Snowz Birthday... but... This is just a tribute...

What could I possibly give the two dearest things in my life on what is classified and celebrated as such a special day?

I asked myself that very question and pondered on it today. For today is the day before your next birthday.

The number of your years doesn’t really matter. You’re both men now, and yet there is that emotionally attached feeling for you both that will forever remain suspended in a timeless existence.

The date for that matter also doesn’t really matter, for I need no reminder to celebrate your first breath and my first gaze upon you both. I feel these things as an ever present constant in my life; every conscious and alert moment, in the depths of my dreams and deepest slumber.

Every momentous to mundane moment from the first time you entered my life was a pleasure. The bond I see between you is stronger than any living thing I know, and could only compare it to the strength of, like… the hefty Roosevelt Elk, or mighty Sequoia… no… because… those are living… so…wait... Perhaps… Bedrock! Yes. Solid and ageless bedrock … or granite! IRON! Yarrr! All those things! Yes! Mighty dead things that are very strong, but not alive that they would rot away or something like that!

I remember the feeling of tightly wrapping you both in your blankets for nap time. How still you would both lie. You were both most comfortable when you were next to each other … … Even though I’d wrap you both so tight that your faces would turn this really attractive purplish color.

You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again, (for its hard for me to believe as well) that every diaper I changed (you had to know this was coming) I truly enjoyed the moment. It was the caring and comfort that I could provide you. That simplest of tasks and servitude became an honor. … … … ... and…. There were plenty of other times, tasks and things of servitude that I guess were a little more pleasurable. I’m guessing, like, perhaps the offering of a nice piece of fluffy cake was a little more appealing, or so some would think. So… … … Fluffy cake and the diaper change! They are right up there boy-os!

The years of gaming came on quickly as well. What dear, sweet boyz you both were. Crawling up on the couch to glimpse your first experience with gaming. Sonic, Echo, Mario of course, and within a year… my boyz went hardcore with Resident Evil. What a proud moment. The quest continues. Myus, Syladren, Theabyss! (Oh yeah!) They are all represented here as well. All of Virginia is here on this day… … … wait… … Sorry… Wrong moment.

I’m very proud how you have both been aware and careful to monitor your physical health and stamina. You survived four years at Hampshire High School and came out the other end (which is a very appropriate analogy if I do say so myself) better men. It was an honor to watch you both mature beyond any comprehension I even had of maturity at such an age. Your caring and pleasant nature effects everyone you touch. You have learned and practice compassion, and that my dear boyz is a rare trait indeed.

In the concept of life, you allow yourself to learn something new all the time, and yet retain the ability to teach a wise man a lesson or two. You… are fancy lads.

I figure this is about enough for your reading attention span right about now, and I’m running out of attempted clever lines and other written things.

So, because it is tradition, I say unto you, “Happy Birthday Snow-Boyz!!!” However, I merely shake my head and smile because I cherish and celebrate you both so very deeply with every passing moment, every single day of the year.

I so love you both.

Memories of The Taylor Pork Roll Grill

The memories of my childhood seem to be somewhat skewed, as is often pointed out by others. (cough… Linguiniandjohnboy!) However, for good or bad, I thought I’d touch on a favorite of mine; brought on because I purchased some pork meat.

Atlantic City didn’t have any casinos back then, and I’m sure it wasn’t even an unrealized idea. In looking back I guess it was a sad time for the boardwalk as everything around it was aging and dying off. There was a new time rolling in that would eventually be swallowed up by the mega-casinos now overpowering every square inch of the boards.

The late 60’s and very early 70’s still kept a great flavor up and down the boardwalk for a lot of us. One of my favorite places was the Taylor Pork Roll grill. I don’t remember where it was, but the smell and atmosphere left many of us with memories that will last more than a lifetime.

Many times I remember going into the grill and getting a nice hot Taylor Pork Roll sandwich, fresh off the flames and an ice cold root beer. WIth that kind of a combo, man, you are in heaven. Sometimes we’d sit inside on cushioned barrel type chairs, or we’d carry our eats out onto the boardwalk, where any dropped crumb was immediately devoured by stalking gulls or people-friendly pigeons.

The interior was dark woods and brick. It was very comforting and smelled delicious. The only thing you could smell inside was the grilling.

Outside, the moms and dads all looked swell with their truly happy kids surrounding them. Smiling and laughing they would go by dripping ice cream from overstuff cones or leaving a trail of peanut shells as they shared a freshly roasted bag from the Mr. Peanut store. The air was intoxicating with smells of the sea, boardwalk and roasting pork roll. The ocean’s roar the cynical scream of the gulls and the sound of the pork roll grill all combined to complete this simple event.

All of that was brought to those of us lucky enough to experience it because of Taylor Pork Roll, which was(is?) a staple in New Jersey board of fare.

Probably right here I would have posted a picture of the infamous grill, if I could have found one. Alas, my internet searching came up short. So if anyone out there has a picture or a link to one, it would sure be appreciated and would fit right in.

Taylor Pork Roll is a treat you never get sick of, and it remains a shame that it is hard to find it in our area. There is just something about peeling off the burlap casing to slice off a few pieces to fry up.

I don’t know when they started packaging it like the following, but this is what Taylor Pork Roll is reducing itself to look like in present times:

That’s my brief recollection and how I like to remember it. I shall now look forward to Linguini telling me something like, “You know we only took you there once, and you threw up on some kid with an ice cream cone right after you ate. That was the trip where a gull shit on pa’s shirt and you pitched a fit because you didn’t get some toy.”

OMG... My Nephew plays for Phily Union!!!

SWEET!!!

THE ARM! aka Why I haven't blogged.