"24" Clock Ticks Down to Zero

On the heels of last night's phenomenal finale of "Lost," I have to say goodbye to my other favorite drama of the last 20 years in "24." While this is not as melancholy for me as "Lost," it is still sad to see a great show end after 9 years. I am proud to say I was with this show from Minute One, and turned dozens of friends and associates into "24" fans. The premise was risky back in 2001- every episode played in real time, and by season's end would equal one 24-hour day. At its best, "24" was the best adrenaline rush on TV- Seasons 1, 2 and 5 being my favorite 3 years. While it has lost some its luster, it has rebounded from the debacle of Season 6 and a 20-month hiatus because of the writers' strike. Jack Bauer is one the best and most complicated characters in the history of television. Here's to 2 more great hours of TV, and me not being too tired after our game tonight to sit down and watch it!

Thank You "Lost"

It's sometimes hard to believe "Lost" is just a TV show. As I prepare for the retrospective and series finale tonight, I have a bevy of emotions. I'm excited, sad, intrigued, and...well, lost. This is most likely the most emotional farewell for me since "Moonlighting" 20 years ago. Hard to believe Staci & I weren't watching on its first night back in September of 2004. I wanted to, but my schedule as a Chili's bartender (wow, was that like, 10 jobs ago??) was mostly nights, so I wasn't watching much. But in the summer of 2005, we started watching the re-airing of Season 1..and were forever hooked. Through 6 seasons of mysteries, romance, life, death, time-travel, and allusions to dozens of books, spiritualities, and movies, we get our answers tonight. But what if we don't? What if they pull a "Sopranos" and leave it up to us? (Which I personally loved but millions screamed about) I'm actually okay with that- if some things are left for us to decide, mull over and discuss for the next 30 years. Regardless of how it ends, thank you "Lost" for 6 wonderful seasons and for being a show that made you think in an era of reality garbage. You will be missed.

Uncle Slam and the P-Nats get a new scoreboard.

Many Thanks!

Last night when we sat down for dinner, I realized it was the 1st time in a month that we had a "normal" night. 3 P-Nats homestands and Addie's birth will do that. Now that things have settled down a bit, I thought it would be a good time to individually thank those who have made Addie's first 3 weeks a little more special.

Mom & Dad Grant- for jumping on a plane hours after their granddaughter was born and spending a great week with us, and all the countless ways they have helped us.
Dad Kenney & all my sisters, brothers, nieces & nephews- for driving 4 1/2 hours to meet the new addition and for the wonderful gifts for Addie.
Mandie & Sarah- Mandie for coming down from Maine to help Staci during my first long homestand and for making enough meals to last us a month! And thanks to both Mandie & Sarah for buying those meals.
Mari, Ian & Sharon- for being among her 1st visitors at the hospital and for the great gifts as well. And special thanks to Sharon for driving through traffic to take care of Willie while we were at the hospital.
Paul- for visiting Addie in her first few days and for bringing both Addie & Daddy a much-needed gift!
Megan- for visiting Addie & bringing Addie's 1st playmates.

Thanks to everyone for making Addie's first 3 weeks so special. She is clearly loved all around, as are we. Don't know what we would do without all of you!

Addie's First Playlist

Just the start but here's what I've got so far:

Jessica Stone- Addison
Ben Folds- The Luckiest
Stevie Wonder- Isn't She Lovely?
Crosby Stills & Nash- Teach Your Children
Paul Simon- Father & Daughter
George Harrison- Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Michael Sembello- Maniac (her first dance song- video will shortly follow)
BoB (f/Bruno Mars)- Nothin' On You (#1 on the day Addie was born)
Frank Sinatra- Love Walked In
Beatles- In My Life

The 1st Week of Addie B.

Tomorrow at 5:41 Addison will start week 2 of her life. Where has the time gone? Why haven't I written before this? Well, between the sheer hectic pace of the birth, the 4 days in the hospital, and getting Addie used to her new home, there hasn't been much time to put my thoughts down. And there still isn't- but I've got so much on my mind, so I figured I better take a few minutes.

Addie is just beautiful. I know, so easy to say about your own child, but she really is. The wonder in her eyes as she discovers the world a little at a time, the sweetness of her snuggling up to you, even her cry is adorable. I can't lie- she has stolen my heart in no time at all. I can't wait to see her grow and become even more of her own personality. And raising her with my soul mate will be the icing on the cake.

More to come in future days and weeks. But for now- a few more pictures to enjoy.