Daughter's Day 2005

At the request of some of ya'll, I get to submit the following happening! Yay!!!

Folks…you won’t see "Daughter’s Day" marked on any calendar (although it should be, e.g. “Children’s Day” ). However, should you decide to recognize it you will definitely know that it is marked in your heart and, for years and years, will be carried along in your memories!

Although the “official” date was July 31st this year we had to postpone the celebration until August 6th. (We’ve all been busier than a cow’s tail in fly season here.)

Yesterday, when the womenfolk in our Family took off to go running and biking on the trails of Eno Mountain, I finally saw my chance to sneak my goodies into the house! I’d already asked them if they’d like some shrimp-kabobs for supper but they had no idea it was to be a celebration day. (Last week I simply said, “maybe it’ll slow down a bit this week and we can celebrate Daughter’s Day on one of those slow days.”)

I’d been thinking for a month or so that this year I’d like to make something special! Something that would last for years and would also create memories that would never cease. As I sat at my desk, talking to myself(s) (I really enjoy those conversations!), I was also looking around the Shoffice and spied something special. There it was! Yep, in the corner, propped against the wall behind the wood stove, was the answer I’d been looking for! My Memory Tube!

No doubt about it! I’ll make her a Memory Tube of her very own!
I don’t reckon ya’ll know exactly what that is so I better let you in on it...

Hmmm, perhaps I should just insert the words I wrote to Alex (that was attached to her Memory Tube)...

“Happy Daughter’s Day!
What the heck is this!? I’ve come to call it a “Memory Tube”. It’s origin?…

…Years ago, at the Farmers’ Mkt, people used to feel the need to offer me money for the freebie/gifts I would give them. (Apparently it is hard for many people to accept something without feeling the need to either reciprocate or offer you money for it!)

Someone suggested I put up a “Donation Box” for those folks. (“Ma’am/Sir, as I’ve said, I don’t need anything for this ‘extra’ but if you keep insisting you can drop whatever you like in the donation box.”) (And then, of course, I’d give them my standard line, “However, I figger a person your age should know how to accept a gift.”)

I ended up making my ‘donation box’ (which you’ve seen in the shoffice for a number of years) out of PVC. It has accepted tips, donations, etc from the mkt folks and, in the meantime, became a place for me to start depositing extra change/moola into. In addition to that I eventually started writing notes, story excerpts, “love poems”, etc for you and your Mother and would fold those up and insert into the tube. Eventually I ended up referring to it as a “memory tube”.

My idea was to fill it up, completely, until nothing else would fit through the hole. At that time we would saw it open (yes, it is permanently sealed!), dump the contents on the living room floor and explore! If there was enough money in it to do so, we’d take a trip; if not enough for that then we’d go out to eat (or something). We’d also read the notes, the excerpts, the misc who-knows-what that is in there. (Many of the notes are dated so we can “remember when”!)

Although I chose to decorate the outside of my Memory Tube with black paint (I used a sponge, dipped it in paint, then applied the design) to make the tube resemble a limb from a birch tree, I left yours plain so you could personalize it any way you’d like.

Happy Daughter’s Day! 2005

YoursentimentaloldfoolofaDad!

PS…Your tube has been “primed”, as in “prime the pot”. Hmmm…wonder what’s already in there ? ô¿ô
…………………..
{end of note}

And now, where’d she find it!? Welp, first ya hafta understand that wasn’t the only thing I took up to the house…!

{Whoops, station break...be right back}

Sheesh, Shoe! Hanging on here waiting for the rest of the story....

BTW, are your ears burning???? *Big Smile*

Ok now where is the rest of the story shoe? You made us wait long enough. lol What a wonderful idea.

Shoe,did you get lost?


Ruth

Wonderful story Shoe... waiting for thr rest!

Whoops....sorry. Had to fetch a rat snake outta the henhouse earlier; have been cooking supper in the Shoffice, and am now about to escort a youngin' up to the house. However...if you have the time, lemme just add this...:

Ya see, Folks, I just love to prolong excitement and happiness, smiles and laughter, giddiness and wonderment! And the best part for me is when I get to witness all of those things happening at the same time and I get to see someone who is totally wrapped up in the enjoyment of it all! (Heck, Santa Claus ain’t got nuttin’ on this type of happenin’!)

I was thinking of what other things my Daughter likes. I also was thinking about how we both enjoyed doing certain things together. Then it came to me. It may not seem like very much to ya’ll but, but, but….we love our “Dad and Daughter shopping trips”! Also, there is a really cool store she really wants to go back to sometime! What better thing to offer her than a certificate to do just that, eh?

