Mosh Glass

It isn’t but we hit town today probably around 8pm. This should be good.

So, I have hardly mentioned food on this trip. Mostly because we brought food and don’t stop for snacks or meals.

We did stop in Beatty, Arizona, mostly because there were billboards advertising “fresh jerky” about 100 miles in advance of Beatty. Sometimes you have to stop.

The jerky place had free samples. I think we each had ten or more samples. Bought a have pound of sweet and smoky as well as ghost pepper. Not hot or spicy at the time. We cruised the candy aisle. Nada. On to nuts, pound of butter toffee peanuts and pound of spicy. Yum. We ate the jerky right away in the car, leaving enough for breakfast. Next morning, we ate the balance of the jerky for breakfast. Hey, guess what was like fire the next day? Ya, the spicy jerky. We had to stop for cold water. Very painful. Not fun.

So, back to today. Woke in beautiful Wichita Falls. We feasted on eggs and sausage at the hotel. Not horrible. Into the car by 8am. And off. 650 miles to go. Usual drill, I drove 350, Marika slept, and the miles passed. East Texas is still very ugly. Though the closer to Louisiana we got, the greener and prettier the scenery. The towns still look decrepit. Don’t move here.

Nothing much exciting going on during our drive. At all. Probably a good thing. The scenery has changed, more continuous roadside business, not so many large gaps between towns as in Texas. Far more trees, larger trees.

Currently, we are 88 miles from our first destination. That would be Louis Armstrong International Airport. Drop the car there. Uber into the French Quarter and it’s cocktail time. I am looking forward to that.

For the record, we just came into Baton Rouge. I am thinking it was the rear entrance. Very industrial, and beyond urban renewal. Just bloody awful. Stopped for gas and could only imagine a scene from “Cops” played out here. The locals are very special looking. I am positive most did not finish the fifth grade. They have a look about them. The look says get in your car, lock the doors, and drive away. At least that’s what I saw. So I did.

It was nice to get to the airport and be done with the drive. Also, the quick fill up on gas was nice since Hertz charges $9.99 per gallon if u return rental short. And no gas nearby the airport. Actually very little around the airport, it’s somewhat off the beaten path and isolated. You could describe it as an oasis in the way it pops up out of nowhere as you drive to it. It’s a surprise as you get there. No signage, no warnings, saw no planes flying in or out. Weird. It’s a little like the gas station I just mentioned – old and in need of some rehab.

Using our navigation system directions, we drove fully around the airport beltway road to the rental drop off garage. Again, rundown is the only description I can give to this place. The surrounding area is rather nasty and rundown and void of most habitation. I suppose that’s good for an airport. No neighbors to complain. The drive to the rental garage was bleak and not inviting. Worn out. The roadway was the same. I am loving this. I think the best comparison is some of the 3rd world airports I have visited. Those look built and unmaintained with the occasional new building to surprise you. I am not impressed.

Finally, after 2500 miles we arrived at the rental car return garage. The structure is a three story open air parking garage. Really bad signage but we were finally able to find our destination on the top floor. Marika was driving and we did have issues inside the garage about where to park. Usually I expect parking attendants or help but none there. I parked near a Hertz sign and got out, looked around and an attendant showed up. He redirected our parking and we have arrived.

Managed to get the car unloaded. The Hertz guy directed us to where we could catch an Uber and we schlepped our load down the the stairs to the front curb and called Uber. Turns out Uber does not pick up here. Our driver, non English speaking, called. He kept telling us he was in the garage we just left. No. Uber not allowed there. I had walked back in and asked anyone I could find till I got a straight answer. Uber pick up was a mile away in another garage. I need an Uber to get to my Uber. No. We walked while the Uber waited. Driver called back and put an English speaker on the phone and she confirmed the driver was in another garage. Thanks.

We found the pickup point and our driver. Abdul spoke zero English. I think this is the root of the problem. He gets a two out of five. And his car smelled awful. Not sure why and don’t want to know.

Drive was pleasant enough, about twenty minutes long. Sun has gone down, it’s now after 9, so could not really see anything. Will have to get the full view tomorrow in the sunlight.

We arrived at the Madison Dupuy about 915 and checked in. Desk man spoke clear English and got it done quickly. Up to the room and dropped our crap. Decided to have dinner in the hotel dining room, they close at ten and we did not want to wander in the dark in a new city trying to find food. So hotel wins.

