First Lines

"It was a dark and stormy night"...Or "Once upon a time and a very good time it was". . .I have thought of one. . .
"Are there any lions in South America? I am going to find out!" This could be a good start, so with that line I have written the first page. The next question is: what do I call myself (and Rod) in the story. Gamma Tasha and Papa Rod sounds too cumbersome. Natalie and Rod, too formal, Tasha and Rod? Perhaps that would work, it's not like I cannot change it. Our stewardess on the cruise called Hobbes, Mr. Hobbes, so when I introduce her, Hobbes will say, "Alice called me Mr. Hobbes! It makes me feel so important!"