Mosh Glass

I was in bed at 930 last night which qualifies as early for me. Don’t know why so early, may be because Emily was getting ready for bed at 915. One of the signs of advancing age. Uh oh. Seeing her get ready, I turned off the TV and got ready for bed. Finding the TV off when she exited the bathroom seemed to surprise her. I said, when I see you are getting ready for bed I presume that’s where you are going. It’s not a leap. Maybe I jumped the gun but I go to bed right after doing the evening ablutions.

Not to get to far off topic, I started out talking about going to bed early. Ben Franklins famous missive, early to bed early to rise…. We have all heard it. Seems to be bullshit. I did get up early. I woke at 509 and could not get back to sleep so I got up. And I feel like crap because of it. Franklin is a liar.

It’s Friday. Nothing special on Friday mornings. Same old poop. Speaking of which, the Cocker. The one with no nerve endings in his anus. Every morning, feed dog and put him outside immediately. Because his gloppita gloppita machine starts to go. I put the little cretin out. For ten minutes. I was rewarded when I let him in and he quietly dropped four poops around the house. He doesn’t stand still. I hate that dog sometimes. It’s one thing I will not miss when he is gone. Currently, he is back outside. Whining. Too bad, so sad. Not.

Just got my first client text of the day. The individual deadline is coming up on 10/15. And late filers always remember. I don’t remind them. They are adults. They can do the adult thing without being reminded. I am thinking these were the kids whose parents continually did things for them. I am going to text back. Appointment means $$ for me.

I wish I was in the mushroom business. Every time I do poopy patrol I get more mushrooms than poops. Today was an extreme example, three shovel scoops of mushrooms and less than one of poops. Sadly, I think there are no customers for toadstools.

Everything in the way of chores done kinda early this morning. So I used the extra time to read the newspaper. In case you want to know, nothing happened in the last 24 hours.

I showered and dressed and left for work. Drive was smooth and fast. No traffic. I live right.

I arrived the same time as my first appointment. He is an Oakland cop. The most interesting thing about him is his wives. They live in Thailand. Yes, wives. He has two. I have a hell of a time with one so I can respect him for having two. According to him the average Thai man has five wives. Yikes. He has a hell of a time deciding which would be the wife on his tax return. The other would be a dependent. He does not want to anger either. I really feel for him.

I managed to finish up his return in under two hours. He even tipped me $170!! I haven’t gotten a tip in years.

After him I had someone in the waiting area with no appointment. The same client who has been in three days his week. I finished most of the return Monday last and he could never find the time to get back in and tell me some lies to get the balance due down. Well, today was the day. We sat down and went through the return I had finished. Managed to vomit the income enough to where he had a refund. Amazing. I had just finished up, right before the summer trip, 7 way past due tax returns for him. So now he owes me $4500. No tip.

After they left I just worked. And worked. And did the office payroll. And worked some more. I called the bride late in the day to see if she wanted to come in to Sacramento for dinner. She did not answer her phone. Which is par for the course. I tried several more times before I gave up and went home. I let her choose where we eat.

We got home at about the same time. She gave me some lame excuse about work being the reason she did not answer the phone. Lame excuse. She picked a spot for dinner which was only ok. Too bad, coulda had great.

Dinner out was nice. Again, nothing too special. It was also quite quick. No matter.

We headed home. Had to stop and get some super expensive dog food. Then home.

We watched a little TV. And then bedtime.

It is 755 am. And I’m done with all morning rituals. How did that happen? I can go to work early, if I want. Even if I don’t want. It’s a shame I am not retired because then my choice would be made for me. Stay home. Of course, since I still work, and have plenty to do, I am going to the office. In spite of the three adverts on the TV this morning scaring me about retirement. Those ads are always in a “scare ‘em and give ‘em the cure” format. The scare part is the only part that is true. Someday I will retire. Because I have too.

So off to work. I have so much time I thought I should stop for coffee. By the time I got that far, I had forgotten. No coffee.

I have the two failed tires in the hatch of my car. You will remember, last week, my daughter had trouble with her car. Steering and handling compromised. She went to the Honda dealer in Sant Rosa who did maintenance and rotated tires and sent her on her way. Same problems reoccurred. Daughter went to Petaluma Honda. They forbid her from driving till she replaced her front tires. Gave her a loaner car. A different approach. They identified serious problems with the tires. So, I went to buddy Jim’s tire shop got two new ones and drove them to Petaluma. Problem solved.

