Last night Taffy, our terminal dog, was having an extremely hard time walking. Her back legs not working properly. This is a bad sign and was the original reason we took her to the vet in November. She ended up with surgery, and then, after biopsy, the vet gave her a death sentence. Well, we were both quietly very worried last night when we went to bed. We both dread the day we have to euthanize her. You can’t be fully ready mentally for that. The finality of it only comes at the end. Well, I woke this morning and went to the kennel, and she is “fine”. As if last nights problems never happened. I let them out for their constitutional and went upstairs. Emily had that look on her face, and I said she seems fine. Obviously, Emily was thinking what I had been. Which was the worst. So, looks like we get one more day. And from where I sit it’s beautiful, warm and sunny. Saturday.
Today is the first day of massive clean up in the garage apartment. As I mentioned yesterday, our tenant moved out. She had eight cats and two dogs in her 1000 sq ft apartment. Yes, Emily’s first look yesterday found a wide range of pet damage. Lots of spots, both large and small, with urine damage. By the door especially. Lack of care and attention shown by tenant. Dogs will indicate a need by standing at the door, an attentive owner trying to train them should be paying attention. Also many cat poops on the rug. Anyway, I am hoping my carpet guy can pull off a miracle and save the carpeting. I will have him blacklight the floor and walls to ascertain what we are up against. Our tenant is moving into another garage apartment with all these cats. I understand there is an enclosed yard for the dog, which will help. I am not sure what you do for the cats.
I have a strange feeling most of my day will be spent on the above. Not a fun day but I need to get it done. We are selling the house, and if I am able, I would like to pass the problem on to the next owners. Of course, they may decide to reduce their offer due to the damage which is still a cost. I just need to get it solved cheaply.
Just got a call from my lovely bride. She had gone to yoga early this morning. She likes to call after she is done. But, she is staying in Vacaville to go to Target. Does Target have a Siren call? Needs something and Target sells lots of somethings. Next stop, Off Fifth, because she needs a pair of sunglasses. Hers are all in her car. Which is in Sacramento. At the Mercedes dealer. Getting fixed. Her car shut off completely on the freeway the other night. Non responsive brakes and steering. She was ok. She shut off and was able to restart. Still scary. It’s under warranty. She got it into dealer on Friday. They provided a loaner. Diagnosis? Bad circuit board of some sort. If the part is in this country, done on Tuesday. If part in Germany, done in a week. Loaner is free. Pain in the ass.
So I guess Emily won’t be home till noon. In time for lunch if we have anything. Probably have to go back to Vacaville for groceries. I am going to go shower and start cleaning. What fun.
So Emily got home earlier than I thought. She resisted the Siren call. I did not get a chance to start cleaning. Instead I took down our plastic Christmas tree and bagged it up. No small feat, the damn thing weighs over 100 lbs and is quite bulky. I needed Emilys help carrying the two tree bags to the pod. We had a few more Christmas tree boxes to put away still, not heavy and not too much of a problem.
We had to go back to Vacaville to finish the shopping. First stop, Batteries and More. I used to make fun of this place when it first came to town. Seemed really stupid. Then I went once for one thing. I am now a dedicated customer and cheerleader for the place. They are awesome. I went in today for a battery for my Roomba (another thing I wholeheartedly recommmend). The guy that helped me, Junior, said he had the battery but wasn’t sure he could have to done by today. So I left the Roomba and my number and left. I was at my next stop, Target (heard the call), I got a call from Junior. It was done. They replaced the battery and installed it. They only charge for the battery. What a deal. Told him I would pick up on my way out of town.
We finished our target shopping, many and sundry items. Went to Grocery Outlet, picked up a whole bunch of groceries we could not live without, all at low prices. A fine selection of off brands and close outs. Then off to pick up Roomba. And head home. Roomba is in the dock getting juiced as we speak.
Got home and spent way too much time putting away all the groceries. Emily packed up all the wrapping paper in the new containers from Target. We both managed to finish. While working I made a trip to the garbage can. I found that Trisha before moving had thrown out a case and a half of canned cat food. And a bag of dog food. Both were the expensive kind. I grabbed it all. Repurposed is the word. I can’t figure out why anyone with an entire moving van at her disposal would throw out food like that. It’s crazy. But, my cats and dogs win I guess.
About 6 we decided to start dinner. I decided to make Mai Tais. Everyone needs a pre dinner Mai Tai. I use Trader Vic’s original recipe, modified. And, I must say, mine are better than the Trader. I was in Emeryville at the Trader Vic’s restaurant twice this holiday season. And I ordered the signature Mai Tai, and mine are better. Sorry Trader. Emilys 2nd Mai Tai has muddled pineapple in it. I don’t recommend too much screwing with the original but I admit the drink is tasty. 
Not much more sauce by look but damn good. And I love the glasses. Which I got for myself for Christmas. Double Old Fashion with a bamboo motif carved into the glass. A must have. Perfect size, perfect look.
Dinner is cooking. A pasta dish. Here is a look at the sauce 
Yes, those are meatballs. Yummy. On pasta. Salad of course. No wine, Emily is two cocktails into it already. I would like wine. I would not like Emily on wine TOO. If you know what I mean. 
Added spinach too.
And cheese
And cheesy bread balls
I am now stuffed. I need no more food till breakfast. Well satisfied by the bean spinach meatball pasta spicy combo. And bread balls. There’s enough for seconds, come on by.
And it’s only 730. Wow. Early enough to have an evening. Still. This is crazy. Was it like this always, before the holiday season? I can’t remember. So we are now watching usual TV. Atlanta is beating the Rams. Other crap on other channels. I am not the biggest fan of television. Yet I watch it still. I must be an idiot. But its very comfortable here in the living room. Fire is warm, and all the animals are sitting here with us TV on and neither of us watching it. I’m blogging and not sure what Emily is doing on her phone.
We need to have dessert I think. Soon, after dinner settles. We bought a few things and have eclairs from last night. Add in ice cream and perfect. Or at least if not perfect it has ice cream. Then a little more bad TV and its bedtime. So it is.