Downstairs to the Bistreaux. That’s how they pretentiously spell it. I thought bistro was French? No mind. I ordered a special Old fashioned, based on servers recommendation. I later learned she does not drink. It was ok. Marikas daiquiri was not very good. I’m not impressed. Service was very slow and came with lots of excuses on the side. Our dinner was fine, we were hungry and that helped. Second round of drinks had a slight improvement because we learned the server can’t be trusted. Also not a native English speaker. We finished up, tipped poorly, and went to the room.

I went to bed. It’s late. Marika went downstairs to make “private” phone calls to her friend Taylar and bf Sam. Would not want me to hear. I told her she could call from room because I would be asleep but kids will be kids. Her calls were about two hours long. I know this because her key would not work and I had to let her in. Kids.

Today is the day. The day we place into action that which has been only a thought.

Some months back Marika made a statement out of the blue “did you know there is a Sazerac museum in New Orleans, we should go.”

She added on, it should be a road trip there and fly back.

Road trip starts today. Me and her. New Orleans bound. No plans, just a plane reservation to get home. An adventure, which is what she likes.

Marika was late getting up, surprise, so Emily gave me a ride to Sac Airport to pick up the rental car, on her way to work. Unfortunately that’s where I have to go, no local service. So Emily dropped me off at Hertz, kiss goodbye, no tears.

Turns out Hertz let’s me pick what POS I get to drive. I am going cheap so the choices are not choice. Ended up with the best, a brand new Ford Fiesta. Kinda tells you what I had to choose from. But I do like it and the Sport mode is fun. That’s where I drive.

When I got home the kid was more ready to go. We packed up and drove off. Sadly, we drove the wrong direction for six miles and I had to backtrack once I realized. Auspicious beginning.

Our route took us over the Sierras through Reno then a turn south. We drove south through Nevada most of the day and into the evening. Hit the Arizona border while still light outside and continued on. For 12 hours. Ya. It’s alot.

A quick report on the 12 hour drive. I drove 375 miles while Marika slept. Then we switched. Marika drove the rest. Only stopped for gas. We brought food.

Final stop was the former? cesspool now known as Williams Arizona. I’m not relocating. Trust me on this. Found a room at the inn. The manager kicked the animals out (the hog was pissed!) and we needed down for the night. Oh yeah, only thing available for dinner was Carl’s. Blech. We ate there.

We got up reasonably early on Tuesday. Wash, rinse, repeat? Yes. We did the same thing. Only we added 100 miles to the total daily drive. Wow.

We tried to eat at the hotel but the buffet spread was nasty. The buffet befits the location. We drove to Starbucks on the interstate and got coffee. Ate what we brought, while driving. Economy of motion.

Our day was nice. We drove through Arizona which is pretty. We are up in elevation so lots of forest greenery. Arizona has a lot of pretty places to go, and the Grand Canyon. Which can be considered amazing. We skipped it on this trip. I can say that our drive improves when the landscape is nice.

Later in the day we crossed into New Mexico. New Mexico is sparse, mostly. Except of course in the big cities. Some areas were quite beautiful and many were not. But it was a pleasant drive again. Have I mentioned, Marika slept the first six hours in the car today.

Later in the day we passed into the panhandle of Texas. In a word, ugly. In need of urban renewal. Flat. Did I already say ugly? Yes. We passed through a few towns, all were about half abandoned and really nasty. Lots of Jesus saves signs. Lots of lawyer billboards. Not pleasant. Many stupid people available to see and talk too. And they look dumb too. This is a foreign land.

Thinking we should keep moving, we did. Made it to Wichita Falls late, about 9, and decided to seek food and rest. Rented a hotel room and went to have dinner at a highly rated, by Yelp, place. Turns out, the Backporch does not deserve the high rating. Must be locals that rate it up. I had an extra cocktail to help. It didn’t.

Back to the hotel. I had to go online and finish a tax return for a client who can’t wait a week for me to return. It was a royal pain because of a bad wifi connection. Took an hour, should be 10 mins. But done.

Now I can go to sleep.

