Month: April 2018

Wednesday morning. Tahoe City. A day like any other day. Except, I am waking in a strange house and going skiing.

We slept in till 730. That was sweet. Buck has no food in the house. That was not. We all got ready very slowly and by all I mean I was ready to go in ten minutes and those two fools took another hour. What the hell do they have to do? We did finally get moving. Since the resort is on the way out of town, we all drove seperate cars. Also, Bob had to leave early. He has a haircut. Really. No appointment required. But he had to get a haircut. Repeated it many times. His hair looks fine. Wonder what the real reason is?

So we went skiing again. On the slopes by 1015. 1015 ??!!!? I said they got ready slowly. We only skied an hour and a half (Bob has a haircut!!) which was fine. I was beat. I skied in a different set of skis that Buck lent me. Much better but I was wiped out from yesterday and could not use them to full advantage esp when I am this tired.

So we went back to the shop, I dropped my equipment (borrowed) off and got packed to leave. Buck is coming down the hill with Bob to pick up his motorhome which was wintering in Sacramento. So I left before them. Headed downhill, no stops except gas were planned. I did decide to get gas in Auburn and to go see trailer guy about the “kitchen box” add on. That would help make the trip more worthwhile.

The trip down was speedy. The boys trailing did not catch up till Auburn. They did not pass by till I turned off. Losers.

I got gas. Then proceeded to get lost in Auburn trying to find the trailer shop. It’s easier than u think. I used navigation eventually. I was a mile away. Easy, I said. Anyhow, shop was closed. Early. Assholes. So I took off. I went to work to get some shit done. It was still early and people still want things done. No rest for the weary.

I had several important things to do. Esp finishing up a tax plan for client Frank. Been working on it for almost two years. I would like to be done with it. We met and I hope got most settled. I hope. I am going to sign off here. My memory of the balance of Wednesday is gone. It is Sunday. So let’s call this episode good. And move on.

Tuesday morning, up at 5am. Ready to go by six. Got all done with morning duties, kissed Emily and out the door. I am hoping to be at Squaw before lift opens. Bob was going with me but the moron decided to have a Dr appt at 10am this morning so he will drive himself.

I am really hoping for a day like last Thursday. The weather was like winter, and I had a great time. Skied all day. Which I have not done in a long time. Conditions were great.

Nice drive up to Squaw. Made great time. It’s a very sunny day, I am hoping it will be cold at least.

Arrived at Bucks shop, just outside Squaw, around 815. Buck is a boot fitter and an old fri nd and client. I am staying over night at his house and skiing tomorrow as well. I brought him the usual rent, in bottle form. He appreciates it. I need a little boot work too for myself. After skiing.

Well, my prayers were not answered. It is a spring day, and warm. Ski stripped down and expect very soft snow. I skied all morning and it was work, hard work. Really tired me out. Not at all like last week. I was joined late am by Buck and crew from the shop. They take a “Skiesta” every day for a couple hours. Close the shop. Ski. Nice idea. Bobby managed to get there too. We skied everywhere which is what Buck does. He is a really good skier. Had a good time but really got worn out.

The boys went back to the shop and Bob and I skied a while longer. Finally headed downhill and picked up. We went to the shop and visited with Buck. He sells bikes in the summer and had a new shipment of e-bikes. So we rode those around for a couple of hours. They are fun as hell. No work, the e part of them provides power assist. Which means you can pedal uphill with ease. Climb hills or stairs or whatever. Bob was really up here to take one home and the try out was cool. Buck and Bob spent some serious time haggling over a price. Up to and pastbthe point Bob left with one of the bikes on Wednesday afternoon, they were still haggling. Bob wanted to leave his car with Buck, even. Crazy.

So, after bikes we drove to Jakes on the Lake for happy hour. They have the worlds greatest Reuben sandwich according to Buck. We had to wander around awhile after we got there, not open yet. They are on the lake, hence the name, so we walked the marina and such. Sweet place. Finally opened, the four of us, Hirsch, joined us went in to Jakes for food and bev. And wouldn’t u know it, we all ordered the Reuben. And buck ordered us all Mai Tais. I should mention, Mai Tais have been on the brain for awhile since Buck told me he used the king size Cointreau I gave him last time I was here to make Mai Tais. I even brought my own Mai tai fixins for later.

