Oh Titus, My Itis!

I haven't been myself for some time now. You see, when we were on the gulf coast, celebrating my mother's 80th birthday, I developed something I had never experienced...an earache. It was debilitating.

My left ear throbbed. Sensory audibility languished. It seemed I had become a conch, hearing the ocean in my head. With one ear hopelessly out of commission, the remaining amplifier did just that...every sound seemed to be coming out of a newly upgraded theatrical sound system. Not the best combination when surrounded by loud children. Just what is it that provides little girls with the ultimate in shrieky voices?

It was murder. Or better, it was miraculous that I murdered no one.

Returning home completely miserable, I caved and went to the doctor. The homeopathic crap for earaches and swimmer's ear drop had done nothing to alleviate the constant pain with periodic excruciation. Now I understand why children scream constantly when facing this affliction. Following the visit, I found myself armed with cortisone drops and antibiotics. Praise Jesus for medication!

Two more weeks have passed. The pain is gone, but the hearing is still not where it should be. I probably should go to the doctor again, but with the current financial atmosphere I don't want to take more time off. So I continue to try some drops for removing ear wax build up (there's probably enough in there to make a pillar candle) and make it through the days at work...barely.

Vacation I: The Games That Bind Us Together

Some might say that spending a week with one's family is an ordeal. They envision bickering, fighting, and old wounds surfacing in puss-like fashion. Not my family. We like being together. Yes, there are hiccups in the road but in the end everyone can be found sharing a mutual love...of games.





One thing you must know about my family is that we enjoy playing games: card games, board games, party games, outdoor games, pub games, or active sports. We revel in the participation, the comradery, the competition. Young or old, by birth or by marriage the rhythm & realm of participation reaches out even to the most wary.

One of the games brought out of mothballs this time was Strategic Command. This predesessor to Stratego & Battleship has been in the family for somewhere around 40 years. Tragedy almost struck when my brother forgot to take it out of the back of his pickup truck, remembering it the next morning after an evening of torrential rains. Underterred by the opportunity to share this treasure with new generations, valiant EMT-like rescue work (complete with telephone books & paper towels) was performed by my brothers.

Games also provide my family to laugh (at ourselves and each other). During an exceedingly high spirited game of Catchphrase there were many opportunities to roar.

Mom: Oh geez! I don't know what it is, but I know it's Jewish!

The word she was trying to give clues for was "yeti." Funny, I didn't realize the abominable snowman had made his bar mitzvah.

Oh yes...we can laugh! Sometimes to the point of wheezing, snorting, or peeing in our pants.

I love my family and I love the games that we play.

First Up North

Before I begin describing our recent vacation activities (which will be apportioned for your ease of reading), I have some business to take care of...

Congratulations to my Blue Ice softball team. While I was enjoying my vacation with family, they were playing their hearts out in a tournament up in Toronto. Competing in the C Competitive Division, they racked up 7 consecutive wins en route to our first ever tournament championship.

THREE CHEERS BLUE ICE!!