Smart TV Day

My two youngest helped me purchase my first flat-screen, HDTV today. They joked that our existing TVs were relics from so long ago only weird collectors would want them. So out to the curb went one, into my bedroom the other and into the living room came our lovely new flat-screen HDTV.

Basically I bought it for them, but I'm sure it will be very nice for me as well when I watch my favorits sports, politics, news and movies.

What I enjoyed most about the shopping process was how much fun the kids had. Dylan took the lead installing all the new equipment, assisted by Julia. Aidan had to work.

I just stood aside, amazed. This new generation has so many skills doing these technological things. I've become something of a relic myself.

But I'm happy to defer to them.

We also ordered a new pair of tough boots for Dylan. The ones I bought him in Montana last fall have fallen apart.

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Birthday Get-together

Happy Birthday, Laila!

My first child was born today juts a handful of years ago. She is now a Mom with three kids and a great husband. We all hope to get together tomorrow or again next weekend to celebrate her birthday.

What a week! At work, my online team continues to produce brilliant journalism. We have two big exposes coming next week.

At home, my kids spent a lot of time here, in this rundown flat. Aidan loves his power diet of chicken breasts, egg whites, potatoes and green veggies. He and I have been cooking a lot.

Dylan loves his spaghetti, made from ground turkey, olive oil, basil, onions, and garlic. Plus Mexican food from El Matate.

Julia loves fresh fruit that is not quite ripe -- i.e. peaches, and organic Mac & Cheese.

Me? I love all food. Most of all, I love having my kids around. This was a very nice week.

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Homecoming

The Missoula kids arrive at SFO!

A Double Latte is a Good Thing

When you get to my age and stage of life, sometimes it is the little things you notice that seem to make the most difference as to how you feel. The big picture is just that -- the big picture -- and it often feels there is not much you can do to alter it.

But in your daily life, here and there a detail matters.

This week my youngest discovered coffee. She's 16 and growing up fast. This morning, after picking her up from the SPCA, where she walks dogs, she asked to go by Starbuck's, which is right next to KQED (where I work) and she ordered a double latte and a croissant.

I don't know why but I felt proud of her. When she orders in restaurants and cafes, she now speaks clearly and smiles. The barista could hear her. She seems to have a new confidence lately.

Back home, she asked to borrow my laptop to look at some tennis shoes from DSW.com. As she did that she noticed that my Firefox browser defaults to Ask.com, which is a worthless service, instead of my preference, Google.

She tried to fix it.

I think that is the first time in along time she offered to do something that would make my life easier. I felt very grateful to her.

After dropping her off at her Mom's in late morning (so she can go with a friend to an art class this afternoon), I got a call from her 20-year-old brother in Missoula. He and his 19-year-old brother and his 20-year-old girlfriend are about to begin their flights home for the summer after their freshman years at University of Montana.

They needed a bit of money, since the airlines now charge for bags. Not a problem, since we have linked bank accounts.

Anticipation -- the most powerful emotional state. We are all anticipating having the boys back home.

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Raising Butterflies

By Luca and Sophia.

Success Looks Like This

After picking up my youngest from the SPCA at 10 a.m., after her two-hour shift walking dogs, we went shoe shopping again. This time, we were seeking a nice pair of shoes, so we went first to Nordstrom Rack, then downtown to Nordstrom's, and finally to DSW on Union Square.

It is a part of the city we rarely visit together, filled with tourists and people speaking languages other than English. She noticed people exchanging foreign currencies and making expensive purchases.

On the fourth floor of DSW, she pronounced herself to be in "shoe heaven." There were several rows of shoes in Women's 10-11, her size, and within moments she had four favorties, which she eventualy narrowed down to two.

One is a pair of low brown boots with a short, broad heel; the other a similar shoe but in black. We bought them and the receipt proclaimed that I had saved $146 and change. She was chatty as we made our back to the car's garage and back home.

Later we will shop for flowers that she can give her Mom tomorrow -- Mother's Day.

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