Lots o' laughter

Contrary to the laughingstock post of earlier, this weekend was full of laughter.  Great times with both of my families, immediate and in-laws.  A couple more weeks and my parents go to the Philippines for about 6 weeks, so I'm planning on spending some time with them now.

Friday night was International Night at my daughter's elementary school.  Taste of Bethesda has nothing on this--free food from every part of the globe, Salsa band, Tinikling dancing, an accordionist, hanging with the other parents who have become our friends over the years, kids running around--a joyful chaotic cacophony.

Mom was full of beans on Saturday night as she decried young Danny's bogus managerial moves as her favorite 'Skins begin their downward slide into mediocrity.  Meanwhile she fears that Cowher will be hired next year, as she detests all things Pittsburgh (except Dad, who's from there).  So the conversation was spirited and humorous, and good times abounded over steak and salmon.

BP ride was mellow, as I intercepted the group on Democracy and spun through the Park with a few regulars.  Six shots of espresso at the shop and a tight group just joking and yakking, catching up with these people that I've become friends with over the years.  Shimano or Campy?  How 'bout SRAM?  Tubies or clinchers?  Check out the new Prince...it's all about the gear, and talking about it.

Got home in time to go to my sister in law's in Herndon, but the kids wanted to swim at the Y.  We just joined, so it was the perfect time to check out the pool.  Veeery relaxing.  Off to Herndon, and the conversation with the in-laws centered around all of the ridiculous things that happen in the course of everyday, and how funny it all is.  A couple of great bottles of dark German brew and watching the 2 year old nephew imitating his cousin doing yoga while he's eating a chunk of chocolate is an indelible image--guess you had to be there. 

We're all headstrong and opinionated people, no shrinking violets among us.  Sometimes family tensions and headbutting over intractable positions continue to accentuate differences that become fissures over time.  If we're not careful, these fissures become fault lines that eventually separate, and then the Hatfields and McCoys happen...OK maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but passing the time enjoying each other's company is the only way to go.  Weekends like these should be the norm.

Thanks for reading.

JF