I printed out a nice certificate (thanks to Print Shop software!), stuck it in an envelope, and carried it to the house with the Memory Tube. No doubt..it would be yet another memory in the making!

Oh yeh, there is one last thing I wanted to provide for Daughter’s Day but it seemed to me that it...it...it.....well, lemme just put it this way... ;>) ...

Oh wow, the real-time story about Daughter's Day 2005! I have this strange feeling I'm gonna be watching this thread for hours and hours. :)

...even though it's Daughter's Day it seems to me that it is very appropriate to offer a gift to the whole Family so…

...I bit the financial bullet and bought us a DVD player! (Heck, it was only $47.00!) We’ve never had one before but I’d recently received a very special DVD from a friend (Thanks, Melody!!!) and I just HAD to share it with the Family!

And so, the final scenario, Daughter’s Day 2005…(and please feel free to come on inside and join us…ya’ll would love being here!)

Ya see, it all went like this!…

...DW and DD came home from their running/biking trip. I was shelling shrimp for supper in the Shoffice, getting it ready to take up to the house and get started on the cookin'! By the time I got up there Alex was freshly bathed and, for some reason, had found a large piece of PVC pipe in her bathroom, hidden behind the door, a note attached!

Hmmm….Imagine that! The two of them were sitting in the living room, smiling like ‘Chessy cats eatin’ briars! Both of them had happy sparkles in their eyes and those sparkles were shining brighter than flashlights with new batteries! Me?…I smiled/laughed and went to the kitchen to commence cooking!

During the supper preparation I pointed out that on the envelope it said “1 of 3”. For some reason Alex went on a hunt for something! Imagine that!

Eventually she discovered, taped to her alarm clock by her bed, was another envelope. Next thing I knew there was a bunch of “wheee—heee’ing” and hollerin’ going on! I figgered she’d found a Certificate to a shopping trip or sumpin’!

I can’t remember right now, but at some point someone pointed out there was a third item that hadn’t been discovered yet. Again, Alex was off on a hunt!

While I was cooking the shrimp-ka-bobs on the grill (along with fresh-picked peppers stuffed with cheese, Ichiban eggplant basted with olive oil and garlic) and sliced Lemon Boy tomatoes on a nearby platter (with fresh-made pesto for a topping) Alex appeared by my side. It seems for some reason she needed a clue as to where the last present was. All I said was….

….”What has only A B C D E F and G?” She disappeared.

Welp, soon she came back to where I was manning the grill and told me Mom said it was an encyclopedia or dictionary. Wrong!

And, and ???? :)

..Again I said (emphasizing the third word) "What has ONLY A B C D E F and G?" Dang…she disappeared again!…………..

Wasn’t very long at all when she came out on the deck, carrying the new DVD player that she’d found hidden under the piano! Ya never heard so much hoopin’ and hollerin’ going on!

And so, Folks/Friends...

... the Griffin Family of MoonDance Farm eventually settled down, sittin’ side-by-side on the couch, trays of food on our laps (shrimp kabobs, grilled eggplant, stuffed cheese peppers, sliced ‘maters) (oh yeh, and ice cream for dessert!) and watched a special DVD on our new DVD Player-
thingy while eatin’ and enjoying Daughter’s Day!

Family. Ain’t nuttin’ like it, eh?

(And das all he wrote! Thanks for your time! Ya’ll are the Best!)

Shoe.

Oh yeh, the FOOD! THE FOOD!!

And lastly, the original Memory Tube (very full and heavy, but has a long way to go before it gets opened!).

Aw, Shoe, that is so sweet. I just read this from start to finish. The memory tube is a great idea.

Gee, Shoe, you give new meaning to that line in our long-ago wedding song, "'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And simple gifts, love and delight." (from "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free")

Thank you.

Dag Nabbit Shoe... the chills and bumps on my arms are giving me away again.

You are such a wonderful person and father and all I can say, is that I'm sure glad to call you a friend of mine. The memories you are creating for your DD and yourself are so precious and will never be forgotten. I just love the Memory tube...sure wish I had one over the past ???years.

I just can't get over how big Alex is getting...she is turning into a beautiful young lady everyday. She has always been beautiful, but now your going to have to watch her a little more. lol

Thank you soooo much for sharing this special Daughters Day with us once more. I love that you didn't pick any special date for it and that you also surprised her with it.

Hugs to you and family,
Donna

Thanks Folks. Yep, it is a fun time for all of us. And yep, "making memories" is a great thing to do!

Donna...Yes! Alex is growing up too fast! (Wish I had 2 or 3 more just like her!) (And yes, I will keep a shotgun by the door to ward off the boys!)

As for the 'special date' for it...welp, there really is a definite date but this year has been very hectic and it got put off (till whenever I decided!)