The Mai Tais here were only passable. More of a fruit juicy style. And I am not that type. The sandwich’s were good, not great, and the marble rye was toasted poorly and also not good rye. I did not share my opinion. Buck is held in high esteem by all and I do not say anything to knock him. He is a decent guy. He also picked up the check. Yay Buck!!

After lunch we went back to Bucks. And rested. I made my Mai Tais for everyone. Which are strong. And it was 630 or so. So, I think Bob was first to fall asleep and I was second. We were watching TV but after skiing and cocktails, everyone dissolved. Buck was on antibiotics for something and Bob is getting over something and I just finished tax season. We were a fun and lively bunch. Not.

I curled up on the couch and went to sleep. Decent day off. Better than work.

Sunday was a slow and lazier day. Nothing to do. So we drove up to Auburn to look at a couple of open houses. Always hood to keep our options open. Just in case the build does not happen. We are still up in the air on whether it gets built.

So we looked at two houses. One, weird, over priced and unworkable. Not a promising start. It was on the canyon and recently remodeled. And a complete loss. We left.

The second open house was much better. As always it was not 100% of what we want. More like 90% of what we like. Really weird backyard and on a loud road. That I really don’t like. Our first house was on a loud street and we hated it.

We went home. Got home around 530. Made dinner for all, watched some TV. Went to bed.

On Monday nothing going on but work. Though I did take my time getting to work. I was in by 11. The great thing about post tax season is the huge slow down. I sat in the office till 5 (only 5!) and no visitors or calls. And went home. Now that’s a work day. I had the time to screw around and do things slowly. Sadly, I have vacation coming up which means all my work must be done by the time I leave for Europe in June. So there will be a second busy season this year. Coming soon.

I left the office and dropped off a couple pair of glasses at the optometrists. I like having Rx lenses in my sunglasses. Makes seeing that much better. Ready Thursday.

There was a horrendous accident on the way home. Delayed my trip by over an hour. I was late hitting home, got there just after seven.

We made dinner, homemade pizza. Very nice.

After dinner I packed up for my ski vacay. I am going to Squaw Valley and skiing Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight at Bucks house. He has a boot fitting shop by Squaw. So I got al equipment together. Also some Mai Tai fixins and cash, etc. Gotta be ready for anything. Woulda brought a sleeping bag, Buck is a bachelor and house is not perfect. It is free. I got all this crap into the car and got into bed.

Emily insisted on watching an episode of Mad Dogs. I wanted to sleep. Oh well. I set the alarm for five am and tried to sleep. Tomorrow will be great.

So, Saturday. What to do? Well, back up a month. An old college friend, Dan, emailed me out of the blue. Turns out quite a few of the old crowd has been getting together at Picnic Day, annual event at UCD where we all went to school. Dan seemed to think I should be included in these events. Glad someone finally did. There are other events as well through out the year. So I decided, after 30 years, I should hook up with my old chums. Some I have seen more recently, say 20 years. A long fucking time, either way.

Anyhow, back to the present, it’s Saturday and it’s Picnic Day and post tax season. So today, I am going to go see very old friends. Very old. Fortunately, Dan sent pictures. My old friends look like hell. Sadly, they all can’t look as fantastic as I do. Poor bastards. And, my lovely bride looks far better than any of the women. Man am I lucky.

We were meeting around 1 in Central Park in Davis, CA. Which is outside the University and not part of the festivities. Not like I care. I have not been to Picnic Day in over 10 years. I have missed nothing I think. I have grown to dislike my alma mater over the years. I had my name removed from University mailing list. So there. But I still have some fond memories of my time there and the friends I made. I met my wife there, though not at school. I should mention, I am not much of a stay in touch guy. Seems obvious I think.

Em and I spent the morning doing chores. I mowed the lawn. We did laundry. The usual weekend crap. Has to be done eventually.

