Father's Day, Year 16. How quickly the years have passed. What started as a 'patio clean up' in advance of BBQ ended up with me going at the tall bushes blocking the front windows. They're cropped now. I saved the birds nest. Good memories of saving a bird that would have otherwise baked in the sun 2 yrs ago. Lauren and Jen got into the process and helped as we cleared the clippings, swept and hosed patio and furniture and swapped the 'sofa' back into place. Moved stuff all around. I also tightened up Tom Mangano's Adirondack chairs and they're far more stables and usable. Took Vijktoria home, then back to Matson for her phone and home again. NBD. Mountain drive on the 1st pass in X4 was fun. Tommy's continued to be really calm and pleasant, but also tired from being at Caden's overnight. Took them to Macys for more summer/school clothes. Tommy was invited to go with Eric and Carl to Alexander's and I didn't mind. I'm not locked into Father's day on an emotional level FROM them, I get all I need all year round. I also reflect on my role too, so the day is a 'nicety' but not a 'necessity'. Lauren/Jen and I had burgers I BBQ'd along with a cheese/veggie dish Jen made. Ate on the new clean patio. Lauren gave me gift of really nice double-walled Thermos and Drinking Glass. What was the best was the two cards, with her sincere affection and the pleasant surprise of Tommy having put some of his own thoughtful words into my car. Both touched me. It's nice feeling like I'm doing something well, at least, the best that I can is seemingly meeting their needs. And having Jen as a part of this has been amazing. How I ended up here, my fucking god, it's been hard. But this is a good place to be.