Thanks for checking in, Folks. And now, off to check the henhouse for that rat snake again! ô¿ô

Hey Big Bro, that was an awesome story! Glad it worked out so well, and that making me hang on bit.....I was ready to get ya! You are great at building up the anticipation!

I love watching that DVD, so do the kids love watching Uncle Shoe! They know where Mom got her singing talents (wink)

You seriously are an awesome Dad, you have one lucky family!

Umm, so, um.....when is sisters day? hehehe

Love ya much!
Debbie

Shoe you never cease to amaze me. Great story (as usual) and great idea to have the memory tube. I have a friend having a baby soon I may just borrow your idea. Of couse I will put a little "shoe print" on it just for you.

Sandy

"Sister's Day" eh!? Hah! I just KNEW your mind worked as nutty as mine! Love it!

Sandy/Old Rose and others...the "Memory Tube" is a really inexpensive gift to make and lasts a lifetime (or more!). Although the original was made of the thick-walled pvc pipe I noticed the standard "sewer/drain" pvc pipe is just as sturdy and much less expensive. (So are the end caps that go on them.)

I'd suggest getting 4 inch PVC drain pipe (the thin walled stuff). A ten foot section is less that $5.00. Across the aisle are the fittings so get two 4 inch end caps ($1.89 each). (By the way, the 'schedule 40' thick walled end caps are $5.00 each...see what I mean by the difference in cost?)

You'll also need a small can of PVC glue (cement) (probably costs $2).

The ten foot length of 4 inch pipe can be cut with a hack saw to whatever length you choose. Heck, you could easily make several of them, they don't have to be as long as ours are.

With a handsaw (or skill saw) just cut a slot in the top big enough for change, paper money, notes, etc to fit in it.

The rest is up to you or the recipient to design/paint/put stickers on, etc to "individualize" it!

Das it! Go for it!
(Hmmm...maybe I should put a step-by-step guide in my DG Diary?)

Another exciting adventure in the lives of the Griffin family.

Why is it that I always feel like I am reading some wonderfully creative short story that makes me feel really good clear down to the tips of my toesies? The great thing about Shoe's stories is the fact that they are true......errrrr.....well some of them are....errr...... well, at least Daughter's Day aventures are true for sure!!!!!

Loved it, Shoe. Thanks for sharing.

Shoe, this idea is terrific! I will be making Memory tubes for each of the Grandkids this year and one for me too!

I hope Alex will fill hers with years of great memories so that when it is opened she can enjoy them all over again.

As for the DVD player, it must have been the week for them. Bob decided since the price on them has dropped so much it was time to replace our old one that was getting a bit persnickity. Under 50 dollars, great deal..... until the salesman convinced him he couldn't get the most out of it without that 300 dollar surround sound system with the bass thingy that makes the whole building vibrate. And of course, what good is it without a couple of new release movies to watch!

Next time he wants something "under 50 bucks" I will be going with him! We may not save any money but at least I'll be along to pick the movies!

It is amazing how much cheaper they have become. I am always one to wait for things to stop being so new and special and become rather ordinary. Then I BUY!!!!!!

meeeee toooooo......but my dh is not.......he has to get everything new......crazy guy! Shoe, you are truly a fabulous daddy! I want some of your other ideas too.....where do i find them, since i see that you have told many a tale......can ya'll point me in the right direction? thanks for the lovely story......god bless you and your family!!

Aww Shoe...sitting here bawling and it's not even a sad story. LOL...Just touches my heartstrings. And yes, what in the world is up with that young lady growing by leaps and bounds like that? When did that happen?

Thanks again for a best ever heartwarming story. You're the best story-teller ever....

Shoe, You are a great father! Thanks for sharing. It was good to see a current picture of you - i like the bushy beard!

Hey, Lois. Where ya been hiding, gal? Guess you are back at school now. Don't you just hate it when the summer passes so rapidly?

Good to see you back and posting. We miss you when you are absent.

Shoe daughters day just keeps getting better. What wonderful memories you have. As always I look forward to this post and your Christmas tree hunt each year. Thank you for sharing your special memories with us. Even if you did make us wait to hear the whole story. :)

Shoe, thanks so very much--smiling by the yard.

Howdy Folks...just have a second but wanted to say I've really enjoyed seeing that ya'll enjoyed this happening. Heck, seems like ya'll enjoy it like you were there, too! Yay!

Howdy Marcia...nice to see ya again! Also very nice to picture you smiling so big! Hope you're doing exceptionally well and sharing that smile with others!

Mystic...Hah!, me make ya'll wait!? Neener neener neener!! ;>) Well, actually I've just been short on time so decided to pick my breaks, both here on the farm and at DG. And yes, Daughter's Day seems to just get better and better; hope it stays that way!

