Tag Archives: 3B

A First Like None Other or: Back to School

27 Monday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

I know you’re probably tired of all the “back to school” pictures and posts. Well, I hate to disappoint you, Dear Reader, but this one of those. But this one is different. At least this year and next.

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3B

This is the first first day of school that I’ve not had to drive my boy, 3B to school. For the first time in 12 years (Kindergarten – 10th grade – yes that’s 11 but this is the 12th year), I didn’t have to get him out the door, drive through the crazy car line, park or whatever. I did have to get up early and I had to get him up early, actually earlier than the last few years because he’s doing something new, get him in the shower and out the door for him to drive his own self to school. But, it wasn’t regular school. He started his first day of what we called “trade school” in WV but here, we call it “Career Center.” He’s in the culinary arts program and is going to (at least for now) pursue his culinary ambitions. I’m proud of him.

He did good on his trip up there and back to school. I didn’t doubt he would because he has to drive from Pinnacle to WSNC or vice versa several times a week anyway. I think he’ll do well. He just has to keep at it. That will be his downfall, if anything is. Here’s to a good junior year, my son.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” – W. C. Fields

Teaching the Young or: ‘D’em’s Good Eats

09 Thursday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

Tonight I got to attend a soft opening of a restaurant that will be fully opening soon. And, with that invitation came two more spots. The BCPF was already committed to something, I instead took my boy, 3B, and my nephew, Ryan.

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Key Lime Pie

We got to chow down on a wealth of food, but it was the entire experience I wanted to teach the boys. To be honest, be good at what you do and to keep a good name. Also, don’t pester the crap out of folks about things. Just let your work, personality, friendships, and reputation do their jobs.

I’m not talking about the food (which was delicious) in this post (I’m saving that for The Man Who Ate the Town), but mainly the lesson of what hard work and perseverance do for you. They had a good time and I feel they learned something. If I go on about it then I’m just repeating myself and you aren’t wanting to read all that, I suppose. It is my opinion that what I have said is important in getting along in life and in business.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The key to success is action, and the essential in action is perseverance.” – Sun Yat-sen

Driving Me Crazy or: Tahoe You Go!

24 Tuesday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

It finally happened. His mother and I finally got 3B a vehicle. It’s a vehicle that’s very familiar to him. In fact, he’s ridden in it his entire life.

Trey driving tahoe

3B pulling out of the driveway in his “new” vehicle.

You see, Ma Mère got a new ride last week and 3B’s mother and I purchased her old ride. She’s had it for many, many years and 3B and his cousins have been riding in it, basically, since he was a toddler. It’s a 2002 Chevy Tahoe and he was born in 2002. Ma Mère hasn’t had it from the beginning but she got it not long after that. And, truthfully, she’s driven the snot out of it. But, Ma Père is diligent and adamant about proper service, so we know its history, its faults, and its nuances. 3B has driven it before.

There are a few other things we have to do to it, but he drove it to his mother’s house today and she lives in Pinnacle (which is about 25-30 minutes away). He’ll be back here on Thursday.

We have laid down some rules for him, too. Driving times, when he can go places, who is not to be in his vehicle, punishments, grades, etc. So, we’ll see how this goes. I see it being “okay” but leaning toward the “give us the keys” at this point. But, again, he’s only 16, so it’s to be expected.

Keep me in your thoughts, Dear Reader, the whole thing makes me nervous.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Adolescence is a period of rapid changes.  Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years.” – Author Unknown

Settling In or: The Shows that Weren’t

02 Monday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

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The Lonely Studio

Today, after having all the stuff set up and ready to go, doing The Less Desirables so that it was first, and Fan Interference was canceled today. The guest for tomorrow’s The Man Who Ate the Town had to cancel and Kelly isn’t going to be there because of her job. We will have Apartment 5B as far as I know. But, I was kind of bummed. No one has seen the studio outside TLD, 3B, Our Jim and The BCPF. At least A5B will be there. I may still do TMWATT tomorrow, though.

