Month: August 2019

Today is a day off, though I am doing linen wash. That’s not work.

Nevada City appears to be our destination today. Emily is, unfortunately, doing some school work before we go. If she gets stuck in that plans could change. I am sitting around. Not doing much. I might go do dishes, that’s an everyday. But am really trying to do very little. A day off.

Ok. It’s an hour later. Emily is still doing her “twenty minutes work”. I did some more laundry. Fortunately, nothing out of the dryer yet, so no folding. That’s real work. I did do the dishes. Put away a ton and washed very few. Love it. Back on the couch watching Emily work. TV off, just as I prefer. A fawn just walked by my window! Cool.

Well, we finally made it out the door right around noon. Closer to 1230 actually. Surprise.

Headed down the road and made a LEFT turn on 49. Probably the first time ever. We have not been to Nevada City in over 20 years. Before that, we frequented it, sort of. Christmas visits, overnight stays, the like. For some reason, we quit going up. So today could be nostalgic, if my memory serves. I’m about to find out.

The drive is about 22 miles from our turn, close enough we could go for dinner on a whim. That we will have to try. So we were not in the car very long, it was kinda fast, pulled off at the Broad St exit, I remember, and found street parking almost immediately. This is working out. That’s about the last thing that felt familiar.

We did what we usually do when we go somewhere. We wandered around. Up and down the streets. In and out of local retail establishments. Town is too small for big retail chains so all is local. That is fun because you never know what you are going to get.

The walkabout was interesting. I did actually remember a few things, mostly buildings, now housing different businesses, but I do remember. My favorite place, Broad St Furniture, went out of business 15 years ago. That’s too bad. The rest of the places were very similar to each other and I was quickly bored with the retail. We stopped at a nice place, for coffee, very nice. At the end of the day we had nachos at a Mexican place. It may not be new but I don’t remember. Food is overpriced. Good, but pricey.

And drive back home. It felt like a race. Not much traffic and we were there. But, Emily decided to go find the golf course near our house, for reasons unknown. And drove around the neighborhood behind our hill. Again, not sure, she just wanted to go looking. So we extended our drive with a drive around.

Now we are home. Back to doing laundry and the like. Some people are stopping by soon I hear. I think they are lost. Oh well. Ok. Weren’t lost, were out front. Friend of Emily’s and her daughter. Visitors are awesome. But they stayed 2 1/2 hours. Which is good and bad. I have things to do. Chores. And, Nice people, I like her and her daughter , and it’s rude to do other things while they are here. But I got chores. Too bad for me. And I can’t do chores. Good for me.

Finally, they went home. Now I get chores. I switched the laundry and started the bbq. About an hour or so late. So we have a later dinner than we wanted. Not so bad. I am going to go put the meat on now. Tri tip been marinating for two days. I hope it’s awesome. Smells awesome. The bbq is somewhat aggravating because it is making me remember last nights cigar. Not good.

Last Man Standing is on. My favorite. While I wait for my tri tip. Soon. I’m ready. The show is one of the new ones with the new cast so it’s not very funny. I watched anyway. Funny or not, at 9 the old one is on followed by a second one. The old ones are funny.

I am going to bed in under 20 minutes. Promise. Before the kid gets home even.

What to do on a day off? Sleep in three hours late. Up at 830. Yay

Then you do all the usual morning chores. Only take your time. Then you go wash all the cars, 5 and it takes about four hours. One of the six goes to quick quack. I don’t wash that one.

That was the morning. I know, fun. Once done I took a shower. Like I needed one. As if.

The rest of the day? Errands and shopping. Home at 630.

We went to Eyeglass store, car repair, shoe repair, clothing shop, new bottle shop, art gallery. Lots of places. And grocery. And Target. Busy day. And Emily complained all we do is this crap on weekends. And she is driving.

So, home at 630. She started dinner. I made cocktails. It’s my job. I took the drinks out to the porch. Invited Emily’s. And sparkednup my Cohiba cigar. Cuban. Gift from an acquaintance. Emily joined me. Nice evening, cigar and cocktail. Emily brought dinner out. Opened a bottle of red, and had dinner. Beautiful night. Nice meal.

