Daddy Drinks: Dark and Stormy

The recipe for a Dark and Stormy is very simple, yet also very specific. Gosling’s Black Seal rum is non-negotiable. Authentic ginger beer is likewise essential. Eric Felten insists on Barritt's. The Reed's brand is available locally, so that's what I use. If you want to go DIY with fresh, small-batch ingredients, Jeffrey Morgenthaler offers a recipe for homemade ginger beer.

Measure out 1.5 oz of the Gosling's and 4-6 oz of your ginger beer of choice, and pour over ice. A lime garnish is permitted, but not encouraged. Keep it simple, and enjoy the subtle nuances of this sophisticated drink.

Bento

I'm very fond of bento boxes. When I was living in Japan, they seemed like an elegant and practical means for transporting homemade lunch food. Before I left for the States, I found a lunch box that proclaimed, "we are passionate about lunchtime communication! Lunch is a good day pass-time." I bought it immediately. Then I returned home and never once used it, because it was so very small.

The Plastica Bento Box is a segmented stacking container, made with multiple color options. Our child isn't even born yet, let alone eating solid food, yet I'm sorely tempted to pick up one of these. Just to try it out, you understand. I'll give it up when she grows a little older... or maybe she can get her own.

Looking for a more traditional design? Check out the adorable boxes at I Love Obento! Don't miss the nylon pouch that straps to your bicycle frame.

Plastica Bento found at Babygadget.

Ticking

Astronomical dial, originally uploaded by santi_rf

The countdown has almost ended, so if there's no baby in three days, then we're really on the clock. I doubt they will need to induce labor, though. Both my wife's sisters were very prompt at delivering their babies. I hope that giving birth on the due date is a shared genetic trait in her family.

Daddy Drinks: Scotch Sour

Because every dad deserves a well-prepared beverage to cap off his day, I will be posting a selection of cocktail recipes. I hope to make this at least a semi-regular feature, which I have tongue-in-cheekily titled "Daddy Drinks Because You Cry." Or, for short, "Daddy Drinks!"

Let's start with a basic cocktail that's a little sweet, and a lot sour. To make the Scotch Sour, fill your shaker with ice and then add the following ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Scotch
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar

Shake well and strain into a glass. I prefer my drinks on the rocks, but you might serve it another way. Top with a slice of lemon and a cherry, or if your selection of citrus fruits is limited, whack off a wedge of the fresh lime that you used for juicing. Kick back and pucker up!

Swears

photo originally uploaded by Shane Henderson

Growing up, I lived in a strictly no-cussing household. There was zero tolerance for anything resembling swear words. We were not allowed to say that something "sucks." My mom once let the s-word slip while she was driving, and while my brothers and I were shocked, she was even more mortified.

On the other hand, some folks have no problem using salty language around kids. Our neighbors across the street certainly don't let the presence of children inhibit their nonstop barrage of f-bombs and profanity-laced threats.

I haven't decided how to moderate my own occasional cursing. I have recently become more aware when a "bad" word escapes my lips. Involuntarily, I think I am inclined to follow my father's footsteps. At least I have an outlet for venting frustration that didn't exist when he was my age: that's what the Internet is for!

Dodge Caliber SRT-4

2008 Dodge SRT4, originally uploaded by carscomeditor

My wife and I both drive 4-door compacts. They are fine cars and I do not have a problem with them. I don't buy into the idea that having kids automatically compels us to purchase a larger vehicle. My wife supports me in this belief.

Nevertheless, the more dad stuff I read the more I wonder... what if I could move up in style? For one thing there's the continuous station wagon coverage on Daddy Types. Now Dodge is driving another nail into the coffin with its Caliber SRT-4. Mister Jalopy makes a strong case for this pretty black hatchback (also available in inferior red color option, shown).

If you are like me then you have only three questions:

• Turbo charged?
• Functional hood scoops?
• Fancy dashboard candy?
  

Yes, yes, and heck yes.

Memorial

manhattan memorial lights, originally uploaded by absolutwade

I write to remember. One year from now, I will be looking back on my last Memorial Day as a non-parent. So, what were my weekends like before baby came along?

In the mornings I wake up refreshed from a full night's sleep. The dog might start whining around 6:00 when she needs to go outside, but it's just as likely that I'll be awake before then. She takes care of business and I feed her breakfast.

The Internet beckons. After some time-wasting, I check the forecast: if it's not supposed to rain, I water all the plants and tend to our flowers. Then it's back inside for a cup of coffee and some light reading before taking a shower. My wife sleeps in until 10.

When she wakes up, it's time for a little housework. We catch up on chores, do some cleaning, run a few loads of laundry. If the weather is good then we work in the yard a bit. The rest of the day is up for grabs.

At least every other weekend we visit family. We don't have many local friends but sometimes we drive out of town to visit college buddies and, increasingly, their kids. I make sure to get out on my motorcycle once or twice. In the evening I may have a drink to cap off the day, we watch TV for a while, and go to bed around 10.

We've been married without children for three and a half years. It's been a good run so far, but still, I wouldn't want to keep on like this forever. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store.