Marika brought the two bad ones home for me to give to Jim. Jim may be able to get cash from the wholesaler for the defects. So that’s why I am going to Jim’s this morning. To drop off the tires. I hope it works. The tires were in horrible shape. I think defective.

Work beckoned. I responded. No traffic and I am going in a couple hours earlier. I always thought it would be busier.

I arrived early and no one said a thing. Also surprising to me. But at least I know and that is really what is important.

I have a busy day. Today is the statutory deadline for an appeals filing. I need about two hours to finish it up and mail it out. It has to be postmarked today. Client needs to appeal a 250K assessment on her audit. So I need to get the appeal filed timely.

A two hour job takes 3 to 3 1/2 hours with all the interruptions. Because there always are. I did manage to finally finish the appeal. Then it was off to all the other IRS filings I had on my desk. None had a deadline. I finished a couple. I left one for a call tomorrow to the IRS. Sometimes I have to involve the enemy.

My entire day was spent doing the above. I had intended on a late meeting with a client to finish his two returns. But he could not make the time. Of course he waited until late to tell me. Dickhead.

So now time to leave. Hey! I finally had traffic to deal with. Trip actually bogged down for five minutes. Otherwise, fast trip. I stopped at the grocers on the way home for some must have supplies. Then off to home.

Emily had just arrived when I did. She had gone to work out after work.

We have little planned for this evening. Including dinner. So we jerry rigged a salad together and voila, dinner. After dinner, bad TV. Is there any other kind?

Soon bedtime. Thank god. That way I am even closer to going back to the office.

And no commas. Although they do save lives. Which is how English teachers justify their existence.

Today is another huge day. Huge. MAGA. I have a haircut at 10. Ok, it may not seem like a big deal to you. But a haircut is not everyday. And my stylist, I need style, is the largest repository of gossip in all of Dixon. So not only will I look fantastic when done, I will also be very well informed on all matters of import in Dixon. See, huge day. Maybe even get topical material to opine upon for your entertainment. Now I have your attention.

This morning, a morning like any other, was. You expect more? Emily is sitting with me. She is wolfing down her oatmeal as always. And she says I eat fast. She does this every day. I am having coffee because I just finished my meal of PB cookies and German chocolate cake. Birthday sweepings of a sort. And now I blog. Emily just passed the empty bowl to the dogs. Like always. Helps to keep them fat. Like cake and cookies for breakfast.

Today will be a short workday. I have at least two errands to run. This morning I have to buy a dozen cupcakes for some teacher thing for Emily. Yes, I am her personal slave. Also, I have to leave early for home because we have a repairman coming to fix the shower handle. The handle, plastic, shattered because I thought it was there to turn the water on and off. It wasn’t. The valve is a bit stiff and difficult to turn which when combined with a cheap handle can be a bit problematic. My point, I have to leave by 4pm to meet the repairman. Last but not least, I have to go to the finance company and make the payoff payment on the S2000. I am sick and tired of dealing with these turds so I am just paying off the loan. At least I think I am. They find many reasons to NOT take money for payment. Not kidding. And since the loan is not in my name they may refuse payment. Again, would not be the first time. I am not looking forward to this because I have had a few wasted trips to their office. I hate them. A – L Financial is a horrible company. You have been warned. I am off to clean the shower, for the repair guy. Emily needs it clean actually. Then it’s shower and outta here.

Ok. So I learned something on my first errand this morning. I went to the Safeway Bakery to get one dozen cupcakes. Seems straightforward, doesn’t it? It’s not. I searched high and low. And high and low again. They don’t sell them individually. I can get two dozen. I can get four packs for $4 each. No. I can get a dozen minis. I can get a ten pack. But the one thing they don’t sell is one dozen. And I did ask. No reason given. I looked at the gal, smiled and said “Wal Mart”.

Nice drive to Wally World. To their bakery,which is generally considered sketch, and found that they sell 12 at a time. One dozen. Hooray for team me. I purchased said cakes of cup and dropped them off at Tremont. Walking to my car I heard a hey! behind me. I turn. Some gal I have no damn idea who it is. No voice recognition and no glasses on. I had to get close enough to touch her before I realized it was Terry K. Oops. I explained my dilemma too her – I’m blind and deaf and I do remember her having known her only twenty years. I see her daughter and husband more often than her. We brought each other up to speed on our families. Usual stuff.

