Mosh Glass

Sunday. Not hungover. Trying to contain myself during the season after the wine dinner debacle. I was up 5 or 6 times last night to hit the head and get a drink of water. Water is the key to waking up better. But I slept somewhat fitfully.

We had free breakfast at the hotel. God awful would be a description. All of us spent some time guessing what the sausage patties were made of. Not sure I really want to know. I ate a couple anyway. Very bad taste. They had no coffee, at least no full lead variety. I asked, more than once, and same answer “we’re making some”. I will go with that’s a lie. I’ve made coffee. It does not take half an hour.

I am thinking the horrible breakfast is part of their three star out of five rating. Room was fine.

So, with a fine breakfast under our belts, we drove off. Mary, family friend, wanted to walk down the wharf and check it out. Since no one objected to that plan, we went to the wharf. Everything In Santa Cruz is close. So five minutes later we were driving onto the wharf. Since it’s so early on the morning, we can drive into the wharf and park without paying. That’s a win in parking space starved Santa Cruz.

It is a cold and crisp morning here on the oceanfront. Glad I wore a jacket. Most places on the wharf are closed in the early hours of Sunday. We did find a candy, ice cream coffee place open. So we all got a decent cup of coffee to make up for the crap at the hotel. Crap being hot water and decaf, all they had. Now not so bad. I had some chocolate too. It’s good for you.

We asked all the way out to the end of the wharf. Very slowly. Grandpa is 81 and just crawls. But we waited and all tried to walk together. We stopped to look in windows and stare at the sea lions and etc. and freeze a little.

We walked back to where we were parked. Said our goodbyes, hugged everyone, and got in our separate cars and headed home.

Drive back home was uneventful. No traffic till we hit Cordelia. There is always traffic through Cordelia/Fairfield. Always. We made good time otherwise and finally got here.

Kids are flying out at about 6. We ate a little snack. Then had the most fun by trying to pack all the gifts for the kids and SoCal relatives. Had to pack and repack the suitcases we used for gifts. Had to re metal some into smaller sizes. Et voila, all packed. Glad I don’t have to schlepp the bags through the airport. Their problem.

Now we sit and watch football. Emily pulled out her glass grinder and is going at it. What “it” is I don’t know. I’d love to take a nap but that would be rude. Maybe I can just fall asleep where I’m sitting. Marika did.

We sat and watched football for an hour or so. Not much else to do while you are waiting for an hour. Decent game but we all knew we were just waiting till time to leave.

Our house sitter came by to return the key. She did not have much work to do. Feed dogs and cats twice and let them out to go crap. Easy duty for a day. She stayed awhile. Michael, Carly and I left for the airport at about 430. Michael gets really worried he will miss his flight so we leave super early. I can’t cure him of the notion.

We packed up to leave. Emily went to the store. And Marika hung out with her friend Isabella, our house sitter. Trip to airport was very fast. I did not spare the horses. Took only 30 minutes with Michael still worried he would be late. I kissed them goodbye at the column and headed home. This will be our first Christmas without Michael at home. It’s sad. Actually very sad.

Got a call at 520. They were through security. By six they loaded, 15 minutes early. the plane was only half full at best, probably far less.

Yes, I texted Michael to remind him I was right. Sacto airport is quicker and better and now I get to rub it in.

I’m back home. Emily picked up some pork and chicken from the Thai place. We made salad and added the meat to it for dinner I also made cocktails, whiskey sours, to make up for the bad one Marika got at the restaurant last night. Mine are better. Way better.

After dinner we did more get ready for Christmas chores. Wrapping of gifts, prepping Christmas dinner (beef wellie takes two days), cleaning up a little, packing a few things. Tiring.

Broke off about 9 to watch Last Man Standing. My favorite show. Marika says I am Mike Baxter. I’m not but I also not insulted by that.

To bed after. These long days are killing me. Have to be up early tomorrow to run more chores

Big day. Second in a row. Wow.

Emily coughed ALL night so I did not really sleep. Not well, at least. She has a cold. It’s fun.

We have three guests tonight, the kids and girlfriend. So this morning is a little crowded. Breakfast in shifts, mostly because that’s how everyone got up. Still smells like bacon.

Emily ran off to the store. We are leaving for Santa Cruz when she returns. Marika and I are packed, don’t know about everyone else. I’m ready to leave.

