When's That Tour de France Thing, Anyway!

A buddy of mine wonders how I can stand to watch Pro Cycling and the Tour de France. He likens it to watching paint dry. (I have to admit, those cyclists wear colorful jerseys.)

To which I ask him how he can stand watching baseball on TV? Zzzzzzzzzzz....

(Before any Hot Moms hit snooze, here's some Lance Armstrong eye candy.)

In case you've been sleeping through it, please know the 2009 Tour de France is going on right now. And Lance Armstrong is doing extremely well in his comeback. The guy hasn't cycled in Le Tour in four years (after winning seven in a row). Midway through this year's three-week long race, he was in third place, just seconds off the lead.

For the uninitiated, road cycling is a sport of gods. It may seem like nothing more than pedaling bikes, but Tour cycling requires strength, endurance, team tactics, and individual smarts. No fat guys standing out in left field, waiting for something to happen. No one sitting on the bench, chewing tobacco and waiting to go in. These cyclists pedal their butts off each day. If there's a crash, they get back on the bike and keep going. Rules state they must finish each day within a certain time after the first guy crosses the line, or they get booted from the race. Most fight hard to just remain in the race, and would only leave the Tour if they broke a bone. Even then, they'd go kicking and screaming.

Imagine cycling 100+ miles, eating, sleeping, then doing it again the next day - and repeating this pattern for 21 stages over the course of 23 days. (The first stage is usually a shorter distance.) I cycle 50 miles and it's a long ride for me.

The Tour de France has no substitutions. Only two days rest in three weeks. These guys are studs.

My kids and I have watched the Tour of California in person a few times, and even gotten some autographs from George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer, and others (making all the road trip planning even more worth it.)

And now we are watching Tour de France coverage together on TV. (Family time, Tivo style.)

We revel in the beauty of the French countryside and the architecture in its towns. We marvel at the peloton's changing shape, from fat blob to thin stretched line as riders whip up the pace. We oooh and ahhh when a cyclist wipes out and goes flying.

As for Lance Armstrong? From reading his book, "It's Not About the Bike", I sort of figured he was an egotistical bastard. (Compare his writing to his ex-wife Kristen Armstrong's blog at Runners World. She is grounded, self aware, compassionate, evolved.)

In previous Tours, I always rooted for someone, anyone else to win - Jan Ullrich, Andreas Kloeden, Carlos Sastre. Anyone but the man who acted like the world revolved around him.

But then I read somewhere that Lance, during grueling training rides and races in Australia and California, realized how much work the domestiques do for their team leader. Apparently he wondered if maybe this Tour de France was meant to teach him something else. Maybe it was his turn to ride in support of others and give selflessly to the team.

Yeah, right. Beautiful sentiment, but clearly from watching the first half of this year's Tour, he wants to win. He's been kicking ass so far. (Lance tweets about it, too.)

And for once, I've been cheering him along. Why my change in heart? Who knows - Lance Armstrong is older, wiser, nicer, but he still has that competitive fire.

Or maybe I'm older, wiser, nicer, and not so judgmental. (Then again, maybe it's simply the fact that for a brief few seconds, Lance and I appeared together on TV. Gotta love my fifteen frames of fame!)

Go Lance! Win the Tour.

Flickr photo by Ricardo Horsham, Some rights reserved (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Secret Box

Well this is always a cool post. This is the secret box. I run it in Sageville every now and then and the always delightful Shelle got it stolen from her fair and square and she runs it some too.

So here's what to do. Put your secret i the secret box. Naughty, nice, funny whatever. I don't have access to the stats so I have no idea who says what.

So comment, with your secret or a secret. You can own it or you can comment Anonymous. Either way suits us. The other places it has been done it was worth following comments or coming back to see what secrets were exposed. Put your secrets in, comment on other secrets!!



You can hit up the stunningly sexy Sandi for a free give-away!
Then hit the tantalizingly sexy Isabella for a free blog makeover!

Go get em, have a good week!

How to Lose 10 Years in 10 Minutes

After camping this weekend and three days of my not shaving, the 15 year old suggested I leave the Soul Patch when I shaved before work yesterday. I immediately dismissed the suggestion since I am neither a beatnik (an expression completely lost on him) or a 23 year old relief pitcher. He then suggested I grow a goatee (He really meant a Vandyke, but nobody understand the distinction anymore).