Saturday. Not much doin. I did home chores like laundry and changing sheets. Washed a car. Usual. Early afternoon I ran errands with Marika. Hard to believe she wanted to go. Her moods have been bouncing all over hell and gone since she got home. Tears to elation. I told her, as did Emily, she could have stayed in Hawaii. We can do without emotional drama. Not fun.

Anyway, we ran errands together. Grocery, auto parts, meat shop (boneless ribeye), ice cream cake. B day tomorrow. She was upset by the cake. For the first time we did not go to baskin Robbins. There isn’t one here. We went to a local shop. And she was upset, to say the least. Of course, 23 years in a row was BRs. She may have a point.

Back home kore chores. And put crap away. You may be wondering, where is Emily? She went to work early in morning and missed all the joy of the day.

When she finally got home, we made dinner and bbq’d the ribeyes and had a fine time. Marika announced she was heading out for the evening and would be back around 1. Fine.

Now we can go to bed.

Sunday. We did not get up till 830. Prob a fatigue hangover or something. I did have a request from Marika to wake her early. She has plans. And, it’s her birthday. So I have to put up with her wishes.

Her first request, jalapeño bacon and eggs for breakfast. Good thing meat market sells that. And this is a very easy breakfast. Not so bad.

Emily went to yoga. We sat around. Marika has said we were going on a hike. She changed her mind and said let’s go to Lake Clementine and swim. Mom showed up shortly after the change and Marika had left for the lake. So we followed. By the time we got close, she had already been turned around by the ranger. Water moving too fast and was too cold to swim. End of that.

Next on the hit parade was lunch at Burger & Cream. Can’t take that away. The dining room there was full. All tables outside, full. We did manage to awkwardly squeeze into the counter. B&C serves the finest burgers, shakes, etc in Auburn. I love their food. This is where Em and I had ice cream dinner last week. That good. So, finally had a successful activity without yelling or tears. That won’t last.

We are out for mani pedis now. Hey, it’s her birthday! I am sitting in the waiting area, I am not interested in either. Though they did offer. This place has the usual insane chemical smell to it. I am sure all of these Asians will have cancer in a few years. Prob be a class action lawsuit.

We are headed home for cocktails in a few. This is taking forever and I’d rather be drinking. Soon.

On our way home we get calls. From Marikas friends. All are already at the house. No big. The doors are locked.

We arrive. There are five friends waiting, Geo, Taylar, Bella, Jutt and Craig. All lifelong friends from Dixon, here to celebrate. So it turns out I did not have to make drinks. Marika cut a watermelon in half, blended the fruit with rum, poured it back into the half melon as a bowl. Serve. It works.

We had some hors douvres and sat around. Marika decided we were eating dinner somewhere other than we had planned so I had her cancel our existing reservation. And we went elsewhere. Not sure what that was about.

We had a fine time at the Ale House, dinner was good enough. Cocktails are ok there. It is a really pleasurable evening to sit around with people you have known there entire lives and chat about things. Fun, even. All enjoyed it.

Back to home. One more thing every birthday needs. Cake. Ice cream cake, actually. Candles. Singing. You know how this works.

The kids stayed up drinking for god knows how long. We don’t, we went to bed. I’m not a kid any longer.

I go to bed. At a reasonable hour.

Someone is always graduating from somewhere. Every June. This year it’s my nephew, Owen, from high school. Since it’s in Santa Rosa at 3 on Friday, I am not going to work. Marika and I will have to leave the house by 11 to get to Dixon and pick up Emily and then get to the school in SR by 3. So no time for work. I would really rather not go. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kid but this is ruining my workday.

Emily did get up extra early and go to school but it’s a required work day. She is still going to leave early so another day of work will be needed as makeup.

Well the entire trip was screwed. Took forever. Place was packed. The private school we are heading to has what you would expect. Beautiful grounds, pristine athletic facilities, lots of people directing traffic and getting people seated. Not something we public schoolers are used to. The air of exclusivity permeates all. We managed to find parking which is amazing. We were late, sort of. Nobby told me 330 but it was as a 3 pm start. Hottest part of the day and outside. We were covered by a tent. That helps. Ceremony was completely pretentious. Completely.