I drove to work. No traffic. Gentle drive. Not sure why everyone complains about the commute. I sure don’t. I like driving.

My day, as I said was shortened. I did manage to finish the two tax returns dropped off yesterday. Client is aupposed to be in at 330 to pick up. Leaves me time to take off at 4 to get home for repairman.

I did the usual other tasks I do every day. Same old crap. At about 145 I left for the bank. I need to get a payoff check certified for the loan company I mentioned above. I got to the bank at 150. Sign on the door “closed for lunch”. Really? A bank closes for lunch. For an hour?! Not much choice, I waited the ten minutes at the door.

At exactly 2pm, two women obviously just back from lunch, come to my side of the door and unlock it. I think the boss might say be back a couple minutes early and not by skin of your teeth. No matter. I stepped up to the counter. And the teller proceeded to obliterate my transaction. 15 minutes and no cashier check. Slow, stupid, poorly trained. With an accent. She had to call for help and the help did it in 2 minutes. Morons.

I drove off to the most unpleasant loan company in America. I hate them. But, this is my last act with them. I got there very quick, again no traffic. Walked up to there bullet proof window, they need it, and handed over my check and documents. And they took them. And processed them and gave me a receipt. Without any pushback. I checked the sign on the door, ya I’m in the right place. They saved the best for last I guess. Weird.

Drove to the office. Ok, traffic sucks. Slow and stopped quite often. Five miles in 15 minutes. And it’s only 3 pm.

I got back to the office a little after 3. Back to work till client arrives. At 330 he texted and said it will be tomorrow. Cool. I left. Gotta meet the next guy. Repairman. At my house.

Again I had a fine drive. Emily called about 4, I was near home. She called to go over the remains of the day. Her days are more exciting than mine. We chatted about the worst parts of her day. I think I am a good listener. She needs to tell me everything.

I got home before 5. Repair guy here between 5 and 6. So I got the mail. Did a few chores. Like poopy. Laundry. Unpacked a box from friend Cissie – blackberry jam, some baked blackberry treats, and another birthday card! The cards never end!

Emily arrived at 545. Still no Miguel the repairman. He arrived 5 mins later. He determined what I knew, the handle was broken. Duh. The valve has failed. Duh. No one ever believes you. He left to get parts. Good luck.

So Em got changed. I have been blogging. We are now both sitting. She is doing her Words With Friends thing. I am finally caught up with my day.

So no longer caught up. Days are like that. I was sitting, enjoying the doing nothing thing. Realized. Stupid dogs and cats need feeding. While I was making the dogs food, and I do mean making, I was thinking how nice this part of the day will be when the dogs are finally gone. They are 15 and 16 so my thoughts are timely. Jax, kidney and liver problem, gets special dry and half can of special wet food. About $2.50 per meal. And his large pill from the $90 bottle and half pill from the $131 bottle. See, make food. See, better once gone. The poodle still eating regular food for fat old dogs. No more dogs after these. I also had a snack while I made there dinner. And no, I did not reach into the wrong bag and eat dog food. Though I have seen that happen.

Repairman just got back. I wonder what he would say if he knew the only reason we fixed the shower tub faucet was for the cat? She loves it when we turn it on. I would swear it’s the only water she ever drinks. He has the water running in there, I can hear it. Though he said he was shutting off the water not 5 minutes ago. I do not understand. Of course, I am sitting in the front room and only getting my info in a peripheral fashion. I await his verdict.

He’s done. It works. I did nothing. Landlord paid. I like renting.

We had dinner. I made salad and sliced up some of the Birthday Wellington you are all jealous about. It is still delicious.

After dinner I suggested we go for a walk. Surprised Emily. But I need some exercise. So walking around the neighborhood at night reinforces the fact that I have no idea where I am. The houses and streets in this neighborhood are identical and it is confusing. We walked out into the neighborhood and I was completely lost. But, I did have a nice walk around and through the park and the ‘hood. I need to go for walks more often.

We came back and had dessert. Friend Cissie had included blackberry cheesecake brownies and a blackberry pie bar. It’s nice to have friends with time to bake who care enough to share what they bake. Because I have dessert. Very nice. Delish even. Thank you Cissie.

The rest of the evening is a little TV, as usual. And some sitting in this hot house. I need to shut the doors and turn on the AC if I want to sleep well. And once it’s cool, go to bed.

Good morning. I slept an extra half an hour. Just the way it works sometimes. I slept way to well and wanted to stay in bed. But it’s a workday. And I have several appointments.

