Today I became a Grandfather – Again!

On By scottpetersenIn Today I became a grandfather2 Comments

It just happened.  Hours ago.  Elin (“Light” in Swedish) Louise was born.  8 pounds 9 ounces.  🙂  I have become a grandfather.  For the second time.  Lauren and Trent are floating on Cloud 9.  And Donna and I are ecstatic.  And Elin is to soon be greeted by her big sister Eve Victoria. 

The last few weeks have been preparatory.  Lauren has become increasingly “ready.”  And Eve has become keenly aware that there is a change in the wind.  And soon she would be a big sister.  And today – Wednesday, November 12th – is the day!!  As you know, I have posted occasionally about Eve.  But now Elin will be sharing center stage.   

I haven’t met Elin yet (that comes Thursday morning) but I know that she is special. Beautiful. Wonderful. The best. I can’t believe it. Today I became a grandfather.  Again.

Mulligans

On By scottpetersenIn Do-overs, Mulligans, Omar KhayyamLeave a comment

When I’m with my buds on the golf course and we tee off on the first hole, a “Mulligan” is frequently offered for an errant tee shot. It happens only on the first tee. On the drive. We call it a “breakfast ball.” It’s a do-over.  Even if we’re playing for a few coins it’s “hit another – nobody saw that first one.”  During the round – a single Mulligan may also be given. Wherever you want to take it (except on the green). A do-over. . . . .

Wouldn’t it be nice if in life we had do-overs? Mulligans? For errant words or deeds.  Or behavior.  We do in a way though the granting of a do-over lies in the province of the recipient – or arbiter – of the errant words or deeds. It’s called “forgiveness.”  I am confident that we all have things we’d like to do over.  And we’re all grateful for the granting of forgiveness (or lack of ill consequence).  I’m sorry . . . . It’s okay.  No worries.  I know I’ve said some hurtful (or dumb) things and done some even dumber ones that I’d like to call back.  But in the words of the great poet Omar Khayyam:

“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

Our futures are for the most part in our own hands.  The “moving finger” business is probably a good reason to think before we act — or speak.  And knowing of our own fallibility – and frailty – better reason to be generous with the granting of Mulligans to others.  It’s okay.  No worries.   

Counterfeiting

On By scottpetersenIn CounterfeitingLeave a comment

Lemme get this straight.  Illegal immigration is a violation of federal law (as in every other nation).  Yet our government does not enforce its immigration laws.  We hand out drivers licenses, Social Security cards, free education, hospitalization, food stamps, the right to sue.  Even the right to vote in some places.  And the federal government sues states that try to enforce immigration laws.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the United States Constitution.  It is an absolute.  But just say the wrong thing or “offend” someone and you can be fired, go to jail or be sued.  Witness the public demonization and eternal branding of anyone caught using a politically-incorrect word or nuance.  The Constitution?  Puh-lease.   Your government and the media know better what speech is permitted.

Drugs – including marijuana – are banned under federal law. It is a crime to possess, sell or transfer.  And yet the federal government turns a blind eye to the open markets for drugs which are springing up around the country.  Selling pot gets a smile and a wink from Uncle Sam even though it’s illegal. 

Federal loans to college students (using taxpayer money) must be paid back.  With interest.  But now, our government is saying it’s okay to delay payment.  Or maybe forget it.   Obligations are ignored.  

There are federal guidelines for quarantines on those with potential communicable diseases.  Those who may have deadly viruses.  But – hey – if you feel okay, you can ignore the quarantine.

There are more and more examples of this.  We live in a new America where some federal laws means nothing.  Soooo I have an idea. Counterfeiting.  We can all use a few extra bucks.  What about running off ten dollar bills on color copy machines?  Or printing bills on your computer?  And using them when going to the market or shoe store?  Maybe pay taxes!  Even though there are federal laws against counterfeiting, I’m sure it will be okay.   Especially if you’re in the country illegally . . . .

Jim the Barber

On By scottpetersenIn Jim the Barber, Kenilworth4 Comments

I had a haircut today in the little one chair barbershop in Kenilworth.  Jim the Barber has been my barber for years. I’d called the day before and Jim said his only open time was 3:15. That didn’t work for me so Jim said “C’mon in at 9:30. I’ll open up early.” So I did. And he did.  Jim the Barber has been at it for pushing 50 years.  He is an institution.  In the neighborhood.  The community.  The North Shore.  When I walk in the door and someone is sitting in the chair, Jim always introduces me “Scott Petersen, I’d like you to meet. . . . ”  And when I’m in the chair and someone walks in, it’s the same.  You meet new friends.  And so it goes. 