It starts with procession of teachers and admin. No problem. Then students, again no issue. Then we begin. The first speaker is the principal. She spent ten minutes on why we are wonderful. They are inclusive and exclusive, and have high standards but accept the poorest (and the richest) and on and on. Amazing how wonderful they are. There education includes, kickboxing, mandarin, astrophysics, all manner of things barely available in the real world. This place is a fantasy for the well to do. It’s a bubble community so you don’t have to attend public school. Next speaker, was the trans representative of the student body. No problem, but again, seemed cliche to me. I guess this inclusion is the flavor of the day. I hear about it often in the media. It’s tiring. It’s old hat. It’s been done. Let’s find another form of personal tragedy for speaker. Next up, faculty rep speaks. He is gay and makes a big deal about it. This one is even older and more cliche. No one really wants to hear about it anymore. Let’s move on. I did note, lots of folks in the audience were from the rainbow coalition so I guess they are playing to the people that foot the bill. I don’t know.

Next up the choir sang and they were just great. I remember my high school graduation the glee club sang and band played. Only good thing that day.

Finally, we come to the awarding of diplomas. About 100 graduates so I figure 15 minutes and outta here. No. Each student, in alphabetical order (now that’s unfair) went across the stage. And, listen, the faculty spoke about that student while on stage no less than a minute. That’s right, two hours. It’s a grad version of a little league participation trophy. And they said nice things about each. That’s crap. My nephew is a total asshole. A shithead. Yet I hear from the faculty he is wonderful. Make each child feel special when they are not. What do they do when they hit the real world?

Well, now I know I will skip the next one. Nephew Alister is graduating from same fine institution of secondary learning in four years. Poor kid. Daily doses of sanctimonious crap called education. I will stick to public school.

We did have a fine party at my bro in laws house after the ceremony. Guest of honor, nephew Owen, left after about 5 minutes and did not return. Kids are so special. I felt so blessed by his lack of presence. I hope his dad was not embarrassed by the graduate disappearing. It’s like The Graduate when Ben sits on the bottom of the pool in scuba gear. There, but not.

This party was catered. So the food was really good. The wines were even better and my bro in law likes to spend lots of $$ on wine so all were expensive too. I tried every bottle that got opened and I was quite drunk by the time we left which was late. Fortunately, Emily was driving and she was sober. I fell asleep. Sadly my car was at her work in Dixon so I had to drive the last hour. The roads were empty but there was a lot of construction and repairs going on. I am surprised I didn’t run off the road.

We got home and pretty much dropped everything and just went to bed.

Marika flew in from Honolulu this morning. She arrived at 930. I was a half hour late. Oh well. I had to work out and do other very important tasks prior to going to airport. She waited.

Em and I are unsure why she came home. Mostly that’s because she doesn’t know why she came home. She has no idea what is going on in her life, she is just going.

Sunday is her 24th birthday. At that age no one seems to think she should know what she wants. I do understand. I made up my mind to move forward in life at age 25. So she takes after me. And now I know what my parents went through. I won’t be apologizing.

Back to Thursday. We went to my office from the airport. Marika was looking for work so I tossed her into the file room to do the fun work of an office. She hated it. I guess she likes cleaning toilets in the hostel more? She said my career choice was not for her. Of course, I told her, I don’t do filing. I yell at file clerks. She was not impressed.

Lunch out. Local Greek place for falafel and gyros. She had texted a few days ago requesting it. Weird request but I like Mediterranean food.

Oh I forgot!! Best day in awhile. We went to the car storage and picked up my S2000, the convertible. Been in storage for a year. Finally have a garage on the way. Time to get it. The battery was dead so they gave me a jump and off we went. I let Marika drive my convertible and me the Fit.

Turns out, a 20 minute drive did not charge the battery so I called road service and they came to restart me. They also brought a battery for the car too. And installed it.

Back at the office we worked till about 530 then went home. This time I drove the S2000, after alll it’s a long drive home. And a hell of a drive it was at top speed all the way while my daughter tried to keep up. She did very well and even passed me a couple times.

Home. Marika got a nice welcome home from mom and her dog. Jaxon has not forgotten her. Vlad, not so sure. He likes us better now. I’m still not keeping him.

Eventually, since we had nothing prepared, we decided to go out for dinner. We (Emily) decided to go to Pho King for Pho and other things Vietnamese. Emily really likes this place so we all know when to go along.

Dinner was ok. Nothing outstanding. At least I did not have to make it. Randy went along cuz that’s the kind of guy he is. He likes a free meal.