Our drive to Saint Cruz was quick and completely uneventful. Only took a couple hours. No issues. The in laws driving from Bodega had miserable traffic all the way on the coast road and took 4 and 1/2 hours on a little shorter trip. Too bad for them.

We checked into the hotel. At about this time Marika realized she forgot her dressy shoes. So she and the other two kids headed out to the store to buy her some shoes. Rest of us sat in the hotel. About a quarter to five I ordered an Uber. Then I called everyone and told them to get here. It works. We need the Uber cuz we gonna drink tonight and no one wants to get a DUI.

Unfortunately Uber only hold six. There are seven of us. Sadly, I had to drive Hank my father in law in his car. He is the absolute king of horrible drivers and he is 81 and gets worse every year. Tonight I found out where my wife gets her back seat driver abilities. He is fucking miserable. He would not shut up about other drivers, mu spped, my lane position, where I’m going. I finally had to tell him to shut the hell up. God it was misery.

We finally got to the big dinner at Shadowbrook to celebrate Marikas college graduation. Shadowbrook is a one of a kind restaurant in in Santa Cruz. We first ran across the place back when Michael was in college at UC Santa Cruz (duh). During his four years in Santa Cruz we had dinner at Shadowbrook several times. Well, it’s been six years since we have been there so tonight is about time.

The place is unique for its layout alone. It’s built into a hillside to begin with and there are several large and small buildings built over many years to add to the Winchester Mystery House feel. And, they have an inclinator!!!? Yes, I know you don’t understand. But, imagine the cable cars in Hong Kong that are pulled up Victoria Peak by cable. That’s Shadowbrook. They also have an extensive garden and waterfall if you care to use the stairs and not the cable car. The place is crazy. They have one building big enough only for one table. I’ve never sat in it.

Now I am aware it’s a restaurant and the building is not so important as the food and drink. Well, we had enough cocktails before dinner to be sure they were ok. The menu, though not huge, is plenty big enough and all choices are excellent. Desserts were great too, and I ordered one despite being quite full.

We sat around full and groaning another 30 minutes and headed back to the hotel. It’s bedtime for all. Clark, nephew, took off to Sacramento. The rest of us went to bed.

It’s a big day today. Office party Friday. Every year we have Christmas lunch. Usually about 1 to 130, so restaurants aren’t busy and we can sit for 3 hours and move slow. Works well. New place this year so we will see.

But still work to do. Yesterday I received a letter from my business bank. They are closing my checking account because it does not align with their risk portfolio for CPA firms. What?

So early this morning I went to my bank to find out wth they are doing. Turns out, closing the account, no appeal allowed. Why, you say. I know I said it. Several times. Because in December I received a wire transfer of $427k for a business deal I managed and proceeded to then pay all participants. And the bank did not like my perfectly legal activity and that’s that.

So, I need to get a new bank. I drew $5k out of the old bank, closing me out in 10 days, and went to another bank. I sat with the banker for a tried to open an account. I explained what my firm does, What happened at last bank, etc. turns out it’s a problem for them too. But, they have a solution. But they could not open an account yet. I have to speak to another banker higher up the food chain. When I finally did, he had a solution and I will get an account open. Tomorrow. Or Monday. Would prefer now, but it seems to be working.

Next on the agenda, back to office. It’s only 1130 and I can work for another 90 minutes. Lunch is at 130.

Whatever I did for 90 minutes is forgotten. Must not have been important. At 110 I left for the restaurant.

Well it is a highlight of the year I suppose. Everyone loves it. All of us, plus spouses, eat and drink whatever we want till we are sick. And we did. I don’t put any limits on people. That’s why it’s lunch and not dinner, no one drinks or eats excessively at mid day. I’m brilliant. And all still have a great time. There were only 11 of us but that’s a long table so I cant really talk to everyone. But that’s ok, I don’t really want to anyway. We sat and ate and opened presents early (I got a new kindle from the whole office!!!) and drank and had appetizers and more appetizers and desserts. For three hours. A fine time had by all. When I got the bill and attempted to pay with my debit card, no go. Turns out my dumbass bank shut it off when they decided to close my account. Except that’s on Jan 2. I called and they turned it on again. Assholes.