G-Lois, nice to see ya! Hope you are still enjoying life and cruising around in that new car of yours! (Probably driving around visiting Grand-kids, eh?) As for the beard, it's only bushy cus I've been lazy! (But, I dee-clare, I really think I trimmed it sometime back in March!)

Folks, I was at Vic's house a couple weeks ago, sharing some time with her and her hubby. While sittin' on their back porch I mentioned the Memory Tube...their eyes kinda glassed over for a second or so, a lull in conversation stopped, and then I decided I could offer them a clue as to what one was! I imagine they thought I was off my rocker or not someone that should be sittin' on their porch anymore! (So now Vic/Hank have seen Alex's memory tube come to fruition, eh?) ;>)

scoobysuey, not sure if I've said this yet but, WELCOME TO DG! Will be seein' ya around the site! As for more ideas, welp, not sure I have too many of those, but probably have a lot of posts floating around! I reckon we'll run into each other!

Hey Zany!....I'm excited to hear you will make some Tubes for the Grandkids (and yourself!). I really think everyone involved will enjoy them! As for your hubby and his DVD shopping, he must be one extremely happy fella now! (Pssst...Now's the time to tell him you need a maid, a personal cook, and you just might need a camper van so you can go to the DG Roundups!) Paybacks are, are....wunnerful, eh!!?

Night ya'll!

Oh, Shoe....I still want to adopt you as my daddy! Some time travel would have to be involved, but for that I'd be game. ;) You and Alexandra are fortunate to have each other and your daughter. Alex is such a fortunate girl, so many good memories and no doubt in the world that she's cherished.

Hey Friend...this is a TOPPER!! You never cease to amaze me...how that brain of your keeps on ticking...like a Timex watch ...or...er....the Battery Bunny. I'm gonna mention this idea to my DD for her DGD...what a nice thing...A memory Tube...I need one...but I'd need to be able to open it...I could put things in it like: Where I put my car keys...or I know I put it somewhere easy to find!!

Alex IS getting more beautiful every day! Jo

Oh Good Heavens Jo, don't make his head any bigger than it is! haha Poor Alexandra won't be able to fit him through the door at night!

You know I am teasing, he is remarkable isn't he? Now I know what I been missing all my life. Alex is gonna have such happy memories when she grows up, and then someday....Shoe can do it for all his grandchildren on "Grandchildrens day!"

I love ya big brother,
Debbie

"Grandchildren's Day"! Hmmm....now that's a great idea, too! There's no limit to this, eh!!?

And by the way, Debbie, my head only swells just so big! When it gets too big my hat flies off! Fortunately for me my head is a "one size fits all"! (Er, wait, does that tag mean that's the size of my hat!?) Color me puzzled. ô¿ô

Howdy, Jo...YES, by all means, get your DD involved in making one. Will be great fun! Heck, at this point I should make a few and send them to DGer's! DG sure makes a lot of wunnerful memories available for all of us, eh? Yay!

This WOULD be a great door prize for a RU...and one for a dear friend (ME!) I need one shorter than yours though...at 71 on Labor Day...I might not have enough time left to fill it!!

Debbie...I too think you found a great brother!! Jo

ummmmm shoe? I think the glassy eyes was from the HEAT! LOL...Folks, the day Shoe came to visit I think the heat index was 105...Whew....and we tried to stay out as long as we could, eh? Even a covered porch with a paddle fan didn't get it by mid-afternoon. Hank & Shoe held out longer than I did though.

Speaking of which, I about bit it today. Stayed out way too long in the sun. I was in the garden while Hank was working "back yonder" and he came up and said vic, you don't look so well and I said I didn't feel so well. I was hot, then cold, then hot, then the ole ticker was pounding. Not good. My face was somewhere between pink, orange, and red. I was well hydrated but just too much sun I think. Anyway, Hank tried to "ground" me inside with ac which I did for a few hours but went back out when the sun moved over. Be careful folks, it's hot out there...Sorry shoe, didn't mean to hijack your thread...

I ain't good at saying stuff..so I just wanna say that I'd like to say what SoCal said...she said it all and thats all I want to say.



~proud to call you friend~

I hear ya, Vic....that was a hot day! (Was 104 degrees at my place so that's why I decided to head to ya'lls! And of course, to deliver corn to ya!) (Oh yeh, and eat your fried chicken, mashed taters/gravy, and the rhubarb pie!)

You need to be careful. I fell out from the heat a few yrs back...you'll never get over it and you'll be ruint for life (or so it seems).

Lisa, you don't gotta say nothing. You've got the same thing going on in your Family! Ain't it great!