Back home. Marika went to sleep. Time change, long day, etc. Emily has one more workday tomorrow so she hit the hay too. With no one awake I went to bed too.

It’s actually Wednesday. I did not have to make Emily’s lunch today. Party in the park. Tomorrow is last day of school. No lunch to make again. Part of my summer vacay is here already.

Tuesday was dull. Usual crap. I need to find something exciting to regale y’all with. I will think on that and get back to you.

I did contact our chosen concrete guy. Let him know he got the job. He is starting next week by doing all the digging and setting forms. Concrete pour follows the next week. When I talked to him I asked about a deposit and he said give it to me when you see me. I told him I was leaving town and wouldn’t see him. He says, pay me in full when o finish the job. No big. Got to love this guy. We will soon have a garage.

Taco Tuesday was the usual. It’s a damn good thing I like the usual. When Emily gets a job up here we are going to have to find decent Mexican food local. I been going to the same Carniceria since 1990. This will be life changing.

Today, Wednesday, I had an appointment at 11. I was late so I sent them to a local bar for drinks and said I would join them. Of course that’s what they did. Eventually I got there, they were on thirds, I did not drink. We had lunch then went back to my office for business. We talked too long. 3 hour meeting. Nice to see them. They are Dixon clients so I have known both and their families for a long damn time. Long time. These types of appointment are more social than anything else.

What was the rest of the work day? Boring. Did a few things. Managed a tax return or two. Some notices from tax authorities. Forgettable shit to say the least. Exciting?! No.

I was ready to leave by 5 but got caught up in a technical issue with my software. I had contacted their support yesterday, email only, and they had emailed back much later a solution that does not work. I had already tried it. They have no phone support. That would work way too well. Company is called Bill.com. Don’t ever use them. Ever. My only warning.

So I was held up an extra 45 minutes past my exit time. Bill.com is ruining my life. I hate them. But, I sent the idiots a rather terse message so maybe in the am I will get actual help. Breath not held.

Left. Quick trip home. A good day. Spoke to Emily on the way. Her day much longer. She was still out and won’t be home for awhile. It’s 730. She is going to pickup dinner. If I had known how long she was going to be I would have made dinner.

I would usually turn on the TV by now. But the wife is out and I, for one, like the peace and quiet. At least on the outside. There is one hell of a din going on inside my skull. Which is why I don’t add too it with inane chatter.

So. I wait. For woman and food. I have time. I can be quite patient. My patience is legendary because I have none (usually).

Eventually, woman showed up with food. A pastrami burger and a spicy burger. Plus some fries. From Burger & Cream. Food is good. She probably could have gotten one sandwich cuz the two destroyed us. The place has pepper jack cheese. Ghost pepper. And they throw on jalapeños too. Good stuff.

Dinner over. Time for bad TV. Reruns of The Goldbergs. Excellent.

Ain’t much goin this Monday. I slept very poorly last night. I woke up. I woke THE HELL up at 315 am. Did not go back to sleep. Or, I should say, I took melatonin and snoozed a little bit til 530 when I didn’t get up. I stayed in bed till Emily got up at 555. But still slept very poorly. I’m tired now at 940pm. Tough to overcome. There is always tonight.

Managed to get all in order this morning. Before Emily left, though that was late. She had all she needed – lunch, coffee, etc. I am that good. In three days school is out and I have the summer off from morning duty. Bout time.

I went to work out at 715. Usual. Met with the trainer. Did a ton of reps any sets and managed to pull a muscle in my back. It’s not too exciting. As a matter of fact it’s just pain.

Went home and did my duty. Clean and shaved, the way God and Mr Gillette intended. Got dressed. I look sharp. I always look sharp.

Off to work. I love my job. Wait, hold that thought. I actually heartily dislike my job. I need to win the lottery and quit my job. That is the essence of my retirement plan. Hope it works.

Did not manage much in the way of work while at work. No energy or motivation. I pretty much just sat and stared at me computer. What fun.