That’s all I got today… Until tomorrow, Scorp out!

—
“We’re all influenced by everything unless we’re locked in an empty room.” – Nicolas Roeg

Wearing Out the Story or: Still Thankful

15 Friday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

In something that I actually hope is a story that gets old (which means it keeps happening), I have yet something else to be thankful for and to be proud of with my son, 3B. He told me last night that I needed to get him up early, when I went to my networking meeting this morning, and he’d do something for me.

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A proud papa with his pride and joy

Well, I woke him up but told him I was going to leave for my meeting. I came back and he was still in bed. I figured he would be, he was up later than I was last night/this morning. I walked in and he was quick to get up and he proceeded to make me a bacon, spinach and tomato sandwich on toasted bread. He even made his own special sauce with mayo, sriracha and Worcestershire. It was quite good.

The fact that he took that initiative is what I was proud of. He wanted to do something for me and it was cooking. However minor, he made it major and I am so proud of that. Much awesomeness in this kid. He’s a good one. I’m glad he’s mine.

That’s all I have to say, now.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“How do you like your bacon?” – 3B

A Second Piggyback or: Old School Style

14 Thursday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!20180614_213549

So, I am piggybacking tonight because I wrote an article for the food blog, The Man Who Ate the Town. It’s been a long while since I wrote a “From the Home Kitchen” post, too. I got to revisit, kind of, an old-school pizza, one that I haven’t had since the mid-90s: a Spinach Foggia pizza from Prince’s on the Park. Prince’s closed in the mid-90s and I have missed it. I don’t know why it took me so long to try to make my own.

Anyway, I got to make it with 3B. The post is right HERE.

Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“As soon as I could see over the counter, they threw an apron over me.” – Mike Prince to Greensboro News & Record about growing up in a pizza parlor in 1995.

Lil Chef or: Watching the Boy

24 Thursday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

I sat and watched my aspiring chef, my 16-year old son, my boy, 3B… I watched him do “his thing.” I watched him cook. Tonight’s menu item was a Mexican pizza. So, I helped a little with some chopping and such but, really, he did everything. IMG_20180524_182503_439

I love watching him do that. It took a long time for him to find footing because he didn’t really have direction or know what he wanted to do. Sure, I know this may be a stop on some broader scope but at least he’s finding something to be passionate about, now. He’s really good at it, too.

He’s the best cook in this house and I’d say he’s probably the best cook in my family. He gives my sister a run for her money. I like to think I’m a good home cook but he’s passing me in technique and style. He’s in “foods” in high school and next year he’ll take Intro to Culinary Arts and Culinary Arts I at “Career Center.”

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He says he has plans to be a chef. We are working on an action plan for after he graduates high school that involves culinary training and culinary school. Again, I know this can change but for now, this is the plan. To perpetuate the ideas of doing this, I got him a full chef’s knife set for his sixteenth birthday last week. He’s been enjoying using them.

So, I am posting a pic of him cooking as well as the final product from tonight’s dinner. It was delicious! Thanks, Son.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m not a chef. But I’m passionate about food – the tradition of it, cooking it, and sharing it.” – Zac Posen

The Last of My Colored Hair or: How Long, Now?

15 Tuesday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, I’m going to spare you the whole “it was 16 years ago today at 2:42pm, that my awesome son was unleashed upon this world” story. But, really, that’s what happened. So, instead, I’m going to tell you about the thing that happened today, which I’m sure you can figure out what that is. But, time’s up and I’m going to tell you anyway.

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Yeah, that’s my kid…

 

Yeah, his mother and I accompanied 3B to the local DMV/Highway Patrol office and watched him and a nice officer drive off in her vehicle. They were gone about 10 minutes at the most and then they came back. I thought, uh oh. That didn’t take too long. That can’t be good. But, the instructor confirmed that she hadn’t been scared by his driving.