Now, after dishes, we sit inside. Emily is asleep. I type. I can see my future. Wake her up, bedtime. It’s about time.

Not exactly. It’s just Friday.

The morning was a thrill a minute. If you think making coffee or packing a lunch is thrilling.

Today I got up immediately when the alarm went off. I have a 10am appointment with an IRS agent. He would like to audit a recently ex client. Haha. I don’t have to be my normal self. I don’t care what happens. He is already a former client. Actually, I still have to do a good job.

I am up early because I want to workout as usual, but still get to my appointment on time.

Marika again begged off going to workout. Again, not surprising. She does claim, agin, she will go with me on Monday. Wait and see.

Got my workout done. Which took a bit of work. I did not have an assigned one so I had to improvise. Ran a little long.

Ran home. In the car. Got ready and out the door. It was at this point I knew I would be late. And I was, about 10 mins. But it was an IRS agent waiting so screw him. At least I arrived.

We did the usual, sat and chatted about the client and other shit for an hour. Then I gave him a place to sit and five bankers boxes full of crap to look at. Time to ignore him. He left four hours later. Back on Monday. Yes, auditors ARE that exciting.

I did have an all day, damn near, visitor. My friend and associate Hal came by around one. And stayed the rest of the day. He did not seem to have much to do just a couple things. But I guess he wanted to hang. If a friend needs it, u give it.

He left close to five. So did I. It’s late and we are goin out to eat. At Tin Lantern which is a family fave. Prob the six dollar cocktails are why. I’m home. Been sitting here waiting for Marika. Em is asleep in the chair next or me. What else is new? Marika is still a ways out. I’m anxious.

So I blog a little. Play with the cat that won’t leave me alone. Waiting.

Finally, she is home. I wake the wife. Groggy, she makes it to the car. I have to drive. Her car. I don’t like it. I almost feel lost driving to the place. She always drives. I don’t pay attention. Hence my confusion.

We do have a reservation which is handy. We arrive about ten in front of it. Table already ready. Drinks and appetizers! Except our waiter doesn’t show for 10 minutes. Almost went to the bar and ordered direct. We are straight now. She managed to get here. We ordered straight through to the entrees.

Strangely everyone was quite talky tonight. Lots of things to say. That’s fine, just usually quieter.

Our food and drink were good and worthy. We relaxed and ate and drank our fill. Our fill did not include dessert and we were also unable to finish our entrees. Those will go home.

Emily drive home. It was faster than the drive there. But she always drives so it makes sense. Got home and we all were ready for bed. End of a long week. We do hope to sleep in. Please.

Wednesday, known as back to school night in Dixon, was not super exciting. Most of you know my days are scintillating even electric. This was boring. I worked out. Went to work. Did very little. Went home. Marika and I made burgers for dinner. A little veg on the side.

Emily got home about 8 pm. Parents satisfied. We hope.

All fed and day done. Yes, I’m thrilled as well. Thrilled I sez.

Thursday. Again, for the third day in a row, I tried to get my daughter to go workout with me. Mind you, she asked me to do this. So far, today is the third day she did not get up. That’s a strike out. One more and it’s a golden crown. Let’s hope she gets her ass up tomorrow.

Today I did manage to get her up after my workout. I took her out for coffee. I’m a nice daddy. After coffee, I went to work. Marika went back home. I imagine to go back to sleep.

Today is a special day. Why, you say? That was you, wasn’t it? Anyhow, today I have an appointment to take Emily’s car to Safelite for a new windshield. I have glad coverage through my car insurance co. I called them a month ago and made my appointment.

So instead of going to work, I drove to the shop. Where I found out Safelite had no record of my appointment. Wtf? So the counter guy spent five mins in the computer and found me from prior visits. But no current. And he said he could not get the windshield today. I went outside to call the stupid assholes I had set the appointment with. After a time on the phone, the operator found my appointment. He had no explanation why it was not sent to the shop. I asked to speak to someone who could explain. The moron transferred my call. It disconnected. I called back. Next gal stayed in the phone till the call transferred but it ended up in the exact same call center as the first call. I called again. Third person did not transfer my call. She took my number so her supervisor could call me. That was 1145. Ten hours ago. No call.

