For what might be the last time for a very long time, my cave family gathered near my cave, to celebrate Christmas.
Here we are. From left to right.
Rainbow Wells, Registered Nurse and younger son Daniel Wells, Paramedic.
Terri Wells, Library Aide, Miraleste Intermediate School and me, 'retired from AT&T'.
Elder son David Wells, in employment transition (also continental transition, too) and Pamela Wells, Travel Agent.
Dave and Pamela were married on August 2, 2011, in Fiji and today was the first time all six of us were together since Dave and Pamela left for their year-long, around the world honeymoon, from Fiji.
They have a blog for their travels at: http://pamelaanddavertw.blogspot.com/ Please visit it.
Rainbow and Dan live in Hesperia, California while Dave and Pamela will return home to Australia at the end of their honeymoon.
I like building things and that it definitely true for Daniel and his wife, Rainbow.
For one of my Christmas presents, Terri gave me a pack of 'Nanoblocks' which are micro size versions of other blocks now on the market.
I was fascinated, but I knew my 56-year old-shaky left hand would have difficulty navigating the construction processes, let alone my old eyes trying to follow the instructions.
I knew for a true fact that Daniel, the true caveman that he is, would marvel at the contents of the little packages and he would appreciate the smallness of the building pieces. He has had great adventures with building pieces since he first held a 'Duplo' and he has built countless things with any number of 'Lego' pieces.
What floored me was how much Dan's wife Rainbow also took to the 'Nanoblocks'. She is one who is also the perfect Cave Wife to a true Caveman.
SHE was the one to grab the package and open it. It was wonderful to watch both of them work on trying to figure out what turned out to be very difficult (and incorrect) illustrations.
They both had their hands and fingers working on putting the tiny pieces together to finish an adult and young-looking Emperor penguins.
They seemed to really enjoy their teamed efforts. On my Facebook page I have a photo of the Subaru rally race car they are building in their garage...together.
Here is the result of their quest to put together the penguins according to the photo on the package. On the right is my hand holding three pieces I know for a fact would never get connected together had I attempted to use my old and shaking left hand.
Of course, every Cave-dad who has at least one Cave-son also has to deal with that son's selection of vehicles.
The issue is compounded when that Cave-son marries a real Cavewoman who shares his 'appreciation' of all things cave-like.
Thus, Terri and I, along with birth moms Lori (Dan) and Ziane (Rainbow), now have the 'opportunity' to 'appreciate' Dan's and Rainbow's selection of vehicles.
It's not so much the kids' Infinity G37 or even the Subaru Impresa, WRX rally racer that is still under construction in the garage that we are watching the kids enjoy.
But added to the new cave family's stable is the (dang) Subaru Impresa, WRX, STI Dan and Rainbow bought. (Hey dad, want to go out onto the dry lake and take it for a spin?)
And yes, it is PURPLE! (I had a 1958 Chevrolet Impala that was also purple.)
But no Dan, I've had my cave-racers and it is time for me to slow down as you and Rainbow speed up. I'll be glad to be an active part of their pit crew for the rally car as Terri and I helped and watched Dan and his former partner Bret win a World Championship for Street Dancing by "Energizer", back in 2000.
While Dan and Rainbow stick close to their cave, that is not currently the case with Dave and Pamela.
Both of them, prior to sighting each other on a safari bus in Kenya, had extensive travel stories they gained separately.
**NOTE TO MOMS AND/OR DADS**
If you have a son that looks like he can be on the cover of "G.Q" magazine or a daughter who could be on the cover of "Brides" magazine, DON'T 'help' them with the opportunity to have their eyes meet, on or near a safari bus, or anywhere else on our planet!
Terri and I, along with Jan and Perry Platt didn't get the note, three years ago.
It's would not be a bad thing at all if the kids met each other and ended up married to each other. It's just the added travel expenses required to visit the new family, whever they settle down.
Dave's caveman joys are reflected in his drive to see and explore so many things around the world. He went from eating very selective foods provided by this cave-dad and Lori, to a menu explorer who eats things I would not even like to read about.
Pamela was also a world traveler as a passion and for employment. She is also an accomplished artist, creating works using several different media.
They have plans to live in Australia where they might open a cafe/gallery where folks can eat and shop at a gallery displaying works by Pamela, her 'mum' Jan and others.
Terri and I will still have lots of opportunities to visit with Dan, Rainbow and our three 'grand-dogs' but visiting Dave and Pamela will have to depend on finances and longer blocks of 'free' time, to travel to Australia and back.
So this Christmas was bittersweet for me. But it is also joyous because I get to watch how successful they both my cave-sons have become and how happy they are married to their beautiful, wonderful, intelligent and gifted wives.
We 'scored' two base-clearing home runs with Rainbow and Pamela.
All four are very adventurous in their own ways and all four display vast amounts of courage and wonder no matter where they are or what they are doing.
Please take a look at "Around the World With Pamela and Dave". It is funny and very informative.
Keep checking out your 1998-early 2001 "Lowrider" magazines for photos about Energizer's build, quest, and success at winning a World Championship.
There are so many more adventures ahead for my cave-family, for which I will be eternally grateful.
Happy New Year!
