Month: August 2019

Today is the greatest of taco Tuesdays of the year. All summer Emily is off work. Unable and unwilling to drive an hour to our fave Carniceria, Lupitas, in Dixon. So all summer we limp along every Tuesday trying to find decent, and cheap, Mexican food as good as our fave. Well, search no more. Emily is back at work and tonight, pre movie, we get great food, cheap. I can hardly wait.

Our morning was a blast. Like usual. A mediocre night sleep and up super early for work. Sounds fun, right?

I managed to get everything done even though I am still trying to get back in the habit. Emily has meetings today so the district is providing breakfast and lunch. This means no lunch to pack. Ok.

Emily got out the door 3 minutes later than Monday. Wait, the school year is early and we will see how long this lasts.

After she left, I finished my coffee and headed to the gym. Stopped for gas on the way since my little light came on. While there I realized that the car wash might be brushless. Which means I can run my cars through it without damage. The brushes can scratch and I am very particular.

Ok. Gym. My workout, though short, was intense and uncomfortable. And difficult. And tiring. I suppose that’s the point. I texted the trainer and congratulated him on his workout. Spoke to no one while there, just did my thing and left.

I am home now. Doing the morning things, SSS. Will be off to work soon, I hope, with stop at bank and some coffee.

Well, zip down the hill was nice. Into Old Town to hit bank number one. My land mortgage is with Tri Counties and it’s an auto debit. So every month I am here. To pay. Joy. Next stop is my personal bank. Used to be biz and personal. They kicked my biz out. Kept personal. I went there to deposit a check from other biz bank to them. What fun. At least checks won’t bounce.

Ok. Next door to my bank is…Starbucks. U thought something else? No. It is convenient. I can not remember a visit to the bank that did not include a cup of over priced coffee.

Finally off to the office. Today I am in the convertible. I love driving too down though today is a warm one and you really get baked going topless. I do it anyway. Why else have a convertible? It’s a fun ride.

Nothing happened at work today. I just worked. Let’s skip to something I want to talk about.

I am leaving early today, by 430. Why? You may ask. Well, the kid has been yakking about the movies forever or maybe a week. Last night I told her I would go with her. It’s against my better judgment. I don’t really relish coming in late and getting up at 530. I usually feel like crap the next morning. But, only have one daughter. So we go.

Not much traffic on the way home, it is early. So it was a sorta quick trip. I beat Emily home, not tough. Marika made us dinner so we were done with all way before we had to leave for the movie.

Drove top down to the Regal. Funny story, I had no idea until a week ago that Auburn had a movie theater. Six months in town and I never knew. Great news, turns out Tuesday night is bargain matinee. Two tix were $11.90. Wow. We are seeing Tarantino’s latest biopic. I have high hopes. He usually provides real entertainment.

Theater seems clean though a little old. Sears have never been updated. The picture and sound were fine so I’m cool.

So, it was how? Well, 30 mins of ads and previews. 2 hrs 40 of movie. Prob coulda cut 30 mins but very entertaining. And raised many questions. And I did not fall asleep. Thumbs up. If u care.

Got home by 11 which is way past my bedtime. Will be very tired tomorrow.

Day one for school. So, I was up at 530. Doing all morning chores. Dog out and eat. Make breakfast and lunch. Cats eat. Put a gift in Emily’s car for first day. And we done. Emily our the door to work by 630 ready to go. I put the gift on top of the steering column so she would see it. She didn’t. I did get a call about an hour later. She found them, a pair of uber cool Italian sunglasses.

I went to workout. Back on schedule. I got a little off kilter once I got back from vacay. My schedule got disrupted and I missed five workouts. And I feel bad because of it. Today I had a great workout, new and fresh. And I am sore as hell. Seems good.

Back home around nine. I think I got about ten phone calls. I had a conference call, unscheduled, as well. I was on the phone for over an hour. Not fun. When I finally got off the phone I hit the shower and got dressed.

Out the door at quarter past and head to downtown. I need to drop off a pair of shoes for repair. The shoe repair is in Old Town. I know this because I walked by the other day. So I got there near 1115. I went up to the counter and found out something interesting – the shoe repair shop does not repair shoes. True dat. Something to do with the soon to retire owner being too busy. I stopped listening. Good news, there is another shoe repair shop a qtr mike away. I went there and they gladly took the shoes for repair. Clerk said they were very busy with the other shops customers. Go figure.

I now left for work. 1130. Means I will be in near 1215. Just in time for a lunch break. I don’t mind arriving late, I don’t like work.

Work was boring today, as usual. Many calls but managed to finish two tax returns. Made a couple appointments. Talked to too many people including an IRS auditor. I was busy all day and did not have time to look up. Work is going to roll forward to taco Tuesday.

My drive home was quick. Traffic was very light. I can’t figure out a daily traffic pattern yet. I had the old Solano drive down. I knew when everything would be backed up or clear. But I drove that corridor for over thirty years so would expect to know. I wonder how long it takes to become an old pro on a new drive?

