The morning brought heavy rain and the Vespa stayed in the garage. If the weather had been perfect for riding I still would not have ridden because I had breakfast plans with my oldest daughter. An pre-Father’s Day event. After breakfast in Bellefonte we drove to Saint’s Cafe in State College for a cup of tea and something sweet. I find I continue to be powerless to not eat things from the chocolate family.
I thought a lot about Father’s Day today and my daughters Hannah and the youngest Aleta (in faraway NYC). For those of you who are fathers you know what’s involved. For those of you who still might become one someday my only advice is the same I give to new riders — pay attention, things happen fast. Looking at Hannah I find it hard to account for the time. How did she grow up so fast? I remember my father telling me about being a father when I was just 10 or 11. He said that when your kids are young they think you’re pretty smart. At about 16 they begin thinking you are not real bright and that it will continue until they are in their mid 30’s. And then you get real smart again.
I won’t engage in conjecture on where my daughters are in this continuum.
The cake goes too fast as well. Pay attention and savor each moment with it. So on Father’s Day maybe it’s a good thing to pay attention. And as riders let’s all pay attention so that we can return home to those we love.I’ve been blessed as a father to two wonderful daughters.
Yup…….know what you mean. One day they are little girls….next day day they are women with their own agendas. Time flys when your having fun.
Gary of Edmonds
Time does indeed flash past…
This isn’t related to Father’s Day, but I just wanted to say that I was thinking about replacing my car with scooter and somehow wandered onto Scooter In The Sticks (I forget how). After starting with your first post, I’ve read every single one right up to this one, which has cemented my idea that getting a scooter is a good idea.
So, I’ve passed my CBT (Compulsory Basic Training – a day of training required by law here in England) and I’m picking up my bike on Tuesday! A Piaggio Xevo 125. I’m not sure Piaggio import them into the US, which Is a shame because I think it’s just the sort thing you’d like – huge storage, good weather protection etc etc.
Thank you for writing such an enjoyable blog. It’s a pleasure to read!
Gary of Edmonds: The older I get the more I realize time is flying whether I’m having fun or not.
Ade: What a kind and supportive comment to wake up to. Thank you.
I’m glad Scooter in the Sticks has helped you move towards a scooter. The Xevo will be a lot of fun. We don’t have the Xevo. The closest thing in looks would be the BV 250 and in size the Fly 150. Someday maybe. I think it probably takes some time and effort to get DOT approval.
Good luck and be safe on the road!
Great post and I am so glad that I stumbled upon Scooter in the Sticks. My younger single friends still don’t understand that its not an obligation but a Privilege to be a father. Thanks for the read!!
That’s a great picture of your daughter. It seems to capture a mood or moment that is hard to photograph. Our kids have been out of the home for a couple of years now. I miss them a lot.
For some reason Steve, I always thought you were much younger than
the photographs revealed, figuring you were maybe in your very early thirties, if that. Obviously i was wrong; and to paraphrase a Beatles song “Mr. Williams, you got a pair of lovely daughters!”
Having never married nor children; now see as I age that maybe having children wouldn’t have been so bad after all.
Have acted as a maternal grandfather more than once for others who didn’t have same, increasing age does that.
I think you failed to cover one basic comment in this post – and that is that not only did you need to get a big hunk of chocolate cake to eat – but you did so at 8:30 in the morning!!!!! Who eats cake that early?!!! lol.
A great picture of a chocolate cake in a rainy day, I like it ! so simple, so effective…
robert blu (from RFF)
It’s nice to finally see a photo of Hannah. After seeing her comments over the years it’s clear she’s fond of you. By the way, Hannah, all I saw was a photo of a whole slice of cake and then an empty plate. How do we know you didn’t help make it go away?:)
My daughter informed me that her and her husband are expecting. A first grandchild will surely open new things to pay attention to.
Rob: Glad you stumbled here. Having kids is just difficult to accurately describe. Easy to romanticize but difficult to really know the experience without actually doing it.
cpa3485: Hannah is pretty comfortable having her picture taken. A result of growing up with a photographer father. So the results are always good because she isn’t pouring out that “don’t take my picture” stuff that makes people look bad..
Bryce: I am young! *grin* Early thirties?
What gave you that idea? Even old guys ride Vespas.
You’ve had the grandparent experience and as some have described that to me—parenting is the work, grandparenting is the fun. I’ll have to wait for awhile to know if that’s true.
hrw115: I put no time constraints on consumption of cake. I don’t see why you should either. And besides, it was a special occasion.
robert blu: Thanks for the kind words about the picture. I continue to be amazed by the little Canon G9.
irondad:Well, Hannah puts up with me at least, despite my early morning cake eating. As far as the cake goes: she is my daughter and I love her but that isn’t going to get her near my cake! Let’s be practical.
Congratulations on news of your impending grandfatherdom. I’m sure you’ll wear the responsibilities and privileges well.