The new car. My Dad. Your Dad

My son, David, will be 16 in May.  He’s had his permit since his 15th birthday but we wanted to find him a car so he can get used to it.  This is what we found. It’s a 92 BMW 325i with 98,000 miles on it. It ‘s also a 5 speed, which by the way he’s already learned. When anyone in my family bought something, my dad would always ask, “how much (did) you give for it?” I don’t mind telling you. $3,500. My dad liked cars. He would’ve liked to see this one. When checking into insurance for it, I wished he’d been here for me to pick his brain about how much coverage I should have. He’s been gone from this earth for almost 3 years and there’s so many times that I think about him. Like today, I was at the grocery store deli buying lunchmeat. They always give me a sample of the first slice. When they gave me a sample of the Pepper Jack cheese I’d ordered, I thought of the first time I every tasted it. It was with my dad on a Sunday night when I was about 13. We both loved cheese, especially Pepper Jack.
I had some friends, a bother and sister, who lost their dad earlier this month. I know it’s been hard for them. There are so many things that you wanted to say to him and other memories you wanted to make. We just want him here. I want you to remember that he is still here. He was your dad and is a part of you forever. That being the case, he’s always with you. Even if it’s as insignificant as eating a slice of Pepper Jack cheese or deciding about car insurance, that memory will never go away.
God Bless You. I know He has.

Spam: It’s not what it used to be

Here’s something to think about; Spam. (now also known as junk mail.) There was a time when Spam (pictured here) was a common product in anyone’s pantry. Especially those who are male and now in their 40’s. Spam will never be as good as my favorite, the All America Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog. They both, however, were inexpensive ways to get a filling meal during The Great Depression. In fact, it’s still the same today. Most low-income individuals have to buy cheaper food which is not as good for you. When I visit some of the homeowners served by ReConstruct it’s not uncommon to see Spam, potted meat, and other low cost foods.

Me? I loved Spam growing up. It was especially good fried with melted American cheese on top on wheat bread. My 15 year old son and I were talking about Spam the other day and he decided he wanted to try some. I obliged. They didn’t have Spam Lite growing up. I thought I’d give it a try. Not the same. We only took 3 bites of our sandwich. Maybe it was the “Lite” that turned us off. I’m not sure. All I know is, just like the definition of Spam today, it’s not what it used to be.

By the way, if you don’t know much about Spam, I think I left you plenty of links.