Summary

 The past several weeks have been filled with many of the stresses that life brings when a family is in the process of moving and preparing for their senior to graduate!  Needless to say our plate is FULL!  Good stuff though.  We are moving May 1st into a larger home that is closer to the kid's school, and Mariah is well on her way to finishing up her senior year strong!  This past week was very stressful as we waited for the final offer from Fresno State's head soccer coach.  Things fell into place Thursday morning when Mariah received an offer to join the women's soccer team, which she accepted without hesitation.  It has been a long journey with many bumps and curves along the way.  With an offer from FPU on the table it was a difficult, but solid decision, and we can now move forward.  A huge weight was lifted from her shoulders and the family has returned back to homeostasis!  Our girls are getting along like they did when they were little and it blesses me to see them re-connect.  An answer to several years of prayer...I never doubted our God as He promises to answer the prayers of a praying mother.  I reminded myself of that promise many times over the past few years and continue to remind myself every time He meets me at His Throne.  I love my Heavelnly Father without hesitation and I know he has great plans for each one of my children...I just have to remember to present it to Him daily.  I am working on that.

So what does this have to do with lunch with dad?  The distractions and stresses have really set me back on my writing...but not on my lunches with my dad.  I promised myself that unless there is some catastrophic event (end of the world status) I am NOT cancelling on dad!  And...I have managed to keep that promise, surprisingly.  Dad and I have gone to lunch every single Friday since we started this journey.  We have gone alone, and have had tag-a-longs...all of which have been a joy.  I have put my dad's stories on hold for a bit as I have not been able to blog and I want his stories to be fresh and colorful and as close to authentic as possible...so this blog will be a summary of our lunches over the past 5 weeks.  I hate summary's but sometimes they are necessary...At least it's not a re-cap.  Those are the worst!  Especially when you are cruising along and the plot is getting good and them BAM!  The stinking writers do a stupid re-cap...Survivor is notorius for this!  I usually skip that week and pick up when the story continues.  I hope you won't skip this post.  I think it has some gems tucked in it along the way :)

Week 1: Farmer Boys: Mom tagged along as it was her day off.  This was a pretty simple lunch and we talked about dad's trips to Washington.  Dad saw the eruption of Mt. St. Helen's and I remember him bringing back ashes in a bottle for me when I was a kid.  Dad always wanted to move to Washington.  It was his favorite place to travel, but my mom would not have any part of that.  She loved California and didn't want to leave her parents.

Week 2: Panera Bread:  Dad and I went alone.  This was a great lunch!  Dad had never been to Panera and was excited to try the new (to him) restaurant.  He loved it!!  We chalked it up as "one to come back to".  Dad shared with me that he had been working more and more in the yard, which I thought was fantastic.  The vitamin D is so good for him.  He jumped right into memories of his youth, and shared that he met my mom on the playground at the grammar school.  He said that he fell in love with her the moment he saw her.  "She had big blue eyes, beautiful legs and a great butt!"  I'm sure there were other endearing qualities that he discovered as they grew older, but these features are important to a 16 year old boy! When they were officially dating they had a standing date at the rolladium and went to the drive-in restaurant where the waitresses wore roller skates and brought your meal right to the car.  Dad said it was a place for guys to show off their hot rods!  All of my parents dates were chaperoned by my grandmother Agnes.  For those who didn't know her...she was a tough bird!  Not one to be easily impressed.  Dad had to really pour on the charm to keep her happy, but I imagine my grandmother saw right through the charm. Poor dad!  Dad said they had a great teenage life.  They went to beach parties and bon fires and spent vacations at Santa Cruz near Searsville Lake and Coyote Dam.  They also went to Lake Barriessa where they went water skiing and boating.  My dad would drive his uncle Billy's boat and they would tool around the lake all day.  My dad's family had a cabin in Santa Cruz near Boulder Creek and the family would go there in the summer.  Dad took mom with him once they were an item.  Dad said that neither my mom nor my dad smoked or drank.  Dad would fake like he was drinking just to get into the parties when they were young.  He hated the taste of beer and alcohol so he would just hold a beer in his hand and pretend he was part of it all.  Peer pressure was thick, but dad and mom married young (22 and 24) so they didn't remain in the scene for long.  I don't think I have ever seen my dad have a beer in my entire life.  To this day...dad still does not like the taste of alcohol.

Week 3: Red Lobster:  Dad chose Red Lobster for lunch on this date.  He was so excited to go because he hadn't been in so long.  It was a great lunch with my mom and dad.  Just the three of us.  We spent most of the lunch just enjoying our time together.  I asked dad if we could put our trip down memory lane on hold until I get caught up on the blog and he...of course...agreed.  One of the waitresses recognized us from soccer.  She was so sweet and very supportive of Mariah and her journey with her ACL rehabilitation.  She offered prayer and encouragement which was much needed at the time.  God is so faithful to put the people you need in your path when you need them.  I was so thankful for her prayers.  It seemed to be just the boost I needed at that time.  I told her about our "Lunch With Dad" dates and she was touched.  I love it when people are blessed by this process.  I know it blesses me, but when it blesses others...I can't ask for any more!

