Sunday I did not watch NFL football until my Cowboys took the field. Really. Truly. Seriously.

My absence wasn't due to church. My absence wasn't due to work at home. My absence had nothing to do with the word "emergency."

My father was in town, and something in my heart told me to forget about grading papers, creating lesson plans, and doing any of the usual Sunday household chores.

At first Dad was a bit shocked that I wanted to come along. Normally, he and my stepmother entertain the children while my wife and I try to recall what life was like before kids. But my stepmother was ill, and my wife had to work until 5:00, so I decided to spend the day with my father.

Not only is my Dad a big family man - the "self" is last on his hierarchy of "what's important" - but he looks exactly like Clint Eastwood. Remember Clint in Gran Torino? That's my Dad.

Our first venture was Fox Ridge State Park. Me, Dad, the kids, and our Labrador (Kali) took to a trail...and I must admit I was transported to the days of my youth. Only once did I ask myself, "I wonder how my bets are working out?"

We wrapped up the day at the grand opening of Sesame Street. No joke, folks, Charleston, Illinois now has a Sesame Street. I expected an earthbound version of Sesame Street On Ice, but sadly no characters showed up. I told my son that Elmo came down with the H1N1 virus.

Enjoy the following picks, and remember that family, good, bad, indifferent, or downright difficult, is far more important than gambling.

NBA 6-Team 5-Point Teaser
Magic +1
Heat -4 1/2
Nuggets +2
Trail Blazers -2
Thunder +2 1/2
Thunder/Kings Over 194

NHL
Flames -135
Leafs -145

College Football 6-Point Teaser
Ohio +7 and Over 41