Getting closer

My divorce came through one week ago. That was an important milestone. We now have clear sailing to marriage. We’ve been a couple for almost three years and have lived together for six months. It’s time to start some serious planning.

See more progress on: marry Christine

Backfilling

This past Spring (2005) both of my children graduated from university. My daughter received a BA and my son, who is the younger, a MEng. Their grads were within three weeks of each other and were in different cities. My ex attended neither ceremony and chose instead to go to Mexico for Spring Break.
In both cases Christine and I went together. First was my daughter’s grad. It was an outdoor event at a newish institution in a place with beautiful weather. We sat in hot morning sun but it was all very moving. She’s an artistic type and so has moved into a service industry job. She has had a rough life and it’s good to see her happy.
My son graduated from a professional school in a large urban university. His grad was formal, ceremonial, moving. He’s got a good paying job and earns extra money doing contract work. He’s comfortable. As the baby of the family he’s probably had it a little easier.
Both of my kids are smart and motivated. It’s six months after the even I’m still pumped by it.

See more progress on: stay close to my children

Christmas is coming

Both of my kids will be coming home for Christmas. This is an improvement over last year, when one did and one didn’t because my daughter was having difficulties with me ex, her mother. This year they’re attempting a reconciliation. I hope it works. Last year I felt resentful that I was deprived of the joy of my daughter’s company because of my ex’s bad attitude.
My son will be staying with us. And my daughter will be staying with her mother. This will be the first time they did not both stay with me since the marriage broke up. I suppose I’m having some anxiety about not having time to spend with my daughter who will be here for only four nights.
Still, it’s wonderful that they are both healthy and apparently happy and that they still want to come home for Christmas.

See more progress on: stay close to my children

Dalwhinnie

Dalwhinnie is a Lowland single malt. The first thing we noticed about it was its light colour. It has none of the rich amber of most other good Scotches. The second thing we noticed was the pleasant aroma. It’s fruity and mild, but enjoyable. Far from the robust iodine, brine, or peaty odour that distinguishes the other single malts on the list of six. The flavour was a disappointment. There is a bit of green apple sourness and a finish reminiscent of honey, but overall the taste is weak and undistinguished. It tastes like a moderately priced blended Scotch and not like the expensive single malt it is. Dalwhinnie is at the bottom of the likability list thus far.

See more progress on: drink the six classic malts