Marika and I were supposed to go to the movies tonight. When I arrived at the casa, she had just got home. Bella was still there and they were on the stoop talking. Bella is very good at talking. I joined in. I am no shrinking violet. It was past six. Emily was still not home. I stalked her, about 11 miles out. She went to the Eyeglass store (stalk) and stopped for a few. The gift I gave her this am, cool sunglasses, needed adjusting.

So she got home close to seven. We heated up leftovers for dinner. It’s about now Marika mentioned the movies. Remember, I get up at 530am. All shows in town were already started. She thought we could go a half hour late. Not a fan of that. Or drive to Rocklin for a 755 show that gets out at 11 and then the 20 min drive home. Again, not a fan of less sleep. We decided to go on Tuesday at 715, in town.

After dinner we did the usual. Dishes and bad tv. Marika watches her own shows in her room. Probably much better than what we watch. Whatever. I would just as soon read a book.

Well, off to bed at a reasonable hour. 530 does come early. At 530. Duh.

Tomorrow is the end. I will be up at 530am with Emily to get her out the door to work. It sucks. And not just because I have to get up. We will be back on work schedule, oh boy.

I forgot something yesterday. At about 3pm yesterday, our well stopped pumping. No water. Nothing. For those of you living in the city, this is no problem. You would call the city. That would fix it. But us country folk gotta fix it or get it fixed ourselves. But, it’s a weekend. So I called every pump company I could find. One guy, Mark at Tri County, could come out Sunday morning. I booked it.

Well, water started working again by itself late that night. Weird. Mark came out this morning around 9 and checked all. No problem found. Fortunately Mark did not charge me for this visit.

This is why I wanted a house on city water.

Mark has driven our with his wife cuz he can’t get around to well. Bad knees. Fortunately you can drive all the way to my pump house. We all had a nice conversation about things after all the work was done. He has been up here in Auburn since 1966. Long time.

After they left we went out for brunch. We being me and Em and the kid. Ended up at Nancy’s Cafe. Our opinion? Food is great, all else not so much. But at least a good meal.

Marika left around 1145 because of work. Em and I went to the store and the car wash. That’s fun. Right?

Back to home. She has been working on school crap (tomorrow, yikes!) and I blogged. Again and again. And, I thought of the perfect way to finish the lamp!!!! I took the four pieces and put them together the way they should be and then attached/fit it to the larger 20 pieces. And it worked. That POS is done. Gonna look great hanging on the ceiling over the corner table. Done.

Just sitting now. Drinking some lemon/cuke/mint water. And thinking of next chore. Never ends.

Next up turned out to be clean the chandelier. Bugs get caught in the light cups at the end of the fixture. There are six and a vacuum can’t reach them. And since they are clear glass, you can see them. So, I had to dismantle the damn thing to remove the dead bugs. Only chore for today. I can handle it. Bye, I broke one of the glass light covers. Tell no one.

After this somewhat simple,yet complex pain in the ass, chore, we moved on with sitting around and watching TV. Which is fine. In small doses.

We finally got late enough into the day where we could make dinner and then eat it. We are both out of chores and now sitting and watching TV. Of course, with work tomorrow we will be in bed very soon. The work schedule is probably more relaxing. What with wasting eight hours at work every day you have no time left for chairs. Soon, it will be home then dinner and bed. And no chores. I think it’s a good thing.

Ahh, Saturday. I actually have nothing to do. I have no chores planned. Nothing. I am surprised too. I will need to fill my day with something.

I had one of the Apple handpies for breakfast. Perfect with coffee. Or without coffee. I’m not picky.

I sat around for 3 or 4 hours after getting showered and dressed. Some days I could prob just sit around and skip the eat and shower and get dressed thing. I didn’t go outside. Food for thought.

I did get one thing worked on. We bought a light/lamp in Quebec while visiting last month. It is a geometric lamp, this one had 24 pieces, which is put together by me. Sold in flat pack. I worked on it for about 4 hours. And, it was exceptionally difficult. I emailed the light shop owner to ask for help. She sent horrible instructions that are impossible to follow. I found some help on the internet but it too does not have a good enough detail to follow along. I ended up setting it aside for the evening. I am about 90% done. The last part is a killer.

With nothing to do, we went shopping. We had very little shopping to do. I can even remember where we went. Wait. We found out there is a second hardware store here. A Tru Value up on Nevada St. we went there for spray paint and magnets. It’s a teacher thing. Nice store, I am sure we will shop here more often than the Home Depot. No one likes Home Depot.

Emily reminded me I mentioned needing new lenses for my glasses. The ones I have are sand blasted and dropped and stepped on to the point the lenses are opaque. Time for new glass. So, we stopped at the Eyeglass store and they took care of me. And it’s two for one so I had my screwed up sunglasses lenses done to.

Back to home. Did a few things around the house. Put the defrosting tri tip into a marinade. Bbq tonight. Looked at the lamp for awhile and gave up.

