Yesterday, we went to see my Dad, Raymond Franke, march in the Springfield (Delaware County) 4th of July Parade with the American Legion. This, of course, was eventually followed by going to my parents’ house and pigging out on a big breakfast.

My Dad, centered, kicked off the very beginning of the parade with the American Legion.

Springfield, PA is very Republican. These guys threw out free Republican Party koozies for all of your beverage needs.

Pipes and drums!

Today is my sister Stephanie’s 35th birthday. My brother-in-law, Tom, organized a surprise b-day party for her in the 99 degree heat. For a moment, I swear that there were more toddlers there than adults, and that they were going to take over as us adults passed out from alcohol in the blazing sun.

Although Steph is just 1 year and 16 days older than me, I clearly look the oldest!

Mmmmmm…cake!

Over the December holidays, Melissa and I got a kitten. His name is Santucci, named after a famous square-sliced pizzeria in Northeast Philadelphia. Melissa’s family order from that pizzeria all the time, and we decided to give him a unique name that we’ve never really heard with a cat or a person. Melissa says Santucci’s is the best pizza, but I’m a Rustica snob for now.

Although he’s an indoor cat, we decided to let him walk around the yard with a leash on. After all, we paid all that money in getting him various shots at the vet, might as well let him hang out back for a bit!

Here he is in action:

We rarely call him "Santucci", and prefer to call him "The Tooch". I’ve also referred to him as "Tooch Master General", "Tooch McGooch" and "El Toocherino". Unfortunately, due to this, he probably has no idea what his name is. To make matters more confusing, I decided to give him a middle name of "Rambo" due to his tough strut and hostile sneak attacks.

My parents’ Border Collie, Bridget, had to be put to sleep today. It has been a struggle for my parents during the past couple months, but she was really in an increasing agonizing state.

For 14 years, Bridget has been an exciting edition to our family. I had no idea how insanely fun these sheep herding dogs were when they first got her. But, I quickly found a great buddy in Bridget. Back in 1996, after graduating from Kutztown University, I moved back home into my parents’ house for half a year. I used to take Bridget on really long walks and fear for my life as she tried to chase cars down the street! Her favorite was to play Frisbee, and constantly retrieve it after patiently waiting for you to throw it. She dove for that thing like a star wide receiver. The tennis ball was her #2, and was reserved mainly for bouncing off walls in the house.

Rest in peace, Bridget!

Melissa and I are engaged!

Last night, we went to the Moshulu on Penn’s Landing for a New Year’s Eve celebration that included a massive 4-course dinner, lots of wine, a kick-ass cover band on the heated deck, and a perfect view of the fireworks. And then I popped the big one!

The food at the Moshulu was really amazing. I wish I had not eaten for two days before going there, though, as the portions were large and varied. Typically, I’m not a big cover band fan, but Rio was impressive and pumped out some songs that shocked and surprised the crowd. We’re both really excited to planning the wedding.

I recently set up a blog for my Dad, Raymond Franke, and he was been consistently adding entries to it with exclamation point fervor. The blog contains essays about personal accounts, often magnified by the current state of affairs. Check it out here: Capricorn Rite: The Blog of Raymond D. Franke

My sister & brother-in-law (Steph & Tom) and I decided to throw a surprise party for Mom’s 60th birthday at Steph & Tom’s house. Here’s a little taste of it. (This is WAY delayed. Too many projects!)

Also, from my recent dog-sitting adventures at my parents house, I found this article about my Dad from when he was in the Air Force: “Oreland Airman Gets Medal For Saving General In Crash” - The Evening Bulletin - Philadelphia - October 16th, 1961.

Read about it here.