iPad Crossing the Generations

My Dad has a brand new iPad2.  He used my lowly first generation iPad and got hooked on, yes... Angry Birds!  So he finally decided to get one of his own.

Dad in Action

My Mom is sure that there is a device that comes out of his forearm and connects to the iPad2.  I have assured her that that is not an accessory that Apple provides...yet.

He syncs, downloads apps and plays games with the best of them.  He has his rosary and Divine Office loaded and takes the iPad2 to Adoration twice a week.

Well, the Pope was not to be outdone and now has an iPad2, though I suspect that someone does the downloading for him.  The Pope has a twitter account, though again I suspect that someone does the tweeting for him also.

The Pope

While we were at my parents we spent most nights huddled around one of the iPads and played Carcassone.  We love the game and now instead of pass and play we play over the internet with each other.

I am sure that Apple didn't have the over 80 crowd in mind when they developed the iPad.  Though it has given our family a new way to connect.  FaceTime is not only great for seeing the grandkids, it allows you to talk to the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents!

Dad and I both carry the family tree on our pads.  Helpful for that latest headstone photo that needs to be added.  Now we can do that right from the cemetery.

I love it that my Dad is a mini-geek and loves techie things.  I can see him now on the way to Alaska to see my baby brother, playing Angry Birds on the plane.

P.S.  Dad, don't forget to use Lane's account for a couple of apps!

Happy 80th Birthday!

I can't imagine being 80 years old.  I am looking at 60 in a couple of years and I don't feel a day over 55.

In Guam

My father is turning 80 this weekend.  It is a milestone.  You can't deny that fact.  He has seen a lot of changes over the years.  Computers, men in space and on the moon.  Cars have changed and so have planes.  World politics have changed, though I suspect in some ways they are much the same.

The Newly Weds

He has been faithfully married to the same woman for 58 years this August and they are more in love today then the day they spoke their vows.  They don't just love each other, they like each other and that my friends is rare indeed.

When I look at my Dad he is still just my Dad...able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, able to shape the lowly wire coat hanger into any tool for any occasion.  He is calm in crisis and decisive when decisions must be made. 

Not Much Has Changed

At the Helm

He has corrected me, stood by me, hugged me, cried with  me and laughed much with me.  His gait may-be a little slower these days, but he still keeps moving forward.  His mind is sharp and clear and he has just ordered his own iPad!  He volunteers several days at the Veteran's Hospital in Tucson and works for the Church and the Knights of Columbus.  Occasionally he "rests his eyes" while sitting in his recliner.

As a Young Father with the Brood

In Honduras

There are a thousand memories attached to my Dad.  There are a thousand things if not more that I am thankful for when I see or talk to my Dad.

There isn't much to say except that, "I love you Daddy and always will.  You are the best, thanks for everything."

Boat Rowing Skills