Father's Day

Well, kids, as you know your father rocks (see previous entry). I think that while you are still 4, 2 and 1, no one truly knows how spectacular your dad is better than you do - and I love how much you adore him. I also know that when you read these entries for the first time you might have some other ideas about your father and I's "coolness", but I guess we'll see.

My favorite thing, if I could have just one about your dad, is that there is nothing he loves more or anything that he loves better than you guys and me. Everything else is second place - including himself. Not everyone can say that about their dads.

The thing about becoming a parent is that once you are someone's mother or father, you gain a bit of immortality. Because no matter if the time period that you are able to change diapers, tie shoes, give advice, pay tuition, yell, listen, hug, and love is for weeks, years, or decades; when you are gone, you're still someone's father, mother, grandmother or grandfather. That part never changes.

If someone asked me about my own grandmother, I wouldn't say I don't have one. I'd say, "her name was Edith and she loved to have parties". Or "her name was Helen and she loved the Minnesota Twins and Kirby Pucket". We're all still very sad because of Grandpa and Uncle Tom, but I'm remembering today, that they're still a big part of our family. When someone asks you about your Grandpa or your uncle, you'll be able to smile and say, "his name was Tom and he loved me." And it couldn't be more true.

We've worked hard to make this a nice day for dad - but I think the best thing that you'll do for your dad today was cuddle with him in bed. You read the newspaper (there were pictures of the Wild Things in the comics) ate cheesy eggs (only Finn really likes the eggs - Seamus is still an apple-man), and we got to enjoying sitting against big pillows with the beginnings of a summer tan, the cool breeze coming through the window, and that was the best gift of all. You might not remember today - but the happiness that settled over us at that moment becomes one of the translucent layers of our family's love. And that love stays long after we're gone.

There's a poem I've been thinking of that I want to include today, it's from a silly cabin book, but something that has stuck with me since I was a little girl.
From Tom Hegg's poem, Grandpa's Hands:

Grandpa's hands may be at rest
But we will be forever blessed
Because hands that did their loving best
Can never lose their touch.

Some photos...

Alcatraz!

This was my 4th time competing in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon with the one (the only) Charlie. He's a lot faster than I - but I have a blast riding the boat out with him before the plunge. He also has other wonderful assets - he provides me a sweet bike for the race, numerous accessories (water bottles, towels, etc.), multiple tivo'ed episodes of The Office, a place to stay, and Andrea - whose love, baking, and cooking prowess are only outdone by her good looks and willingness to await us at the finish line with champagne.



On a sidenote - I defeated Charlie for the first time ever this year. I beat his transition from the bike to the run by 5 seconds! After years of combing statistics looking for one aspect where I may have edged him out - VICTORY! (He must have fallen down) Feel free to email him and comment. If you're looking for a subject line, you might use "James owns Charlie" (just a suggestion)




^{Does anyone know which way the weight room is? Is it that way?}




I always miss the fam lots at this event - we need to accelerate their training so we can all do it next year. In an attempt to try and play up the event for the kiddies- I gave this little speech on the way to the airport, "Daddy's going to visit Charlie. We're going to plunge into the icy, shark infested waters of San francisco Bay; Bike the grueling elevations of SF; then run the dreaded sand ladder in our quest to Escape from the Rock {insert dramatic pause}" They were very quiet...although Finn did warn me (as he does daily) "Don't fall off your bike, Dad." Very helpful, Finn. Thanks. However, every time I called home, Seamus greeted me with extensive questions. "Dad, is the sand ladder made of sand?" "Do you take a boat to the sand ladder?" "Could I do the sand ladder with you?" "Could I ride my alleycat behind you to the sand ladder?" "I want to ladder the sand, but I don't like deep water. Is the water deep?" Evidently, the sand ladder captured his imagination. Here's a picture that captures it a bit - it goes for 400 steps.


Many thanks to Margo and Julian for hosting us for a post race dinner! We had great food - Margo is an excellent cook. And they treated us to their great views of the city. We played "Stump the Julian" by randomly pointing at distant locations from their deck - but lost. While, again, a visit with margo has come and gone without a picture - I've posted this picture of her and Julian to prove that they do, in fact, exist. Thanks again, Margo and Julian!

A good time was had by all. Party.


Thanks Anne, Seamus, Finn, and MJ - for rooting me on, loving me from MN, and welcoming me home! Go Dougherty summer of fitness!

Enter the Chino

Darren Chin, a great friend from our SF days stopped by to visit on his cross country drive from LA to Boston. Being us, we convinced him to stay a day longer than he intended, so we declare victory.

While we (allegedly) did lots of fun stuff, this was the only picture taken.




One of our other great friends, Margo (of ukelele, banjo, and "camp schneeman" fame), was also in town - we didn't get a single picture of her.

Fun weekend - but, alas, no proof.

We love you, Darren. We love you, Margo. Come move to Minnesota. It's way better than those silly places where you live.