Happy Birthday today to my boy, NKB. He’s 16 today! And not really “my boy” any longer, as he TOWERS over me at 6’3” and growing. He’ll be legally behind the wheel soon, and I think I’m ready for it. We have to attend a 2 hour parent “driver’s ed” class, and learn the latest restrictions imposed on teen drivers by the Connecticut legislature. There sure seems to be no need for parental involvement with teaching a kid rules of the road – the folks in the Statehouse have it all figured out for us.

NKB is what I like to call a “solid citizen” – just a good person to have around. Except for those early school years where we were concerned about ahem active behavior (he really didn’t dig sitting in a circle with other kids during story time – would rather be up and moving around!), he excels in school, hangs around with a good crew, and is very sweet and loving to his family, especially his little sister (hmph!).

I woke up at 1:48 am today, to briefly reflect on his arrival 16 years ago, smiled at the sweet memories, then promptly drifted back to Never-Never-Land. Today has been fun recalling memories of birthdays past – his 4^th birthday, where we had a 4 week old baby, a 4 week old puppy, and 8 pre-schoolers with Kool-Aid in our basement, crazy! His 9^th birthday, where we invited his entire 2^nd grade class – some of the moms are still scandalized that I allowed him to have the “first” boy/girl party in their grade… puh-leaze! His 7^th grade birthday, where it really was a boy/girl party… and the girls wore make up, mini-skirts and perfume, and the boys? The boys pretty much ignored them.

Sixteen is a cool age – the first age where you’re legally “old enough” for stuff – old enough to drive a golf cart, old enough to work, old enough to sit in the exit row on an airplane. Do you suppose he’s old enough now to choose whether or not to make his bed each morning? I don’t think we’ll ever win that one.

Happy Birthday Nino. I love you!

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My friends Kip and Jess are organizing the B.A.A.C. Motorcycle Rodeo on July 12. I encourage anyone who’s in the area to stop by, have some fun and support a great cause. Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (BAAC) is a group of compassionate motorcyclists who work with many different rescue organizations to improve the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned animals. They provide material and financial support, public awareness and education.

The bike rally sounds like a total blast. At the Glastonbury Elks Club, 98 Woodland Street, July 12, 1pm-6pm. Your $20 admission gets you in to participate in all the rodeo events, free keg beer and dog agility course. I’m not a biker gal and have never been to a bike rodeo, but Kip tells me that I should do the “Weenie Bite Contest.” Not quite sure what all that entails, but will keep you posted.

The guys from Rescue Ink are coming up from NYC, and we’ll also see the Terry Rand Band and Violent Rein. With dozens of vendors participating, you can get your pet’s name tatoo’d on your butt, purchase some hot chaps and see some really sweet bikes.

I don’t know who is picking up all the dog poop, but pets are totally welcome, and there will be plenty of water stations available for our four-legged friends, courtesy of Purina ProPlan Rally to Rescue. Shelter items will be collected as well.

For more info, check out the B.A.A.C. website: http://www.bikersagainstanimalcruelty.org/

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“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

Mahatma Gandhi

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