Good news, all my calling busted loose the info. Shop received it. And, they had a windshield. I win. Sort of. They took the car and I took a Lyft. To work. Tried to forget the glass shop.

I have only one appointment today at three. Otherwise, work and a phone call at two.

So I got to work. Got a text, the ADP guy needed to come by and bring my contest prize. A solar charger. Cool. He also had a Cuban cigar for me. I do live right. He also had an attractive offer on referrals which will pay good money IF the referrals are good quality. I have to buy the referrals and he does the work. And it should pay off.

Had to have my 2pm call with mr ADP there. Kind of a combo. My 2 call was my marketing lady so I pay her. She did not get the usual attention from me cuz I had the other guy there and a few other distractions.

Not so with my 3 o’clock. A prospective client. I chased out the two o’clock and met with the almost a client. Just an aside, all my employees left by 3. Great. I need a ride to the shop at some point. About two minutes after the appointment arrived, everyone left and the shop called. It’s ready. Fortunately, my appointment said he would give me a ride. Cool.

I reviewed his self prepared tax return and pointed out audit issues. For an hour. He have me a ride to the shop, i tried to not charge him for the appointment, and he gave me some cash anyway. Cool.

I got the car and went home. Too late for work.

Emily and I met up in Old town. I realized that was where we could get Emily her postcards. I had been all over town this week looking. I figured correctly. The tourist joint in Old Town had them.

While there we wandered thru the weekly street fair. Fun. Nothing too exciting.

I went to the local wine bar, I have a membership and my bi monthly bottles were ready. Cool news, they were having a whisky tasting tonight. Emily went home. She had groceries in the car. I stayed and tried the whiskeys. It’s free for members. I ended up with a bottle. I’m a sucker.

Home. We made dinner. It was fine. Bad TV. I had to leave at this point and gas up Emily’s car. She has no time in am. Back home. Bed.

Finally, my first workout in four days. I hate missing the gym, for whatever reason. Marika has been telling me for the last few days she is going to go with me to workout. I have not held my breath. This morning, she could not get up. Turns out she had gotten quite drunk last night and could not drag herself out of bed for a workout. And tomorrow, well, she has another excuse to not go.

Took the convertible to work today. Remembered to stop for coffee. Found out Missions Coffee now has cold brew. Pricey, but it does taste good. And off to work. No fun. Like always.

Work lasted far too long. Time flies when ur having fun. Need I say more.

I had plenty to do today. Tax returns amongst other things. Usual admin crap too. I am sure my day will be full and I will not leave till well after 5. I need to win the lottery.

Left the office around 6. Surprise. I had discovered, during the day that my glasses frame was semi broken. So, instead of going home, I went to the eyeglass store. I just bought these lenses and used my old frames. Anyway, the guy at the eyeglass store found a new pair of frames for me. The old were not repairable. He popped the new lenses in and gave them to me. Free. Nice of him.

Now time for the best part of a Tuesday. The Mexican food part of Tuesday. Emily has picked up nachos, Chile verde, costillas de puerco, and a couple burritos. Is that a feast, or what? I ate the costillas. They are spicy and have nopales in them too. Tasty.

The girls decided to go to Tuesday trivia, one day was not enough I guess. But they are taking two cars. So they can’t get blind drunk again. Talyr is heading home after. I am sure they will both get home late.

Emily and I sat in front of lousy tv and ate ice cream. The orange and vanilla kind. A nice end to an overlong, boring day.

Monday is so blessedly wonderful. I love awaking to the sunrise and birds singing. At 530 am.

This morning was a morning like any other. Except no workout. Because the delivery guys will be here to swap out our dresser. As you may recall, the original was damaged and the manufacturer sent three new drawers. Great. They did not match. Manufacturer sent a new one. And I must say, it looks better than the first one. Thank you, Hooker Furniture!

This time the delivery guys were not so great. I mean personality wise. The young guy was unpleasant, to me and the other guy. The other guy was much older, nice enough, but all over the place like a dog chasing a squirrel. No worry, job done well even with the floor show.