We left for Davis at about noon. It turns out the Picnic Day traffic was backed up a few miles. We made a u turn and headed north via an alternate route and came into town from the west. A good call, no traffic. Also gave us a chance to see the town again. Looks the same. I actually actively avoid Davis. I really have no love left for the place. Town is populated by a bunch of left wing loonies besides. Political and cultural losers.

We actually found legal parking very easily. Though we were really unsure that it was so when we left it. Turned out we were fine.

We walked to the park. Made a couple rounds looking for everyone. Found no one. Went and bought some bottled water, it’s amazingly warm today. Then I remembered I had one phone number. It was for Mike, a guy I knew too well back in the day. I texted him. Turns out we had walked right by everyone. They obviously weren’t paying attention.

We found them. I saw Mike from a distance. Same guy, much heavier. Then I saw Gary, from a distance, first thought – who is the old guy? Wonder what they were thinking of me? Who cares? I look fantastic. Emily says I look like a thin old man. What the hell does she know? The group was small. They told me it’s usually a bigger turnout. Dan, who contacted me, was not there. The bum.

The Picnic Day thing, it turns out, is just a meet up and hang out in the park. So we hung out. And talked, not about old times, mostly about the now of things and the future. I am glad we did not dwell on the past. None of us seems to be the same person, and we sure as hell don’t look like the same people. I guess thirty years does that.

So we hung out. While we hung out, others of our vintage showed up to visit. Some I knew and some I didn’t. Or couldn’t remember. Some remembered me vividly and I could not tell you I had ever met them. Memory is a funny thing. Although, by the next morning I had actually dredged up quite a few confusing memories that helped. Though, of course, no help that day.

Everyone brings food, a picnic for picnic day. Go figure. Em and I brought nothing. So we starved. It’s ok, we are adults. We hung out about 4 hours just reacquainting ourselves with people who were current strangers. Like us, all had been married near 30 years, had kids finally out of the house, contemplating retirement. We are all the same age and had much the same life. Which is weird. So lots in common even if we had been apart awhile. No grand kids in the group. Not that old yet.

Every year, Mike has a BBQ at his place in Woodland. So the party moves to his place in the evening. It’s BYOM, so we left the park and went home. Had a little rest, put together some steaks and headed back to Mike’s in Woodland. He lives in a development called Wildwings, which has a golf course and airport and a couple hundred houses. It’s outside Woodland, not really near town. My very good friend Doug and his family lived there for years. So I am familiar.

Mike’s house is about 3000 sf and he lives there alone. With two cats. He was married years ago, I was at the wedding. That ended quickly. I can say from experience, his former bride was a total crazy bitch. No loss. Anyhow, big, nice house. As usual for any evening dinner get together, we milled around the kitchen. Seems that’s always how parties go.

So we did more of the eat, drink and yak thing. Then cooked up our steaks. All sides provided by Mike. We sat in the back yes finally, and sipped wine and chatted. Turns out Mike has a few hundred bottles of nice wine. Gary also. They act like experts. I just enjoy good wine and they provided a lot of it. An old college acquaintance, Pam Starr, got them started in wine. She is now a star winemaker at Crocker-Starr vineyards. She is half the name on the label. Stellar vineyard located in a prime Napa location. Funny thing, her first wine job was at Sonoma Cutrer vineyards which is where my daughter currently works. Anyway, Pam has influenced my two loser friends to provide good wine to their friends. And she continues to do so. One of the annual events for the group is a wine tasting trip. So I look forward to that. And, Mike felt today was the day to crack a magnum of ‘99 Cab from Pam’s vineyard. See, I win. No matter how you look at it.

The evening ran late, as it should. We were the last to leave, of course we only had a 15 minute drive. Others drove several hours. See, Mike is 15 minutes away for the last twenty years and we never bother to hook up. Which makes sense, if you knew us.

So we said our goodbyes and drove home. And my my mind went to work on its own, dredging up old buried memories of college and the things I did. It’s tough to remember things that long past. I find it easier when I am around the old friends who help to cue up memories I thought forgotten. Some turn sad most are good. The things I remember best all involve my kids and wife. And the old friends weren’t there much during that time. I guess I can change that a little for the future.

