Occasionally things go right. My Minneapolis computer consultant used a day of vacation on Friday to help me install a new computer with wireless upgrades and fabulous storage systems. It all works. It did take most of the day to adjust all the software. I guess you might say it was magical the way it all came together. A sincere thank you to Grasshopper No.5.
Then on Saturday, No.5 joined us for the UW football game against Fresno State. It wasn't billed as the game of the century but it was a close contest with UW winning in two overtimes. The opponent didnt matter. UW won. Everyone left the stadium on a "high". It seemed again like a magical moment. No.5 hadn't seen a game in 11 years. She does remember the years when Grasshopper No.2 was in the Marching Band. That was from 1980 to 1984. Mom and I would drag No.4 and No.5 over to Madison for most home football games and witness the complete football extravaganza. It always started by meeting No.2 at her dorm, walking over to the South Union for a pre-game pep rally and then marching with the Band over to the stadium. After the Band's performance at the game, we'd follow the Band over to Bascum Hill for a wrap. Yep, we made a 6-7 year old little girl do that. Nana and Grandpa would join us many times. Fond memories.
To top off the game day, Grasshopper No.2 offered to fry brats and hamburgers at her house. Grant and Mitchell could not get enough of Mawgwet. There were rehashes of family stories and again, more pictures. I think I escaped most of the focus. The time flew by as if by magic.
My regret is that I promised to get No.5 home in time for an evening with Grasshopper No.3 and family. The "time master" (me) didn't do very good. I don't know if that makes me a bad Dad, but my apologies to all.
Sunday was a return to normal (whatever that is). The Packers played an evening game and beat the Bears with a long touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining. The weekend ended as if by magic.
The lesson Grasshoppers is you never know when special moments will occur. There were a few "magic times' this weekend. Would you believe my new computer is really "cool".
Love,
Dad