Saturday Alone

I tried to sleep in this morning. It’s just me and the dogs, Emily having gone to Bodega for the weekend. I managed 730. I guess that’s good enough. It’s not like I have a choice.

Up and did the chores. Dressed and out the door. Off to Starbucks. More coffee. Just a bad habit, really, but I do it in spite of that.

No errands to run. Straight to the office. When Em is away, I work. It’s fun, office work on Saturday. Got a call from my RE agent. The seller had offered all the rugs in the house as part of the sale. They wanted several thousand, what they paid. We said no thank you. Well, they smarter up and now the price has dropped to 2780$. I did not jump at it. First, I don’t care. 2nd, see my first comment. And I know better than to jump at an offer. I told agent Kary I would discuss it with Emily. Which means I will counter.

Got to the office late morning. For a change, I have work planned. It’s mid January. I need to send out e-organizers. Clients use these to send back their tax info to me. Not too much work, but I have to update four different letters to go with the e-org. That takes awhile. I did manage it. After that all I had to to was electronically distribute a few hundred data packets and keep track of what went to who which usually involves an actual report on paper which keeps track of that. Easy peasy.

Of course I still have 20 or so analog clients. For them I send organizers on paper. And, best part, the packets I send have to be separately updated. Yay, more work. And then on Monday, Cara will collate, address envelopes, stuff and mail. Gosh I love this part of the job.

Next up, database update. I have six different tax return databases. Each year. I have to transfer 2017 to 2018. I go database by by database and mark all items transferring. Then go through a six step process to ensure all items are ranserred. And print a report so we all know what has been transferred.

Are you loving this like me?

After all that crap was done, I got more! No more of this year end doo doo. I switched to current. I have several bank reconciliations to do. I know, I live right. That took forever. I mean a long time. I felt like leaving but cleaned up my desk, and paid a few bills instead. God I love this shit.

I should mention, I had a running text thread going all day with Marika. Broken only by her occasional phone calls. I love talking to her but it did slow down the work a bit. She is trying to figure out a trip to Europe and it takes ALOT of talking and discussion. And texting. Believe me, it took all day.

I left the building. Had too before I offed myself. Sadly, all excitement was over. Drove home, at a good clip. Roads are now dry, no wind, and very few cars. It is Saturday.

Got home at 8. Dogs had not exploded which is nice. Dogs and cats were starving. Yeah right. All fat. I fed them anyway. I ate leftovers which is my favorite meal.

Now some bad tv and blogging. Same as every night. But, it’s 11 and I am getting up early. Going to the coast to join Emily and the fam. We are supposed to go wine tasting. I never do that. Well, not this week. Going to bed.

EOW Fun

Ok. It’s 11pm. I am going to abbreviate this post. Be brief. Shorten it up. Yell cut. Got it?

This morning I have to take Em’s car to the insurance shop to replace the windshield. She took a massive rock hit right at driver face level. Smashed nicely. Replacement is free with insurance. But, this is a special one. The windshield on a Mercedes is integral to the cameras for lane departure and adaptive cruise. So, 3 hours. It would cost $1250. But I got insurance.

Got to Fairfield, 45 minutes away, early. Checked in. Sat down. Read a book and the paper for 1hr and 45 mins. Car done. I signed. I left. Drove to Em’s work and swapped cars. Very smooth.

Quick drive to work. Have I ever mentioned how much I love work?

Usual crap. Sat with Walker for quite awhile trying to work out our firms menu of services and pricing. We managed to get straight what we thought should be included. We are both working on it over the weekend.

Again, for the millionth time I worked till 615. I worked in new house things (so much crap), I worked on paperwork. I worked on bills. The usual. Even though it’s a scant 8 hours ago, I have put it all out of my mind. Like me.

Must get home by 730. Emily’s sister is coming by. So I left early enough to do that. Drive was boring and well paced.