But first let’s do our duty. I let my incontinent dogs out. Both with a different version of the problem. Latte is not really incontinent. She will do her business on purpose, anywhere. On your feet if she wants. That’s just a poodle with an attitude. Whereas Jaxon wanders around dropping gifts in the house with no conscious thought. None. So he has to go out often. Especially after meals. And when outside he goes anywhere, doorway or patio or lawn. Yes, we still love the stupid dog.

So I let them in. And then feed them. Jax has a half pill in am for liver issues. And special food for his kidneys. Latte gets food for fat old dogs. Not special. In evening Jax gets a quarter pill and a huge other pill that does god knows what. Mostly these pills just remove money from my pocket.

Anyway, once fed, out go the dogs. Again. Now I can make oatmeal for Emily. And her lunch. My breakfast was some pie and PB cookies. Not the usual but i am still in post birthday mode and will be until all the food is gone.

This morning, once I finally get ready, I need to take the S2000 to the body shop to fix the lower front spoiler. Cracked straight through. Lovely. I drop that car off and Uber to the Auto Vault and pick up my Fit. Then off to the races.

I have four appointments today. Gonna be busy so now is the time to get ready.

I got to the body shop in a timely manner. The hand off of the car was fast and easy. Once done with that I pressed the Uber button on my phone, and, amazingly, there was a ride available. It’s always questionable in Dixon. Not much call for rides. I got the only one available.

The ride to Auto Vault, where my car is, in West Sacramento was quick. No traffic. My driver was nice enough, and friendly and not overly talkative.

I had called ahead so they would have my ride ready. Which they did. But they had not filled the tank like I asked. Dicks. I drove direct to the closest fuel station and yanked myself.

Off to work. I arrived at exactly the same time as my first appointment, a couple who own a restaurant and brewery. Met them at the curb. I had not seen either since April. I absolutely did not recognize the husband. He had cut his hair, shaved his beard and lost 80 pounds. A new man. Or, an old man with drastic changes.

We went inside and discussed the exciting world of their accounting system for an hour or so. Not much to it. We are trying to migrate to a new software system and pick up the system maintenance. It’s what we do. We ended the meeting with us doing the initial setup and then moving forward to maintaining. All to slow.

Next person in was my buddy Hal Brown. We had to go over all open cases esp one which is almost done. Hal had a stroke recently, which is crazy, but he came out okay. Though he is still having problems with getting his meds right. And he has lost weight. We managed to catch up on details of the deals we are working on.

He left and the next client came in. An owner of an appliance repair business. We are trying to get his last years taxes done. I also had to give him his prior ten years worth that I just finished. By just I mean before vacation. He is way behind at the moment but won’t be once he finally files those ten years. Yikes. He had arrived late and I had to leave early for an outside appointment. So it was quick. I got all his stuff together fast and can finish up tomorrow.

So I was out the door by 345. I had to meet in Dixon. Nice drive back home. My check engine light came on. So I called mechanic Dennis. I am taking it to him tomorrow. In he meantime, I dropped by my Buddy Jim’s shop to use his code reader. Plugged it in and not much help. So I checked the gas cap and oil level. I aired up the tires. I left. And the light was out. Go figure.

Then off to other appointment. Only 15 minutes.

It’s too Tuesday. Off to the carniceria. I got a call while there, and thirty minutes later it was done. My god. I skipped and other calls and ordered food. Which took forever. I ordered marinated skirt steak which, it appears, takes a long damn time to cook. Like twenty minutes instead of the usual ten.

Finally all done. Off to home. Emily still not back from workout. I fed the dogs and cats. I got the take out ready. And waited. Emily got home. Dinnertime

The skirt steak was very good. Emily had the chicken which is also good. I had four more birthday cards in the mail so I guess I got a birthday extension this year. My sons card finally arrived, late because he mailed it on Saturday. He kept asking me if it had got here. Covering his tracks because he forgot. No matter.

After dinner a little TV as usual. Bedtime is soon I can only hope.

It may be a little late but ya’ll are encouraged to call and serenade me with your own rendition of Happy Birthday. I am looking forward to hearing all those sweet voices.

Got up late throw morning. Why? Because Emily called in sick and we went back to bed. Very nice. A birthday treat.

The morning was a normal morning. All the usual stuff. Even though this is my birthday, nothing extra special happened. Sadly. I had a nice breakfast. I had saved a couple blackberry hand pies my friend Cissie made I had those for breakfast. Emily had her usual oatmeal.

