The Inmates Run the Asylum

Uncle Lucky arranged for the family to get together at a corner bar to have a bit of a memorial drink for Papa. He was the youngest of ten kids, but he was considered the head of our clan and busted his ass to keep us all connected. The rest of the family felt they should do SOMETHING to honor him and his life.

It was fitting and the kind of thing Papa would have liked. Nothing sad. Just the family getting together at a bar, eating and drinking and laughing and telling stories. Aunt Ruby kept getting choked up, but it was understandable. Papa lived with her for six years after their parents died (their mom died when Papa was 8 and their dad died when Papa was 12 or 13). She contributed to his raising. And Aunt Jo got unexpectedly choked up talking about Grandma (her sister). But other than that, things were pretty dry-eyed.

Grandma and Papa were there in spirit and in body, so to speak. Dad has both of their ashes in the Jeep. He said if Aunt Ruby hadn't have been there, he'd have put Papa's ashes in his wheel chair with his ball cap on top and sat it at one of the tables.

Yeah, he's having entirely too much fun with the remains of his parents. He actually admitted to it. He said he might not spread them after all because he is enjoying them so much.

My DNA is a funky, funky thing.

It was nice chatting with some family members. Aunt Ruby and I talked baseball and the Cubs. Not many people can say they have awesome baseball talks with their 83 year old great-aunt, but considering Uncle Harry was so important and instrumental to little league in the area, it's not far-fetched for me.

Speaking of being instrumental, members of the Decatur Computer Club, which Papa helped start and was president of for many years, stopped by and gave the family a nice card. He hadn't really been much of a participant for the last few years of his life, so to have them do that was really nice.

It was just a nice afternoon all around. I'm glad they did it and I'm glad I went.

Had a blast last night at Haley's house. Small group, just me, Haley, Carrie, and Diana.

Haley made cherry pineapple dump cake, brownies, and Jello shots. She also bought a bottle of blackberry wine. Diana brought two bottles of Boone's Farm. Carrie and I brought the last of the Mike's that was left over from the birthday poker party.

Diana ended up renting a couple of movies. Confessions of a Shoppaholic and He's Not That Into You. The first one wasn't too bad. It was kinda cute. I admit, I LOL'd a few times.

The second one didn't really hold our attention as much as the first, so when it was coming up on the half way point and we actually started paying attention, it was a big game of WTF? Also, I don't think like the girls in that movie so my WTFery was compounded.

Despite the aundance of booze and treats (the brownies were so awesome), I figured it would be an early night.

Yeah, Carrie and I didn't home until three in the morning. There was quite a bit of chatting, joking, and laughing after that second movie was done.

It was a great time and I hope we can do it again. We're all hitting that age where a night in is better than a night out.

Also, I survived two chick flicks in one night. I am hardcore.