Dad's Day

Chloe and Shell let me pick our Father’s day agenda.  They were kind enough to let me cook breakfast for them and Aunt Tia.  Pumpkin pie waffles and maple syrup sausage patties.  It sounds like a chore, but I really enjoy cooking and watching my family enjoy my food is awesome.   

Shell, Chloe, and Kirsten made me an awesome Dad’s Day painting.  My allergies kicked in when Chloe and Shell brought it out.  Watery eyes being the only symptom.  

The older kids in the house, Shell and I, have only recently realized that the new “Doctor Who” series is the best TV show this millennia.  Shell surprised me with another stellar gift. (See what I did there?)  It was the eleventh Dr’s sonic screwdriver.    Awesome.   And Shell had one more surprise.  My favorite cake.  Angel Food cake. 

 

We debated activities for the day and decided to try out Sedro-Woolley’s new bowling alley.  It’s not new.  It’s not even remodeled.  It’s the old bowling alley with the dust blown off and a new coat of paint.  Walking in out of the rain we came across what appeared to be a low budget game room and a dimly lit ten lane bowling alley.  I was a bit taken back by the obvious age and disrepair of the place, but it was My Day and I was going to enjoy myself.  I’ve got what Shell affectionately calls “Flintstone Feet”.  13EEE. Most bowling alleys have my size.  And they’re often in brand new condition.  This alley has one pair.  And they were on someone else’s feet.  No 14’s either.  Okay.  Let’s try the 15’s.  Clown shoes with yellow and blue argyle socks with camouflage shorts.  Seems appropriate for me and this bowling alley.  As we strolled over to our lane, I was struck again by how decrepit the entire place was.  Not dirty, but certainly not new or particularly well maintained.  My indomitable spirits were flagging.  Ever the optimist, I looked around to find something to appeal to me.  It was right behind me.  My awesome family.  Kirsten was with her bio dad, but Shell and Chloe made my day.  Once I changed my perspective many more features of this bowling alley became clear.  The ball return was so dated and old, it was cool again.  All above floor, super high speed, and it had freakin’ fins on it like an old ‘50s Chrysler.  Epic.  I was in retro kitsch heaven.  Instead of old and musty, the place now smelled original and unchanged.  The pitted hardwoods were now a testament to thousands of games played by diehards and local families.  The inconsistent pin setter was now a fun antique.

 

After bowling we headed home.  What Father’s Day isn’t complete without Dad taking a nap on the sofa while the kid watches a movie?  I’m pretty sure the Chipmunks got off the island safely, but I’m sketchy on the details.  After movie time, Aunt Tia came back and I BBQ’d some beer soaked brats and served bangers and mash for dinner.  Delish.  

We finished the day with some strawberries, angel food cake, and Reddi whip.  My favorite dessert on one awesome day. 

 It may not be the most adventurous Dad’s day ever, but it was just about perfect for this dad.