Emily, Marika and I went to the jewelry store after. Marika has a new watch, engraved, from her mommy and daddy. Need to get the wrist band sized. Hence a trip to Grebitus Jewelers. Funny thing, the watch guy their is best friends with Walker who works for me. So I get better service. Anyway, watch guy fixed it up plenty quick. Marika is thrilled with her new watch, the first she ever owned. I guess people don’t wear watches so much anymore.

Next, more shopping. Except, store gone. Space empty. That was weird. We had no more errands. So mom drove home. Marika and I went to the airport to pick up Michael and Carly who flew in from SoCal. Busy day.

Fun pick up. I had to circle the terminal twice because the rent a cop would not let me wait out front. Or park out front. We were on the phone with the kids in the terminal while they got luggage so they would know where we were. It was funny, they came out to wait at the curb, which is ok just not ok for me to wait at the curb for them. Michael. Decided to help the cop while he waited by loudly pointing out which cars were loitering. He had his phone on speaker to we could listen. It was hilarious. When we finally got back around the terminal Michael suggested we load very slow. I liked it. We loaded and unloaded the bags several times. Took forever. The cop would not come near us. Funny.

We headed home. Stopped for some quick groceries. Then back toward home.

Finally, back. Emily has cleaned up the house a bit. Again. Those two had dinner, leftover pea soup. The rest of us ate the whole box of cookies from employee Carol. A fine baker. Delish.

Bedtime next up. Emily was already there. Big day tomorrow.

Short on thoughts today. And out of time for blogging. It is midnight. Bed time.

Going to bed. Will give more tomorrow.

Today was the real weigh in. 154.2 for those keeping score. I think I went up 3 lbs. not worried. But, it is the week of Christmas so I got four rich meals in front of me through next Tuesday. If I am able to hold my weight even, I will consider that a success. 

This morning was not normal. Marika was here so things were a bit confused and disordered. I did all the usual things though I forgot to make Emily’s breakfast. It does not take much to knock me out of the usual morning chores. Today is the last day of school before vacation so she could go out to lunch. 

I was going to go by the Verizon store this morning to ask about my account. I also was going to by a Christmas gift. But right before I went there I got a call from Emily to bring some supplies to her class. So, I went there with the stuff and skipped the Verizon errand. 

Surprisingly, my daughter was working  in her moms class. I was surprised  to find her there. Funny, I had no idea she had planned on this. Strange. 

From the classroom I went for coffee. for some reason is needed a second cup. 

Time for the office. Sadly, o drove to work. No stops, no detours no frolics. 

Work was vanilla. Now vanilla has its place but work would be better as chocolate with caramel sauce. It was slow, and steady. I have work to do. I had one appointment. But, it’s 1020 pm now and I can’t remember any parts od my day. I did receive a box in the mail. Champagne and bottle of booze I am giving as a gift. That was slightly exciting. I also had a visit from a client and we sat and talked for an hour about nothing in particular. 

Our need for another vacation was the impetus for me to cruise hotel and air prices. Mostly to Hawaii. My visitor put on to cruise sites to check those out. I must say, cruises are cheap as hell. We might do one. At least worth a look. 

On may way home I called Emily. Told her I was headed to Verizon and we should meet there and go to dinner. She agreed. She has a bad cold and is up for anything that makes life easier. At Verizon I did get all my questions answered. They could not sell me what I wanted because they had none. I headed across the street to Best Buy, called Em and she met me. Best Buy was out so I could not get it there. While at Best Buy, I used my phone to place an order online where I could find what I wanted. To be delivered on Friday. No problem. 

We went to dinner. Thai place on the way home. That’s how Emily picked it. Food was great and cheap. That’s a good pick. I should eat there more often. Generous portions too. 

Back home finally. Nothing going on. We cleaned up things. I opened all the student gifts Emily received while she wrote down who gave what. Mostly a smattering of Starbucks cards, mugs and candy. The usual. 

We sat for some time and watched TV, and then the news. Again, the news had nothing newsworthy. Actually kinda boring. Finally, we went to bed. 

I love Saturday. Even though it ends up being a work day I at least have no schedule. I can sleep late, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and the newspaper. Thinnest paperbof the week but whatever. 

Today, not so good. Turns out Emily has Saturday school. You know, make up school for all the kids who have no good excuse for missing a day. And, of course, you need a teacher, my wife,  who has not missed a day since Clinton was president. 