I went to my Dr appointment at one. His office is blessedly close to mine. About 5 minutes. I don’t make appointments with my doctor, his office sets them and calls me. I like the system, no work on my part. Just show up. The doc and I have known each other several years and get along well. I can’t say I got much of a physical. He listened to my heart and that was it. Asked questions. Made sure to order very extensive blood tests for all known maladies. Not much else. We discussed how his Med group did not respond to my written complaints. Not at all. Much to his benefit he did not defend them. I still will prob not get the refund I am seeking. Whatever.

Back to the office just past two. I worked some till about 330 and headed home. I am meeting a landscaper whom I hope can do a clean out of my property. The weeds are six feet tall and all the rain has pushed that. Rain has also kept the help from weeding and whacking.

Melvin was there about 30 minutes late. Don’t care. I need weeding assistance in a huge way. 5 acre huge. We walked the property again and rediscussed the price as well. He is going to take over twice monthly whacking to keep this place in check. I don’t ever want to spend so much money on this crap again. Funny news, Melvin is a big Honda fan like me and loves my Type R. And strangely, just like me, he wants a corvette and has for many years. I am same way. We shared lots of ideas about cars.

Melvin stayed about 30 to 40 minutes. And now, the main event. I got the yellow tail from the fridge and got the bbq ready. Em got home a few minutes later and took care of the sides. We had an excellent feast of a meal on a Monday night. Love it? Me too. We also finished a bottle of wine. That helps.

Tottered off to bed early. Tonight we are beat.

It isn’t. It I think you know that already. Slept in till 830. Yes. I am not joking. I am tired. I took melatonin in the middle of the night. Wasn’t sleeping. But it got me to 830. Nice.

Just a few quick chores to finish today. I had to make a marinade for the yellowtail I had in the fridge. That’s done. Needed to eat breakfast and read the Sunday paper. Done and done. Made a rhubarb trifle for our dessert. As mentioned, Emily got me rhubarb and Ed K sent a recipe. Same day. Had to make it.

See not much going. Shower. Got dressed. Then the big chore. Washed my two cars. And Emily’s GLK. That took forever. About 4 hours. Now done. Except for the laundry and changing the cat box. Then I was done. I sat and relaxed.

Emily, during all these chores, was in town She is getting ready for year end of school. This week. So she is not helping out at home. Loser. I do all the work.

At about five I made cocktails. Rye Manhattans for her and me. Mostly me. They were very good. Most drinks I make are. Em brought out the snacks too. I was hungry from all the work I did. And she was reaching for snacks. Whatever.

Drinks done and now I am watching a basketball game I could care less about. Not much less. But it’s on and I’m now sitting. Emily is doing more school crap. Not sure what and really do not care.

Randy is making dinner tonight. Pasta bolognese. Smells good. I am ready. There is a bottle of wine as well. Soon.

Dinner has destroyed my stomach. It was very good. Better. We are stuffed. And we still need to have the rhubarb trifle I made this am. It’s gonna be awesome!!!!!

And it is. First time I made it. Have a few tweaks for next time which should be in Maine next month. I will be seeing Ed Kadunc and he sent me the recipe. So he gets some. Seems fair.

I am in pain from stuffing myself with all this rich food and drink. So is Emily. And Randy. No surprise when you make like a hog.

Bad TV is on. I am not watching. It’s bedtime. Early tonight. I am ready.

Up late today. See, Saturday is not all work. Slept in till 7. Crazy time.

The gd Dog up early many times during the night. How does he know what day it is? Jaxon can be very annoying. Best part, he wakes up Emily and not me to go out. I guess he knows she will be nice to him. I am a little mean if woken.

So, the paper arrived. 2nd day in a row. I am buying a lotto ticket.

Our breakfast, though it’s a weekend, is the same as any weekday. I made gruel for Emily and I made myself nastycakes and out yogurt on top. Sweetened with maple sugar. Same thing I had Friday. Seems like we only have special breakfast when we have guests or go out. Otherwise, feh.

Today is a huge day. Huge. Say it like Trump. We are driving to Petaluma to get the last of Marikas stuff out of Mary’s house where she lived most of last year. I swear this is the last trip for this reason at least. The trip is usually about an hour and thirty or forty five. Today it took 3 hours. That’s right. And I can say the traffic was bad, just very consistently slow. Kinda on the miserable side of trips.

Got there and cleaned out the leftovers in ten minutes. Quick. We hoped the return trip would be faster. Opposite direction and it’s later. Sounds good, right? No. Traffic bad going east.

