New Years Day tradition

I don't recall a New Years Day in the past 18 years when we have not gone out for a meal with our dear friends Brad and Lori. One year it was it was Chinese food for lunch, but we usually go out for breakfast.

Today it was breakfast at the Gateway Elmers. E was with us. There daughter, Autumn, is at Disneyland with friends this year.

We parked at the back end of the lot. These days I park Jet White where it will be easiest to back out. The wind caught my door when I opened it. It was straight out and touching the dark blue pick-up parked next to us. It left some white paint on the truck. I freaked. E noted that there was other blemishes of spattered paint on the truck. I tried to wipe it off. No luck. Lori looked. She didn't see a scratch. If the truck owner was concerned he could leave us a note...still--guilt...

We talked politics -- not knowing who to vote for and having a hard time caring, since Oregon's primary is so late, thus meaningless. We talked about friends and family. E talked a lot about history. He reads historic biographies, and soldier diaries. He watches the History Channel. Brad knows a lot about history. He and E hit it off in several areas. E wants to learn woodworking, and it sounds like Brad could help get him started.

Having an only child does present challenges. Keeping them entertained is hard. Activities, dogs, games, computer---he has them all. Still, we always hear "I'm bored!" When we are out with friends and E is with us, the conversation is as much for him as it is for us.

We came home to a few chores...and some football.