Raingutter Regatta

The night before the big race, Lloyd and Harrison worked on their boat. It was Harrison's job to sand, paint, and wax the hull. The Raingutter Regatta pitted more than 2 dozen boys (and their fathers) against each other. The sails were all breath-powered. All you have to ask is how many rounds Harrison won. His answer? "All of them". Here are my winners.

Memphis in almost May?

Do I apologize for the lag in blog time? Nah.... I'll try to bring you up to speed; note that our winter was weathery and spring has now sprung. Where has the time gone?

Santa Claus Comes Tonight! (12.24.10)

What has become a dear tradition for our family is to have our big celebration with family Christmas Eve night. This is nothing out of the ordinary for most families, other than our own memories being made with Nana, Daddy Joe, Omi (and her sitter, Latorya, who is afraid of all things that bark), Andy, Mandy (and their dog Henry), and the four of us. Papa was with us in spirit and gave us good wishes by phone (we missed you this year, Luther!). Lloyd’s mom influenced our caroling, with German lyrics. Andy, Lloyd, and Harrison played some sort of instrument (including Harrison’s version of “Oh Holy Night” on the B-3) while the harmonies made by those of us who love to sing (Omi, Nana, Mandy, me, and this year Grayson’s sweet voice) filled the music room. Our meal was enjoyed so much, that we failed to have room (or time) for dessert! The kids took part in the adult present opening that followed dinner before leaving out crackers, cheese (Santa can’t have all cookies, you know), and reindeer food for our visitors this night.

'Stille Nacht'

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!



This video was taken in Helga's apartment during a visit with the kids. She had just sung "Stille Nacht" on stage the week before at The Parkview's annual Christmas party. Always the performer, she is known among her friends in Montgomery for this song. She wishes all her friends there and her family far away happy holidays.

Carols and Cookies (12.15.10)

We’ve hosted a neighborhood Christmas party with the Whiteheads, our neighbors, for the past six or seven years. It’s a fun time where we get together for about an hour to visit and for the last 20 minutes or so, we gather around the piano to sing Christmas carols. Although we host about 40 to 50 adults, we have about twice as many kids running around, including the boys who played football outside this year although it was near 32 degrees (cold for a Memphis Christmas)! Lloyd makes a guest appearance at the piano (Liz is our preferred very talented pianist) to play “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (Bruce Springsteen version, of course). And, we end the night wishing all a very Merry Christmas! (From the Whiteheads to the Finks: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”).

Canon in D (12.7.10)

Harrison waffled somewhat on whether or not he wanted his dad to play with him at his guitar recital. He had fired Lloyd at one point, but then relented and ultimately the two stole the show! Take a listen.

Cumberland Gap (12.4.10)

My mother grew up in Speedwell, Tennessee, in the valley of Powell Mountain. At least yearly the 5 remaining siblings (of 8 original) get together, but the Christmas gathering is especially special. We gather in the house where my mom and her siblings were raised; the house where my aunt now resides. There’s always laughter, storytelling, eating, and caroling (and occasional snow!). (This was Andy and Mandy’s first trip to East TN together and they arrived relieved that Andy had defended his dissertation and witnessed the signing of his PhD papers. Way to go Dr. Willhite!)