It’s all over but the crying. It’s tax filing deadline today. Everyone makes a big deal out of it. Of course, a six month extension is automatic, so why get all excited about it? I haven’t even done my own.

Today will be a long series of emergencies. Not mine. Clients emergencies. They need to take a deep breath because none of this is life shatteringly important. It’s just your income taxes. But, they will come in all excited or upset for a variety of reasons. None very interesting. Some people need drama I think. No worries for me. Everything solves.

Well, it’s Thursday. It’s all over, yet it’s not. The IRS had a break down yesterday and extended the filing by one day. So last day is today. I hate this shit. Must be why yesterday was so calm and lacking the usual crises. Today can be that day instead. So I will be off for another day of fun and tax games. The world is such a beautiful place.

I was ready for a slow day, not doing much, a little clean up. The tax season hangover day. No. I am going skiing tomorrow. That’s it.

So all the tax nightmare is over. Today I am skiing. I borrowed Emily’s car since it has 4wd. Believe it or not, there is a small storm predicted for today. April 19, which is Spring last I checked. Anyhow, I got her car and she got mine. I left the house at 6am and headed uphill. I did have one problem, I had no ski poles. They are somewhere, either in storage or sold in the estate sale. I will need to stop by Bucks shop and borrow a pair from him. My buddy Buck has a ski boot fitting shop just outside Squaw Valley. Convenient. I was going there anyway just to visit.

The drive was long and I am still wast d tired from tax season. So I stopped twice for coffee. I was sofa king tired.

I arrived at Bucks at about 830 and his shop was hopping. Very busy. He found time to get me some very used poles. Not a problem, poles are the least important thing.

Buck closes his shop from 10-1230 every day for skiesta, so we figured to get a few runs in together.

So it was 25 degrees at the base and clouded over and snowing lightly when I got there. Did I mention it is late April? You know, Spring? It was really cold. I wore an extra sweatshirt. Which turned out to be smart.

Once I got my gear on I went to the ticket office. I handed the ticket guy my old pass and asked for a recharge. He said it was ready to go. Well, short story, Buck bought my season pass this year. But the snow came late and I was moving and tax season came up so I really couldn’t go. Till now. Our mutual friend, Bob, told me Buck had cashed in my pass. I guess not. Now I will need to go many more days to make it worthwhile. Open till 5/28 with real spring skiing.

Anyway, hopped the tram and went further up the hill at the summit it was 19 degrees. Damn cold. But great for the snow. It will last longer into May. Good now that I am committed to going more times in May.

I had a great day, it was so nice I was able to ski all day. Usual spring ski I quit by noon. So, as days go, this one was excellent. I did slam myself into the ground on the first run. Frozen over and I got into some ungroomed frozen like a rock snow between a couple runs. Caught an edge. It’s an old story. Lost a ski. That old saw.

After that I just took as many runs as I could all day. I had food with me so really never had to stop. A nice day with no work, no calls, nothing but skiing. Nice

Buck tried to call during the day but I have such crappy cell coverage that I never got the call. So I skied solo. Which is awesome as well.

At he endbof the day I went back to Bucks and had my right boot adjusted. Buck told me to come back next week and stay a couple days. Drag Bob up too. Bob just retired, he has the time. We are going to have a drink making contest of sorts. I will win.

Left Bucks at about 430. Headed home. Would have gone to the office but Day was already done. I was sleeping, damn near, most of the way home. It’s a long damn drive. Still only took two hours, which is amazing. I missed all the traffic.

At home, Emily was at yoga, fed the animals and unpacked. Uncorked a bottle of wine and relaxed. And, drank some of the wine too. That helped with the muscle soreness. Only second day on the slopes this year. It makes you sore. Made me sore.

Emily came home and we had dinner. A little TV and off to bed. Where Emily insisted on an episode of Mad Dogs on her laptop. Who taught her to get TV on her computer? I was asleep pretty quick after that.

We are finally there. The day before. All the work I have left has to be done today because tomorrow is for yelling and crying, which take up a lot of time.

