Fall Festivities.

  I could write a couple chapters on all the things I don't like about this time of year, however, I will simplify it all in five words; shorter days, and cooler weather. All complaints aside, there are many things I do love about this time of year. Each place that I have lived, has its own charm for me during this season. In Southern California, its the Santa Anna winds that clear out the air; I love the energy of the wind. In Eugene Oregon, they have their own winds; I have spent many a late night in fall, walking the streets, watching the fallen leaves blow around, swirl and dance. In Bend Oregon, Its the first snow of the season and the first hard frost that kills all your plants that have not gone dormant yet...oh wait, that was one of my dislikes, (I do love the first snow though). In Santa Rosa, it is the splendor of fall colors, gifted to us by the vineyards. I know its a far cry from the show they get in places like Maine, but it is stunning none the less.
  This past month has been a whirlwind of visitors. Apollos' YiaYia and Papa, arrived a few days before Halloween. Apollo went with me to the airport to pick up his grandparents, and he was beside himself with excitement. He talks to his YiaYia and papa on Skype a couple times a week, so he could not wait to see them in person.     Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. In Bend, we had costume parties to attend and good friends to carve pumpkins with.

Now, we get our thrills dressing Apollo up and watching how excited he gets over the whole experience. Our neighborhood here is awesome. We have a couple hundred trick or treaters each year. Even many of the parents dress up. It reminds me of the street I grew up on in the seventies before the sickos started poisoning candy or sticking needles or razorblades in candy as well, and ruined the whole trick or treat experience. This year was was especially exciting; the world series was on, and the San Francisco Giants, were playing. They have never won a world series since they moved to SF in 1958, and this year, they were well on their way to winning, in fact they won their game Halloween night and the following night, they won the world series. Our neighborhood went nuts that night! People were screaming! Many could not contain themselves and ran out into the street, banging pots and pans. An impromptu parade ensued with kids on bikes or on foot, screaming at the top of their lungs, while I saw several adult men running wildly through the streets, "high fiving" one another, and hugging, while in the background, you could here fireworks and gunshots. It was a sight to see, and made me like it here even more.
  We took the grandparents around to see some of the sights, but really spent most of our time hanging out and enjoying each others company. A week is not nearly enough time for a visit. Uncle Gooch's visit overlapped with the parents, and he showed up on Halloween. It was nice having them all here at the same time.
 With the parents gone, and Uncle Gooch in town, it was time to head the coast for a fall camping trip. We had such a good time. We spent a few hours on Saturday fishing and caught some nice ocean fish, and harvested some mussels. Mel did a fantastic job of making some steamed mussels with the dutch oven followed by some fresh fish tacos with fresh pico de gallo made with tomatoes and peppers from our garden. So simple, yet delicious.
  I love these times we spend with family.  As I have grown older, my appreciation for life, family and loved ones has deepened. I have always had a special place in my heart for all things living, but there is something about having a child of your own, that will take you to a new level. I think it is important that Apollo knows who his family is. I remember spending time with my relatives that passed when I was still very young and I still feel connected to them because I have some faint memories and pictures to make them real.

Apollo pretty much talks non-stop now. He will repeat anything and everything that he heres. Some of our favorites right now are: "Whad da heck!"
"Oh my gosh", "Oh my goodness" (thanks Yiayia), and my personal favorite; "Brothers, busted!"
  In the same way that he mimicks speech,  I am possible even more impressed how much he notices and replicates, body language, movement, and motor skills. Melanie has been training Apollo's dog Remi, and it is one of the cutest things to watch Apollo throw himself into the mix. He will stand at Melanie's side, bent over at the same angle (as if he is looking down at his dog), his fingers closed upon an invisible treat, repeating "Sit! Sit! Sit!"or "Speak!". When Remi earns his treat, Melanie gives him the real one she had in her fingers, and then Apollo offers up his invisible one, which Remi always pretends to eat and then is rewarded with "Good boy, Remi!" When it comes to  iphones, flash lights, camera's and computers, Apollo watches, end memorizes every button you push or move that you make. He navigates through an iphone like he was born knowing how. He rewinds, fast forwards, stops, and presses play on my video camera to get to the parts he wants to watch. He is fascinated with lights of any kind and even more fascinated with how they operate. He even proclaims when he cant get something to work; "Maybe it needs batteries."

San Francisco Giants 2010 World Series Champions Official Locker Room Flex-Fit Hat