Marika went to work at 1. Sposed to be off by 5 or 6. We are holding dinner for her. Well, 7,8,and 9 came and went. No sign of her. I texted. She was still working. Just after nine we put the meat on. She had thought she would be out by 10. We have been killing time by drinking wine. Works. Well, at 10 we ate without her. We were hungry. She got home at 1115. Turns out her place was slammed with customers all day. Like when we ate there a couple weeks ago. And they work, generally, with only one server. Today she had some help. She ended up at $250 in tips. Plus her wage. I need that job.

So we fed her when she got home. She opted for the tri tip and cauliflower, skipped the salad. I love salad. Gave the the last of the wine. She opened another bottle on her own. Happens.

Well, another day down the drain. It was late and I read a little and went to sleep.

Thursday. Forget about it. Not much going on. And it’s friday and I have forgotten. So fegedaboutit.

Friday. Thrilling. I slept well but had to get up and workout. I will admit today’s workout really kicked my ass. I’m still beat after dinner. An all day hurt.

Drove to tire shop. First thing. They had been unable to get my weird sized tire yesterday. But, today I am complete. And it looks gods and drives much better with no donut on it.

Went to work. Arrived about 115. Worked awhile. Then, good god, a visitor. With $$$$. Which he gave to me. I love cash payments on a Friday. Makes for an excellent weekend.

So here’s a conundrum. I got a call from home, I had received a mystery box in the mail. Very “sketch” accdg to Marika. She sent a picture and it was all done up with duct tape. Had a clear return address and name from someone I never met. Strange. Marika thought it was a bomb. I googled the address and name and the returnee was an author and traveler. Still, could be bs. I tried to find contact info on the name to no avail. Called around my family. No one knew. Then, out of the blue, Marika remembered grandpa was sending me a gift. I called him. And he had this guy, Richard Bangs, send some travel dvds. Yes, his real name is Dick Bangs. Problem solved. I was able to open it when I got home. No bomb.

I also received a personal box from friend Cissie. But I knew this was coming and she does not use duct tape. I saved opening that box for home.

I left work round 6. Did a little extra work and waited for traffic to clear. Only an hour to get home.

Ahh, home. Opened THE box. No bombs. Half dozen travel dvds and a book by Mr Bangs. Looks cool. Will have to find a DVD player.

Next up, box from Cissie. I knew this one was coming and have been excited to get it. So, what was in the box? Cissie made apple handpies and apple crisp (a large tray!) there were some Madeline’s and other cookies. Also some sleep pillows with lavender. Cissie likes us. I also have a souvenir from our recent travels to send her. Not as nice as her package. Now I feel bad.

We decided to go out to Thai food. Thai is Emily’s fave and we have not hit any Thai place since getting to Auburn, over five months, which would be a new Emily record. So we headed to old town and caught the place right before they closed. Too bad for them. Nice place, friendly staff, 32oz Thai ice coffee for only $3. Winner. And, surprise, they make the food spicy Thai hot on request and not white guy hot. Most Thai restaurants are afraid of burning the weak white people. And, the server brought a pitcher of water to the table without being asked. Nice place.

Back home. Ate some apple desserts. By some, I mean a handpie and a serving of apple crisp. They aren’t gonna eat themselves you know. I have to help. And, as usual, they were awesome. I expect she will send more during blackberry season (hint).

Next up, bedtime. It’s actually quite late. And I need beauty sleep.

Couple appointments today. Not much else.

Big news today! Back to the gym. It’s been 8 days and I was in Maine. Long time. I feel better just for having finally made it. Tomorrow, again, I have to be in Sonoma for the nephews sheep show. He just finished up at state fair last week and placed second. In state. Sounds awesome to me.

But it means leaving home by six so no workout. That sucks. Emily and I are both going. It’s not going to be fun. More of a family duty.

So we got out on time. By 10. Which is good because it took us just over 4 hours to go the 135 miles to the Sonoma Fairgrounds. And we have to drive back.

So, 4 hours for what? In the ring for 90 seconds. Lovely.

We did walk the fair exhibits. Something fun at least. Took 30 minutes.

Emily went home. We had come in separate cars because I have a meeting while I’m here and it is not till later.

So, I sat around for a couple hours till meeting time. Nobby is going with me. We are meeting with the current tenant at our Santa Rosa house, Omar. I am trying to sell the house to him and Nobby.

Sitting around at the fair was super boring. Not fun in any way. Omar was 30 mins late. We decided to go to Starbucks to chat.

15 minutes later we have a deal. Omar and Nobby agreed to my deal. No push back at all. Priced over market. I like it. We may get it done by end of August. And I will have some spending money.

I let there about 4. Kinda late. Took 4 1/2 hrs to get home. Bullshit. Traffic really sucked. Not much of import to report. The drive is rural for the first 50 miles. I had to pee, like explode level, and found it quite challenging to find a spot along the road where all the cars would not be watching. I managed to find a road construction spot with parked equipment. I zipped between two large tractors and got out on the opposite side and let it loose. Life is fun.

Got home. In time for a late dinner with the gala and Emily K, a visitor. After dinner I went straight to bed.