The area of Christmas Gift Convergence gets smaller each year.

Early Sunday morning, I found myself perched on a set of Middle School gym bleachers.  Looking out onto the basketball court, I spotted my son.

He was guarding another kid, who appeared to be number 5.  The strange thing was that the other kid’s jersey was on backwards.  Yep, the 5 was backward.

Shrugging, I continued to watch through sleepy eyes.  Then I noticed the other kid again, the one my son was guarding.  Uh, he wasn’t backward number 5, after all.  The opposition was number 2.

Rubbing my eyes, I considered the likely culprits.  Either I need to start wearing my glasses again or I had better increase my caffeine consumption.  That or the kid really was backward number 5.

Walking through the Y Center locker room, I passed an older man.  He glanced at me and said, “I must be getting older.”

Somewhat intrigued, I asked, “Why?”

With a smile he said, “Because I left the house in my slippers.”

Looking down, sure enough, he was wearing slippers.  He had accidentally worn slippers all the way to the gym.  Then for the next three minutes or so, we had a rambling conversation about his mistaken footwear.

Smiling, I finished changing into my gym clothes and headed for the exercise room.  Not only had I learned about a stranger’s slippers, but I had also received something very valuable.  A glimpse into the future.

Yes, an older man at the gym over lunch.  Had a somewhat humorous story to tell.  Decided to practice it on a stranger.  Perfected his craft in the locker room.

Yes, give me twenty-five years and I will most likely be acting the same.  A slipper wearing humorist telling free tales to all who will spare some time.

My Third Grade son was so excited about his upcoming basketball tournament.  His first games of the season.  He spoke about his high expectations.  He made sure his jersey was ready.  He knew exactly what time to get to the gym.

Then came the game itself.  The opposing kids were a full head taller than any of our players.  Every shot bounced on the rim and fell the wrong way.  Each pass seemed to find its way eventually going the opposite direction.  Before we knew it, we were just praying for a basket.  Any basket.  Any point would be good.

When the buzzer sounded, the scoreboard reflected the sobering truth.

Final Score:  Us 0, Them 46

A loss that stung.  A loss that hurt.  A loss that took the wind out of the sails of both players and fans alike.

Worse, there were still more games to be played.  It would be hard to find a way to move on.

As a seasoned parent, I knew I had the job to comfort and encourage, but I also knew that I needed to take pictures.  That is what parents do.  That is also why I took this photo.

9-year-old Ben hustling up the court.

This photo showing my son still running hard.  Running hard in Game Two.  Running hard, even after a legendary blowout.  My son was still hustling.  Still trying hard.  Still giving it a go.  Needless to say, I was proud.

Proud of a son, who was sad, but still refused to quit.  Proud to see that he had dug deep.

They lost Game Two, as well.  They did however score a few points and even though it wasn’t close, it was a better experience.  As good of an experience, as a second straight loss can be.

So when life kicks you, when life kicks you really hard, look to that Third Grade basketball team.  You may end up losing Game Two, as well, but give it a go and try again.  Odds are that Game Two will at least be different and not nearly as bad.

Waiting to pick up my Third Grade son from basketball, I was struck by the sign on the gym wall.

My son Ben passing the ball.

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

Last night, we heard the tale of a husband who was asked to whip up a batch of Black Bean Brownies.  I was on it.  Now for the exciting conclusion, Part 2.

“Seeing my lovely batch of Black Bean Brownies, my wife expressed delight.  She also expressed an interest.  An interest in me preparing another Black Bean Brownie recipe that she had found.  I was happy to oblige.  Now the Black Bean Brownies sit side-by-side on a tray in all their chocolaty wonder.  Two moist and delicious Black Bean Brownie cousins, ready to fill hungry tummies and make the world a better place.  Enjoy!”

Tonight’s Black Bean Brownie on the left and yesterday’s on the right.

The recipe for tonight’s Black Bean Brownie is found below.

1 can (15 ounces) Black Beans

2 Eggs

1/2 cup Cocoa Powder

3/4 cup Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Vegetable Oil

1 Tablespoon Skim Milk

1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Espresso Powder

1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Rinse and drain the black beans.

In a food processor, combine the black beans, eggs, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, balsamic vinegar, baking powder, baking soda, and espresso powder.

Blend until a batter forms.

Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.

Pour batter into a greased 9″ x 9″ baking pan.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top.

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow brownies to cool completely, before cutting.

Makes about 25 brownies.

Revised Source:  “Amazing Flour-Less Brownies” recipe on www.skinnytaste.com.

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

“An email from my beautiful bride arrived at work.  She needed help for her Employee Luncheon tomorrow.  The theme was ‘Healthy Potluck,’ in advance of the Holidays.  She needed me to whip up a batch of Black Bean Brownies.  I was on it.

Here’s what I made…

A delectable treat that is plenty chocolaty.  You really won’t miss the flour or be bothered by the black beans.  Just take a bite and enjoy!”

Story to be continued…

1 1/2 cups (15 ounce can) Black Beans

2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder

1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1/3 cup Maple Syrup

2 Tablespoons Sugar

1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

2/3 cup Chocolate Chips

Extra Chocolate Chips to sprinkle on top

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Rinse and drain the black beans.

Place all of the ingredients, minus the chocolate chips, into a food processor and process to your heart’s content.

Once the mixture is liquefied, stir in the 2/3 cup of chocolate chips.

Pour into a 8″ x 8″ greased backing pan.

Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Let cool for at least 10 minutes.

Makes about 12 brownies.

Revised Source:  Black Bean Brownies recipe on www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com.

Brought to you by two random photos on my phone.  Enjoy!

Bedtime + 3 Closed Doors = 1 Lonely Pup

Black Light + Funky Carpet + My Shoes = Nuclear Powered Color Joy

Proud of myself, I went to plug in the Christmas tree.  Holding the end of the tree lights in one hand and the end of the extension cord in the other, I went to energize.

One small problem, no actually big.  I held in my hand two female ends.  I had hung the Christmas tree lights upside down.  Unless we wanted to hang the tree from the ceiling, I would need to remove the lights.

Sad and discouraged, I began to walk around the tree.  Loop after loop, I dizzied myself until complete.

Unsteady, but determined, I scaled the ladder and loop after loop replaced the lights.  Now confident in my upcoming success, I plugged in the lights and PRESTO!  Light!

Looking back upon the tree, I noticed the lights were unevenly distributed toward the top.  Growing weary, I asked for my wife’s opinion.  Standing beside me, she mustered a sincere voice and said, “It looks good.  Ornaments can cover that.”

Thanks, Mrs. Claus.  I needed that.

Let’s take this in reverse…

Man stares at his scraggly hands and shakes his head with regret.

Man soaks his hands in a shallow pool of carcinogenic acetone.

Man fears that his hands will never look the same and desperately turns to Google for a solution.

Man has his hands covered in spray foam hole filler.

Man does not assemble can of spray foam hole filler properly.

Man fails to read assembly instructions on side of spray foam hole filler can.

Man hears that temps will soon fall and decides it’s time to rush and fix the holes in the side of his house.

Man inexplicably waits four months.

Man notices holes in side of house.

Man fails to notice animal of some sort that has decided to spend a lovely late Summer afternoon burrowing into the side of his home.