Rumblin’, Stumblin’, Bumblin,’ Fumblin’, and Mumblin’ describes my run this morning. I could actually hear myself shufflin’ along the asphalt surfaces since I couldn’t get my ear pods to work and had to forgo the musical distraction. I was appreciative to those who actually recognized it as “running” since my pace nearly reached 17-minutes a mile near the end of the course. It was hot and muggy after the heavy rains yesterday, adding to the misery. As always, it didn’t really get any worse or better as I trotted along looking for a distraction while sending “Happy Father’s Day” greetings to those I passed along the way. A couple of birds, a sand crane, and a rabbit crossed my path. I clapped to get Tally’s attention as I went by the dog park. 

Today is Tally’s “Gotcha Day,” joining our family 12-years ago in Austin. She then moved to Portland and now Florida with us, losing her sister Tinker and several cats along the way. Juneteenth is also my wife’s birthday along with two good friends, plus my half brother that I’ve never met. It’s also Father’s Day and Garfield’s Birthday, so there are many things to celebrate. Last night at Blue Tequila, the wait staff surprised (and embarrassed) my wife with a silly sombrero, ice cream,  and song. It was probably one of the last occasions when my entire family will be together. My parents have been gone for many years as have my wife’s. Her daughters are on the West Coast. We took my grandkids to dinner after a dance recital and their mother came along. She and my son are currently separated, with divorce seemingly inevitable. Sadly their kids may soon be growing-up in different states. My oldest granddaughter has just turned thirteen and becoming a beautiful young senorita, while my youngest is four, and the only grandson is now fifteen. It was a good Father’s Day to see them all together for once.