of other races all adding up to 600 miles in 2014. All of this in hopes of helping control my blood sugars just a little better.

So the last time I went in to my endocrinologist in August I was dissappointed with my A1C results of 8.2 because I thought I had really been doing good with my exercise and watching what I ate. Mind you I often cheated but only moderately. I didn't think would hurt too much. But it was preventing me from loosing more weight. I was consistently weighing in around 212.

So this visit I had hoped for better results. My blood sugars had been pretty good and I was now down to around 208......and I had done so much more running!

Disappointment again. A1C was still at 8.2 but everything else was excellent. The doctor didn't see how the numbers related to because it was all looking good. Another medicine added that would use my insulin more effectively was the determination. I was giving several samples to try out along with instructions to reduce my dosage of insulin since the new medicine would work better.

The results after only a few days: My blood sugar in the morning have been really really great. Typically I'm high but over the last few days I have been in the 90s and yesterday after my run I was only 80....that rarely ever happens.......like once every two years sort of thing. So I think I might be on the right track and obviously this proves that I cannot just run and expect the blood sugar to be better. I need to truly watch my weight which means STOP CHEATING ON SNACKS!

On the running front yesterday I went for a ten mile run and ended up hitting a full 13. A great run before work. It was my fastest 13 mile pace all year with the exception of the race I ran down in the OBX in May. Not bad for a work out! The accomplishment makes you feel amazing in the morning.

Keep at it my friends. If you have any questions about your own battles with diabetes or just want to chat, feel free to write me. I'm no doctor, just a regular guy trying to figure a way to overcome all of this myself. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting up an exercise routine or changing anything. BTW, I told my doctor I was planning on running 14 marathons this year and although she though she thinks I'm crazy, she is encouraging me!

Happy holidays my friends......Who's planning on a run on Christmas morning before presents?

ET's This I Believe

Eugene Thompson
http://www.gofundme.com/idg4vk

2015 Race Schedule

Here is what I have planned for 2015. It begins quickly in Orlando with a big one. These are my goals but the schedule may change (adding or altering) due to travel/work and my health. I haven't added in some of the various shorter races that I always enjoy running and supporting. Once I know those dates I will update my schedule.

I appreciate everyone's support of RUN EUGENE RUN. Please share my link with others and always look back here for updates and news regarding my success. Always success......never failures.

2015 RACE SCHEDULE

10 January   Disney 1/2 Marathon - Orlando Florida SIGNED UP

11 January   Disney Marathon - Orlando Florida SIGNED UP

25 January   Rock n Roll Marathon - New Orleans LA SIGNED UP

15 March     Newport News One Marathon - Newport News VA

21 March     Shamrock 8K - VA Beach VA SIGNED UP

22 March     Shamrock Marathon - VA Beach VA SIGNED UP

11 April        Swamp Stomp 1/2 Marathon - Chesapeake VA

12 April        Rock n Roll Marathon - Raleigh NC

18 April        Flying Pirate 5K - OBX NC SIGNED UP

19 April        Flying Pirate 1/2 Marathon - OBX NC SIGNED UP

25 April        Rock n Roll Marathon - Nashville TN

3 May           Kalamazoo Marathon - Kalamazoo MI

31 May         Rock n Roll Marathon - San Diego CA

6 Sept           Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon - VA Beach VA

3 Oct            Wineglass 5K - Corning NY

4 Oct            Wineglass Marathon - Corning NY

18 Oct          Rock n Roll Marathon - Denver CO

31 Oct          Wicked 10K - VA Beach VA

7 Nov           Rock n Roll Marathon - Savannah GA

14 Nov         Anthem Marathon - Richmond VA

6 Dec           Rock n Roll Maration - San Antonio TX

If anyone knows any races that I should consider please send the information and link to me. Thanks again for all the encouragement!

Eugene Thompson

RUN EUGENE RUN

ET This I Believe

Christmas Theme

It isn't any secret what my goals and motivation has been in 2014. Run. Run. Run. And then run some more. There can be a lot healing, motivation, reflection, self-understanding as well as the health benefits. So it comes as no surprise that our Christmas theme has those elements woven into it. Last night we spoke with our son in Texas and he figured something about our decorations was going to be reflected in our gifts to them. (On a side note, grown up kids are hard to buy for!) 

Our son s worried that I was going to buy running shoes for everyone this year. I told him he should really worry that I signed them all up for a marathon. Lol........now there's an idea!

I didn't but I did share our full theme with him. 