There was no problem getting on board with this idea, since I always wanted one. My Ex was never keen on it, or facial hair of any kind. Back in college, I sported a moustache. It was a great moustache; not one of those reedy, thin 20-something cookie dusters, but a thick, full rusty curtain that swept across my upper lip with authority. I was never ID’d again at bars or the liquor store.

One evening after graduation, I shaved it off for a change, met my now-ex-wife shortly after that and was never able to grow it back. If women know you only with facial hair or without, it is difficult to make the transition from one state to the other within the same relationship. But now I am not in that relationship, and am free to do whatever I want with my face. Even tattoo a snake across my forehead if I want.

I only shaved the neck and cheeks, and it was good. I liked the look, People noticed immediately and the reaction was positive. It made me feel a little dangerous; it suggested I was someone with wicked thoughts who was not to be harassed. But nothing lasts.

This morning the grey was pretty noticeable and it was becoming 'beardy'. Someone suggested how much I look like my Dad. He looks like Santa.

I shaved it off.

Why is it the things we do in our youth to look older, like facial hair (or dramatic eye shadow for girls), once we become older only make us look elderly?

Ask Hot Dads

All we can say about this week's batch of questions is that you won't be bored. Enjoy...and keep those awesome questions coming.


Choc Drop asks...Have you ever strayed and if you did, why??? Or was there a temptation to stray??

Irish Gumbo says...This is a little tricky for me, having just separated from my (ex)wife, and we had a relationship of over 20 years. During that time, at least for me, temptation was very abstract. I thought it certainly possible, just never thought it would happen to me (because I was never a "ladies man") even though I know it was different for my ex. Towards the end of my marriage, the thoughts became stronger because I was so miserable. And the real twist in all that, is that I never had a real opportunity, nor did I give in to it, until well after it was clear my wife wanted a divorce. So it's complicated. I never did until my marriage was over in all but name, but the reasons were classic: I was lonely, miserable and unwanted, then someone came along who made me feel loved, wanted and showed me that they were truly interested in me. No surprise then that I responded! By the way, this all happened earlier this year, and I had known since 2007 that my marriage was over. Out of curiosity, ladies, what is your take on that situation?

Hubman says...Yes I have, and I've written about it. Click here and here for the whole story.

Daddy Geek Boy says...Boring answer, but honest. I haven't and I've never been tempted.

Cameron says...Nope, I’ve never strayed. My motivation is simple….I would be paying out the ass for child support if my wife left me.

Anonymous asks...Okay guys.... what is your opinion on Adult Nursing Relationships?

Irish Gumbo says...Okay, I had to do some research to make sure I had the right idea. There are historical precedents for it, and if my info is correct, usually based more on the feeding/comfort aspect of things rather than the erotic/sexual side. It certainly offers opportunities for an intense intimacy between human beings! Just ask any infant. It is true that breastfeeding can offer comfort/pleasure to both adults and if they both want it and like it, well, that's what matters to them in their relationship. Honestly? I don't think its something I would do, but I don't find it a reason to condemn someone, either. I reckon any "sexual" actvity can look strange or ridiculous depending on the filters one views it through. If it is a consent-based relationship between two adults, then "follow your bliss".

Hubman says... Well since I had to Google it first, not much of an opinion to start. So some adults like to breastfeed off a lactating woman? Whatever floats your boat! Just like any other intimate, sexual and/or erotic activity, as long as it's consensual and doesn't involve minors, I don't care what gets you off. Have fun!

Daddy Geek Boy says...For some reason that I cannot fathom, I was totally freaked out by my lactacting wife. So while I'm fine with consenting adults doing what they want, but for me...bleeeecch!

Cameron says...When my wife was pregnant, sure I tried the ole booby milk a couple times. As for an ongoing thing, it’s not really my bag. I don’t find it offensive or perverse or anything, I just focus my fetishes elsewhere…and believe me, I can be a kinky bastard. To each their own. If you have a man and woman that get off on adult nursing, I say go for it.

Delanie asks...I often hear men say (or write in their dating profiles) that they want an independent career-oriented woman. I’m one of those women in some ways, but I’m also a mom, naturally nurturing AND I kinda like taking care of a man and being domestic on some level too. Do you think most men really value the warmth that women can bring to a home/relationship? Or have we socially arrived at a place where we need to be partners – equals – on the career front in order to be equal on the homefront?