There were two stops on the way home, scheduled at least. First place was Westerbeke Ranch. That’s Emily’s yoga retreat hang out. She had bought a gift for the master gardener working there. Emily goes so often to the Ranch that she knows everyone. So a pit stop. I got a chance to look around the grounds. Nice place.

The other stop was a fast errand on the way back. A stop at Sams Club for hot dogs and cupcakes. Sounds great. Except, cupcakes were just for the kindergarten class year end party and the dogs were our lunch. And not very good. Costco has far better.

The drive continues. I got a call, Emily’s new watch is ready at the jewelers. Now another stop. Only slightly out of the way. 10 minutes. I have been looking forward to seeing the watch as customized by Sharif. It’s a pre owned Rolex to which they added a jeweled bezel and a red watch face. It is dazzling. She likes it. I think that’s good for an off the cuff purchase. While there the boss made me a couple cups of Turkish coffee. They do an excellent job. Thick black coffee, sweetened strongly too. Very hot in the little tiny cups you would expect. I like it. And I was tired which the clerk noticed. Smart people.

I texted pics of the watch to all who may want to see it. Bob texted back to come by. He and Renee live just a few minutes away, and in our direction of travel. So we stopped off. And did not have a cocktail or wine. Or food. All offered. But the day is long and we is tired. I just wanted to show them what Emily got. Bling bling.

Drive back home. No stops. Direct. It can be done.

Home. Made dinner. Open face sandwiches, meat and cheese on a baguette. Randy joined us. He is our Kato Kaelin. We had dessert too. Left over ice cream cake from Emily’s birthday. It was slightly freezer burned. Ate it anyway. Hey, it’s ice cream.

I watched a little murder porn on tv. I thought Emily was coming back to watch too. Turns out she rudely went to bed. Without me. That’s not nice. It’s not as if I watch any worthless tv. I just go along. So I went to bed too. So there. And gave her shit for not saying anything.

I should mention the weather. We have been getting weird storms. Now the weather service has switched to TV warnings so we can’t ignore the weather. Thunderstorms. Wind. Right outside my door. Kinda crazy. But it’s been on and off a couple days. I ignore it. But it is a nice show.

Bed. Yes I went to bed. In spite of the light show outside. I am tired. As only an all day drive can tire you. I read a little and fell asleep

Finally. I don’t really like Fridays I just like the week coming to an end.

I got my Wednesday workout in today. Remember lousy Wednesday? It sucked. But I have made up for it today. A little bit.

Workout was great and probably better than it would have been on Wednesday. At least it felt good.

Usual crap at home and off to work. I had a normal trip down the hill.

I have found all week I really lack the motivation to do anything. I am bored and will go do anything else instead of my job to keep my interest up. Yesterday I went to the jewelry store which went awry and Emily has a new watch. She went into the jewelers today after work, I met her, and she decided she wanted something different. So Emily. She picked out a watch totally different and more expensive and the jeweler was happy to help.

I had received a text earlier today, around 3, Bob had to leave his house all of a sudden because gf Renee has a house buyer coming over. All of a sudden. The outtake? Renee says get lost for a couple three hours, go have a drink. My treat. Bob called everyone he knows and invited them out “Renee’s treat!”

So after the jewelers excursion we headed to Mikunis for a cocktail. Or two. Most everyone was gone by then except Bob and Renee. She was still buying. So we restarted the party for another hour. Spicy edamame, tempura, margaritas, nice shit. Haven’t seen these two since Monday. You remember the Osso Buco? Those two.

Turns out Bob was driving his new car. A 10 year old Dodge cargo van with very low miles. Got it for a steal. This week. He already has two people who want to buy it and he will profit $3k. Nice. I told him he is not old enough for a totally uncool car. Reselling for profit is ok though.

We headed uphill. Where the air is thinner. And our house is located.

We stopped for dinner at Burger & Cream. Emily had a large choc chip shake, and I a large root beer freeze. No actual food. Just ice cream for dinner. I think this is a vision of the future. At least my future. The ice cream was so large I had to really work at it to finish it. But I managed. Emily was unable to finish hers and was actually complaining. When I was a kid I would have had ice cream for dinner every day if mom let me.

The rest of the evening was the usual. A little TV and off to bed. An exciting Friday night.