3B is a good driver. I still worry about his immaturity but I guess you have to let them grow up, right? I mean Mes ‘Rents gave me room and always hoped that I’d grow up. I don’t think that I ever did, though.

So, yeah, he passed it on his first try. Look out WSNC (and Pinnacle and all points in between).

In all this happening, we didn’t record The Man Who Ate the Town today, but in missing that, I want to give a big shout out to our sponsors anyway. Washington Perk is your downtown purveyor of fine provisions. It’s not a grocery store, no, but it’s better than a convenience store. Sandwiches from the Perk deli counter, a wall of beer and wine, a chip corner, Larry’s Beans coffee and, of course, Wolfie’s Custard. You can find them at 301 W 4th Street in WSNC.

For the best cookies and baked goods in town, much of which is gluten-free and/or vegan, you have to go to The Humble Bee Shoppe located at 1003 Brookstown Ave in WSNC. Brittany makes everything from scratch and as we say, she wants to challenge your perception of scratch-made and give you a baked goodness experience that you’ll never forget!

Di Lisio’s Italian Family Restaurant is my favorite Italian restaurant in town. Tony is my favorite Italian. I’ve never made any bones about that, right? Kelly and The BCPF both agree with me, too. Homemade sauces, delicious seafood and meat options with a variety of pasta to choose from. Di Lisio’s goes beyond lasagne and spaghetti but if that is what you like, you will love Di Lisio’s! They”re located at 301 Brookstown Ave.

Thanks to all our sponsors for everything they do. And, hey! I’ve not received any playlists, yet. Get with it folks! And, watch out for my boy out there on the road.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m not ready for this…” – 3B’s mother, my “baby mama.”

Reaching the Beach or: Shipping Up to Boston

03 Thursday May 2018

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Salutations™!!1tix

Here’s the phone conversation:

The BCPF: “Hello.”
Me: “So, baby… I love you!”
The BCPF: “Um… I love you.”
Me: “I fixed the shower (it had been leaking really badly (I was proud of myself – that’s another conversation)).”
The BCPF: “Yay! Thank you.”
Me: “And… I love you!”
The BCPF (with trepidation): “I love you…?”
Me: “So, I made a little purchase today.”
The BCPF: “Okay…?”
Me: “You know how we’ve gone to several concerts to see your bands and you told me it was my turn next?”
The BCPF (cautiously): “Yeah…?”
Me: “Well, I purchased tickets to something. And, it’s on our anniversary weekend.”
The BCPF: “Okay…?”
Me (after a pregnant pause): “And… it’s in Boston.”
The BCPF: “WHOA!!!”
Me: “I LOVE YOU!”
The BCPF (stutteringly): “Wha… er… um…  Okay, so, two questions…”
Me: “Okay. I love you!”
The BCPF: “First: who is it?”
Me: “The Fixx.”
The BCPF: “Really!?”
Me: “Yep.”
The BCPF: “Okay… Second: how are you paying for this?”
Me: “I had a bit from a new sponsor.”
The BCPF: “So, I don’t have to pay for it?”
Me: “Nope. I’ve already done it.”
The BCPF (still stutteringly): “Wha… er… um… ”
Me: “I LOVE YOU!”

So, that’s almost word-for-stuttering-word the conversation. I partially blame Doug Davis, yes, that Doug Davis for it, although, it’s a good blame. You know, Dear Reader, how I post all these records that I listen to on my Instagram/Facebook/Twitter almost daily? Well, I posted one on Tuesday that was The Fixx’s Phantoms. Doug mentioned that they were still doing gigs with the classic lineup and that they were touring but nowhere around here. I said, “ROAD TRIP!!”

And, apparently, I wasn’t kidding. I went online, as one does, and looked up their tour. There was one in Nashville and some all across the country but here this one was on Labor Day, September 3. Our anniversary – you’ll remember because I don’t dare allow you to forget it – is on September 2. It just so happened to be in Boston. There were four tix left. I bought one. The venue, City Winery, only seats about 200 people it appears so it will be intimate.

