Home Alone – Father’s Day

Father’s Day.  Really the lessor of the two days set aside for parents.  Mother’s Day seems to get top billing, and rightly so.  Optimally, we all take Mom out to dinner or lunch somewhere and try to show her how much we appreciate all that she has done.

Father’s Day?  Well, it’s always seemed to be a day to let Dad do what he wants to, ie, play golf, go fishing, go to a game, fire up the BBQ and incinerate some animal flesh and pound a few brews.  All in hopes of showing him how we care.

For me today, it’s all about solitude and relaxing.  A day away from work solo (kids live miles away and Loretta is working until four).  The weather is not yet hot, windows are all open inviting in the cool breezes of late Spring.  May have to close it all up later and switch on the A/C, no matter.

I’m doing a little readin’, ‘ritin’, and no ‘rithmatic.  I’m also cooking my clam chowder for later.  Dinner tonight?  A simple comfort food dish I’ve made countless times:  King Ranch Chicken Casserole.  The plan to roast a Prime Rib has been put on hold for a later time.

The roasted chicken bones are simmering with some onion, celery, carrots, peppercorns, rosemary, and thyme…making fresh chicken stock for the casserole later.  It all smells good.  It is all good.  I’m enjoying myself.

Best case scenario for Father’s Day?  Spend it with my two kids and Loretta.  Since that is not possible, the second best choice is a day off to myself doing a few of the things I enjoy doing most:  a little writing and a little cooking.  A little eating and a glass or two of wine will come later.

My Father passed a few years ago.  But I do still relish the memories of Father’s Days with him.  We didn’t really have any recurring traditions, we simply spent time together at home, or at lake or river.  Remembering all of that with fondness is worth doing today.

Yes, home alone on Father’s Day.  No regrets.  It is simply a nice day to recall many pleasant things and to forget the less desirable things I must return to tomorrow.  For now, today, I will savor the emails and skype calls from my two children.  It is just not in the cards for any face-to-face this time.  Someday, perhaps we can hang out on a Sunday in June.  Until then, it is what it is.

I hope your Father’s Day is free of angst and full of bliss as mine is right now.