Got a call from a client, Kyle, sales manager at a local Honda dealer. He has a car coming in, special build, that I am interested in buying. We discussed it for awhile. He needs to hold it for a few days till our house closes escrow. I can’t have a financing before the close. Not good, will hose the deal completely. Kyle promised to slow it way down once it arrives. I hope. I am buying a second commuter car for the wife since she is driving Auburn to Dixon for six months or till she finds work closer. Buying two cars would seriously screw our mortgage loan.

I got home by 730. Turns out, no Sis. Emily was just leaving and going to Bodega. She left about 5 minutes after I got there.

I made dinner and watched TV. Did some work on the computer. Blogged. Read a bit. Texted. And went to bed.

Days Run Together

Some good news. We managed to scrape together all the cash needed to close the deal on our new home. Amazing. Remember, the lender required double the cash down than we had planned for. Things have changed from two months ago when we first shopped loans. We had planned on an asset based loan ie the lender uses your liquid assets to determine your worth. Remember the stock market? Down 30% in our portfolio since then. So, new loan terms and jumping our down payment and points. But, we are there. I found every damn dollar we have in ready cash and it is enough. Enough for a house and dinner for two. And not just McDonalds. Early February close is projected. Not sure how many crises between now and then. There has to be at least one. Sometimes I am not so sure they are not manufactured so lenders and title can raise prices and you will not complain about it. I will scream.

My sole appointment has cancelled so my day is open. Still have lots to do, I am sure tasks will show up for me as well today. I have never been without work. And to think, I used to use marketing to draw people in. Now, I wish (sort of) they would all leave me alone. Perhaps my age has made me bitter and disillusioned. Don’t be shaking your head up and down. My cynicism is my own, I don’t share.

So, here at 820am I can see my entire day. All the way to bad TV tonight. I guess that’s ok. No stress. The only tasks I cant imagine are connected to the new house. I am sure nothing bad.

Drive to work was free and easy, lull in the storm made the drive pleasant. Wet, but nice. I called Auto Vault, where I store my S2000. I need my plates off the car to switch at DMV for my new vanity plates. Well, I called every number they had with no answer. I had a wild cell number for one of the guys that work there and it worked. He actually answered. No one was in the place so I had to reschedule picking up the plates till after work.

Got to work, with no schedule to follow. One call was scheduled at 330 with my practice consultant.

So, spent the day on the usual things I forget by the time I get home. New day, same crap. I have got to start writing this shit down as it happens.

I do remember my call at least. We went over my marketing plan, services offered and pricing. Stay awake!! This is important! And boring. Sorry. Well, consultant Ciara also discussed time management skills (mine) and how I might improve them. We then had a nice discussion of selling more to current clients. For money. She is a big help.

After that I called Dad. He is involved in the house purchase, he may end up living there so we include him. We discussed the transaction and I let him know we need his trustee appointment paperwork. Lenders want every damn thing in the world. I haven’t bought a house since 2002 and the level of scrutiny on home purchases has gone up ten fold. Not sure why my dumb ass government wants to be in real estate so bad. I hate them.

Auto Vault called just to be sure I was coming. I told them I would arrive before they closed.

Time to leave. I have to go to the bank first and then to the Vault. As usual, long lines at the bank. One teller window open. I don’t know bank management, but I can identify nine angry customers. In line in front of me.

Next I go to Auto Vault. Hey, guess what, traffic is insane and it’s started to rain. Well, I did make it. 15 minutes to get on the freeway, 16 minutes to drive 9 miles, got there at 555. Time to spare!

The nice guys at Auto Vault has. It taken the plates off yet. All day they have, I called at 10am, and they do nothing till I get there. I may not know Vault management, but I know an annoyed customer.

Drive home was quick, of course, I was not in a hurry.

At home Emily already had dinner going. Isn’t that awesome? Yes it is! We are having tacos with romaine leaves instead of tortillas. She also went out of her way to make Chile relleno casserole too. Fantastic food is her specialty. Dinner was exceptional especially for a mid week night.