Well, if you got school, you got to get up early. And I can not sleep with all the noise and lights of someone trying to be quiet while she gets ready. So, no sleeping in. The first hour of my day is like any other. 

After Emily was out the door, I got a leisurely read of the paper and a cup of coffee. Mostly good, but I needed the coffee. 

Not much planned for the day. Just many hours of wrapping Christmas gifts. A tradition since the gift at Christmas requires lots of wrapping. After shower and getting dressed I started in on the gifts. First, I had to wrap all the things I got for friend Cissie in Tacoma. Have to get those moving since shipping costs go up the closer we get to the big day. I always seem to forget how long it takes to wrap. Plus there’s the back ache from bending over the table. I don’t enjoy the process. Once I got the traveling presents done, I went to the UPS store to ship. That was not much fun. They have a gauntlet for customers to go through to get a box shipped. They are also kinda rude. The people running the local place are a family from some southeast Asian country, not sure which. They don’t speak English clearly and I would bet don’t celebrate Xmas. And they really pushed the $36 shipping service. I opted for $14 which did not please them. I hope they don’t screw with my package. 

Back to the house. I spent the next 3 hours wrapping gifts. Fun. And since I don’t like TV, I do it in silence. It’s a little like meditating. 

Emily came home by 1pm. I took a break for lunch with her.  She was not interested in cleaning the house. So I guess my cleaning the master bath was wasted.  

We went shopping instead. Mostly stocking stuffers but also boxes, tape and tags. And groceries for dinner. We went to Workd Market just to find the hidden gift cards but it turns out that promo is over. So forget that. We went to the Coach store and picked up gifts for my office staff. I am way to nice to them. 

Back to the casa. What now? I wrapped gifts for more hours and Emily joined me. At the end, though not done, I realize I have wrapped a lot of packages. Six hours of wrapping gets a ton finished. 

We quit doing the wrap thing at about six.   Time to feed animals, and feed us. So dogs and cats took no time. We threw a very large sweet potato in the oven and made a salad. And waited on the potato for quite awhile. Emily waited it out watching some horrible entertainment news show and I, wait for it, went back to wrapping. For another forty minutes at which time I cooked a steak to share with the wife for dinner. 

We had a nice dinner in front ifnthenTV. The dining table being covered will th the detritus of gift wrapping and not in condition to support our meal.  Dinner was fine though Em complained about the steak. We did not pick up any more wrapping again. 

We watched a little TV after dinner and  went to bed 

I am sitting in the 830am Vallejo to SF ferry. For anyone unclear, I am not going to work today. The kid was going to SF to Christmas shop and look around. She invited me along. I thought all three of us would go except Emily has real work. I forgot that. 

I have only used the Vallejo ferry once prior. Went to a Giants game on the ferry. With parking it cost $32.50 per person. I would say there is no money savings vs driving. Parking and tolls are less than $32.50. No time savings either unless there is an accident. But, and it’s a big but (like J-Lo) there is zero aggravation. And you can enjoy a fine cup of coffee while working or playing on your phone. I’m blogging. Duh. Tough to blog and drive. I speak from experience. So I am gonna give this form of human transport a thumbs up. For now. 

I am thinking I should probably call in to work. Maybe let them in on the secret about the ferry and what a nice ride it is. I think they would be pleased to know. Ya, good idea. 

I sent Cara a text. Told her how nice the boat ride is. I am sure she would concur. 

This morning I tried to get up early, at 6am. But that turned into 615 cause I laid back down. Always a mistake. Amazing how easy it is to sleep when you are supposed to be up. 

Marika got up not long after. She took over feeding the animals, I made coffee and brekkies. Forgot to make Emily’s lunch, which happens with a disrupted morning routine. I even forgot what day it was. Crazy. I thought is was Wednesday. It’s taco Tuesday, for those keeping score. 

Everyone got out early. Marika and I aimed at 730, hit 745 exit. Emily off by 730. She moved quickly. The 15 minutes in our schedule was the padded portion. So we had to step on it. Two of us so the car got diamond lane. We got to the parking lot at Mare Island Ferry by 820. Ferry leaving in 10. Marika handled parking and I ran ahead to get boat tickets. We were almost last to board, like that matters, but we made the boat, found a nice seat, and relaxed. Remember, no aggravation. We are 30 minutes into our cruise. Time for a potty break and a refill. 

