Dead parrot wings dampen bravado

Ter threw down the gauntlet and I accepted the challenge - a contest to see if either of us could eat a mess of Dead Parrot Wings and live to tell the tale.

The venue was the Lazy Flamingo, home of the world famous grouper sandwich, and the sense-searing wings to which we had subjected ourselves on previous trips to Captiva.

Sure, it started out all smiles. The lingering aftermath was not quite so pleasant.

Legacy of Innovation Continues at 97

Ever the innovative thinker, Grandpa Tony was determined to help me load into my trunk the:
• 4-foot tree
• Containers filled with ornaments
• Festive wreath

…that I had just packed away for another year.

I grew nervous as he rolled his loaded up walker out of the apartment entryway and on to the sidewalk.

Too bad, Grandpa silently declared, there was no stopping him now that he had on his ear flap hat and winter coat fully zipped. Lucky for me, he stopped just a few steps outside and allowed me to transfer the bounty from the sidewalk to my car.

Glimpsing the icy walk just 12-inches away, he shrugged and deftly wheeled back inside.

"This makes a pretty handy cart, too," he declared as we headed back down the hallway. "I really can't get around without it, you know. But it works great for more than just than just walking."

Sure Grandma, Let's Do it Again Next Year

This is the fifth year that I've taken down the Christmas decorations at Grandma and Grandpa's place. Each time, Grandma Rose asks "Think we'll be able to do this again next year?"

Her question gave me yet another chance to tell Grandpa Tony, 97, and Grandma how grateful I am just to have the opportunity to have them here. They've lived through so much and are appreciative of it all - from the Great Depression to the smooth rolling walker that Grandpa now uses to get around.

So, Grandma Rose, I hope we get another chance next year, but if we don't you'll rest easy knowing that we've enjoyed every moment we've spent together.

Back in Time: Shopping with Grandma Rose

"Pleeeeeeease Grandma!"

I couldn't resist traveling back 40 years in time on a recent trip to the grocery with my Grandma, Rose.

She got a real kick out of it too as I begged for a pack of plastic sparkly kiddie toys displayed at eye level in the cereal aisle.

At 95, she leans a little more on the cart than she used to but who cares? Spending time with her and my Grandpa Tony, 97, has shown me first-hand the joyful results of a life fully lived.