Life is short and precious. Never let a day go by without letting your loved know how much they mean to you. (LOVE)  Feel good about yourself by feeling strong. (EXERCISE) Take time to smell the roses and to appreciate the taste of life. (EAT RIGHT)  And never forget the most fun you had as a kid should still happen everyday as an adult. (PLAY)

That is all the hints my kids get before they open their gifts this year. But with that said, why don't we all remember some of the best sayings from those stories we heard as a child.

A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Dr Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse

A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Roald Dahl, The Twits

Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You’ll Go

Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

L. Frank Braum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Shel Silverstein

Roald Dahl, The Minpins

Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins

Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

There many times in our lives......while living our lives......that we forget about our life. Never forget my friends. Always remember to live your life.

Have a happy holidays with your loved ones my friend, and remember to hug them tight.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

PS. I know why my wife loves Winnie the Pooh so much.

Texas Sized Granddaughter

We had taken so many pictures of our new granddaughter that I couldn't get the blogger to post them all. Pretty much the greatest thing ever is the birth of a grand baby. Hands down! Here are a few gazillion pictures.

This little one is already growing up so fast. Looks like we need to make a quick trip out to TEXAS soon.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson.

Running in Texas

Saturday morning I decided to go for a run. We had been traveling a lot lately and I was really tired. This wasn't business trip however but a great get-a-away to see our newly born granddaughter only a week earlier. We were in LUBBOCK TEXAS!

I knew that I would probably be running the neighborhood but I wanted to see maybe there was a park, trail, stream.....something I could use rather than running around the block. So this is what I looked up on the map of the local neighborhood:

Obviously the blue dot is me......admits a vast sea of grid. Maybe if I look a little further out?

Nope, just a bigger sea of the same expanding city grid. This is feeling a little like the matrix! Maybe just a little further beyond this image. There could be a park off in the distance?

A patchwork quilt of landscaping and farms as far as the ever seeing eye can see. I really need to get a fair run in since I am two weeks away from my fifth marathon. The marathon of death! Stay tuned for that adventure......until then my friends......run run run.

Have a great day.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Satan Starts Me Out On All My Runs

That probably sound pretty strange but I feel it is true. Just about every run i begin wondering what in the world I'm doing? Knees ache, Achilles startes to hurt, I can't breathe and everything else that generates doubt in my mind.

This last weekend was no different. Let me bring you up to speed a little first. My first marathon was this January down at Disney in Florida. 25,000 runners, 19,235 finishers. I finished 14,076 place, pretty much in the middle of the pack. After finishing it I decided I wasn't going to stop at just one. I set a lofty goal for an overweight, bald old man of 48 years old with bad knees.......I decided to do six marathons in my first year. Yeah I know.....I need a tight white jacket. That's what my family said.

My time isn't great. I'm not really built for running but I need to do it to fight off the diabeties. Agreesive exercise is what helps keep it under control. Keeps my weight down, gives me some ridiculous goals and of course that feeds my competitive appetite. Hey, I get to travel a little too.

So I set off planning my goals and my races. Marathons aren't easy to find locally so I need to travel a little. I look at my schedule and places I want to go......at certain times of the year. I also set up all my 5K, 8K, 10K and half marathons along the way. A few are favorites.

My second marathon was right in my backyard in Virginia Beach, the Shamrock Marathon in March. Great run, I did better. Lots of blisters on my toes and feet. 2793 runners.....yep, a lot smaller. I finished in 2550 place. Do the math, 243 from last place. I guess that is par for the course.

My third was a self inflected wound by creating my own sort of marathon. In June our wedding anniversary was approaching.......our 26.2 anniversary. Yes, you read that right. I decided to show my love to my wife and run around our neighborhood 42 times. Boring maybe. Persistent, most certainly. My neighbors cheered me on as I continued each loop. Only one runner!

Long gap occurred between number 3 and 4. Didn't feel like I had properly prepared. Never take a marathon for granted.....EVER! Number four was in New York in early October. The Wineglass Marathon was in Corning NY. A beautiful place and the fall leaves were just beginning to change. Yep it was tough. Yep the runner field was smaller. 1,962 runners and I was 1,869. 93rd from last place. This isn't getting any better.

So a few month before this I had planned on going to Allentown PA to run my fifth marathon. I didn't sign up right away because I wanted to make sure I could complete this crazy thing I started. Well I goofed up and didn't sign up in time. So I had to find another one. I couldn't believe how stupid I was. A searched all over and most were too far away or not the right timing.