Better. Bottle of water. 30 more mins till SF. Fog lifted and it’s now a sunny, cold day. View has improved, which makes the trip that much better.  

Ferry landed and everyone rushed off. We sat and were last off. Much easier.

I have not been inside the ferry building in years. Well, today I went in. Seems to have become a public market in the intervening years. All the shops look very nice. We stopped at Blue Bottle coffee for a couple of cups. Finally, excellent coffee. In America. Who thought it possible? Not me. We wandered all the way through the place. Did not shop much but looked. Most stores not open this early. We can shop it on the way out later. Then no carrying of bags all day. 

We walked to Union Square, about 25 minutes from the Bay. We were chatting as we walked along and managed to miss our street and had to turn around and backtrack. Not by much, maybe a quarter mile. Once we arrived in the Union Square area we kinda just wandered. Back and forth and around through stores and up and down the floors. Like I said, wandered. I have not been down to SF for Christmas shopping in several years. Union Square seemed kinda drab and dreary. It always seemed more exciting when I was younger. 

We Ubered to Ghirardelli Square from Macy’s in Union Square. We were standing out front waiting for our ride, got a call from the driver, he couldn’t find us. And telling him I was right in front of Macy’s in Union Square did not help him. I think he is a moron or a recent arrival from foreign shores. Outcome was the same either way. 

Well, the idiot finally arrived. He spoke little English so probably a recent arrival. He sure as hell doesn’t know the city. Took an incredibly strange route to Ghirardelli as well. I don’t really care, price is same no matter the route. 

No matter, we arrived. Safe and sound. Marika has been jonesing  to go to Ghirardelli for the longest time. I have been there many, many times. As a child, I went there every time we came to SF. The shopping was awesome, and the food very good. Well, times change. Like Union Square, Ghirardelli seems a shadow of its former self. The second floor has lots of retail space yet no tenants. There were only 3 places to eat, we chose a nice cafe, a couple stores and the two Ghirardelli chocolate stores. That’s it. The place is nice, don’t get me wrong, but it just doesn’t have anything to offer. One more thing from my childhood destroyed by time. I am not sure what Marika thought of it. We enjoyed our charcuterie lunch but the shopping disappointed. She seems to be enjoying the day as I am. She does not have 50 years of comparisons like I do. 

We did go into all the stores, and looked at everything. We gave them their due. And we left. 

We then took a course through the City, just going store to store as we went. Search and destroy if you will.  Marika led the way. I noticed that wacky sox are big this year based on the number of stores carrying them. And I noticed more stores had barkers out front to bring people in. Sort of an analog version of SEO. 

During this walkabout we decided to catch an Uber to the Ferry Building where our day in SF started. We did not shop the market on the way in, but will on the way out. 

Our Uber driver was a peach. Good conversation, good driver, knew his way through the city. Not a recent arrival but was from another country. Nice drive. I tipped well. 

The market in the Ferry Building is really a nice place. Each particular stall or store selling things different from the last. Even when similar, two candy stores there for instance, they were still very different. I did not get much, just some house made dried chorizo at the meat market, but I really enjoyed the walk through. It smells great too. That part is free. When we thoroughly finished, we checked the time, 325. Boat leaves at 330. They were shutting the gates when we arrived but graciously allowed us to board. The boat was packed. I would say we got the last two seats together. Crazy. 

Our trip was so smooth and easy I did not even notice we pulled away from the dock. Or maybe I am not observant. The day is still beautiful and sunny and warm. And the boat is awesome. I did not order a cocktail. There is a bar in back. Probably a mistake to have one. Maybe I will make one tonight. That’s not a mistake. Drinking one is. 

We made quick work of the drive. Not going home directly but headed that way. We did a little more shopping on the way because we were not as satisfied as we wanted to be with SF shopping. 

We stopped in Fairfield just to see what was around. Not much. Again, nearer to Vacaville. No. Then to Dixon because it’s taco Tuesday and that’s where our favorite carniceria is. We bought three plates, we do include Emily. And soon off to home. We are waiting right now. They make food slow. 

Straight home to Vacaville. No stops for shops. We done. 

Got home and Emily was doing school stuff which later I ended up helping with. Yes, I’m a saint. For now, we ate dinner. Costillas  de Puerco and Chile verde. Delish. Always the best night of the week. 