I had my last haircut today from Jim the Barber.  He told me that he is retiring in a few weeks to help care for his wife.  Jim said he loved the work but he found it necessary to make a change to help out.  “Besides I’m 87 years old” he said – much to my surprise.  Jim looked around his barbershop and pointed to the chair (“from 1902“) and the mirrors on the wall (“from about 1920 taken from a barbershop in Winnetka“).  The décor is pure guy.  It’s great.  A monstrous poster of the 1983 Chicago Bears is on the wall.  Many photos of family and kids.  A collection of Little League stickers dating to 1959.  A host of barber paraphernalia.  Old bottles of hair tonic (does anyone buy that stuff anymore?).  I just had my hair cut a few hours ago.  For the last time by Jim the Barber.  As I left, I gave Jim a few extra bucks.  And my eyes were misty.  I will miss Jim.  Many will miss Jim.  I may never get another haircut.  In a year or so, I may look like Billy Gibbon of ZZ Top.

We’ll be over in an hour. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Caymus Vineyards, Dropping in unannouncedLeave a comment

Maybe it’s a Scandinavian thing. Or generational. But when I was a kid, I remember well my parents saying usually on weekends – often a Sunday after Church – “let’s go see the Lynchs” or “Roland and Elaine” or “let’s stop over at Lor and Bill’s.” And we would get in the car, drive for half an hour and literally drop in on friends or relatives unannounced.  Often around dinner time. The hosts would hurriedly throw some chicken breasts or burgers on the grill. My parents and their friends would talk. Smile.  I would be bored out of my gourd.  And we’d drive home.

On those days we didn’t drive off to see someone, I’d be out playing baseball and see a car pull into our driveway and mentally go “uh oh.” And know that my Sunday afternoon was shot.

If it was my cousin Jack, I knew I’d be able to play cowboys and Indians while sitting in a parked car with Jack at the wheel making sounds like a motorboat.  My cousin Larry could always be counted on to play with soldiers.  But today – no one just “drops in” on anyone. Unless it is a dire emergency.  Today, plans are made weeks.  Months.  In advance.  “Wanna have dinner on Friday?”  “Oh mercy no – we can make it on a Tuesday in about eight weeks.”  Was that a simpler time sixty years ago?  You betcha.  Maybe I should restart the “drop in” trend.  Gotta start somewhere.  All right.  Listen up.  We’ll be over on Sunday.  I like my burgers medium well.  With sharp cheddar.  Onion roll.  Grey Poupon.  And Caymus cabernet . . . .    

Go Go Go Go. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Pink FloydLeave a comment

For me, one of the most poignant song lyrics comes from Pink Floyd’s classic album “The Dark Side of the Moon.”  Pink Floyd’s “Time” offers the quintessential lament over the irretrievable passage of time:
“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way. . . .
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”

I think about this — and Pink Floyd’s subtle message.  And each day, I wonder just what I will accomplish.  I’m sure we all do.   Most of us feel we are here for a reason.  We want to make an impact.  We want to live up to potential.  We want to have value.  Make a contribution.   

As inspiration, I like the challenge that comes from one of Goethe’s couplets (which has hung for years in my office):   “Whatever you can do, or dream you can. . . . . begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”   

The Library of Congress?

On By scottpetersenIn Library of Congress, Mary Cassatt, Taj Books International2 Comments

In my post of January 9, 2014, I reported that my granddaughter’s favorite book is an art book – Mary Cassatt – published by Taj Book (Cary, NC). Well, Ms. Cassatt’s paintings of babies and mommies continue to be a hit but today, but there is so – so – much more.

Eve continues to devour books just like she does Mac ‘N Cheese, blueberries or flavored Yogis. She is now 2 years 9 months old and she already has a collection of books that might rival the Library of Congress.  And she reads them.  She has favorites of course.  But new books always garner attention whatever the topic.  “Look Eve – here’s a picture book on the various species of grass seed” – and she will give it a look.  And listen.  “Look at the fescue!”  I’m not sure that I could be considered a “hoarder.”  Yet.  But we have a supply of books in our downstairs den that have taken on a life of their own.  New books arrive regularly.  English and Spanish.  On great and glorious topics.  Heck.  When I was two years old, all I had was a Donald Duck comic book and Rosalinda the Donkey (which I well remember).  Which probably tells you something. . . . . . 