And they arrived at 730 so that means no workout. Tomorrow back on track and Marika is going. She says. I do go early and she verified the time again today. I did not hear complete buy in.

I drove to work but stopped at the hardware store for a decorative not. Could not match it but got one same size. So at least my nuts will fit and be tight. For those who are worried about my nuts.

Next stop, shoe repair shop. The one that actually repairs shoes. Marika’s slippers needed a glue up, and they did a fine job. Well worth the $6 I paid.

I managed to forget picking up another cup of coffee. Go figure. Although I usually half sleep the drive down, today nothing. Maybe thinking of coffee woke me up. Pleasant drive.

On my swift travel down the hill, very little happened. I did finally get a call back from our RE agent, Kary. She is selling our land for us and I was checking in and goosing her a bit. I pay the mortgage every month and want it gone. So a little nudge just to remind her. She also had a plumbing referral for me so I can get started on a few of the projects we have around here. My regular plumber has basically quit on side jobs. Butthole.

I spent most of my workday on one tax return. Of course, seven returns feed into it which makes it quite the job. I billed about $5K today. And I’m not finished yet. It pays the bills.

I also had to make a call to a client who is very unhappy with how my worker Walker(haha) has been talking to her. I decided to switch reps for her. She is important and sensitive and I like to take of her. And all my clients. The fact she pays me more every month than any other client is not the point. Really. She was happy when I was done chatting with her. Let’s keep it that way.

Back to the grindstone. I worked till 5 on the return and went home. The drive was bullshit for the first ten miles then broke open and it was speed all the way. Love it.

Marika made some pasta with fish for dinner, it’s about ready and smells great. I am gonna go sit. At the table. Since she did everything. Hey, I wash dishes.

We enjoyed a fine meal. Marika insisted on opening a bottle of Chardonnay and since it was open…we had to drink some.

Marika and her friend Talyr left for trivia night, some bar in Davis. They are meeting friends. As they do every Monday.

I did finish the dishes. We had a little ice cream. Now it’s bad tv time. Reruns of failed sitcoms. From ten years ago. Not so good.

But I’m doin it. Then bed.

Did not really sleep in today. Mostly I think because Emily got up. I find it difficult to stay in bed once she has arisen.

We really have little to do today, at least little of consequence.

I went to the kitchen to brew coffee and make breakfast. Emily went down the hill for the paper. A few minutes later, Emily arrived and Marika did too. Seems she went out to get donuts for everyone. She had been talking about it for a couple days and then yesterday she just slept in instead. I figured she was in bed still when I got up. Nope. I coulda skipped making breakfast. But, let’s be nice, we get donuts with breakfast. That’s cool.

After paper and coffee and donuts we started the laundry, took showers and got dressed. Did a little watering too. About 1 Em and I went to the Roseville Galleria. Seems there is some shopping that has not been done and we must do it. All I knew was Em had said let’s go to Tommy since all is on sale. We got there. And about five or seven other stores. For the most part it was just shopping and not buying. We did end up with two new end lamps and a blanket we exchanged for. About a four hour trip.

We went to Quick Quack on the drive back. Em has a subscription. I won’t take my cars there because I prefer a brushless or hand wash. We did get her car all cleaned up.

Home, about 530. I finally moved the water. Oops. Emily to work on school crap. I went outside and washed the Fit. She looks fab. I did everything but wax her. I do prefer someone else to wax the car. It’s too much work for me. I just don’t enjoy it.

Now we sit. The news is on. Emily, as I have said before, thinks the news is important to watch. I think it’s pointless. Never changing. Depressing. I don’t watch. But I can sit here and blog while Emily sleeps out loud. I don’t have to watch. Also, if she is asleep I can change from news to bad TV. That’s a win.

Turns out we are having quiche for dinner. I just spent the last 15 minutes washing veg. I guess I am not trusted to chop. So I washed. And left to blog and watch TV. She is working solo. Quiche is very simple to make. I am sure Em can handle it alone.

Marika just got home from work. Before 6. We’ll have 4 for dinner. She seems in a foul mood. Good for us.

We finished up the quiche, it’s in the oven. Marika ordered a Buster Brown Cocktail, have not made one in quite awhile. I had one too because she hates to drink alone. I had hoped for nothing to drink. Drink was still good.