We have both mentioned, several times, that we wanted to go to Boston one day. We are also the couple that will talk about doing stuff but won’t actually pull the trigger on making big plans until we “have reason to.” We haven’t been anywhere for our anniversary since our honeymoon and serendipity says that those two stones could be knocked out by one bird. That bird (or Bee-man) was me.

We agreed, once she was able to breathe, that we’d just have to tighten up and save for some stuff. Turns out, I had some Sky Miles with Delta and was able to book roundtrip tix from GSO to BOS for only $56 cash (travel insurance and all). Plus, I still have some Sky Miles to use later. So, that was taken care of. A reason and the transportation.

Now, just to find the right accommodations. I scanned my known inventory of hotels (no I’m no longer a travel agent, but I know where to look) and found something that I know that The BCPF would love (she loves classic “old” places) and settled on the Omni Parker House in the “North End (or just right outside of it)” which is about 2 blocks from the inspiration for Cheers (one of our favorite shows to watch together) and about that far from the venue to see the band. It’s on the “Freedom Trail” and we will get to do a lot of exploring of the “cradle of American civilization (as I call it),” Boston.

The hotel itself has a rich literary history involving both Edith Wharton and Charles Dickens (her two favorite authors) and other literary figures, plus it is where (allegedly) the Bostom Cream Pie was perfected and the Parker House roll was invented. There are about 30 more things I found about it but will save that for when I travel. It was also the least expensive in that area but still a 4-star hotel. We will be there for five nights.

As for The Fixx. I know that I like them. I love what I have heard, which is actually more than what they play on the radio, still. I have three albums by them and really, really dig them. They will be playing Reach the Beach in its entirety which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 12 days (3B’s birthday).  This is the album with “Saved By Zero” and “One Thing Leads to Another.” It’s also the farthest I’ve ever traveled to see a band. The previous record was driving to Greenville, South Carolina to see KISS, Jackyl, and Trixter. You’d think if I was going to do this it would be for my favorite band or at least one that I identify as a “fan” of. Like I said, I love what I have and will learn even more before September. I promise that! So, it looks like we’re going to have fun in Boston.

I know a good bit of you have been to Boston. What would you recommend? I know that she already has most of the trip planned already (not really) but I’d like to hear some “must see,” especially food places and beer places (yes, we’ll probably go to Samuel Adams). Thanks in advance for that!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Crying parents tell their children, ‘if you survive, don’t do as we did.’ A son exclaims there’ll be nothing to do to. Her daughter says she’ll be dead with you. While foreign affairs are screwing us rotten, line morale has hit rock bottom. Dying embers stand forgotten. Talks of peace were being trodden. Stand or fall. State your peace tonight.” – “Stand or Fall” (Curnin/West-Oram/Woods/Greenall/Barrett)

A Unique Piggyback or: Sixth Second On

18 Wednesday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

Note: I liked what I wrote about this day last year so I just copied it and reposted. It’s hard to write this story without repeating myself so, why fight it? I want to bring attention to the fact that I’m still here to annoy you, Dear Reader. I am happy to be able to say that (that I’m still here).

It was five six years ago today that I received my “zipper.” Being at the hospital before the sun came up, getting shaved from neck to (literally) toe, seeing my family, having my (then) fiance – The BCPF – standing holding my hand and trying to keep a happy face, having my parents pray over me as I get wheeled through some ominous doors, being moved onto a mostly comfortable operating table and telling stupid jokes to the operating staff before I just blacked out counting back from 100. That’s how I remember it.