Week 4:  Castillos:  Dad wanted mexican food this week so I suggested Castillos.  A hole in the wall that people rave about.  I have heard that it is the BEST Mexican food in the Valley.  I am a connoisseur of mexican food so I needed to check this out.  Turns out it was pretty good.  The Best?  That's debatable.  I LOVE Rubalcava's in Hanford...it is my favorite.  At any rate...we took an entire group this time to lunch.  Mom, dad, Mariah, Marlee, Jenny and me.  It was a really good time.  We hadn't seen Jenny in a while and it is always a joy to spend time with her.  She is a wonderful young woman that we used to homeschool with. In fact...I have her reserved for my #2 child, Kory.  One day...she may be my daugther in law ;)  one can hope!  Either way, my dad loves her.  She is not only sweet in nature but looks like Ariel with her long shiny red hair and soft freckles.  It was a blessing to have her tag along.  The restaurant was loud and not conducive to conversation, but we managed to chat it up anyway.  Dad continues to "tinker" around the house and it is driving my mother CRAZY!  Mom said he has now "moved into the kitchen!"  She said...he has now moved  into the cupboards and started organizing them!"  She was appauled.  I had to laugh and point out the benefits of this newly found hobby dad has engaged in, but she wasn't buying it.  She said "never in his life has he organized the kitchen!  It's just not right.  He doesn't belong in there!  I mean...the garage is fine but NOT the kitchen!"  I'm not sure why she is so frustrated with his organizing the kitchen.  Perhaps it's because now she can't find things as easily.  I, personally, would love it if Joe organized our kitchen.  I asked my dad why he was organizing the kitchen and his response was simple..."Because it's a mess!"

Week 5: Last week we had plans to go to Texas Roadhouse.  A brand new restaurant that had it's grand opening two weeks ago.  Unfortunately,  they were only open for dinner and I had to be home to pick up Colby from shcool.  We agreed that we would try it some time for dinner with the whole family.  We settled on IHOP, one of dad's all time favorites.  Dad was curious to know how the kids were doing, in particular, Colby.  I think Colby reminds my dad of himself.  Dad said Colby is smart like he was and witty.  I told dad that he is really bored with school.  He complains about a lot of wasted time and just sitting in the classroom.  This is what I struggle with mentally and emotionally all of the time when it comes to my children and their education.  One of the many reasons we chose to homeschool for 9 years.  I vascilate back and forth with the issue and continually lift the decision up in prayer.  God has been faitful, as usual to bless us in this area as well.  For now, Colby will remain at the local public school.  We will see where God leads.  Dad said his teacher once told his father...my grandfather "Poppy Phil"  "Why am I gonna teach him if he knows everything already!?"  You get the pciture!  My dad was a smart kid and at times was probably difficult to teach. 


While eating lunch I got a call from a prospective employer that wanted to let me know that I had made it past the 3rd phase of hiring and that they would like to offer me the opportunity to move forward with the hiring process.  Dad was so excited for me and I was excited to share it with him.  He has always been one of my greatest fans and this situation was no exception.  Dad said he'd like to see me get my PhD -_- I told him I'd think about it...which usually means I will probably pursue it.  We will see.

Upon leaving...dad picked up a rental guide for my niece Stephanie and her husband Travis.  They are looking for a place to move in to since moving back from San Diego.  Dad is a hopeless family man, tirelessly thinking of his family and always trying to help in any way he can.  He is the ultimate dad :)

Tinkering

Lately, my mom has been complaining about my dad's 'tinkering', as she put it, around the house.  In one of our recent conversations she mentioned that dad has been 'puttering' around the house and garage organizing and sorting...and along with that...complaining about where all of his "stuff" has disappeared to.  Now you have to know my dad's history with organizing his "stuff".  My dad, believe it or not, is quite anal when it comes to his own belongings.  I can remember his meticulous methods of organizing his tools, barber sets, guns, camping gear, etc etc etc.  Dad knew precisely where each item was located whether it was labeled or not.  Dad did NOT however touch or organize anything that wasn't his... inside or outside of the household.  THAT was reserved for my mother ;)  When the garage would become a mess... my dad would say to my mom  "Florence, we have our entire lives to organize and clean the garage!"  To which my mom would roll her eyes and sigh heavily.  This was a standard argument that transpired between mom and dad.  Over the years and children...and grandchildren...my dad has since stopped organizing and took somewhat of a "why bother" attitude.  Who could blame him...I mean with 2 daughters, 2 sons in law, 7 grandkids and 2 great grandkids one can imagine the chaos and disorganization that happens over time.  My dad has never been an authoritarian so rules and follow through are not his strong suit.  Now...after 51 years of marriage my dad has decided to 'tinker' in the garage and I have to say...he has really done a nice job of organizing his "stuff"once again :)

When I picked my dad up this time for lunch he was really excited to show me what he had done in the garage.  He was particulary proud of his tools.  Dad showed me the "tools of his trade" which became a nice springboard for todays lunch with dad.  We headed for Red Robin...one of our favorite places to eat.  We were seated right away and ordered the towering onion rings, which is a must whenever we visit RR.  Our conversation continued right where we left off. 