As I said earlier, now is the time for bad TV, right after I wash the dishes. She cooked, I washed. Fair is fair.

TV was actually ok tonight. But I need to go to bed because I have to be up early to get Emily’s car to the window shop. The insurance glass shop is an hour away and it’s raining. Long drive and its gonna take three hours to repair. So I gotta get to bed.

Snow Day

Well, not here. I live in the valley. But it’s snowing like hell 60 miles away. Here, lots of rain. And wind. Can’t wait to hit the highway, nothing like combining bad weather with stupid people who lack judgment of any kind. I’m gettin excited.

Still need to work on my loan crap today. Hope to get that moving again. So I can get moving again. Out of this place aka The Apartment. We do look forward to seeing it in the rear view mirror and nowhere else.

Started my day with a single phone call to a white knight to finish out my home loan process. I need help. And, strangely, it was easy. I have the info to my loan gal and we should be good. I will know by end of day.

Went to Starbucks. What for? Coffee. What did you think? It was ok. Made a few calls while parked there. A handy rest stop. From here, to work. The storm that is getting worse, I hear, is not here yet. Later in the day. So I travelled in a light rain with a light wind. So all other drivers drove wildly, of course. I kept it in control.

Today was not a very exciting day. No appointments, no calls. I got to the office near 1130. I don’t go in early. Ever. Today is no exception, obviously. I spent the time working on my move and loan for new home. Many texts and calls there. Not exciting. The rest of the day was miscellaneous office work. Spoke to a couple employees. One wants more money, one had other issues. I like to work the ones who want money real hard. If you counter them hard, they go away until they build up there confidence again. I once scared one so bad she did not try again for a year. A year during which I did not have to pay her any extra. I do this as often as I can. The money is mine, I don’t give it up easy. They want more money they should go to a bank.

Not much else of consequence all day. Boring job, pays well. I should have been a fireman.

Time to go home. Cara came into my office to warm me there were 50 – 60mph winds on the causeway. I cross the causeway on the way home every day. Today with high winds and heavy rain. It is an increase in the fun factor.

Emily called. Pizza tonight for dinner, at least if I stop and pick up a pie. I’m not a huge fan of pizza but obvs she is not making anything for dinner. And I don’t want to hear about it if I don’t. I am weak that way.

On the way home I got a text from the loan gal. She has one, we qualify, and we are good. Just need an overlarge down payment and cash for points. Then we can move. Loan terms are ok enough. I may start to get excited soon.

Pizza was average, at best, and not very good at the other end. I found it not worth bothering. I ate it anyway. Emily made a salad, which was excellent. Next time, skip pizza, eat greens. I will probably live longer too.

Now, for the best end to a rather bland day: bad TV. I am enjoying it. I got Jeopardy and Wheel. Then reruns. Oh so very lovely. Emily has fallen asleep again in her chair. Some things never change. To bed, soon

Lots of Work

It’s getting to late January. I have had some “calls”. Pre tax appointment calls where clients and new clients just need to ask a few questions. About their taxes before coming in. Which means a flood is coming soon. I can smell it. And here I sit trying to buy a house which takes a lot of time. And then move in February. A nightmare. I hope I survive this tidal wave.

This morning I drove to my loan brokers office. We need to discuss the upcoming purchase and how we put together the financing for said purchase. She had several ideas on this. Unfortunately it is not easy or straightforward. It’s a pain. Karstin, the broker, has several ideas. She shared them with me. I do not comprehend all the things she said, do not know or understand all the rules, so I expect her to do all the work. Fortunately, she is the opposite. She will take care of me.

I left her office having set an appointment for four hours hence to discuss her progress.

Drive to work was semi exciting. There is a storm in town, and it’s raining very consistently though not heavy. Lots of water on the road which is great if you love to hydroplane. I am not a fan. I was driving about the speed limit which in the rain is a good idea. Cruising nicely and a fine overlarge high truck came barreling up behind me doing 75 to 80. Then seemed to finally notice as he crawled up my ass and fishtailed (lots of water) and caromed off the two left lanes. Back and forth went the asshole who can’t drive. He finally slowed and jumped on the gas again and took off. Stupid and ultra maroon and imbecile come to mind.

