And my return post is long. So I broke it up into two parts. I'll admit, the second is better.
Though before all of that-
The last year has been quite a ride.
My bicycle riding winded down a little bit over previous years. Fewer rides means more enjoyment on the rides I do take. The Third Onion went off without a hitch in November, and I made it to the core with all the usual jokesters. Given my level of fitness five months ago, this should come as a surprise. However, I can assure you it's gotten worse. This spring should will yield some good commutes into work.
I got a motorcycle in the summer. It's a 1974 CB550 rebuilt, redone and flattened out to a cafe racer. I got my permit for the second time, but I need to take some motorcycle safety courses first.
Ryanne and I managed to take a jaunt over to the United Kingdom. We smelled the fresh water of Loch Ness and took in the sights where Anne Boleyn heard her last sounds. Taking a Jack the Ripper tour on Halloween night was also pretty indescribable.
We hosted our first New Years party at our new place. Everyone said they had fun. And I had fun, so I think that's all that really matters. It's likely I still have the best group of friends in the world.
Ian and Ashley had their baby, nearly 10 months ago. Little Eleni has put many things into perspective in my own life. I think about what she'll look like fifteen years from now, or what she'll sound like when she speaks. No doubt she'll still enjoy her trips to Mad Mex, and it'll be nice to have her about as our own daughter grows up.
Which brings me to not the latest news in the world, but assuredly the most important is Ryanne's pregnancy. And while Ryanne could likely report the day, hour and minute of conception...I surely could not. What I do remember, though, is telling some friends and family the news shortly before going overseas in late October.
After returning, we had plans to visit my Aunt Patty and Uncle Charlie in Pittsburgh at their home for breakfast. Saturday brunch and catch-up time. What better opportunity to tell them the good word than over avocado toast?
My aunt is far and away the most cultured on the Palermo side. While the rest of us are definitely not uncultured, it's simply safe to say she's above her family brethren. And her other half is no exception. Charlie has traveled to, and lived in many places all over the world. He was the executive director of the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh for fourteen years, running many performances through the Cultural District. He has been an absolute blessing to this family. Not to mention, he's usually the mark of a few good jokes at Palermo Christmas.
My mom had mistakenly spilled the baby news to Patty earlier in the week before brunch. However, my aunt did keep the news from her husband until we showed up that weekend. Ryanne, with her tiny fiteenish-ish week baby bump, asked Charlie if she looked any different to him. Surprised and elated, he then discovered that Patty already knew the secret. He shot her quizzical glance, exclaiming "YOU knew?!" At which point, I told Charlie that as soon as we decided on the name, he would be the first to know.
So, about a month later, our unborn daughter "wrote" Charlie a letter, proclaiming her desire to finally meet him. Referring to all of his astute, distinguished and honorable qualities, she went on. And, after a few more kind words, the letter was signed. His Scottish eyes surely growing wider and larger as he read the letter, before finally seeing the name we chose.
As the months went on, he nobly kept the coveted secret. Aunts and uncles and cousins and mother attempted to take advantage of his love for wine and limoncello at Christmas and other gatherings, hoping he would slur it out. He didn't budge.
At Ryanne's shower, Patty gave Ryanne a Himitsu-Bako Japenese puzzle box from Charlie. She brought it home, and after some difficulty, we managed to solve the sequence and opened it. Inside, a poem written to our daughter from Charlie. In true form, he went all out. It is one of the most thoughtful pieces I've read, and I know she (and we) will treasure those written words for all time to come. And with those words, a silver locket, inscribed with her monogram.
Ian and Ashley had their baby, nearly 10 months ago. Little Eleni has put many things into perspective in my own life. I think about what she'll look like fifteen years from now, or what she'll sound like when she speaks. No doubt she'll still enjoy her trips to Mad Mex, and it'll be nice to have her about as our own daughter grows up.
Which brings me to not the latest news in the world, but assuredly the most important is Ryanne's pregnancy. And while Ryanne could likely report the day, hour and minute of conception...I surely could not. What I do remember, though, is telling some friends and family the news shortly before going overseas in late October.
After returning, we had plans to visit my Aunt Patty and Uncle Charlie in Pittsburgh at their home for breakfast. Saturday brunch and catch-up time. What better opportunity to tell them the good word than over avocado toast?
My aunt is far and away the most cultured on the Palermo side. While the rest of us are definitely not uncultured, it's simply safe to say she's above her family brethren. And her other half is no exception. Charlie has traveled to, and lived in many places all over the world. He was the executive director of the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh for fourteen years, running many performances through the Cultural District. He has been an absolute blessing to this family. Not to mention, he's usually the mark of a few good jokes at Palermo Christmas.
My mom had mistakenly spilled the baby news to Patty earlier in the week before brunch. However, my aunt did keep the news from her husband until we showed up that weekend. Ryanne, with her tiny fiteenish-ish week baby bump, asked Charlie if she looked any different to him. Surprised and elated, he then discovered that Patty already knew the secret. He shot her quizzical glance, exclaiming "YOU knew?!" At which point, I told Charlie that as soon as we decided on the name, he would be the first to know.
So, about a month later, our unborn daughter "wrote" Charlie a letter, proclaiming her desire to finally meet him. Referring to all of his astute, distinguished and honorable qualities, she went on. And, after a few more kind words, the letter was signed. His Scottish eyes surely growing wider and larger as he read the letter, before finally seeing the name we chose.
As the months went on, he nobly kept the coveted secret. Aunts and uncles and cousins and mother attempted to take advantage of his love for wine and limoncello at Christmas and other gatherings, hoping he would slur it out. He didn't budge.
At Ryanne's shower, Patty gave Ryanne a Himitsu-Bako Japenese puzzle box from Charlie. She brought it home, and after some difficulty, we managed to solve the sequence and opened it. Inside, a poem written to our daughter from Charlie. In true form, he went all out. It is one of the most thoughtful pieces I've read, and I know she (and we) will treasure those written words for all time to come. And with those words, a silver locket, inscribed with her monogram.
As for the name itself, we've cheerfully entertained guesses from friends, family and strangers, too. Over the months, we've attempted to throw off the inquisitors through fictitious names. Some serious, some not so serious. To any close friends, Bonnie and Baby Beast will remain available for use.
And while we love having the secret between us, our remaining time is running low. The name is symbolic and significant. It's special. It's strong. And it's historical. Pretty soon, hearing her label will be common and natural, but for the next few days, we'll continue holding on.