Scammed

On By scottpetersenIn ScammedLeave a comment

Last Sunday, Donna and I were at Church with Lauren and Trent.  I was one of two ushers for the service. The service was winding up.  I was outside the doors when in walks a woman who is sobbing. Barely able to speak.   As might be expected, I asked “what’s wrong.”

The woman identifies herself as “Deborah ___” – a name I recognize vaguely.  She says her daughter and granddaughter were killed early that morning in a car crash – drunk driver – near Madison, Wisconsin.  They were coming down to attend church.  She asked if she could leave a message for our priest. We go into an anteroom, the other usher joins us and I go into the sanctuary to advise the priest of what’s going on (who is now coming down the aisle having finished the service).   The priest exits, greets the woman, listens and the woman cries into his vestments.  She says she’s on her way to Madison and needs a few bucks.  He gives her some $$$ and so do I.  And the woman departs.  And then it dawns on us. . . . .

Turns out she is not a member of the Church (though frankly in a legitimate “situation” that might not make a difference).  And no one knows her.  We Googled the names and alleged incident.  And found nothing.   The reason I recognize the name “Deborah ____” is that Donna has a friend of that name.  Scammed. . . . . 

While this has never happened before (and probably will not again), we have discussed a possible protocol for dealing with such situations:  are you a member?;  know anyone here?; photo ID?;  wait right here while we get someone to help.   Not a good feeling having been “taken” like that. 

So this Guy

On By scottpetersenIn Humor, So this guyLeave a comment

So this guy sticks his head into a barbershop and asks “how long before I can get a haircut?”

The barber looked around the shop full of customers and says “about two hours.”  The guy left.

A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked “how long before I can get a haircut?”   The barber looked around the shop and said “about three hours.”   The guy left.

A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked “how long before I can get a haircut?” The barber looked around the shop and said “about an hour and a half.”  The guy left.

The barber turned to his friend and said “hey, Bob, do me a favor, follow that guy and see where he goes.    He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut but he never comes back.”

A little while later, Bob returned to the shop laughing hysterically.   The barber asked “so, where does he go when he leaves?”

Bob looked up and wiped tears from his eyes and said . . . .

“Your house!”

War

On By scottpetersenIn ISILLeave a comment

In World War II, 70 to 80 million people were killed.  In six years.  The Germans carpet bombed cities in Europe with impunity. Rotterdam, Warsaw, Wesel, Leningrad, London, everyone.   Everywhere.  Military targets were prime but then the Germans thought that killing civilians would sap morale. Anyone that got in the way – men, women, children – died in the rubble.  Japan slaughtered 20 million Chinese.  80% of them were civilians.  In response and retribution, American and British forces narrowed their eyes – and carpet bombed German and Japanese cities with relish.  Tit for tat.  Plus two nuclear devices.  A black horrific whirlwind of destruction and violence.  Brutal.  Vicious.  Effective.  Civilian casualties were the vast majority.  The world swam in blood.   And the allies read about it and rejoiced in it — if it was our enemies who were getting killed.   At the end, Germany and Japan were crushed.  Devastated.  And they capitulated.  Today, Germany and Japan are America’s BFF (or at least GFF’s). 

I read with great sadness about the murder – by ISIL militants – of Samira Salih al-Nuaimi – a young woman lawyer from Mosul.  Samira was at home with her husband and three children when gunmen broke in and hauled her away.  She was brutally tortured and savaged for five days.  And then murdered.  Her crime?  Criticizing the destruction of religious sites by ISIL and questioning aspects of Islam. 

The world has dealt with terror for years.  But not effectively.  And over the last few years terror organizations are well-funded, stronger, spreading and growing.  They are frankly all over.  Cancer.  There are talks of impending attacks in Western Europe.  And America.  When you read about Samira – and the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of innocents like her who have been murdered by this growing army of Islamic jihadists, and when you contemplate their intentions, you have to wonder if a return to the tactical mindset of the Allies in World War II might serve the world more efficiently.  And effectively.