The rest of the drive was not so exciting. I just stayed away from all other drivers. They smell. Bad.

Got to work. Plenty of the usual crap to do. Only one visitor, a client bringing me $1000 cash to pay on account. This guy had disappeared two years ago when his business partner died and his business closed and the building that houses it was foreclosed on. He was gone. Owed me over $10,000. I wrote it off long ago. He showed up this week with money and a desire to pay up. So I collected $2k from him. Then did $2k worth of work to start getting his taxes caught up. So I got paid and he still owes me the same amount. I love it when things work out for me.

The rest of the day was really boring. Nothing essential and very few calls. Sounds good. I worked four hours on all crap I worked on that, here at 915, I have forgotten. Love that.

Drive home was soaking wet, worse than the drive in. But, not much traffic so that eases things up a bit. Easy cruise home, made a few calls, Rea’s a few texts, closed my eyes and listened to the rain hit the roof. Ok, no eus or texts. Just kidding.

Stopped at the carniceria, it’s Tuesday after all. Some carnitas, desebrada, frijoles and it’s a party! And dinner. Mostly dinner. I was hungry.

After dinner, for a change of pace, we went to the grocery store. And, weirdly, we hit Lucky and not Winco or Nugget. Weird to walk around a store you have never shopped in. It was so foreign. And a new weird store never has the right food you are used to. So we bought weird stuff. Mostly for Emily’s class so who cares.

We are back home. And you will never guess what we are doing. I know, you say we are watching TV. Half wrong! Emily has fallen asleep. I am watching the boob tube. Nothing special but I was laughing.

Tomorrow Marika has an interview for a real job. I am excited and hopeful. I have my fingers crossed. Cross yours.

Awesome Monday

Not. When did that ever happen?

First morning back to work from a loong vacay. Usually a bad thing. Emily was up and moving sorta quick. Out the door fast at least.

Marika and I have a doctor appointment so we hung back a little. Ate our breakfast. Off to dr. office.

On my way to the dr., driving down the freeway, I “ran into” my buddy Joe, driving his company van and going my way. We exchanged waves. Joe is a contractor. Headed to the jobsite which I found out was about 100 feet from my destination. He came by before I went and we passed the tone. Caught up.

My doc has a new Scotty dog. Her name is Fiona and I felt she was completely in love with me. Very friendly doggie. His other Scotty, Ferguson, was there too and he was in much better mood than last I saw him. Docs old Scotty died about 6 months ago. Sad. But life and Scotty’s go on.

We finished our appointment and went our separate ways. Her to Petaluma and me to Starbucks for coffee. Then to work. I got shorted on my morning coffee at home.

Today will not be too busy. I have two appointments, one at 4 and one at 5. No big tasks just a couple quick returns. But the early part of the day was spent on our mortgage app on the new house. A few emails and calls and the usual sending of documents. Mundane but the lenders seem to love the crap.

The balance of my day was spent on mundane tasks (I love it too) and going to the bank. I can not remember what the hell I did with my day. I need to remember to write this crap down when I do it.

My appointment number one was a new client, kind of confused guy I was able to eliminate taxes on his return for 2018 and that made him happy. That and he paid cash in advance. I love that.

Next appointment, a new client with an internet auto tire business. All he needed was someone, me, to prepare his first sales tax return. I see this as quick and done. I got the info and passed it off to Katrina. Done in a jiffy. Tomorrow.

Went home. Long drive in the rain. Got home, good news, Emily made soup for dinner. Was delicious as usual. Nice to not have to work after I get home. My wife is nice to me.

And, after dinner, we watched a little TV. I should say, I watched, Emily snoozed in her chair. She claims that is how she watches TV. Right.