My evening was filled with wrapping of the gifts I picked up in SF today. Nothing too exciting but a number of nice things for Emily. I want to make sure she has something to open. 

Not much else this evening. Just some bad TV. I didn’t watch. Wrapping took my time. I was in bed by 915. 

Woke up early and stayed awake.  Again. I am tired of this. In more ways than one. Duh. 

The morning was not anything of an unusual nature. All tasks were performed with speed and skill. I would know, I performed them. 

Emily did me a solid when she reminded me I had something going on this morning. I had a second appointment with an IRS agent this morning. So I got busy and got myself ready to go to work to do battle with the dark side. 

Emily left at 740, as usual. I managed to get out between 8 and 830. Stopped for coffee and left a holiday size tip.  Off to work to be there by 930 appointment. One can hope. 

I did make it on time. No IRS lady. I waited till about ten and called her. She thought our meeting was at 1pm today. No problem, don’t really care. One is cool. 

So I kept working. I have two more appointments today at 4 and 6. So I have plenty of time for work today. So I worked all morning doing the usual crap, another word for accounting. 

My IRS auditor friend showed up at 1. Turns out she had not reviewed the info I had given her at our first meeting. So when she arrived she sat down at our spare desk and worked. I did not even need to be there. So I went to the bank to make deposits and took my time doing it. 

Back at the office and back to work. The auditor finished up and told me something quite surprising. Turns out the IRS does not issue tax assessments in the week before Christmas just to be nice. Like a gift. I had no idea they did that. Of course she had to tell me there was going to be an assessment in order to nicely not tell me what it was. Not much of a gift. 

So she left. I did not call the client since I prefer to give a real gift of not knowing. 

I worked till 4 pm when I had a client come by. He needed help with court docs for his child support case. Always a barrel of fun. Definitely no fun for him. 

He took about an hour of my time for his filing. Not really what I do but I have known John forever. Oh well. 

One more hour of work. Got a call from the jewelry store that is engraving a watch for Marika. It’s for graduation. Anyway, gal there said it was done. I could come anytime. Great. 

My 6 pm was not there on time. Not cool for a late appointment. I texted and he finally showed at 615. Turns out his emergency wasn’t. He was just a bit uninformed and did not share that with me. I pretty much figured it out and kicked him to the curb. He thought there was a hurry, but  there isn’t. So I sent him packing. 

Now that I had time, I raced to the jewelry store before closing. And, guess what? Not ready. Needed a repair to the watch band. How stupid are they?  Dumb ass said ready to go. It was in pieces when I arrived. Will go back and pick up in a couple days. 

Went home from there. Called home to let em know. 

Nice long and uneventful drive. My lovely wife and daughter had dinner ready by the time I arrived. Yay. Winner. Diner was fab just like Emily and Marika. 

We had a very pleasant meal. Just done well and very tasty.

After dinner I spent an hour putting ribbons on all the wrapping from yesterday. Starting to look a little like Xmas. We have no tree so we just have the look of Christmas. We used the wrapped gifts to make a “tree” of sorts. Very seasonal. 

Watched a little TV and went to bed. Getting up early since I’m going to SF with Marika tomorrow. Shopping you know. Taking the ferry. Will be a blast. 

Lovely. Had to get up early yesterday. Very tired. Tired last night. Fell asleep,  unable to read or blog. So Sunday I wake up at 515 am and can’t go back to sleep. Wtf? Not a happy thing. I am hoping for  a better outcome Monday morning. 

So I tried to stay in bed and go to sleep with very limited success. I ended up getting out of bed, to start the process, at about 645. 

And Emily slept on. 

The morning was pleasant. I got all the coffee i needed while I read the big paper. Nice breakfast. Emily managed to drag herself out of bed and  claimed she had been awake since five. Can I say bullshit?  I think the glottal stop snores at high decibel are a good indicator she was asleep. Though rather than argue, I let her views pass. 

My whole day today is wrapping stocking stuffers. I also am going out for a few things for stockings. Mostly Carly and Emily. 

So how did the day go? I wrapped two hours. Then went shopping. Came home and wrapped tilll 6pm. Emily is sewing stockings for the family. So she did that. All day. And finished at about 630. Our life is thrilling. 

Dinner was planned early. We are having pea soup. Which I shopped for ingredients when I was doing my little bit  of Christmas shopping. 

