A Day in Coal Miner's Country

A Day in Coal Miner's Country

Day Two

June 9, 2012

We’re watching the Devils play the LA Kings in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup.  Being a Devil's fan by marriage, it's an anxious night and the end of a great day. Boomer’s in bed, Zan’s reading  (inspired, he said, by the fact that I told him I’m writing a story) and Lia is on the couch drifting quietly into Fairy Princess dreams.

Boomer (Joey)

Lia

It was a beautiful day, weather-wise, and a great day with the kids. Boomer, at just 17 months old, is solid as a rock, and certainly not a baby any longer. He kept up with his sister and brother all day long; playing in the yard, swinging on the swings and climbing fearlessly to the top of the slide before zooming down, arms flailing and uproariously laughing.

My son-in-law, Joey, a magician with a grill, made an awesome dinner of bbq ribs, corn on the cob and baked potatoes.  And just to remind us of our Italian roots, there was a colorful plate of ruby red tomato slices topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves and sprinkled with balsamic vinegar.  We ate like royalty. And to top it off, Courtney made a perfectly toasted Baked Alaska, Jason’s favorite dessert. He couldn’t be happier.

Zander

My niece, Becky is also here this weekend. Her sister, Kaila, is pet-sitting with Ajax and Getty while we're gone on The Ride. The girls aren't nieces by blood or marriage, but by lifelong friendship. Their parents, Steve and Beth, and I have been friends for more than 32 years. The six kids – Courtney, Becky, Jarrod, Carrie (the third sister), BJ and Kaila, have known each other all their lives. It’s a full house here in Beckley, and a fuller house when both families get together.

Tomorrow, Jason and Joey are golfing; Courtney, Becky and I are gabbing. And I’m definitely looking forward to the eggplant parmigiana Joey has planned for dinner!!