Last Day for Vacay

Emily goes back to work tomorrow. She had almost a month off. I wish I had that job. So today, what is she doing? Cleaning the house and many other chores. I think it’s called nesting behavior. I call it annoying behavior. If she cleans, I clean. Way fun. It’s about 5 and the house looks nice. Cars are clean (that’s me).

I am sure dinner will be soon. I have not heard the magic words “I need to go to bed early” yet. Those are coming.

Four and a half months to summer. Not so bad.

My agent is presenting our offer to the sellers today. She went out to see them at around 4. I know a standard real estate offer allows for a seven day response but I sure would like a faster one. Like today. I know I will hear something today, I just don’t know how late and how good. We are ready to move and it is taking an inordinate amount of time to find a house we both like. There are too many factors to list. This one we both agree on. I can only hope for my outcome.

Emily went next door to see if a package delivered to us belongs next door. She has been gone 20 minutes. We don’t know our neighbor. So, I can assume he is a white slaver and Emily has been abducted or she is talking his ear off. I spoke to him once. Long conversation. I said very little. May have to make dinner on my own.

So Emily did finally make it home. Turns out the package did belong next door. Though the long tine gone was due to her talking to a different neighbor. I think Em just needed to find someone to talk to. And she did. For a long time.

I was missing a bunch of ingredients for the chicken. Emily volunteered to go to the store. While gone, I had no ingredients so I watched TV. Fair trade.

Marika showed up right about the time Emily got back from the store. I did not know this. Emily walked in with a bag and a cat carrier and says “they had cute kittens at the store, I couldn’t resist”. I just about had a coronary. She kept it going to. Until I realized she was joking. Haha she so funny. Then Marika came in, not in on the joke. She thought it was funny too. I get no respect.

With ingredients in hand I made the chicken dish. Got it in the oven. Baste in an hour. Looking tasty.

Now my go overboard wife wanted to make cookies for the other teachers for first day of school tomorrow. So we made cookies. Only a few dozen. Yes, she is crazy.

Of course, Marika and I are still trying to drop the holiday weight so the two dozen cookies she left for us does not help. I think I will put those in the freezer to make them less readily edible.

Dinner is ready. Emily has made a very beautiful avocado and endive salad. At 9pm, we finally ate dinner. My chicken dish was excellent. Really good. Hard to believe. I just picked up the recipe out of the paper this morning.

Now late in the evening, we sit in front of the boob tube. Watching quality television before bed. Or at least television.

Lunch Saturday

It’s Saturday. Smallest newspaper of the week. Still can’t figute it, Emily has not asked about the Auburn house. She knows I am trying to finalize something, per our discussions. Yet she is silent. I will bring it up during our ride to Sonoma today.

We did sleep in. Hurray. Pepto, our cat, whom Emily thought was dying last night, showed up middle of night. Slept with us. By slept I mean walked up Emily and laid down ina non existent space between us. May not be dying I think.

We are leaving at 11 for Sonoma. So I have time to feed animals, make coffee and brekkies, pick oranges and lemons, and patrol the yard for dog poop. Gross, it’s been raining. I washed the dishes too. Folded laundry. Had a shower. Got dressed. And what was Emily doing? Watching worthless TV and “getting ready”. No, I have never figured out what takes so long. Life’s mystery. She gets angry if you ask.

I am sitting and waiting now. I think I have done all the chores and if I haven’t, so be it. When I get back I will wash the car. Not hers. She has a monthly plan at the car wash.

We are headed to Sonoma for lunch with the in laws, Hank and Beth. Should be fun. I hope we don’t have to go shopping too. I have been to Sonoma so many times I am a bit tired of the offerings. Seen it all Sonoma-wise. Sort of like Bodega Bay. Nice place, don’t take me there. Boring.

Emily is still getting ready and seems in a bad mood. Wtf? Maybe I am showing her up. Poodle just peed on the rug so now we gotta clean that up before we go. It’s just awesome.

We are getting on the road. We will be in time, save any traffic problems. So far, all on the road is good. We had a very pleasant drive, had a snack on the way, beautiful cool winter day.

