The Long Saturday

My Saturday started at 12:00 am when I had just gotten in the bed. Tommy comes in and wants to talk. Tommy and I watch TV and talked in the night until about 1:00 am when I noticed it was snowing outside. Tommy and I got up and looked out at the snow falling. Patty got some video of the snow this morning when the light came out. It was all gone by lunch time!

Tommy woke up from his nap and we were going to go to the park to play. It was way too cold. The wind was blowing and the air was around 37 degrees. So we ended up at “Al’s Toy Barn” that’s Tommy’s name for Toys r’ us. We walked around for a long time and I was able to escape without making a purchase. Tommy did want to sit of the fire truck at the front of the store. Please excuse the chocolate on his face.

Danny's Bedroom

Patty and I went with the farm animal theme for Danny's room. Tommy is beginning to show a little bit of frustration over not being the sole focus of our attention. He is starting to "show off" a little when our attention focuses to preparing for Danny to arrive. Danny is due February 10th. Patty is starting to become very uncomfortable in her own skin and is ready for the birth. The doctor assures us that Danny will carry to term Patty feels he may come early. Who knows?

Blandford Church and Cemetery

This is a photo I took at the cemetery this week following a funeral. The snow allowed me to see the details of this 300 acre cemetery.


Here is a photo of the altar within the historic church. The stain glass windows were made by L.C. Tiffany. The detail of these windows can only be appreciated in person. There are over 30,000 confederate soldiers in the cemetery.


The church building dates back to 1735. The church offers a tangible look back into American history. The location is about thirty miles south of Richmond in the town of Petersburg. Very interesting visit.

Christmas Snow

Tommy and I were out in the snow this morning. Notice his tractor in the back ground, it seem to be a pretty good snow plow as well. Tommy was happy to find that Father Christmas brought him his tractor and a chalk board which he has made good use of; they are really teaching him well at the children's choice. We have been enjoying the snow and an occasional break for hot chocolate.


Tommy is explaining here the molecular composition of snow. While licking a beater with cake batter sticking to it.

The Conductor

Tommy, Patty and I went to see the polar express at the theater this past week. Tommy has fallen in love with this film. Because the film does make some load noises he was a little frightened at first. The local mall had a polar express snow globe display which he really enjoyed. However upon spotting the conductor character, who is played by Tom Hanks, in the snow globe shouts , "Look! The seductor!" in his loudest most excited voice. The whole mall seemed to snicker at his comment. I may have to sell this child on eBay.

Blessing the Ice cream

Saturday Patty took Tommy to go see Santa at the mall. Tommy was such a good boy that he was treated to an ice cream at Friendly’s. Being the fine lad that he is (on occasion); Tommy insisted that he say the blessing before having his treat. Patty snapped this shot as he folded his hands and devoutly began to pray. We asked him what he told Santa that he wanted for Christmas. Tommy reported that he wanted a tractor and some chalk. Looks like Tommy takes after Bishop Joseph in his love of tractors.

The Tiny Snow Man

Today Tommy and I went out to burn off some energy so I took him to a play ground just around the corner from our house. The Play ground belongs to the local elementary school. It still had a good covering of snow from our winter storm earlier this week. Tommy made a very tiny “frosty” the snow man and is seen here putting the hat on him. Seconds later he stands up and gives frosty a running kick much like a football player looking for a winning field goal. He is very excited about Santa coming, I sure hope he give Santa a little more respect than he did old Frosty.