February 25, 2009




Joe said, "The kids love bagels and I love to bake. How hard can it be? Tomorrow, I go into work late. So, I'll get up and make bagels in the morning." How many men do you know, who think like this? And how many fresh homemade bagels have you ever eaten? Not many? A fresh bagel is a whole new beast, let me tell you.

In the past, Joe used his mornings for song writing. He's written over 70 songs. And they are....here, let me just quote our friend Haven, "Joe, is one of the single best musicians I know in the world; every single song of his is either so funny you lose bladder control or it’s so delicate it sneaks up on you and you end up sobbing for fourteen hours."

In recent years, he's put his talents into library science. This has provided for our family well. How many men have you ever heard of who come home and hand over their entire check? Joe does. He just gives me the whole check and tells me, "I'll handle this end of the money, you handle the other."

He knows how to swing an axe. He knows how to to make a stove throw heat, this, a skill beyond lighting a fire. He knows birds. He knows babies. He knows me. He knows the Appalachian, Catskills, and Jemez mountain ranges intimately. He is a poet, a gentleman, a scholar, the best father I've ever seen.

And his children, they think all of this is normal. They think this is how fathers behave.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

First of all, Joe is the man, no question.

Secondly, I want a bagel!

candyn said...

So sweet! What a man :)

Anonymous said...

amazing...

Anonymous said...

The Catskills? Really? How 'bout the Shawangunks specifically? Mohonk Mountain House and Gertrude's Nose? Katykill Falls?

He can't possibly be from my neck of the woods, can he? NYS rarely breeds them like Joe!

K said...

He grew up in the Jemez, was educated in the Appalachians, and lead trail crews through the Catskills during summers all through college. But you'd have to ask which mountains specifically. I have no clue. I hadn't met him yet, at that point. :)

K said...

Also, I took all of these pictures in the early morning light - too dim. But look, those bagels are so hot, the kids are having trouble eating them as fast as they would like too. Seriously, fresh bagels sent me sailing over the precipice of love, this morning. I don't mean to brag. Bullshit. Yes I do. My man is The Man. He just is. He ROCKS! He's the best of the best of the best, Sir!

rae said...

It's so cool to watch your whole family in love with each other. I know that love, and it fills you like none other, doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

I don't know what is more special...Joe's wonderfulness or you appreciating him so much...

What Rae said.

Ami said...

Lovely. All of it.

Anonymous said...

Lucky kids, lucky you. Taking for granted is a special kind of trust. love, V

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful homage. You're inspiring me to share some lovin' for my own dh. I think we're both lucky to be married to such remarkable men.

K said...

I think that's a great idea, Annie. The men are a big force in this home life. And, often, so invisible. I'd love to read tributes to all the men (or partners) behind these blogs.

Sarah said...

Your last line made me just stop and stare. What a gift for your kids.

MOM #1 said...

Y'all have such a beautiful relationship. There's so much love among you that I can feeling oozing out of my computer screen.

I'm going to have to get over for a visit. Those bagels are making me hungry.

Unknown said...

You have a keeper!!

My mouth is watering at the thought of homemade bagels. Bagels & cream cheese is my favorite thing in the world to eat.