Arrived at 1158, just in time. Sonoma Square is very slowed down in the winter. Whereas summer is insane with people everywhere. Now, lots of parking and no real crowding so it’s easier to have a fine time in winter. Turns out no one had picked a place to eat. So, we just walked down the sidewalk until we found a place. The Girl and the Fig was the winner.

Lunch was very nice. Better than average at the least. We all shared a charcuterie plate. I had a seasonal green salad, and a fig old fashioned. Both were very good. Everyone else ate light as well except Hank, he had a sturgeon steak. Very good food. Very expensive food. Can’t have it all. I still want it all, though.

After our luncheon, we walked around the square, store to store, and window shopped. Not looking for anything but ended up buying a couple things in spite of our better judgment. Couldn’t live without them.

We shopped for maybe an hour or so. Had some cookies. Wandered. Said our goodbyes and split. Headed for Vacaville. Until Emily decided we needed to go to the Sonoma Market. The fig old fashioned I had at lunch had a particular fig liqueur in it. Which is sold at that market. And she insisted on getting a bottle. Then we went home.

Trip was screamin fast. We got here by 430. Not much to do, I already did all the chores this morning as you will recall. So, we pretty much did nothing till it was time to feed the dogs. Then we made dinner. We made my favorite, leftovers. Emily hates leftovers. Probably why we have so much in the fridge. And I made Emily a fig old fashioned, not leftover. Which she pronounced excellent. And again 20 minutes later another one. I said she pronounced it excellent.

Our leftover dinner of homemade chili, green beans with mushrooms and a salad (first run) was a smash hit. Just awesome.

And now for an exciting evening. Watching bad TV. I did get a text, from our RE agent. It said she had emailed the offer to us for review and signature. I checked my email, and there it was. We read. We signed. We sent. Just need a yes. And then we have a house. For better or worse.

On that note. To bed!!

Friday on my Mind

This morning I was thinking that today would be a productive work day. Not sure why I think these things. You would think I might have learned something by this point in my life. I have not.

We did manage to get up kinda early. Emily is going to school and then to Sacramento for a massage. Priorities. I have a regular day ahead of me. But, Emily wants to do lunch since she will be in Sacramento around lunchtime.

Emily left at about 930. I showered. And then, made the mistake of deciding to check my email. I have a. Purple of home addresses I only check from home. Keep work and home apart. Though in reality the separation is not so separate.

I have not checked either of the in boxes in quite a few days. Opened the first one, 519 messages. It took awhile to get through. The 2nd address has only about a hundred. I managed to out of the house by about 1115. Somewhat later than I had in mind.

The drive was pleasant. The day is warm and sunny and there is no rush hour at mid day. Emily called about 1130, on her way to Sacramento. We are going to meet. I figured I had about an hour and a half time to work before lunch.

Got to the office. My only set task was cleaning up my desk and office. And, fun fact forward, I did not get the job done. Getting jobs done is difficult, especially when you want to get the task done. In my office I have to deal with the constant interruptions that keep me off task. What fun!

Emily called about one and we met for lunch. We went to a local place at the mall. I had soup and she had a salad. A quick lunch. Maybe only half an hour. I got back to the office, but not too late. But, interruption time, I had to go to two different banks, long story on that. But it makes the trip that much longer. I got back to the office about 415. See how I lose time? Sucks.

I did manage to get some work done in the next three hours. Cleaned part of my desk and office. Not all. Got payroll done. Filed some crap I had hanging around. I worked three hours and have little to show for it. Left work about 7.

Drive home was very nice. Freeway speed all the way with light traffic.

Got home, Emily was watching TV and doing laundry. She had already fed the digs but had not made dinner. We decided on leftovers, my favorite, in this case Turkey soup. Easy to make dinner – reheat the soup. Bake some biscuits. Done. The soup was better as leftovers.

We ate in front of the TV. We are not going out so this is the big night. Will watch through a few cheesy programs and go to bed.