It’s a regular work Monday and a tax filing deadline. So I have to go to work. All day. I have to verify all filings are done and I did not miss anyone. If I did, all the lates would show up as penalty notices later. And I would get blamed.

So day spent e filing returns and checking old efiles and posting files returns. Usual crap for a deadline.

The office bought me a rhubarb pie for my bday. The party never ends. It was great. I get one every year. And they gave me a sappy card. I always get a funny one. Which I prefer.

I managed to get out of the office by 530. Not too bad. Home fast too. I had more gifts when I got home. Emily made me pillows for the tear drop, and made some tear drop themed pillow cases for the house. Very nice. And, she made peanut butter cookies and a from scratch German chocolate cake. Wow. Cake is fabulous. Cookies great too. Lucky me. Dinner was leftover birthday dinner from last night. Which was as good tonight as last. I had about six cards from family and friends to open. Always fun.

Then everything back to normal. TV for the evening and bed.

One more year, then repeat.

Even though it’s Sunday and we are having a party tonight, it’s still not a day off. This morning I woke up at 630 and it felt as though I was awake. I mean might as well get up kind of awake. What did I do? Got up, went to the can and laid down again. Lo and behold, I slept till 720. Right on, Wayne.

We did finally get up. We have a lot to do besides finish making the beef Wellington. For instance, I have to feed the animals. They insist. And do the breakfast thing. For five of us. Dee, sis in law, and Dennis, nephew, stayed the night. Dee was up and running at 630 to go get her husband in Hercules. He had been on an overnight bike ride. She brought him back to our house for breakfast.

So we made a huge breakfast for all. It’s the thing to do when people stay over. All major food groups covered except alcohol. We had plenty last night. After eating we sat around for a couple hours, till near noon, just chatting. The only reason we aren’t still sitting there is they had to leave for some thing. I was not paying attention.

They took off and we took an hour to clean up. Then it’s time for he next group. Em left to run errands. I washed the convertible. She came home and I left with her car to get a shelf unit and get her car washed. Still lots of regular shit to do on a weekend.

Got home and Emily was plowing ahead with dinner prep. I put the shelf together. We did manage to get it all together.

Guests Bob and Renee got here about 5. Perfect for the cocktail hour. So I made cocktails. Marika arrived not long after. And we got the champagne going. It’s a party.

An aside, I am selling a building in Sacramento. The notary came by tonight at six for Marika and I to sign the docs. We are both managers of the LLC that holds title. This is like a sideshow to the main event. We got signed and done and maybe the POS building will finally go away. We can only hope.

Well with signing finally done we got along to the main event. Dinner.
Beef Wellington, potatoes and salad. But mostly the Beef Wellie. A personal favorite of mine. My mother used to make it for me on my birthday. A tradition. If you are the type who has never had it, it’s a 3 lb or so beef filet, covered in mushroom pate, and that is covered in pastry dough. Baked for 20 minutes. We serve it which a shallot gravy. Extra special good. We had two bottles of wine open so we got very full and kinda drunk. Had a beautiful meal.

We had ice cream cake for dessert, another tradition, with 58 little ice cream balls on it. Also tradition, one for every year. I like birthdays. Emily loves all the things we do for birthdays. These are fun traditions.

Good news, tomorrow is my actual birthday. So one more small meal and treats. Nice.

Today is Saturday. Duh. I woke up early, which is very unpleasant when you have all morning to sleep. I woke up worrying about all sorts of things I can’t change, especially from my position in bed. So I got up.

I got the usual things done – pets, breakfast, coffee. I had a newspaper but Saturday’s paper is never any good. Now what?

Well, we have guests tonight. And party tomorrow. So that means today we clean. Because every gathering requires two cleanings. Before and after. Fun. And I clean up both times. Punished as if getting older is not enough. So, I mowed the lawn, emptied cat boxes, changing the other two beds, vacuum and mop. And straighten up. Emily did everything else. I am sure after I will need to go to the store. Because you have to buy crap if people show up. Yay.

Emily worked on the beef Wellington, which is a two day process. Each step looks easy, but there are lots of steps and each one must be perfect or, failure. She won’t accept that. And the rest of us thank her.

I did end up going to the store. Heavy cream and something else I have forgotten. I reminded Emily we were leaving early, for dinner in Port Costa, so we could wander around the stores there. When I say stores, there are 4 and all sell junk and old clothes. But you never know.

By 530 we were on our way. Smooth sailing with the top down. Beautiful early evening which got cold suddenly just east of the 37 exit where the land drops down toward the bay. Always cold there. Heater on. For those of you unfamiliar a convertible can be kept warm with the heater in spite of the top being down.

We cruised across the Al Zampa bridge at Carquinez and off 80 to the road along the shore of the SF Bay at Crockett. Though the tiny hamlet of Crockett into the rural area beyond. Funny thing is, Hwy 80 is now 3 miles behind you as the crow flies. There are 100k cars a day going by and here, a mere 3 miles alway I am alone on a twisty road along the water. Just us. 4 miles to Port Costa and all I saw were a few cattle. The first time through here, years ago, I felt like I had entered a foreign land full of aliens, just past the edge of civilization. But now, I know I have. It’s a little like Deliverance.

So, now, former factory town (C & H Sugar) of Port Costa. Small, few citizens, one main road in, Main Street 150’ long (really), and zero parking. I always find that strange. Funny thing, the only spot I found was on the street directly in front of where we were going. Like a birthday gift from the town.

We discovered that 2 of the 5 (oops) stores were closed. So we trolled what was open. No big. Fun to rummage through the crap they have. Gasp at the prices. Grope a few items. Have fun. Strangely, I found a mid century modern cutting board for a bartender. For cheap. So I bought it. I already have two but I may need a spare. I threw that in the trunk. We headed into the former hotel at the corner, next to the water. Inside is a cafe and a bar, The Warehouse. Our habit is to hang here and have drinks prior to going to the restaurant. Not a healthy habit, but so what.

I ordered a Manhattan, only whisky choice was JD or Jameson. Not really a choice but I did pick. Emily had the Mai Tai on the chalkboard, always on special, for 10$. Actually an ok mai tai. Not my fave type. My manhattan 7$ was ok. I wasn’t looking for perfect.

We got most of the way through our drinks, spending the time looking at he locals who obvs belong isolated out here, and Em’s sister Dee showed up. Was close to 8, had a reservation at 830 so we headed across the street to the Bull Valley Roadhouse. Their drinks are excellent and so is the food. Years back when I first dragged Emily out here, I wanted to try the Pre-prohibition cocktails. Turned out they were incredible. But, so was the food. So we come back as often as makes sense.

Today I am going off the diet. So when I sat I ordered a cocktail and the bread and butter. The cocktail is a bourbon whisky with a touch of sweetened lemon. A particular favorite. The bread, homemade with fancy butter. I ate half a loaf. I have not had carbs in a few weeks. Emily ordered a house cocktail that resembles an old fashion. Dee was being good on her diet and drank seltzer. Good for her. Great for me.

The rest of our party, two nephews and a girlfriend, got here about a half hour later.

And, Dee tells me she is paying cuz it’s my birthday. How nice. I really don’t order any differently but it is nice to get the nod on my day. Thanks Dee!!

We ordered up. All served family style sonyou miss nothing. And we sat and ate and chatted and shut down the restaurant. I did not notice the time passing. Very fun evening.

We went home. A lot different through there in the dark. It’s rural as hell so it’s black at night. The only lights are across the bay. But, also more fun to drive through. Last time here, we saw a red fox run up the road in front of us and a couple deer. Like I said before, right next to crowded civilization but still totally rural.

Got home in about 45 minutes, top up. Dee and one son are spending the night. Big breakfast in the morning. Should be fun. I sat down and fell asleep. Woke up and they were still getting settled. I went to bed. They can handle it.

It’s 905am and I am leaving for work. No stops. I might be first to arrive. Wow. And, the holiday is Monday which is my birthday, in case you asked. It’s my birthday if you didn’t ask.

Everything is done. I left. Since I had time, I stopped for coffee. Which took a few. Made a couple calls while I was waiting. Answered a few texts. Michael has an interview today and another tomorrow, it turns out. Marika is not responding to my text messages. Maybe later.

Off to work in my fun to drive car. At high speed. Which is how you drive it. I made it by 10. There were two cops on the way, so I had to slow up.

Work was work. It just never changes. I did a lot. Could not tell you what, specifically. But I did a lot of work. I remember that part. I am good at a lot of work. The work lasted all day. Yikes. I had a couple calls of import. I spoke to the title lady and Marika and I sign on Sunday night. During my party. Spoke to the phone co about my house excessive charges and the I received a provisional credit of a little over $1500. Yowza!! Maybe it will stick. I can only hope. For now.

Had a nice ride home. Halfway home Emily called. Seems a parent in her class made us Chile rellenos. Yummy. And they were. I stopped at the carniceria and picked up more food in order to balance out the meal.

When I got home we ate right away. Guess both of us were hungry. The rellenos were incredibly good. They also saved me $50 since we did not go out to dinner like we usually do. What an awesome meal.

We now sit and stare at the bad TV. Bad because that’s what we watch. And I hate TV. Anyhow, that’s it. Sorry to shortchange everyone but some days just aren’t worth writing about.

I will go with that. What’s up today? Well, nothing. No one wants to see me at work. Ok. Actually, way better than ok. Just got a text from someone who wants to come by and pay off a two year old debt, s few thousand. Ya, that’s a good text. And not really the type of appointment I want to be late for. In fact, if I was in a meeting I would exit the meeting to get paid. Just for the record, in case you didn’t know, my number one job is getting paid. Most people don’t make that connection. No money means nothing gets paid. In 30 days, all falls down. I am looking forward to this meeting.

Even before the good news I was doing well. I did something fantastic last night, in bed, that I would love to share with you. I slept 7 1/2 hours straight through. Wow. I have not done that in so long I can’t remember. Hurray for me. I did not share the news with the bride. She would be “happy” for me but then I would get a few minutes of complaining because she didn’t, as if that were my fault. But it really has improved my outlook. It’s an early birthday gift.

And, can you believe it, I’m watching morning TV. I had not been subjected to this in months. Emily has dropped the habit because she can’t easily see the TV from the bathroom. So it has been quiet in the am since we moved in here. Though today, she turned the TV on. I’m watching because it feels new. Though, the stories have not changed at all in the last several months. Formulaic TV. Tomorrow it’s off.

Well, it’s 815 and I’m ready to get ready. Get to work earlier than usual. Scare the employees. Keep them on their toes.

Well, I got ready. As usual. Dressed. Out he door pretty quick. So doing well to get moving to work quick and early. But, I had one stop to make.

I have an ‘02 Honda S2000. That’s a two seat convertible for the uninitiated. Extra power too. But being a sports car with power, it’s built low to the ground. Especially in the front, the lower spoiler is just 4 inches off the ground. So it picks up a lot off the ground and catches every curb and parking barrier out there. So, inevitbly it breaks. And it did. So my errand today was to stop at Superior Auto and get an estimate.

As I said, I stopped. Turns out, when I walk in, Alex the service manager is not there. Some guy named David is there. I have known Alex a long time and he has handled body repairs on several occasions. But, I can’t believe it, Alex quit. So I had to spend time breaking in new guy David to get him to do what I need. But, it took him forever to find the part with suppliers. I sat while he called everyone he could think and most he called were too stupid to understand what the part was. He did finally manage to find the part and a number for the part and with that one of the suppliers was able to price it. $500. For a very small piece of fiberglass. Very. Small. But, David came through. He said he could take it off, repair it, and paint it for $450. I balked. He lowered the price to $350. Yay new guy David. Right? Next Tuesday.

Then off to work! Took so long with all I did that I won’t get in to the office till 1140. Not early at all. Best laid plans.

I had one appointment. A client had called yesterday and wanted to come in and pay me. I said ok. Actually it was more like YA!! come in any time!! No one needs an appointment to pay me.

Client showed up right at 1145. Credit card in hand. We took care of the transaction, about $4000, quickly. Enough for payroll tomorrow. That’s good. We spent another half hour talking about his new truck and what his life was doing to him. I just try to keep up with everyone.

Another client showed up out of the blue to discuss his tax return. The one I finished in May. He seemed to think it was wrong. But I had already amended it for his mistake before I left for Europe. He was confused. But it led to my confusion which is annoying. Took an hour to straighten him out. Not all the way straight, but close enough.

After the two clients visits, I turned to regular work. I have plenty. But, again, it’s not worth the words I put on this page in order to describe it. Its boring and obtuse. So I have chosen to ignore it.

I left the office around 6, still driving the convertible. Fast. No stops on the way home, at least none I can remember. The trip lacked traffic so I made very good time.

At home, I found the wife in bed. Complaining about fatigue and a sore throat. Obviously a malingerer. We decided to go to the store to pick up beef tenderloins for my birthday dinner on Sunday. We also found a cool tear drop trailer Christmas ornament. So we got that too. We got out of the store, it was 8 o’clock. I suggested a quick dinner. So we went to Habit and each had an average quality chicken salad. The Habit is really a burger joint. But the diet I am following does not allow for bread or buns. So no burger.

Back to home. Picked up the mail. In it a couple missives requesting donations, a bank statement and the first birthday card for me!! Somebody loves me. Then inside to watch poorly produced TV programs. Which I am doing now. But it’s ten and that’s bedtime. So TV is going off and me to bed.

Ok. The good news, you read here yesterday, is I am done with my 9/15 deadline 6 days early. Just to keep count, the 15th is the legal deadline but it’s a Saturday so deadline moves to next business day, the 17th. Also good, I am not working Saturday or Sunday since there is no point. That makes today the middle of the week. At least for this week. PTL. I miss Jim Bakker.

Today is Wednesday, whether you keep track or not. On Wednesday I weigh myself to chart my progress, I hope, in the current diet shenanigans. Good news, PTL, I am at 156 lbs which is a drop of over 3 lbs from last weigh in. You may now worship me and shower me with gifts (non-fattening). Thank you. I hate diets and dieting. I was at 155 when I left for Europe and it’s taken a month to get back so close to that. A month. I would love being on a diet if it weren’t for the fact it’s a complete and utter permanent change in my entire lifestyle to lose and maintain the weight. If I pick up the old lifestyle, fat follows. And seriously, the diet is no fun but the lifetime of maintenance is murder.

In honor of losing weight, I put some homemade blackberry butter on my fine breakfast of diet pancakes. It makes all the difference. It is generally my only cheat for the entire week. I follow the diet strictly. That’s why it works and that’s why I’m in it. Why cheat yourself?

So this morning has turned into a text and call fest. I am not sure what has gotten into all these people out there. I got Yelp referral calls, calls from friends and clients and texts from everyone. All in the last hour or so. I need time for a shower and shave folks. And I gotta get outta here to my 11am appointment. Lots to do.

Ok. Managed a shower, quick one, without anyone calling. While shaving, two more calls. People love me. A little too much. I am getting there. I am waiting on a particular call that’s why the phone is still on. Or all would go to voicemail.

So all this phone calling and such slowed my exit from the house. And I have an 11 o’clock appointment in my office. Well, blessedly, I’m driving my fast car and there was literally no traffic. A good combo. Of course my appointment showed up 30 minutes early. That’s his problem. I arrived at 1105 which was a minor miracle.

We had a nice talk about his taxes. And we may have a way to fix his problem with paying too much. I can only hope.

Once he left I just had work to do. One more tax return showed up. It’s done.

As always I filled my day with the usual mundane tasks and paid bills. Nothing thrilling or interesting. Sorry. We all worked, head down, for the day. It’s always so surprising how much I can get done. And then, at days end, completely forget what I have accomplished.

I left at about 515. Need to go to Auto Vault where the Fit is parked, and get the garage door opener. When I left their yesterday I thought I got everything. I got all the booze. I forgot the opener. And since it’s my house key I kinda need it.

Nothing exciting today at the Vault. The front desk had a person at it. So no problems finding someone to help me. Though the gal was kinda slow and couldn’t find my opener. Turned out, after she called the back, it was right in front of her. On the desk. Which really surprised her. Like I said, kinda slow.

Off to Vacaville. At top speed. I got the race car and I like to make it move. The top was down despite the rather cool weather today. I had to turn on the heater to get comfortable. Felt like the trip took forever. Though I’m sure it didn’t. Good news, I was able to get in the house now that I have my opener.

Wednesday night dinner is not anything traditional. Usually we just pull crap out of the fridge and eat. More than likely last of the weekends leftovers. Tonight we decided to make something new. Mostly since we had no leftovers. We made pizza. We had frozen cauliflower pizza crusts, and you can put anything on top of a pizza. I even found a little container of leftover pork chops which went on the pizza as well. We made a quick sauce of some tomatoes and just rummaged in the fridge for anything that worked. And the pizza was awesome. None leftover at all.

Guess where I am now? Wrong. I’m watching bad TV and blogging. That means I don’t really have to pay attention to the TV at all. Thank god. I truly hate TV. A lot. And this show is really stupid. And it’s just one more to detest. But it’s 858 and Last Man is on. I like that show. And I have written enough.