There was one in Jacksonville Florida.......on the 28th of December. That wouldn't work. I didn't want to go down there during the holidays. The other one......near my kids in Colorado. Grand Junction Colorado. So if any of you know your geography, you understand what I faced. This was the Rim Rock Marathon that took place through Monument National Park.......elevation starting at 4800 feet. Yep....go ahead and get me that white jacket now.

Not just a high altitude but a climb of 2200 feet during the first half of the run......with a descent of 2500 feet to the finish line. Pretty ridiculous. Oh yeah, let's through in that the run takes place on November 1st. Average temperature: 50; Record high: 72; Record low: -2........yeah, that's what I was thinking.

I can do it......I signed up. I bought the plane tickets. I was committed......in more than one way!

So why does Satan start off my runs? Well I go to bed the night before with a gazzillion worries and doubts in my mind. I don't really sleep well the night before. I keep waking up for fear I will over sleep. Waking up at 5AM to dress and get ready. That in itself is crazy.

6AM: I go over to the start line which is only five minutes from the motel. That part is great. Standing around in line while race officials search with a flashlight to find my bib number in a box. The guy behind me talking about how last year he ran the marathon in the morning and then went skiing for three hours afterwards......butthead! This is over my head. 

6:15AM: I get my bib on and am so glad the temperature is warm. It's around 55 in the morning. Chilly with the wind so I wear my new running jacket. I poop for the third time. Sorry.....TMI. Nerves and making sure I don't have any problems on the run. I saw a banner once saying that 1 out of every 10 marathon runners poop their pants......WHAT!? Any way, that ain't gonna happen here.

6:30AM: I kiss my wife good bye and board the buses to the start line. It still dark. She tells me to have a FUN RUN. It's a tradition of ours. A neighbor one time told me as I began to have a "fun run", it stuck. Especially when we feel less than motivated.

7:15 AM: We arrive at the site, still dark. Out in the middle of no where. Are we sure their not going to kill us? I sit around waiting, stretching, trying to relax. Not easy. I'm out of my element. All these people look fast. Skinny and fast. The guy from before that was behind me in line talks too loud. He is getting on my nerves. I here him talk about running an ultra in the past. REALLY!? Oh, I guess I would talk about it too if I was able to accomplish those goals. I guess that's why I am doing this thing anyway.....TO BRAG.

8:15 AM: Start time is here. I go to the back of the pack. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I looked up the number of runners..........106. Yes......I will be last. The sun is up. The mountain range is in view. I know the challenges that lie before.......Satan giving me some doubt. Yep, hard to breathe, Achilles hurts, knees creak a little. Go away Satan, get thee behind me.......cause no body else is back there!

8:40 AM: I hit the hills and on mile two. What the heck was I thinking!? This is a mountain.....not a hill! And it hurts. Why did I sign up......I can't do this. Satan get behind me.

9:20 AM: I pass the first check point. Mile post 4.6 +\- I needed to be here before 90 minutes. I'm good. I'm also at the top of the steepest climb.....or so I think. First water break. Cheerful volunteers encorage me on. It is so beautiful out here. Only 22 miles more.......WHAT!? I keep running.

10:chyfx246 AM: I have no clue! Near mile post 7 I stop to pee. Porta potty has an adult diaper on the floor. ITS TRUE! I get out and run faster. Run between giant split in rock formation. Amazing! Lo do I walk through the shadow of the valley of death......is that how it goes? Can't think. Runner walking back to post, she is quitting. Satan get behind me!

Mile 13.1: Some where just past three hours. Yes it's a poor time but exhilaration is abound......now it is downhill.....for the most part. Half way done doesn't exude exhilaration because it is still a long way and I have another check point at 19.5 by a five hour cut off time. Six and a half miles away.....90 minutes.....I think......I try to do the math......brain isn't really working that well......cannot do math. I think it will be close. Satan get behind me!

Mile 15: I look down the cliff below me and think that it would be fine to climb down and rest for a while. No! I look back and can see the safety truck. It's about a mile back and closing in. I'm not last but I'm sure close to it. Hey what if I don't make the cut off point? That would stink. Hey, I wonder if there were any westerns filmed out here. Or any bank robbers hide outs.....I need to Google that when I get back to civilization. Whooooo, a big wind from behind pushing me along. Hold on God.....don't push so hard. I'm going, I'm going! Satan get behind me.....God is with me!

Mile 17: Truck is closing in. I see bike riders pass by......can I catch a ride? No that's cheating! I'm not going to make the cut off. I make up a poem......I forgot it already, four and a half hours and I'm delusional. Here is a car......can I pay them to take me up the road a mile? I don't have money.......just lots of sweat.....it's about 70 degrees. Is that a record high? Who cares? Keep running. Am I going to make the cut off? I'm tired. Satan get behind me! Where is that friendly wind? It tries to push me off the cliff. Satan is catching up if he is pushing now!

