As I age, I become ever more cognizant that there are fundamental differences between men and women. A few years ago, I completed a second bathroom. Barbara vacillates between using the new bathroom and the old one (the old one is closer to the "central" heating, and hence warmer in the winter). I habitually use the new bathroom (it being closer to my bedroom) and when her migrations bring her into my territory, the changes are hard to miss. My daily ablations required a razor, a toothbrush, and a bar of soap. Barbara uses at least 27 items, 17 of which I cannot readily identify, even when I knock them over in the shower. Further, there are probably 7 whose intended use I could not deduce, even given a ludicrously large incentive.
Another area of stark difference is the preparation necessary for a short trip (e.g. to Tucson). Recently, Barbara needed to be at an early doctor's appointment (0800 hours). She arose at 0600, and since the trip took about 1.25 hours, planned on leaving at 0645. So far, this seemed reasonable to me. At 0635 I pointed out to her that the departure time was fast approaching and, after thanking me for my concern, said she was, "almost ready." At 0640 I again commented on the time, and she was now, "just leaving." At 0645, I again noted the time, and she responded she was, "on her way out the door" (at this point it was apparent she was no longer, "thanking me for my concern"). At 0650 I bit my tongue in an effort to preserve "domestic tranquility" and about 0710 the wheels on her car began to rotate. A quick check revealed that she took three novels, four magazines, three water bottles (two of which were frozen solid), two knitting projects (complete with patterns), a sandwich (breakfast), her medications, seven music CD's, a blanket, a purse, her planner, and her makeup bag (even though she had already spent 15 minutes on that chore). Undoubtedly, this is only a partial inventory. My favorite part of this departure ritual is what I have come to call the, "last second swoop." After she has loaded the car, and is finally ready to leave, she looks around frantically then grabs a double armful of whatever is readily available and scurries out the door. This last trip, her LSS netted the manual on medical technology I have been studying on my enforced lunch hours, and a brief tussle ensued as I reclaimed it. Then she was off to Tucson. My experience suggests that this behavior is typical of the female of the species.
I, on the other hand, exhibit behavior that is more typically male. After meticulous planning the previous evening, I leave the house (ahead of schedule) with empty hands (and apparently an empty head), and then (before reaching Oracle's city limits) return as many a three times to procure items essential to achieving the trips' purpose.
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As you already know, Nathen and Terre's new addition arrived Sunday, August 7. He is a tad early, but unless you are an expert on neonates, he looks quite normal. In spite of what Nathen has to say about the relative positions of his forehead and nose, I think he is a good-looking baby. Perhaps if Nathen's sleep deficit were a bit smaller, things (and people) would look different to him. Kyle Dallan Hatch. I suspect I should have spent more time instructing my offspring in the delicate art of choosing a name. I mean, none of my relatives ever quibbled over the names I chose...
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Ethan was a bit traumatized by his mother's stay in the hospital (as I suspect Terre was also), but enjoyed playing on the hospital bed. He became relatively proficient at repositioning the bed and calling the nurse.
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Jon, Lindsay, et al made a pilgrimage to the southern countries. Apparently, surviving the Washington winters has altered Lindsay's heat tolerance. Still, we (if not she) enjoyed the visit. Daniel is an intense two year old and obviously enjoys life.
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Kaleb is still in the pre-walking stage, but quite motile never-the-less. When you see them for only short periods, kids these ages are lots of fun, but I suspect their parents may have a somewhat different perspective.
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We went to the zoo and Ethan got up close and personal with a brass peacock that sits outside the main entrance. I didn't actually see this event, but photos don't (usually) lie. My mother had a horror story for every event, and I didn't realize how much of her I have in me, until I caught myself thinking, "Well, when he gets sick and dies, we'll know what happened. Fortunately, this bird was in the shade, or Ethan would be the proud owner of a burnt tongue.
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I think the kids enjoyed the zoo, even if it did interfere with Kaleb's nap. What good is a stroller if you can't nap in it?
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Barbara has expressed the opinion that Daniel has the ability to "focus" on some task, almost the exclusion of all other interests. I would conclude from this picture that Lindsay is pretty good at "focusing" on things too...
I have been inside this body looking out for almost 60 years, and from this perspective, I am still a teenager. It is not until I see photos like this that I realize what a fat old man I have become. Who is that old geezer, and what has he done with my body?
Jon seems to be adapting well to the role of a father/provider/pack mule. His sons look a lot like him.
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It was just a tad warm, and a cold soda would have been just the ticket. Unfortunately, the Grinch has the soda contract for the zoo. You can see the resulting price for 12 ounces of cold liquid.
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