Irish Gumbo says...Hopefully, a lot of those guys aren't saying that because they want a sugar momma! (grin) I value highly the warmth and nurturing that a woman can bring to a relationship. I see it as an expression of their 'feminine' nature which in no way implies or mandates inferiority or subservience. It does seem true that as general tendencies (very general, I'm am not suggesting stereotypes) women and men are better at different things in different ways. I do not make the mistake, though, of assuming that 'nurturing' is all that a woman can or should do. I think it comes down to how the man and woman treat one another, what kind of balance they want. Too much emphasis can be placed on having to be "just like a man/woman", and it seems kind of unhealthy to be anxious and stressing because either partner feels inferior or threatened by the other in terms of a career or domestic ability. For myself, I think both parties should seek the best balance for themselves and don't feel that they have to be just like the other person to feel cherished and happy in their relationship. Simply put, I like it when a woman cares enough about me to "nurture" me, but I don't expect or demand it. It should be given freely and accepted with gratitude.

Hubman says... I don't know about other men, but I wonder, why not both? My wife is independent and successful in her own career, yet she is also a nurturing and caring wife and mother. I love the combination and it works great for us.

What do you mean by equal on the homefront? Are you somehow implying that equality at home and nurturing/warmth/etc are mutually exclusive? We all have roles- I have my career, our kids, around the house I'm head gardener, dish washer, repairman, accountant, snow remover, and mechanic. Veronica has her career, our kids, as is head cook, diaper-changer, food shopper, laundry specialist, and taxi service. But these roles can shift/change (well, Veronica couldn't start the lawnmover to save her life...) and we share many of them.

Did this even come close to answering your question? LOL...

Daddy Geek Boy says...I can't imagine there's a lot of guys who wouldn't want a woman to come in and bring some warmth and nurturing to the home front. Is this mutually exclusive of being career oriented? I don't think so. It's all about compatibility people.

Southern Sage says...I think that roles should be defined in full up front. Not that you shouldn't help each other but someone is responsible for somethings and the partner responsible for others. There is no possible way I could raise my kids as good as the bride can. So we let her do most of that! If the roles are pre defined then everything seems much easier and in my observations works out better. The folks who just go willy nilly and do the 50/50 thing never seem to work.

It also seems to me that some groups chose to downplay the role of the mother. The movements here in the US seem to pressure women to be the soccer mom and the career mom. These things are driven by other women. Odd really. My thoughts are that the number 1 and absolutely most important job is parenting. I don't care what anyone says one parent available for the children 24/7 turns out better kids. Most people choose luxury of dual paychecks over better raised children. So I come down on the side of the kids first. There is no intelligent person that will say that having 2 cars and a pool and nice house is better than being there for your kids. We will never make that decision. We don't have toys but our kids know where our priorities are.

Cameron says...I think most men DO value warmth, and to a degree, we want to be taken care of. In this politically correct day and age, I think the role of hunter / gatherer, and nurturer still exists to a degree, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Jessica asks...We all have pet peeves. What is yours? Have you ever tried to change it?

Irish Gumbo says...This may be skating on the ice of cliche, but it really bugs me when someone is not honest or clear about what they want in a relationship. If you want something, say so. If you need something, say so. Don't keep it covered and then get frustrated and furious with me because I am not giving you what you want. I am many things, but psychic is not one of them. I have been gulity of that in the past, but now I have seen the light, and am making every effort to practice what I preach. On a more mundane level, I can't stand loud talkers right outside my office cubicle. Move along, knuckleheads, move along...

Hubman says...Clutter and general messiness around the house drives me nuts. Veronica and I used to frequently butt heads over this, but she's beaten me into submission and I've given up...

Daddy Geek Boy says...Inconsiderate people. You know, the folks who rush into elevators without letting people off. Or congregating in the middle of a crowded walkway. Or talking really loud in inappropriate places. Just ticks me off.

Southern Sage says...Followers. I can't stand followers. Weak people. Dependent people. Whiners. People who expect others to do for them. People who feel entitled. Excuse makers. I have never tried to change it I just don't associate with those folks.

Cameron says...My pet peeves mostly revolve around money, and the way my wife spends it. It’s not changeable

Sunday Slides, caption contest, Funny

1. Well this is the Creed of Hotdads!


2. Which one of you fella's is gonna wear this for ummm St. Patrick's day?


3. Should I leavemy email addy ladies? I do need to inspect them!
4. Lol.



Caption Contest


What Do You Do All Day?

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in
Their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the
entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by
the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the
bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys
strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'

She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?'

'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

hehehehe

Pic two of the caption contest!!!!!


Oh Shit!!!!

Y'all give the caption a shot, have a great weekend!

What's So Special About Ginger?