Mile 19.5: I think I see the ranger station. Is that the milepost? I cannot remember what the race official said. I think so. There's another hill! Who made up this run? Crazy! Yeah......who is that ahead? I see my wife running towards me. I see my son and daughter-in-law. Familiar faces.......it's the best thing ever. They tell me all down hill......steep downhill. I see the little building about a hundred miles below......surely that cannot be the finish line? Just run.....not going to stop. Pinky toe hurts.....keep running.

Mile 21, 22: I meet Noelle, she caught up with me. We chat....between gasps for breath. Her first marathon....my fifth. We try an encourage each other. Not going to stop. I'm going to make this. God is carrying me the rest of the way. I'm tired. Walk run, walk run.

Mile 24......Mile 25......push......push......I pass an old guy......that's not motivational. His first marathon too. Run walk run walk. Pinky really hurts. If thy pinky toe offends thee......pluck it off.....okay that is a bit much. Easier to run than walk. Last water stop.....mouth is dry. Running on highway.....got to be near.

No more mile markers.....Runkeeper battery died.....no music. I'm on my own......NO....GOD is with me. I must be at 26. I see the turn off up ahead......I must be close. The volunteer is sitting on the grounds....he gets up. I know I'm keeping him waiting around. He points me through the trail and says its 600 meters.......yeah......wait how far is that?

Next volunteer cheering me on.....says its about a quarter mile.......Yes! I see my wife running towards me....in cowgirl boots.....right now she might be faster. Where is the finish? Just around the corner.......yes......I sprint to the line. I hear my name and city over the speaker. I made it!

I finished my most difficult run. In the most difficult venue. Not my best time but.....I knew......I knew I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me. I finished! Satan might have started out but God finished the race. 

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Dinosaur PJs

I woke up about 3:30AM squished in our normally very sufficient queen sized bed. Nearly falling out of one side of the bed I realized that the occupants consisted of myself, the dog, my wife and 9 month grandson.......in that order. By far the ones taking up the majority of the space was both the dog and the baby stretched out comfortably while my wife and I slept on our sides to conserve space.

Truthfully grandma and grandpa couldn't be any more happy to have our grandson say the night. After some readjustment......ie kicking the dog out and putting the baby in between us......there was a bit more room. Certainly a queen size bed isn't ample enough to share with guests. Unable to fall back asleep I began to ponder......so here I am writing.

Glancing over tucked under the covers between his grandma and grandpa, the sweet little shadowy face sleeps away soundly in his dinosaur pajamas. We just bought those things a month ago and he is bursting out of the feet! It is amazing how quickly they grow. I had seen him in almost two weeks and he seemed huge. Becoming less of a baby every day and more of a little boy.

Last night when I got in from work, grandma and Slater were in the front window watching me come up the walk to the front door. A hearty welcome home from both The baby and dog......the dog always greets us with an abundance of joy. Grandpa joined Slater on the sofa while grandma fetched us some dinner at the store. We ate goldfish crackers, read books and made silly noises to keep us occupied.......grandpa makes really funny noises that makes us laugh. That sweet smile melts our hearts every time.

Grandpa returned with food in hand and new toys.....of course. Chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans......and think grandma was buying dinner for Slater not grandpa! Dinner was a big hit.....from ear to ear. Afterwards Slater played with his new musical toys and nearly walked back and forth between pieces of furniture. He is going to be walking any day now........however the scuttle crawl is in high gear. He moves fast all over the house.

Struggling to stay awake it is time for bath splash where grandma gets equally wet. Still fighting sleep.....too early anyway. Slater sneaks a few bites of grandpa's ice cream.....yummy. Also he steals a drink of tea almost drowning himself. That is tasty too. Still fighting sleep......must continue to move from sofa to chair......must stay awake. Grandma fixes a bottle of milk......but he knows what that means. Won't stop. Must keep moving. But that milk is so good.....maybe a sip. No....must resist! Scoot to grandpa again......see what he has.......oh no.......grandpa's sleeper hold......no! Must squirm....wiggle.....get of grandpa's grip.......oh what is this?.......milk?   Yum.....yum.....yum........out in five minutes.

Grandpa wins again.

However Slater's bedtime means it is everyone else's too. Grand kids are the best.

Enjoy every bit of time you can my friends.....it is amazing how time flys.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson