Mosh Glass

sorry for not blogging on Monday. My bad. Or Tuesday. I been lazy. I will be the first to say you didn’t miss much.

For those who feel left out, on Monday I worked out. Then went to work. On the edge of your seat yet? I had an hour long conference call with a client. Did the usual for another few hours. Went home. Had dinner. Watched some TV. Went to bed. Yawn.

Tuesday was a little different. Today Em and I are going to SF. A quick two night vacation. First things first, I had my usual workout. No excuses. I got home and everyone was still in bed. Marika had not gone with me which she usually does.

While the two of them crawled out of bed, I hit the shower. When I finished I got dressed and was ready to leave. I had packed last night.

Marika left pretty quick to go visit her friend Isabella. Bella is moving, movers arrive today, and she is off to Alaska for minimum two years. Her husband got stationed there. This will be Marikas last chance to hang out with her for a long time. And if her husband gets stationed in some far out place again, she may never really see her again. That’s sad.

I hung around doing various things while Emily took her sweet time packing. She is a same day packer which explains why it takes her so long. Took her an hour at least. We are not on a schedule but I would still like to get moving.

We finally got going. Amazing. We took two cars because I am dropping mine at the speed shop. There are a few things still needing attention like a couple broken interior switches and the check engine light. Some new light bulbs. Minor, but necessary.

After that we drove about 30 miles and stopped for lunch. For an hour. I think we will eventually get to SF though I’m not sure when. I hope today.

Our drive continued. No more stops except a pee pee and snack stop in Emeryville. Then over the bridge to SF.

I got lucky on my hotel pick it turns out. I booked 2 nights at a place in the Marina. The motel is near 80 years old but charmingly rehabed. Each unit has its own garage, a full kitchen and full bathroom. Like little apartments. Very well appointed and cheap. I got lucky. And Emily loved it. Yay.

Place is well located too. About a block and a half up from the motel is Maybeck’s. It’s a restaurant famous for its Beef Wellington. Emily has co opted their recipe and makes their Beef Wellington recipe. So we are going there for dinner. Tomorrow is Wellington night so we will miss that.

We settled into our room. Put stuff in the full sized fridge, clothes in the dresser, toiletries in the can. Usual. Once we were done we went out for a walk. We are on Lombard near the Palace of Fine Arts. Centrally locates in the Marina. So where did we go? We went to the marina down by Chrissy Field and just walked around. Down the waterfront, through the neighborhood, just a quick look around. I lived in SF in the 60s and the mid 80’s. Emily had a job down here and lived in the city for a few months in the 80’s. So our trip is a little reminiscent.

We wandered around for a few hours till it became to cold to be outside. I did not bring a jacket which was a mistake. We went back to motel and relaxed for a few. Relaxed until we felt like going to dinner. Then we went to dinner.

Like all restaurants in SF, Maybeck’s is overpriced. But we aren’t letting that stop us. Fortunately, we arrived during happy hour. Drinks $7 instead of $16. Nice. And their cocktails are excellent. Unlike many bats they serve the same drink at happy hour as otherwise and just reduce the price.

some bad news, I ended up drinking two Manhattans. And they are extra strong. I got drunk. Add to that the wine I had with dinner, extra drunk. The food is excellent, btw.

We hobbled back to the motel. Late. I passed out rather quickly. Weird.

Ok. Good news. I slept in till 730. I feel good and I hope you all are as happy for me as I am.

Again, the day promises very little. Which usually means I will end up doing chores. I fill in down time with work. Can’t stand TV or football, so it’s chores.

We got up late. Yay. Emily went straight into the shower. Musta felt dirty. Who knows? I, on the other hand, fed animals, made coffee, made everyone breakfast. Nice. When Emily popped her head out I told her, that’s right, to go get the newspaper. Hey, I’m workin here! She obliged. When she got back it’s time for newspaper and coffee. Only I am off coffee so it’s newspaper and nothing.

Today’s plan, Emily is going into school but wants to be back in time for a hike to Hidden Falls. I will give my advance opinion: she will not be back til after dark. No hike. We shall see.

Once Emily had left I actually sorta watched a movie. Old Cary Grant, An Affair to Remember. Have not seen it since I was a kid. It has not aged well. Quite dated. I enjoyed the reminiscence. I don’t recommend it.

I did chores like laundry. Got my new telescope set up so I can start spying on the neighbors or looking at the night skies. Clipped the dogs nails which was very traumatic for the dog. Put new stickers on the brides MBZ. Drive to town to hit the grocers and pet store. The usual stuff. Watched five minutes of football. A Sunday.

I am going now to set up the barbecue for our dinner. Steaks, per request of the queen. I am adding a little smoke to it for fun. Emily will be home in about 40 minutes. Which is about 39 past sundown. See? I was right.

While waiting for my beloved to return I decided to run out to Hidden Falls Regional Park just to check it out. We had intended on going for a hike today, that is until Emily went to work and screwed up all our plans. At least I had an awesome drive out there and back. It’s also on the wine trail. I have lived here a year and never been to either. Maybe next week.

When I returned home I set up the barbecue and chipped the veggies for dinner. Got the potatoes ready. Emily arrived home a few minutes after me. She was no help at all.

Dinner was delicious, something about smoked meat just makes it a meal.

Just in case you are interested, we are now watching AFV in post dinner stupor. Emily wants dessert. We will see.

She found some chocolate turnovers. So I had one. Now she wants something else. Munchies without weed. Goldbergs is starting. She can search for more. I am into the bad shows.

I am also doing laundry while I watch TV. Multi tasking at its finest. I can laugh at sitcom antics and fold sheets simultaneously.

Well, laundry is done. TV continues. I am thinking of going to bed before the show is over. Emily is asleep in the chair next to me. I am going to finish another load and go to bed.

Today is the first day of the weekend and should be for a few chores and some sitting around. No.

We are driving to Dixon so I can get a new set of tires for the Fit at my buddy’s shop. One of my tires has been losing air and I need a repair. The day after new year I had been in Dixon and stopped at the tire shop. Closed. So I decided to consort with the evil empire. I went to Les Schwab. They took forty minutes to look at my tires and said I needed all new. And refused to patch the one. Assholes. I left and aired up the tires at the gas station.

Keeping all this in mind, I went back to Dixon today. Emily went with me so she could do some work in her classroom. We left the house around 8, stopped for coffee and got on our way.

There was very little traffic to speak of on the way to Dixon. A slow Saturday for everyone. We made good time and I dropped Em at Tremont and headed to the other side of town.

The shop knew I was coming and had tires waiting for me. The only surprise was that one of the tires was near new. I had forgotten I had replaced it. I guess Les Schwab thought they could pull one over in me. Doing the right thing since 1952. Bullshit. The folks here at Jim’s replaced three tires. They don’t lie. Did not take long to get new rubber, about the amount of time it took me to read the morning paper. Real quick.

I tested out my new tires by driving over to Tremont. Not much of a test really. The real test was the test of my patience and sanity after I arrived at Tremont. That is because I had to help work in the classroom. I love helping my dear wife but I hate the classwork.

We worked for about an hour more and then headed for the barn. Strangely, we did not stop anywhere on the drive to Auburn. Usually Emily wants to do a little shopping or has stops. Not today. We stopped at Home Depot to look at cabinet spice racks. Unsuccessful. Turns out the Depot only sells things like that online. I think it’s the kind of thing I need to go hands on with. We left with some sponges, on sale, and went home.

Our real estate agent, Kary, is coming over for a visit this evening. That means clean house. She started on that. I went out and washed my car. Car has not been cleaned since the rains started and it’s filthy. It was filthy but I cleaned it. The level of dirt took over an hour to get the job done. And I did not vacuum. I may have mentioned, my car vac is dying and the bearings scream when it runs. I would say the vacuum sucks but it doesn’t.

We cleaned up a bit more. Emily got changed. I didn’t. Kary is coming at about 530 but does not want dinner. She doesn’t eat as far as I know. She is bringing champagne and I do hope it’s good. But we gotta eat and plan on going out after Kary leaves.

Kary is selling our South Auburn lot for us. I keep hoping it will sell soon. It’s been a year on market. And I pay a mortgage on it. I want it to go away. Kary, please sell it! Now, I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea. We love Kary. She got us into this house all on her own. Was not even on the market. She does a fantastic job. I just want our lot sold.

Back to our evening. Kary brought very good champagne. Which I thanked her for. She obviously understands what makes a nice bottle of bubbly. Many people don’t get it and please don’t you bring me champagne.

The four of us sat around drinking champagne and eating hors d’oeuvre for a few hours. So long, we had to send Marika out to get take out (Indian). It was getting close to 9 and restaurants are closing. When Marika returned we were still sitting and chatting and on our third bottle of champagne (2 were splits, relax) and now eating Lamb vindaloo and naan.

We really had a great time and it’s always a pleasure to see her. It’s been awhile.

After Kary left we shut down and went to bed. I think everyone knows we don’t stay up late and Sunday is the last opportunity to sleep late.

Day was quite normal. Will be better once Emily returns to work in ten days. Then the flow of the day will improve or at least return to normal.

I never workout on Friday. So, today, I got up at 6 to go workout. It does to make sense. I go to the gym 4 weekdays a week and I missed it yesterday. First time for everything.

The workout was kinda hard though nothing like Wednesday which was insane. Either way, I finished up early and went home. Made sure to take my assigned supplements.

Arrived home, garbage can was still at the bottom of the hill. Full. Not sure what’s up but two weeks in a row the man of trash has failed to pick up on the assigned day. Doesn’t seem like a difficult job.

I got into the shower almost immediately upon arrival. Emily interrupted my shower to say goodbye. She has a yoga class to attend. She ran off.

Took about an hour but I managed to get ready, get the house ready, and get on the road. Why so long? I had to change a tire on the Fit. It was flat. Really flat. I had to put the donut on. The tires are shot and tomorrow I am going to friend Jim’s tire shop to get new rubber. We are stopping in Rocklin, on the way, for Em’s yoga class.

Back to today. Nice ride to the office in the race car. Remember, the Fit is limping on the slick tires. Probably not safe to drive. But still fun with the new turbo.

I worked all day. Noon to six. Ok. 3/4 day. My 1pm appointment failed to show or call. So I went to the bank to make a deposit. Came back. Paid a few bills, made some calls, prepared a couple tax returns. Day went by. Last appointment was at 4. That lasted almost an hour. Seemed pointless to a certain extent. But one of the two attendees wanted to meet with the other and so my office was the place to go. They left by about 5. I worked for another hour and went home.

Again, my drive was great. Fast and furious, no one in the way. Love it. When I got to my road there was no one in the way so I was able to drive it like a race course. Lovely.

Not much going at home. Emily had not started dinner. She had fed the dog. That’s good.

We opened some wine. And made dinner. Leftovers. It is my fave. Now we watch TV. Which is bad as usual. I am looking forward to bedtime.

This week, due to the holiday, Thursday is the middle of the week. Sort of. And not much of a day either.

What’s saddest about today is I missed my workout. Yesterday’s was a killer and I looked fwd to today’s. But, I had an appointment at 930. I tried to change it to a late time to get in a workout. But, she did not answer any of my texts. Or calls. Dumb ass. She does not understand the etiquette of telephones.

I have a problem. No, not that. My right rear tire has a very slow leak in it. It goes from full to half full in 3 days. I figure today, while in Dixon for my appointment, I can go to Haughn’s and get it fixed. Maybe a new tire.

Trip to Dixon was fast though I was still 15 mins late. My appointment was quick and, by the way, her child custody case is going in her favor. Just sayin.

I have another appointment in an hour. Time for the tire shop. What did they say about my tire? We will never know because they were closed today. I did call the owner, an old friend, currently traveling in Wyoming and he was surprised they were closed. His own shop. So no tire fix.

I decided to consort with the enemy. I drive the 1/4 mile to Les Schwab Tires. Part of the evil empire. I noticed, upon arrival, no one came running out to greet me like on TV. Went inside, took a few minutes to find someone. They took the car in right away. Came back 30 mins later and told me I need new tires. They refused to fix my leaking tire. They did not air up my tires. It was free. Two out of three.

Went to my next appointment, getting my haircut. Also, got to hear all the gossip in town and what happened during Christmas. And, so you know, Kevin got a new knee.

When I finally looked perfect, it was time for work. No issues on the road. No issues at work either. I have one appointment at 3 and nothing else planned. Just the usual crap. So one hour of talking and five hours of flushing. So to speak.

Winco was calling my name in the drive home. Also needed a quick stop to air up the bad tire. Not a good sign. I had to stop for a couple pounds of lunch meat. They have the best price by far.

Headed home from there. No issues.

Dinner was on when I arrived. We are having pulled pork on sweet potatoes. Yeah, sounds weird. It was excellent. Who knew? I guess Emily did.

I have been watching Tv for the last 90 mins, since dinner. I am getting up to do dishes and then it’s bed time.

Happy new year. Note the gusto with which I deliver that line. None. It’s because I can’t possibly know what’s coming and whether it will be happy or not. I won’t know till the end and by then I won’t remember what passed.

Emily did not want champagne this morning. Again. I want some. Celebrate the new year. Maybe later.

Following tradition, today is the day we put away Christmas until next November. It’s never fun and Emily always complains she does all the work. She doesn’t, it’s a martyr complex. I help. I always help. This year we have the added pleasure of having a “live” Xmas tree. For the past 16 years we have used the same pre lit fake tree. And I loved it. Dumped it in the move. Anyway, real “live” tree this year. And like all other 30 days from cut trees, dry as a bone now. I spent 30 mins with the vacuum. Of course Emily then says vacuum the house too. This shit gets out of hand quickly.

The big put away took most of the day, about six hours. I am beat as hell. I was up very early for work out, without Marika who spent the night elsewhere. And my workout was way to difficult.

That’s really my whole day. Once we were done packing away and cleaning I started a pot roast and we sat down. Marika got home, she has a cold. I medicated her and she went to bed. We sat down and relaxed by folding laundry. What fun. About 530 Marika got up. Now I had an allie for champagne and she agreed to a glass. Finally I got my new year champagne.

At about 6 we had dinner. First time Emily made pot roast. And I made it. Although she did get upset and PO’d at me for cutting the carrots incorrectly. That’s like making it.

Marika is back in bed. Emily is asleep next to me on the couch. Day is done. Marika wants to get up at 5 for workout. She kills me. It’s bed time cuz I am getting up too early.

It’s close to over. Done. There is a fork in its ass as we speak. No, not Emily. Year 2019. That’s almost done. Which means we are all one year older. Unless you died this year. Then you’re done.

It’s six pm and the electrician just arrived to put up the lights on our ceiling fans. The weird part is that it’s New Years. And he is here working. His choice. Worlds greatest electrician. He has been doing so much work here that we bought him a Christmas present. Maybe that’s why he is working on New Years.

Our day began very early. 6 am as usual. Woke the girl to go workout. She was in an incredibly foul mood. Very foul. A bitch. And a half. Yet I still went to workout with her. I’m a saint.

Before the gym, we dropped by the Honda dealer. Marikas car has a faulty heater fan. And it’s damn cold up here. So we dropped the car and then went to the gym. Emily followed us later to get her car serviced. But she missed out on the gym. She is going to yoga later.

After workout we went back to the dealer and met up with Emily. Her car was ready right as we arrived. I suggested we all go out for donuts at Dunk n Run which is just up the street. Strangely, everyone agreed, even the young angry girl whose attitude is still bad wanted a donut.

Just to let out all the suspense, I got an apple fritter and a cup o decaf. Not sure what donuts they got cuz I was too into mine. It was lovely. Side note, there is a picture on the wall at the donut place of five regulars who frequent the place. And they were there, sitting in the same chairs at the counter. Nice guys.

Went back hame. Got a call on the way from the auto shop, Marikas car was already done. We can get that later. We all got ready for our day, except for Emily. She went from donuts to yoga class. Not exactly Namaste but who cares.

Once we were both clean and dresseD we took off. I drove Marika to the shop, though there was little room in the car for her and her attitude. I am such a nice daddy I paid for her car repairs. She took off to her friends. They are headed to Reno for the new year. I, on the other hand, am going to the office. Not exactly Reno, but real close. Not.

Work. I made twenty phone calls. Tried to do a little other work but the calls got in the way. Strangely, a prospective client showed up at the office for a consult. Which seemed weird since he had no appointment. No matter. I sat and talked to him about options for his business in light of regulatory changes. Doesn’t that sound thrilling? Nice guy, Italian immigrant so more euro in attitude. Nice change from the usual American bums. He stated he would be back to get his taxes done and perhaps form a corporation. All sounds good.

I left for home not long after my visitor left. On the way home i stopped to buy some champagne, necessary for the new year. Driving north I made several phone calls. Had a 30 minute conference call too. Last day of the year is a big day for tax plans. I rode the conference call into the garage. It was followed in immediate succession by five more calls. Big call day. I did finally get out of the car and close the garage.

Emily was already making dinner when I got in the house. It is New Years taco Tuesday and in that spirit she made carnitas and beans. Yummy. The carnitas were excellent.

We are now watching a little TV. By we I mean Emily is snoring next to me while I blog and ignore the TV. Soon bedtime, I’m not staying up to greet the new year.

The Monday between Christmas and New Year is part of the holiday season but hardly a holiday. Emily is still on break. I don’t get break.

Today is practice for the end of the holidays. Marika and I got up at 6 and went to workout. Nothing strange there.

After workout we went straight home. I did the usual am tasks only Em is home so there is a little more to do. She always comes up with more things for me to do. Funny. But not. Eventually I got done and loaded up and off to work.

Boring drive to the office. So boring I missed my exit and had to go a weird way to the office. Took a few extra minutes but I did get to see some neighborhoods most people don’t.

At office I dumped my car load of cardboard boxes which were leftover from Christmas. My office has a large dumpster and we don’t at home. I do this every year. Ahh, tradition.

Work. Boring and obtuse. I hate my work. I want it to be gone. Someday I can retire. Just not soon enough. I worked till about six pm. Not sure what I did. I put it out of my mind.

Trip home was smooth. No problems. No stops.

Emily had dinner made a few minutes after I arrived. Marikas boyfriend Jutt is joining us. Prime rib leftovers and scallop potatoes. Nothing better exists.

Watched a little TV after eating and it was bedtime. See, not much holiday left.

I am not sure where the “Sunday is the first day of the week” came from. Today feels very last day. And it’s cold. And it’s raining like hell. 15 minutes away it’s snowing like hell. And it’s almost five so it’s getting dark. The combination is depressing, mostly.

Last night was the biggest day of the holiday season. The social event of the season. The Vivier CPA annual holiday party. Our tradition, the past 25 years is to have a lunch. We work till noon and head out to a local restaurant and eat and drink till done. On a Friday. Close to, but before Christmas. Well, 26th year of our party, and it’s all new. This year is the year of change. No lunch, dinner. No weekday, Saturday. No restaurant, my house. Mind blowing.

We had suggested to all to show up about 430 for drinks and apps till dinner around six. All were here by 5 and party on, Garth. Not surprisingly, all the employees opted for cocktails so I was busy making them for an hour. All except Walkers plus one, Diane, she opted for wine. She is a former employee but quit. Appetizers were a large charcuterie which is enough. Believe me.

From drinks we move to dinner, where my lovely bride outdid herself. She made, HER choice, individual beef Wellington’s for the 12 guests. Insane. Plus assorted sides. Who really cares about sides when Beef Wellington is the main course? No one, exactly. For the plebeian amongst us, a beef Wellington is a filet of beef spiced and seared, covered in mushroom pate, covered with pastry. Cooked quickly at high heat just to get the beef to rare. Tasty.

Of course we had several bottles of wine because you have to.

For dessert, Marika has gone to the bakery and picked up more than enough individual desserts for everyone to go home happy. And leftovers for my breakfast.

Best part of all, everyone gives me a gift. I give them gifts too, but one each. I receive four. Haha good to be me. Handmade, homemade cookies, a new fur hat, wine amongst all. Lucky me.

We don’t sit around and drink and whatever. We finished and everyone headed home. Best party of the year, great food with people you know too damn well. You should have been there.

Friday night Em and I and Marika and Jutt travelled to Port Costa for dinner at one of our favorite places, Bull Valley Roadhouse. Isolated south of the Carquinez Bridge, by a few miles, and a bit of a trip. But, food is fantastic and the pre prohibition cocktails are great. I had a couple. Dinner was a fine affair. Friendly crowd. Raining too much. I drove the almost two hours home and was nodding off the whole way. Fun.

Sunday was slower, which is good. Woke up at 845 which is def sleeping in. We had wanted to go out for breakfast but the kids did not get up early. Like out to breakfast? at 1130. I had lunch.

After lunch I returned the chairs and table I had rented for the office party. Stopped to return some stuff at Target, and bought a bottle of Rye from a local distiller for a friend. Then home and spent lots of time cleaning up and wrapping gifts. Soon, dinner. Am watching TV now and doing this blog thing. Tomorrow, back to the work week. Emily on break. Nice. 3 days to Christmas.

Dinner was homemade soup with sausage. And also very good. Had leftover wine too. And leftover desserts. Any way l look at it, dinner had new and leftover food and it was fabulous.

Emily washes the dishes which made it easier for me to watch TV. We are going to bed early tonight. Big work day tomorrow.

We are still in the holiday season. Today is only 12/29 and the holiday extends through the first. So there. Of course, I also work the next two days. That sucks.

Today was no work day. Mostly. We got up at 9am. That’s two days in a row of sleeping in. I’m excited. It’s a great start to any day.

I was ready to sit around for an hour. Drink some coffee and read the paper. That was my plan. Emily has a plan too. Go out to breakfast. I did not want to. I even suggested McDonalds. But, noooo, we had to go to a real restaurant where I was served cold food. Whatever. A one hour wait and cold food.

After brunch we had shopping. I just love going shopping. Sure. Hardware store for all items needed to finish yesterday’s pantry rehab. Just a few things. Emily decided today was the day we should get the light kits for all our ceiling fans. And a few other things we can’t live without.

We did finally get all we needed. Next up grocers and pharmacy. Just a few items and no extras. Not as obnoxious as the hardware store visit.

No more stops. We went home. We unloaded, the car, not our emotions. I got started right away on the pantry. I really want to be done with it. It’s really something Emily wanted. I don’t care either way. Just my job to implement the change.

I had very little left to finish up. I tacked a shelf support under the bottom shelf. Then attached a small piece of moulding across between the floor and bottom shelf. That finished the shelves. Next I sprayed dry silicone lubricant on the pantry door runners. Attached new guide wheels to the pantry doors and hung them. Last item, the door keeper at the bottom. I had to fashion a guide out of plastic and reinstall the keeper. And I am done. Now my OCD wife can label all the shelves. She loves labeling.

Just like yesterday, I humped all the tools and the compressor back out to the workshop. Put them all away. And with that my workday was done.

Emily finished rearranging the pantry and hall closet. I watched TV. And I sat around for a couple hours till dinner. During which time Marika came home and then let again to work out. She managed to be back home by dinner.

l suggested we have leftovers for dinner after Em got mildly upset we hadn’t planned dinner. Not sure what bothered her so much, it’s just dinner. We ended up with tamales, beans and a salad. Quite nice. Pecan pie for dessert. Emily made chocolate turnovers too.

While eating, Marika got a call from her friend Leahness. Invited her up to Auburn from Dixon. At 7 pm. Leah said she would be here by 8 with 2 year old daughter in tow.

I moved to the front room and watched the last of the 49er game. They won. Worked on Marikas jigsaw puzzle. Made a cocktail for Marika. And watched TV.

Leahness and child showed at a little after eight. Made her a drink. Fed the child candy and other junk. At about nine, Em and I went to bed. Life is thrilling.