I have only one appointment on the books but I have several people calling for whatever the hell they need. Like no one else exists. That’s how last minute people behave. Poorly. Crying and whining. They become toddlers and I gotta be the Dad. And people wonder why I don’t like this time of year.

I am taking the time to blog this only because I don’t want to do anything work related. I just want it all over. That’s tomorrow. That will be nice.

I had an early end to my day yesterday. Left office before 4. Emily had just got home from a three day yoga retreat. And it was her birthday. So I came home early, gave her a present, and we went out to dinner. And, btw, I got her the exact same thing I got her for Easter. And she loved it. How can I pull this off? Well, I got her a pair of shoes and a box of peanut brittle. Shoes were pink. Brittle was not. The shoes were a huge hit. So, I have learned, if the shoe fits, buy it in every color. That’s right, same shoes in new color and a box of peanut brittle. She loves the new shoes in the new color. I amaze myself.

Dinner in Winters at the Putah Creek Cafe. I had a cocktail I did not like. Don not send it back cuz it was my fault for not paying attention. Was a whisky cocktail. Scotch. I thought I was getting bourbon. Oh well. I will survive. Emily got a passable Old Fashioned. Dinner was good though nothing to blog home about.

We drove home, which was as strange. First time since we moved I drove down the road from Winters and when we hit Allendale Rd we went south and not east. Always a little weird not to head “home”.

I had purchased an ice cream cake for Emily. As you can see, there is one ice cream ball for each year. Tradition. Of course, I was the only one singing this year. That must have been a treat for her. I didn’t ask.

And then off to bed. Asleep by 10. Wow. Did not wake till the alarm went off. I am tired. More work tomorrow, lots more on this pre d-day, day. Gonna be lousy. And that IS optimistic.

Ok. I apologize for not writing sooner. I think it’s been at least a week. The work schedule is a killer and I have little time for the niceties of life. Like taking the time to tell everyone what is up.

I can sum up the last week very quickly. I get up at six. Get me and the wife ready for our day – breakfast, coffee, sack lunch, etc. Emily goes to work. I get ready, I go to work. I stay till 11pm to 1130. Come home. Eat dinner. Go to bed. Rinse and repeat. Every GD day. See, quick summation. My life is thrilling. The days work stays the same too. So not much, if any, excitement to share.

Today, Monday 4/9, is not much different. I have sat longer this morning. It’s now a quarter to 10. I have received about 10 client calls. It’s like there is a deadline coming. I guess these morons just noticed. That’s a strong word. I should have said dipshits. I mean, really, this is an annual thing. Wouldn’t people have learned by now? No, is the short answer.

I have to stop taking calls now, time to shower and shave. I have to be beautiful to prepare tax returns. Uh oh.

It’s 815 Tuesday. Never had the chance to pick up where I left off till now. Although, I left work at 9 last night. Super early. I have only one return on my desk to finish. I have a few partially done just missing a few items. I guess I’m caught up. I wouldn’t know for sure, it’s never happened before. But I don’t feel any real pressure which is really nice. I can get normal day to day tasks done as well as the extra work. It’s a disturbance in the force.

Again, it’s time for morning duties. Gotta be presentable.

Funny thing, time for morning duties again because it’s Wednesday. An entire day off the blog. Again, sorry for the gap. The best thing that happened yesterday? Well, I got home about midnight, and Emily had made rhubarb cake. Nice. I love rhubarb. And I love cake. Yes, I want to marry the cake but I’m not a bigamist. Dinner was a carnitas combo, remember it’s taco Tuesday. So the big thrill of my workday was dinner at home. Makes me wonder why I work. Wait, I got it, it’s the money.

Today is almost exactly like every other day. Except, today I have an inspection of my commercial property by the mortgage holder. It’s a strange story there. I rented to a cannabis recommendation in one of the office suites. Turns out, the federal government thinks this is an illegal drug enterprise. So, my mortgage holder, a bank, calls my loan. I had to kick the tenant out of the building, and lose rent, just to keep the building. I am not sure I should have kept it. Anyhow, they are sending an inspector out to “look” at whatever it is has to be looked at and reported on. My understanding is they can legally take the property if they want. Or some such thing. It has zero equity so I don’t really lose. Should be fun today. A little detour from the usual.