I groggily stirred with a breathing tube snaked through my gullet whilst hearing a nurse, whose name I believe was Sandy, talk to me and me nodding that I understood whatever it was she was saying to me. The BCPF came in to see me, touching me, stroking my hair (I still had a little bit). I’m not sure of the timeline, I was still very doped up on morphine at the time. Maybe some time passed, maybe it didn’t, but Ma Mère came into the recovery room and in a moment we will all talk about until we’re no longer here, she patted me on the left shoulder and said, “see, you really do have a heart.” At this point I pointed to “Sandy” and made a motion to bring me a writing utensil and something to write upon. In my continued, and glorious haze, I scribbled to my mother the following:

Leave the comedy to me!

I remember everyone laughing. My job was done, I went through another phase of “blacked out.” They had collapsed my lungs in order to get to my arteries and heart and whatever else they were doing with me and, as a lifelong asthmatic, my lungs and me have a long history of arguing. They weren’t wanting to cooperate and inflate so I could breathe on my own. So, recovery took a little longer than it should have. Then they wheeled me up to my own private room. I had to get up and sit in a chair. I asked for my phone and that’s when this selfie was taken:

Tim After Surgery

My son came in to see me, as did my family. I had put them all through a lot. They were tired, nervous, but happy that I was sitting there making stupid faces at them, I was alive. I had survived. Hand me my heart-shaped pillow and let me cough. There was no laying down for a while, that’s for sure. When I sat back, I could feel my chest shifting. After all, they did saw me in half. I didn’t lay down for about four weeks, actually. But, over time my strength came back and I was able to maneuver around like a real person.

On the way to that, though, I had people watching over me like a hawk. The BCPF made sure that someone was “on duty” with me the whole time, from my sister to my mother, her to her mother. Someone was always here. It got to where I had to fake needing to go to the bathroom just to go sit on the toilet lid and be by myself for a few minutes. I had some great friends bring me and my chaperones food. I can’t tell Chris and Ashley, Doug and Molly and Jerry and Jennifer how much I appreciate them doing that.

After this, though, The BCPF and I decided that we’re going to live. LIVE! And, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve been to Europe twice, the second a wedding/honeymoon expedition. We accompanied friends to Costa Rica. We went to Walt Disney World with my family. We have time with each other. We enjoy just about everything we do. We collect records, we eat really delicious food, we hang out with really terrific friends, we just love our lives.

I have to really thank The BCPF for everything, because if it
weren’t for her, making sure I take my meds regularly, eating right, doing what little exercise I’ll do, going to my doc appts, and just living the heck out of IMAG0150me, I wouldn’t be here today to write this. She didn’t sleep much that first week. When she did it was in my hospital bed. My boy is also a huge part of my life. He’s almost 15 16 so he’s testing my ticker a good bit, but I love that boy to no end. They together are truly my everything. To my family, thank you all for your support and being here for me. To my friends, you’re all my bedrocks. You’re the foundation that I build on. To The Beer Dads, Jon and Paul, thank you guys for traversing this weird ride with The BCPF and me in our quest for World Domination. To everyone. I love you. Just… I love you. To Dr. Bret Borchelt. Thank you for “fixing” me.

I was 41 when this happened. I’m 46 47 now. I have to at least make it to 82 for me to be satisfied with it. I have to say, in all sincerity, I would never want to go through this again. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was all worth it and really, for me, wasn’t all that terrible. I think my family and friends had it worse than I in this ordeal. I got taken care of, waited on and yes had to endure some pain, but it wasn’t too awful. I’m just glad we have hit the “magic number” (no not three in this case) of five six. That’s when the docs stop looking so closely at the procedure. I’m still here and other than being ridiculously fat, I feel great. So, all is well on this side of the world. I hope all of you have as wonderful a time as I do. Happy fifth sixth second birthday to me.

I talked to The BCPF this morning (2018) and inquired about her writing a post one year to recount the experience from her perspective. She said that would take time and she doesn’t have time right now, but one day. I may get her to do it and save it for when I need it. You can hear me talk more about it on The Less Desirables tonight.

Until tomorrow, still kickin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Open-heart surgery is now part of a typical life experience for many people. Folks talk casually about ‘having a stent put in,’ as if they had their tires rotated.” – Roger Ebert