In preparing snacks for soccer camp this morning, I was struck with a thought about one of the components:
"Why are Ginger Snaps the only cookies that are 'snaps'?"

There are no Oatmeal Snaps or Vanilla Snaps. For that matter, why are some cookies 'wafers' and others are not? Is there a government Cookie Board of Standards that ensures proper application of the wafer designation based on ingredients, weight, density or some other obscure combination of factors?

Why does ginger ale, a staple of child home remedies for nausea, sun stroke and general weepiness, get to be the only soda pop available that is an 'ale'? Why not Cola Ale or Black Cherry Ale. And why is Root Beer a 'beer' since there is no brewing or fermentation involved in it's production. If I was feeling old-timey at the supermarket and asked for a bottle of sarsaparilla would the manager call Security?

And who would win in a fight between Dr Pepper and Mr Pibb? I bet Mr. Pibb would fight dirty.

Ask Hot Dads

We're just going to come right out and say it, you guys rule. You are sending us some awesome questions. And even though you have yet to stump us, that doesn't mean you should stop trying. Keep those questions coming and we will keep the wisdom flowing.

Hey...if you dig this feature, spread the word. Tell your friends that the answers to the universe can be found right here at Hot Dads.

Jessica asks...What is your favorite/book?

Daddy Geek Boy says…Journey To Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda.

Russ says...Watership Down.

Tent Camper says…This is really a tough one for me as I really don’t read. The last
book I read was A Long Way Gone…and I loved it! But I guess overall I’d have to say that the books that I have the fondest memories of would be The Jungle Book or Where the Wild Things Are….or any edition of Penthouse Forums.

DadsHouse says…I have to pick one? Top 3: What I Lived For, by Joyce Carol Oates. The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen. Independence Day, by Richard Ford.

Irish Gumbo says… Oh, lawd, so many...but the short answer is - Fiction: The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Nonfiction: Outlaw Cook by John Thorne. Both say a lot about human nature, but in very different ways.

Hubman says…As much as I like to read, I don't think I have a favorite individual book. As a genre, I like reading histories and biographies. I just recently finished David Halberstam's book about the Korean War, "The Coldest Winter" and am currently reading LTG(R) Ricardo Sanchez's autobiography "Wiser in Battle". I especially enjoy reading about "great" figures in history, such as Einstein (Walter Isaacson's biography is fantastic), Benjamin Franklin (also by Isaacson) and Harry Truman (David McColloughs Pulitzer Prize-winnng book about him is on my to-reread list). Anyone have any suggestions? I'm always on the lookout for a good book.

Southern Sage says…The Art of War, Sun Tsu/Good to Great, Jim Collins/ any of the writings by the signers of the declaration or constitution.

Always Home and Uncool says…Non-fiction would be "Ball Four" by Jim Bouton, a groundbreaking diary of a once-successful Major League pitcher struggling to reinvent himself with the ill-fated expansion Seattle Pilots after an arm injury. Fiction, hmm, I have a soft spot for the summer nostalgia of "Dandelion Wine" and the carnival terror of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury.

Athena asks...Is your wife's pussy your favorite, or are there pussies from your past that you still pine for? And why -- is it the hairstyle, the tightness or lack therefore, the association with childbirth, the size and shape? I need insight into the male sexual mind, please.

Daddy Geek Boy says…The most memorable one was the first one I ever saw in person, which was also the first one I ever touched. But I don’t think it’s really about size, hairstyle or shape, it’s about the person using it. WonderWife™, by the way, rocks my world.

Russ says…Wife's, only one I've had.

Tent Camper says…I am fairly sure that most guys would agree that …when there, it is
all the best. But Mariah’s pussy s by far my favorite. Not only how it feels, but what that amazing woman can do with it. I have actually forgotten that others even exist.

Dadshouse says…I'm divorced, but thinking back to girlfriends past, there is definitely one that I loved loved loved, and will never get out of my system. (sigh...) It's the smell, taste, response, and sexual chemistry.

Irish Gumbo says…Being recently divorced, I'll answer it this way: I pine for it/them in general. My favorite? The one that's right in front of me.

Hubman says…You realize my wife reads this, right? As swingers, she and I vow NEVER to compare other lovers- that is one of the basic, unbreakable rules that we have. Sure, some have been tighter, some looser, some deeper, some not-so-deep... But let's be real, if after almost 16 years of marriage I'm getting new pussy, with my wifes okay, do you really think I'm gonna complain?

Are there pussies I've had before and would like to have again? Oh hell yeah!!