Ended up making a French 75 for Talyr. Which means there is a bottle of champagne open. So now I am making Aperol Spritzes for all. See? This goes downhill quick. We managed to finish up dinner.

Next up would be dessert. But, it’s late, 830 and Marika can’t find her cat. So now she is wandering around in the dark, outside, looking for her cat. And very upset which is how she gets. Life would be better if the stupid animal would come home. Then I could have dessert and she would calm down. And my sleep won’t be interrupted. Of course, someday he could disappear. That would not be good.

Still looking for cat and it’s been over an hour. Marika is very upset. She just drove off to look for him, mostly cuz headlights help. It is nighttime. I really wish the stupid cat would show up.

Emily went to bed. I doubt she will sleep. The cat does not worry us. It’s Marika that worries us. Growing up our family lost an easy 10 cats to “country living”. Got so bad we locked up the last two in the house with no outside access. This is how she responds to a missing cat. She assumes the cat is dead and gone. Life shapes us and that’s what she knows. It is sad.

I have to go to bed soon. I have to get up early too. Furniture being delivered. Had to cancel my workout for Monday, change to Tuesday and add an extra day Friday. Life is complex. I’m going to bed.

This day is not starting so well. My newspaper was not delivered. I really hate missing my paper but I also hate walking a half mile round trip down the hill and back to get it. Or in this case, not get it. I am sure y’all remember the incredible story of trying to get my paper delivered. That stretched out to months. I spoke to anyone who would answer the phone at the paper to complain about service. Turns out fulfillment is by another competing paper. So I can call them if I have a delivery problem. Of course, they refer me back to the other paper and the other calls them. I think you see the problem. No paper.

Emily just called, her commute today was like greased lightning and she wanted to gloat a little. Good for her. I have a feeling my drive will be shit. Don’t know yet.

My am routine got changed up a bit. Marika actually got up and joined me. Had breakfast. Spoke a few words. And went back to bed. Ahh, youth.

At least I have this part of the day. I can sit in peace and have a little reheated coffee in the quiet of the morning. This morning it’s cool, no heat rising. I think today will be nice weather. Summer has not come to an abrupt end. I know Sunday will be hot with temps up all next week. But I will enjoy this. Both Em and Marika complained about the cold. Weird. I have been looking forward to it for the last couple weeks. The coffee is only passable.

On my way out, I saw the unthinkable!! Unimaginable!! Impossible!! My paper had been redelivered. I am flabbergasted. They have never redelivered same day. Shocking. I have no time to read, got an 11am. Tossed it on the seat and drove away happy.

I have only one appointment today. Old time client for his personal taxes. I am sure it will be a pleasant spot in a boring day. Also, it’s Friday so I have to pay the minions. Also, go to the bank to cover the payroll. At least I have some checks on my desk. The balance of the day will be spent doing the tasks I enjoy so much. I wonder if I could catch up on all my work if I liked doing it? Or got here earlier? Nah.

We have friends coming over tomorrow. We talked about going to a local distillery or some such. Gonna fix dinner, of course. Rhubarb dessert. Yes. More cocktails. Most def. So on the way home have to get supplies. I do need tequila.

The day went as planned. Boring with appointment. Finished some work. Went to the bank. Paid the underlings. Too much.

Oh yeah, forgot the news of the day. The EDD, i.e. California payroll Nazis, sent me a check for $1100. Refunds going back about six years. The refund for 2013 was $.02. Really. I can’t figure out why I get a refund. Not gonna ask. Gonna cash the check. Gonna be an awesome weekend!

Got home. In good time. Decided to go to Dingus McGees for dinner. It’s been on the side of the freeway here for forty years. So we went. Now, I don’t ever have to go again. It is not worth a trip. There are far better places to go. One of which I will go to on my next opportunity.

After returning home we spent the balance of the evening cleaning up. We got guests coming tomorrow. It gets the house clean.

To bed late. And tired

Long week. Long damn week. During a long week 530 is earlier than 530. It’s like getting up a 447. I don’t like it. But tomorrow is Friday and the work week will end. Thank god.