Good news, Marika came home for dinner. Her arrival coincided with our quitting work for the day. How convenient. I have a bottle of Dom Perignon in the outside fridge for the occasion we can toast her graduation from college. Finally, I get to throw down the Dom!  The daughter is home!  It’s tiugh holding onto vintage French champagne, it just calls out to be consumed. 

Dinner was absolutely fabulous and all enjoyed it. Emily burned her toast, I should mention. I re did that. And used a timer. No burn. 

We are now sitting around. Emily is wrapping a gift. Marika is finally trying to finish her cover letter for her job application. I am blogging and watching The Sound of Music. I have he easiest duty. 

Marika, with much encouragement, finally got her letter finished. And, best of  all got her resume and said letter submitted online. Off to the world of work. We shall see how it comes out. 

I Emily went to bed early. Seems like she wouldn’t be tired but I guess sewing is  more draining than you would expect.  But she says she is worn out. So Marika and I are left to watch the Sound of Music and do the phone thing. 

I am going to bed very soon. Maybe read the last of my book. I have a new one, gift from my buddy Douglas. His book gifts tend toward the right wing. This one is written by Bill O’Reilly and looks interesting. I haven’t read a book printed on paper in a long time. 

Off to bed. 

I like reading the cars section of the newspaper on Friday. Usually a bunch of articles about cars I will never  or never be able to buy. Like an SUV that cost $168K. Really?  Who buys that? Not me. Or a hybrid crossiver that cost half that. No. I’d rather drive a car and I am not able to understand America’s fascination with the SUV. There is a column that answers car questions in a humorous tone. Very enjoyable because the answers always make fun of the reader. But, the section I usually enjoy is the feature where a reader tells why they love their car. This week, I did not get past the title. The fool is in love with a Chevy Bolt. I just about barfed. What is this world coming to when you love an electric Chevy? It’s like saying your favorite flavor is vanilla. Favorite color is white. This is what happens when the tenants are allowed to run the asylum. I need to send in a story about my car. 

I need to text Cissie back. She has sent me ten texts while I was writing this last paragraph. She is an Uber texter, if you know what I mean. Cissie, give me a minute. I was in the first S, too.

I have another late meeting tonight. Not like last night. Client is coming to pay me, finally, the large sum he owes me. Then out for a cocktail. It’s really more of the meeting I can enjoy. 

Otherwise, not sure what else I must do today. I am supposed to close out an audit today. Have to call the client. They are freaked the fuck out. Basically. They owe about $45K. Bad audit outcome. I did not prepare the return, fortunately. But an audit is not what most people believe it is, they look at what you filed and judge it. They don’t look at what you should have filed. It’s not intricate. You provide proof for what you did. If you can’t, bad outcome. Glad it’s not me.  

Drive to work same as always. I stopped at the hardware store to pay off my account. Seems they did not have my new address so I have not been billed in six months. They finally caught up with that. Which is why I stopped. 

So now time for work. Quick drive to work. Sat in the parking lot for 15 mins returning texts and calls from the drive in to work. I get peace in the car I won’t get inside the office. 

Now in the office and nothing. Sorry I have to tell you, the day has no promise, nothing new to do. 

Though nothing new, I had a surprise visitor. A client, who owes me a lot of money. And he brought me the money. Yay. In time for Christmas I get paid a ton o cash. $12K. Yes, I am going to the bank. It is all of a sudden a fantastic day. It’s not everyday u get paid that much. 

So day goes on. Again, borinband a bunch of paperwork. Until next client shows. Why? To pay his bill. Yep, two in one day. Hard to believe. Well this one not so easy. He wanted to argue the bill. For half a damn hour. I hate him. We ended up settling on $2500 cash. I told him to go to the bank and get 100’s. Which he did. Hey, I give a discount I expect more. 

Client and I then went out for cocktails at 430. A little early, but what the hell. We had appetizers too. So my dinner was two cocktails and appetizers. Nice. We hung out till about 6. 

I headed for home. Emily called and said I should stop for something for dinner. Even though I had already eaten.  I stop d anyway despite being somewhat drunk and full. Picked up soup and sandwich for Em and soup for me. 

Home. Finally. We ate our dinner and watched bad TV. Very bad TV. I just can’t win.  

To bed very soon.