Southern Sage says…I have never felt a discernible difference. Yhe best ones for me were the willing ones. If it/she is wiling, game and enthusiastic then game on. I have never known a bad one!

Always Home and Uncool says…Being a guy is less about yearning for past conquests and more about pining for the even more divine possibility we imagine still might be out there.

Amber asks.... Tell us one movie that you could lay claim to as a basis for a lot of your life lessons.

Daddy Geek Boy says…“Go that way really fast. When something gets in your way, turn.” - Better Off Dead

Tent Camper says…I can’t name one…but the top three would be; Lord of the Flies, Goodfellas and Shawshank Redemption…and a close next would be Boys in the Hood.

Dadshouse says…Tough question! I'll say Shakespeare in Love because the Bard is sort of a romantic bad-ass who tries to do whatever he wants, but still has to follow some societal rules.

Irish Gumbo says… Apocalypse Now...?

Hubman says…I think this quote sums it up pretty good: " Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hangin curveball, high fiber, good scotch... that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, I believe there ought to be a Constitutional ammendment outlawing astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft core pornography, opening your presents on Christmas morning rather than on Christmas Eve, and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three nights."

If you don't know what movie that's from, shame on you!

Southern Sage says…Hmmmmmm I don't know but if its a movie I like the good guy is a tough guy and always gets the girl.

Always Home and Uncool says…It would have to be a double feature of "Almost Famous" (don't do drugs, don't let those swill merchants rewrite you, you're too sweet for rock and roll, etc.) and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (run away, let's not bicker and argue over who killed who, and after the spanking -- the oral sex, etc).

Not A Soccer Mom asks...What is your favorite day of the year?

Daddy Geek Boy says…This is going to surprise you, since I’m admittedly not a sports guy, but Super Bowl Sunday. It coincides with my birthday and for the past 15 years, I’ve been throwing a monster party where WonderWife™ and I cook up 7 new appetizers every year. We spend all morning cooking and all afternoon and night eating, drinking and celebrating with friends.

Russ says…The start of NCAA March Madness.

Tent Camper says…Besides everyday with Mariah….Thanksgiving…cuz it is all about family and love.

Dadshouse says…Any day my kids are at my house.

Irish Gumbo says…Just one?...Hmmm...if not by daughter's birthday, then the day after Thanksgiving.

Hubman says…After a long, cold New England winter, that first warm spring day when the ladies break out the summer clothes and show us some skin! Especially during those times in my life when I was on a college campus. Oh, I miss those days...

Southern Sage says…As far as a holiday it's Independence day, other than that its the first day of hunting season.

Always Home and Uncool says…June 28

Anjeny asks...Let's say you have a 15 year old daughter who took her friendship with an 18 year old boy to a more serious level and then you decided to end that friendship or relationship because quite frankly she's way too young to get tied down with just one boy. And then one night you found out she sneaked out of the house through her bedroom window to meet the boy at four o'clock in the morning....what would you do in this situation? How would you deal with that?

Daddy Geek Boys says…After I watched the movie Thirteen, I said if I ever had a girl, I was going to chain her in the basement until she was 18. Sprout is lucky, I guess, cause I don’t have a basement. I think it’s interesting that you say “she’s way too young to get tied down with just one boy.” Are you really suggesting that at 15 your daughter go out and play the field? If that’s the case, there must be something you don’t like about this boy. However, you’ve just made him forbidden fruit so the more you try to forcibly prevent your daughter from seeing him, the more she will try to sneak out. I think a deep heart to heart with your daughter where you lay out your feelings on this matter may be better than ultimatums.

Russ says...With lots of tears, followed by iron bars on her window.

Tent Camper says… Well, we’ve been close to that situation in the recent past…and I have personally been there, so my advice would be to sit with her and explain the reasons for why you don’t want her involved with him, the fact that it is illegal and what the consequences will be if she does it again. Then nail her window shut and take away cell or internet as a punishment.

Dadshouse says…Wow, another tough question. Yelling at her and being more strict might push her away from the family and towards the boy even further. Having a frank heart-to-heart to get her to envision life as a wife/mom with this boy might be a good tactic. I think it's important for her to be armed with enough information and a detailed enough mental picture of her future to make a good choice. In this case, the good choice is probably to not be with the boy long term. If there is any road trip planning going on, watch out. You don't want her to elope and force the issue.