Ok. No inspection, she was busy. Life goes on.

It’s midnight Thursday. I am making dinner, burger. He only thing handy in the house. Emily is gone till Sunday for a yoga retreat. Which is just an excuse for a good time. Eat drink and be yoga. She will have fun. I will work all the time.

Today was a hoot. Since Emily went away, the digs are home alone. She thought it would be nice to take the dogs to the office. Seemed ok. Well, Jaxon is a nervous dog. We know that. He got to the office and reverted to ge Trazedone gulping anxiety monster he used to be. I was sitting talking to a new client. An exotic dancer. It’s a misnomer, trust me. Anyhow, Jax decided that was a good time to start shitting all over the place. Little pieces of very stinky poop and three puddles. On the carpet. Client wa not impressed. I had to clean up in he middle of the appointment. No doggy day care tomorrow. They can stay home and be lonely. Did I mention Jaxon howled whenever I was out of sight? Ya, he did that.

Doesn’t seem so bad now. I am done with my dinner. I have heartburn. I ate too much. I ate too fast. Happens when u are really hungry. I am sipping a wee bit of whisky. Takes the pain away. Seems to be helping the burn.

I am doing all of this over again tomorrow, sans dogs. Maybe a double draught of the hard stuff. Don’t know. At this point don’t care.

Surprise, I walked Emily to the car this am. She was going to work. There was a newspaper in the driveway. It is Friday!! What’s special about that? Well, nothing. At least this time of year. I have five appointments today. So five more returns. And the appointments cut into time available to prep so really just behind again. Yay.

Friday was awful, really. But, one of my clients brought lunch. Banh Me sandwiches. Awesome. That wa the high point. Appointments from the moment I arrived through 6 pm. Pure joy. Worked two more hours and went home early to have dinner with the wife that was nice. Went to bed early. What a crap day mostly.

Saturday was not much better. I had three appointments scheduled. Two for work and one to sell my truck. And three unannounced clients showed up. Yay, again. I did not get to working till after two and at three, I sold the truck. Not bad. I am leaving early, at 7, Marika is coming home for Easter. That will be nice. But will be back tomorrow again. Easter tradition, I go to work.

Sunday. Easter. Glad I got something for Emily. She had said no Easter baskets this year. So I bought her some shoes and a little candy. She bought me several shirts. But no baskets. Marika had come home Saturday night. She got each of us an Easter basket. I guess she did not get the memo. It was very nice.

After breakfast I went to work. Or should I say toward work. I stopped at the hardware store a bought a lawn mower. For my postage stamp size backyard. Cheap as I could realistically find was $200. So it goes. Then I went to work.

I only stayed till 4 cuz we have a dinner date with Roma and her family. So I did not get as much done as I wanted. That’s fine, it’s Easter and I’m goin out.

I left the office by four but it’s sunday and traffic sucked. I did not get to the restaurant till 515. No one had ordered or anything, just apps. So that was nice. We had fun and I haven’t seen Roma in forever. Since we moved she is 2 blocks away. Sad how far that can be some days.

Dinner was nice, Roma’s two daughters were there. Always a slice. Roma’s family usually gathers at her house on Easter for a get together. Did not happen this year. Roma is 86. We met her several years ago when hers and our families each hosted a baseball player from the local college wooden bat league. We had lots in common besides and became friends. So now we occasionally have dinner or lunch together. Not as much as we used to since her husband, Dick, passed. But we get a chance once in awhile.

After dinner I went home and did the deed. I assembled the mower. sounds easy. It’s not. There were two sets of instructions, on purpose, to deal with. None of the instructions was very clear. Turns out, the instructions are for four different models. So I get bad printed instructions. What fun. Marika helped with the assembly. Emily tried to. It took awhile but it runs fine and will work. I had no leftover parts. I think that’s a good thing.

We are now watching the news. Had some ice cream. Picked up Marika and she went home. She has school in the am. And work. Just like us.

I am ready for bed. Emily is snoozing in her chair as she “watches” the news. Bed sounds good.