Well, I got all my morning duties done with time left over. Maybe I am finally getting into a groove. Or a rut. Same. Same.

Emily was out early. I got changed, finished my coffee, invited Marika to come along (no) and went to workout. My workout was not too much hard work. Prob why my trainer picked it. I don’t really know. He makes no sense most of the time. Yesterday’s workout left me with a very sore right shoulder and arm. I need to kick his ass on Monday. One thing, I always get a physical and mental lift from working out. I like that.

Back home. Got to get ready for work. Want to be radiating. Fortunately, no difficult for me to accomplish if I must say so myself. I must. Kissed the girl child goodbye and left for work.

I do have one errand to do. Shoe repair, again. Have a brand new pair of shoes, too tight, because they did not have my size. I figured they could stretch them a little. Well, in a word, no. He did pound on the heel end of the shoes. Which did little. Then he pulled the insoles and put in thinner ones. Problem solved. I guess fifty five years of experience teaches you a thing or two. And it was free. Cool.

So, I have a personal appointment in Dixon and it was getting late so I zipped off to the freeway. Trip was about as fast as it can be but I was still late. Fortunately, Rachel is nice to me. Rachel and I finished up quick. Now I can go to my favorite coffee place, it’s here, and have some super excellent coffee. I always stop by when I’m in town. Great coffee. Work. Was next. Drive was crap. Got there at 1230. Missed nothing. Worked for 3 hours and went to the bank. Stop me if you need to catch your breath.

Today was awesome in one respect. Katrinas daughter Violet made it to the ceiling. I said Big day. You may wonder what I mean. Well, Violet, 2nd grade she is, climbs the doorway. Stands in the opening, hands on opposite sides, feet same, and walks up the doorway. Well, today she went all the way to the ceiling and put her head to the top. Wild. And these are commercial doors, over 8 ft. I got pictures. Way cool.

Spent the balance of the day on tax returns. Love them. Finished one right before I left. Some accomplishment at least.

Raced home. Marika had made dinner for us again, before she went to work. Very nice. After dinner, I went to Safeway to pick up Marika’s Rx. Her new Rx was not ready. I left the market, gassed up the car and went home.

Time for usual bad TV. Then bed.

I am more tired than I can believe. Why? I went to bed only an hour later than usual. I am whipped. Today is going to be tough.

Morning duties done. No lunch required. That’s a good thing. Kicked Emily out the door. Gently.

Raced off to workout. Because I like abuse. I know after yesterday’s workout my trainer is gonna be a little bitch.

Not disappointed. Workout sucked. Much too difficult and no fun. And it hurt too. Sitting here now, at 930 pm, my arm is very sore. I am hoping I am not injured. Either way, i suppose that’s why I use a trainer.

Back to home. Workout over. Kid still not awake. Lovely. Did the morning ritual. Which was as much fun as it usually is. None. Life can be that way. Is that way.

Sat around with the recently arisen girl child. Talked about the movie. Whatever you may think of Tarantino, his movies do provoke questions. I find I am enjoying the movie more 24 hours after. Isn’t that a kick?

Off to work by 11. I do have an 1130. I still stopped for coffee. And fortunately there were donut samples. I was forced to sample them. Forced I sez. Very nice.

Back on the road, loose in the load. Got the usual on my mind. Work, traffic, sore body. Got to work about 5 minutes late. My appointment was hangin. He wanted to discuss the upcoming payroll audit. Not much to discuss, trying to defend after the fact is not easy. Meeting did not last long.

After that, nothing. All day. Just work. Sadly, I remember none of it. Of course, I have forgotten several years worth of accounting so one more day can’t be much of an issue.

I am skipping ahead. After work, I left the office. I always leave the office and not just because I hate it. There is no food or bed here. See, leaving is the only option.

Got home kinda quick. Most days traffic is really not much of a problem. Don’t tell anyone.

Marika made dinner for us. I love that. Meatball marinara and a nice salad. She did this on her own, no one asked her. Makes it all the better.

We sat around the table just yakking for quite awhile. Have not really done that for awhile. Marika is still quite cagey about her thoughts and life. Give it some time and she might barf up real info. This could happen.

A little TV followed. Followed by a little bed.