After dad came home from the Navy a few of his friends...in particular a guy named Art...talked my dad into becoming a mechanic.  Greyhound was hiring and they had an apprentice program.  While he was in school studying to be a journeyman mechanic he worked as a barber.  Remember...dad got his barbers license right out of high school.  He spent 4 years in an apprenticeship program and then worked for 2 years at Greyhound. But,  as life often goes, the union went on strike and dad was out of work.  Dad said he didn't want to go on unemployment with a family to support so he opened his very own gas station called Phil's Texaco.  Just as the station was thriving, life struck once again, and a recession hit.  You can imagine how a private business owner managed during a time such as this.  Prices dropped and business was grim.  Dad had to look at his options once again. 

Dad gravitated towards his comfort zone and what he knew best and applied at the Naval shipyard as a heavy duty equipment mechanic.  He started out at Hunter's Point and worked there until it closed.  He later transferred to Mare Island and Commuted from San Bruno to Vallejo for about 12 years.  My memory as a child begins here with my dad and his work.  I remember his commute and the toll it took on him daily.  It was a big relief when he was promoted to inspector and then to transportation specialist.  These promotions moved him to the Navy base located in our home town, San Bruno, California.  Dad's commute was about 10 minutes.  Life changed drastically.  With promotion came a much higher salary, but also alot more responsibilty and a ton of travel.  Dad began traveling all over the country.  His favorite place to visit on his travels was Sub Base Bangor in Washington.  He also loved Bremerton and Widby Island both in Washington, as well. I remember dad wanting to move to Washington state most of my childhood, however, my mother is a California girl and would not even hear of it.  Among dad's travels included Maine, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.  I specifically remember dad sending home 2 dozen lobsters from Kittery, Maine!  What a treat that was for the whole family :)  These travels continued to refine and shape the man that is my dad.  And the stories that he has to tell, if one takes the time to listen, are priceless.

Dad and I enjoyed our "usuals" Dad: the mushroom burger and Me: The BBQ chicken salad.  We left Red Robin and headed to my house where dad napped until my mom came to pick him up.  It was an exhausting but very productive lunch with dad :)

Sweetheart Neighborhood

A few weeks ago, dad and I decided we'd like to try the Olive Garden out for lunch.  We both love Italian food and hadn't been to an Olive Garden in a long time so it sounded like a great idea.  Mom was off this week so she tagged along with us as well.  Now, when my mom tags along...it sort of changes the dynamics a bit as you can imagine.   We have always been very close and sharing stories comes easy for us.  Dad sometimes takes a back seat when the two of us get together so I have to be really careful not to let this dynamic take over and run the show.

This time dad muttered under his breath as we were waiting for a table that "I hope I can get a word in edgewise this lunch date"  I chuckled to myself and then offered my dad a sincere apology.  "Dad...I know mom and I prattle on and on about stuff and sometimes we completely forget to include you in the conversation...I'm sorry dad"  My dad was forgiving as usual and said he didn't mind...he understood and knew how close we were, but he did want to pick up where we left off on memories of his family.  I was smiling inside because this whole idea has really lit a fire in my dad's heart and I can see that he really enjoys our time together.

I'm not sure how we got on the subject of my parents first home but we landed there and I went with it.  Dad said after he came home from the Navy he went to school to become a mechanic and my mom was finishing up nursing school.  They bought their first home in San Bruno, California on 333 Mastick Avenue for a whopping $9,000.  A mortgage of $65 a month, my parents began their American Dream.  I can still remember the house myself.  Distinct memories of the 2 bedroom 1 bath floorplan that was nestled in what they called the sweetheart neighborhood.  Named after the heartshaped pattern that made up the new development, our house had a white picket fence and was at the top of a pretty steep hill.  Our neighbor, Ben, was an immaculate man and kept his lawn manicured to a golf course green status.  My dad had countless encounters with "the grouchy old man" who lived next door.  Most of these encounters consisted of Ben complaining about something and my dad becoming defensive and protective of his young family.  It is funny the things you remember from childhood.  I do remember Ben, and I remember the steep hill that ran past his house.  We had so much fun riding in our our radio flyer wagon down that hill at light speed.  No wonder the old guy was grouchy.  I'm sure we encroached on his pristine lawn a time or too.  ;)

Our meal came in a timely manner and we enjoyed amazing pasta and yummy breadsticks.  I ordered the manicotti, my favorite, and my dad took notice.  He mentioned that his favorite manicotti was from a place called Frank's Italian Restaurant in Milbrae, California.  I'm not sure that it is still there, but I would like to try it some time if it is.  For dessert my dad ordered...you guessed it...cheesecake!  Poor dad, he is still in search of that perfect cheesecake.  I wonder if he will ever find it?  I do know one thing...the search has been a blast:) 

Mom ordered an Alfredo pasta pictured above.