more fine art

I did need to comment on the Ringling Museum's modern art exhibit. Several of the piece look as if they've come from the Cofer Brothers U-Pull-It salvage yard. It doesn't matter how much you still shine it up, junk is junk.

Dad

fine art

While in Sarasota a visit to the Ringling Museum is a must; beautiful art, beautiful grounds and clowns, what more do you need? Emily Grace was not feeling well the day we went to the Ringling Museum. The room sized baroque paintings were not enough to keep a 1-year old engaged. We managed to keep her happy by finding all of the dogs that were in the paintings. Every time we found and pointed out a dog to her Emily Grace would "woof" for us. At last count there are 39 dogs in the paintings at the Ringling. Emily was a little confused by the angels in the paintings, she thought they were birds. I explained to her that angels were just the result from people having sex with chickens. Mom was not amused.

Love,
Dad

answers to one of life's pressing questions

I got an answer to the hotel/motel question in the last blog. It seems that one has a heated pool and the other a cesspool.

Thanks Brent,
dad

hurricane safety

What better place to take a baby during a hurricane than the beach? We went to Sarasota for the Labor Day weekend, staying at the Lido Beach Resort. A very nice hotel, I'm not quite sure what makes it a "resort"could be the two, count 'em two ping pong tables; maybe it was the fish pond. Of course I'm still unclear on the whole hotel/motel and which is which, so remember your source here. The Lido Beach Resort was a very nice place. My only complaint is that there are no towels or even paper towels in the kitchen. Have you ever tried to dry a wine glass with a bath towel?

Emily loved the beach, even if the hurricane whipped waves were over her head. She loved the swimming pool even if it was over her head too.

love,
Dad

important safety tip

Always be sure to securely knot the end of the Diaper Genie before you close the contraption and fill it with diapers. Take it from someone who knows.

Dad

She's back from vacation...

Emily Grace is back from visiting her Grandma and Grandpa in beautiful Ashtabula, Ohio: the home of covered bridges and not much else. They are on Lake Erie, but you can't really get down to it. The Amish communities are interesting, but they don't watch The Daily Show so what is there to talk to them about.

What was, for me, most interesting is the fact that Ashtabula is trying so hard to attract tourist dollars. They're building these covered bridges, which have to be the least cost effective bridges, in the poorest county in the state of Ohio to attract tourists. Yet, the one thing they could do for free is completely neglected. Customer service. How much would it cost to have the employees of the hotels, restaurants and stores at least pretend that they're glad to see you. It was pretty clear that my arrival on their doorstep was a major annoyance for them. The three employees at Alamo Rent-A-Car could not have been any more un-happy/annoyed when I walked up to claim my reservation. It's not like there was a line. I was the only person there. When I went back in to ask a question they were downright hostile. That will be the last time I rent from them.

The Holiday Inn Express in Ashtabula is another good example. When I made the reservation I called the hotel directly. I asked for a non-smoking room, Emily Grace hasn't acquired the habit yet, although she would like to start so she can get some of that great tobacco money. Anyway, the young lady I spoke to said she would put us on the first floor, away from the smoke. When we checked in they gave us room 325. When we got off the elevator on the third floor and took one breath, we should have gotten right back on the elevator and returned to the lobby. A non-smoking room on the smoking floor is like having a window room on the Titanic, "Look I see fish."

Trying to change rooms was a nightmare. The staff and management could not have made it any more difficult or unpleasant. I highly recommend staying anywhere that's not the Holiday Inn Express.

Dad

terrible twos? already?

At 13 months it seems a little early to be trying tantrums, but kids grow up so fast these days. Emily Grace's problem is that both mom and I face the worst Emily Grace can dish out times ten everyday at school; so, when Emily throws a fit it's just funny for us. That must bug the heck out of Emily Grace. Too bad.

Love,
Dad