Another Short Workday

I was again up a little late this morning. Close to 730. Last night I trusted Emily when she said she would automatically wake up on time. She didn’t. I am neither surprised nor upset.

I did the usual am stuff: cats, dogs, breakfasts, pot of coffee, my lunch. Emily got out before me, of course she did she doesn’t do anything in the morning. I got ready. I said goodbye to Marika, she was asleep. She is going back to Petaluma today and taking her cat with her. No Vlad till Sunday.

Off to work. I have one appointment today at noon. I have a very shortened day. We are going up to Auburn to have a second date with the house on View Way. Looks like we may take home lol. Seriously, we may end up together in the end. So, we will be up in Auburn by 3 to check her out again. As we all know, the 3rd date is the one you want to go on. I will know more in a few.

Got to work around 10. Which qualifies as early. At least it does in my book. And I like books.

First things first, my midday appointment cancelled. No problem really. He called asked a couple of the stupidest questions I have ever heard in my life and said he would call again when he had his info for the tax return. I realized something. His wife is worlds bitchiest woman. He is the worlds stupidest man. And they are my clients. Lucky me.

I managed to get a little work done in the next four hours. Nothing notable, this is just accounting.

Left the office a quarter past 2. Headed uphill. Emily called, she was way late. At least 30 minutes behind me. I guess it will not be a double date till later. I get the house first, Emily will share sloppy seconds.

Drive to Auburn was fast and easy. Not the crap shoot it was the last trip. I reported on that just a few days back. It was a fast, friendly trip.

Our agent was already there when I arrived. Our agent is incredibly patient with our all over the place search for a home. She has been selling homes for a long time and knows what she is doing. She wants us happy.

Since Emily was not here, I went my way. I walked the perimeter road, trying to find a site for the garage/workshop we would add on. I found a couple places I would put it. We walked back to the front, this is a 5 acre parcel so it’s a long walk.

I noticed how different the place looked to versus last visit. Today it’s bright and sunny and the light is completely different. The house and property have a completely changed appearance. With the addition of light all the colors come out. The lichen and moss on the boulders that are strewn around the property just pop out in many shades of green. The red manzanita bark takes on brighter qualities. On the ground even the mulch and leaves look different. Last one we were here it was overcast and gloomy. I like it better this way. I need to talk to the guy in charge of lighting. The most jarring change was the view. Today I could see over 100 miles. I had a clear view of the snow covered Sierras in the distance, not to mention more minor peaks in front of those. Definitely a fine view.

About now Emily finally showed up. She was at the salon getting her hair cut way too short (in my humble and experienced opinion). I told her what we had been doing and she walked out back and figured out where to put the garage in about 30 seconds. She is good for something.

We spent two more hours wandering the extensive property and home. I can see we are already referring to the place with ownership type comments. Putting “our” in front of house or garage or whatever. I like the place. Emily remains quiet. Not sure what she is thinking.

After a couple hours, the owner called, he wanted us out so he could come home for a cocktail. Fair enough. We loaded up and headed out. It being about six we decided to eat in Auburn.

I ran through Yelp and we ended up at Joe Caribe’s down by 80 and not far from our lot on Hammond. Funny thing, we have eaten in Auburn three times for dinner and ended up at a place I have been before. It’s a wonder. If you are looking for a place, the food is great. Tonight’s service was very slow.

Return home was eventful for a change. Near Davis lots of cops with lights blaring passed us. Several cop cars with same cane down the other side of the freeway too. Turns out a cop got shot in Davis and shooter is still on the loose. Bottled up the road a little.

Em got home a little after 8. We were in two cars, Emily arrived 10 minutes before me. I had pulled over to use the facilities. Marika called me and we had a conversation that lasted so long I sat in my car in the garage for 10 minutes and continued into the house for quite awhile. She call back Emily after we hung up. She must be lonely.

After all that we sat and watched TV. Seemed a well deserved respite. In bed by 10 or so. Press reset.