Irish Gumbo says…Try tying her down again! (badabing! rimshot!) Seriously, you say she is way too young to get tied down with just one boy, does that mean you want her to be involved with more than one boy at a time (probably not) or don't want her involved with boys at all (likely) or you don't want her involved with this particular boy (very likely)? If its boys at all, you'll probably be in distress no matter who she sees. Is this particular boy a real creep or very undesirable in some or many ways? If he is, perhaps a talk with his parents is in order? Actually, maybe sitting down with the daughter in a neutral environment and having a calm discussion about what she sees in him, why she likes him, would help. Find out what’s in her head before getting too heavy with the punishment. Worth a shot, if it doesn't succeed, try a leash (I'm kidding).

Hubman says…By the time my daughter reaches the age of 15, she'll already be living in a convent, so this won't be an issue in our home.

Seriously, regardless of why, any time a kid feels like he or she needs to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night, there are communication and trust problems between parent and child. I don't like the notion of a parent deciding to end a childs friendship or relationship- that's just asking for rebellion. Teen 'love' is a transient and fragile thing, so all I'd have to do is sit back, watch it flame out, and make sure my baby doesn't get hurt too bad in the process.

Southern Sage says…Well first ANYTIME my rules are broken the punishment is swift harsh and painful. Not knowing her and your situation its tough to specify. I would take whatever is most precious to her. I mean like ,dance, softball, computer, tv, cell phone etc. Probably a combination. She would then take on double chores. She would also pay some retribution. Volunteering somewhere, picking up trash at the park whatever.

I am a hard ass though. That's the punishment my 6 and 10 year old gets, except my 10 yr old almost never needs punishing anymore, since she had that style punishment since she was 5.

One last thing, and I do agree with you about being tied down. I started courting my bride when she was 15 I was 16/17, exclusively. Our mothers were agin it. we have currently been together 20 years. I realize that doesn't happen much but sometimes it works.

Always Home and Uncool says…After putting my daughter in a convent, I'd bring a friendly police officer over to the boy's house to nicely explain certain legal statutes concerning the age of consent while showing him how well oiled he keeps his firearm.

Choc Drop asks...So most of you grill or cook at least one thing, what is that and why do you like to make it?

Daddy Geek Boy says…On the grill, nothing beats a thick steak, minimally seasoned with salt, pepper and a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce. On the stovetop, I make a mean red sauce.

Russ says…Just one thing? I would go with grilled pork loin (butterflied and rubbed down with a garlic/rosemary/salt/pepper/olive oil paste)

Tent Camper says…Any red meat. I like to because everyone likes it and …it is MANLY!!! I also like making pasta dishes because the kids say that my pastas
are the best ever.

Dadshouse says..I cook practically every night, and I have a ton of favorite dishes. It all depends on the mood. One thing I really enjoy making is lentil pasta it takes time to cook, there's chopping involved to keep me busy, and it comes out different every time since I'm usually short at least one ingredient. That makes it an adventure.

Irish Gumbo says…One of my favorite things to grill is thick pieces of salmon, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt, pepper and maybe some garlic, and cooked on a really hot cast iron griddle. Damn, that's good! I like it because I like salmon, I like cast iron, and I can do it with confidence. When not grilling, my favorite thing to make, although I don't get to make it very often, is (you guessed it) GUMBO! Chicken and sausage and shrimp, mmm, mmm, so good, you'll hurt ya self! It takes time to make (which is in short supply, alas), BUT I like making the roux (a long, slow stir), I like the smell of celery/onion/pepper when it hits the roux, I like the deep color, I like the flexibility of it --- you can a gumbo out of many, many things --- I like that it isn't fussy, I like the spiciness (or not), I like watching it simmer, I like smelling it simmer, I like sitting down with a beer and big bowl of gumbo...as the saying goes "Gumbo, it's good, that's all there is to it!" Time to make batch, ladies...

Hubman says…What sort of question is this? I always thought that it's in a man's DNA to enjoy grilling meat. Just look at the banner for this blog- it's meat on a grill! Burgers, steaks, pork chops, chicken, you name it, I like to grill it.

Southern Sage says…I don't and can't cook. I mean I can't cook toast. I was just recently housebroken so its one step atta time! I will eat anything though. The only 2 things I know of that I don't eat are cranberry sauce and brussels sprouts.

Always Home and Uncool says…I do most of the day-to-day cooking in the house, as My Love prefers to save her efforts to show off for parties and special occasions, and I love marinades and sauces and how can bring new life to boring meats and fish. Now that it's summer, though, I've been into coaxing our ice cream maker into creating chocolate chocolate chip ice cream because it's just so evil yet so good.