Mosh Glass

Another oops. Shld been Sunday

It’s Sunday. Today is truly shaping up to be a day off. I am home alone. I have 2 chores. Groceries done sononly need to fold laundry. Emily not here. I am actually bored, like Ed.

Today we slept till 830. Finally sleeping in. Only one glorious day but at least we got it.

Usual start to the day – doggy constitutional, breakfast for all, coffee (I finally bought a bag). Usual. I had the time to sit and spend an hour with my friend the Chronicle. We have been in a relationship for 50 years. Very nice. The weeks crap was really done by yesterday except light grocery shopping. Emily has a girls day with her sister and a friend. So she will be gone. I have to fold laundry and I am done. I reallly will have nothingbtondonfor half a day. Half a day out of seven to myself.

So went to the grocery store. Really was light shopping, only $30. Perishables only. I did forget to go to the butcher shop. I’ll get something from the freezer. If there is anything. My whole trip was under 30 mins.

My friend Cissie called when I got back. We had a nice time catching up on all the mundane, yet very important things going on in our lives. Cissie and I twent at pretty much every day but the once in awhile call is nice. Our call crossed her nap time so she had to go. She is canning blackberry jelly once her nap time is over. Maybe she will send me some. Boy, that would be awesome. Especially after all the homemade goodies she sent last week.

Ok. Laundry is folded and I am up to date on today’s blog. What to do? I will report back later.

Well, what to do? How about nothing? Or at least not much. I did a few mundane things. Nothing special hence the mundane tag. Emily and Dee came home in late afternoon. Their girls day turned out to be mostly shopping which is not a surprise. I would expect no less.

So Dee took off for home. And her new four pair of shoes went with her.

We ended up getting dinner started. Only started because Emily had no rice for risotto. So we went to the store. I got to go through the meat on sale like Ny Strips 30% off. I got those. Emily decided to buy pork ribs. We already had them in the freezer it turned out. And we got risotto. Which we also had in the cupboard. So the trip was 50% wasted time. Too bad.

The combo of a t bone and lamb steak was great. The risotto was ok. The wine I opened was not much of a Cabernet, too fruity. Although the salad was fantastic. Dishes done now. We watch TV. Nothing much on. Waiting for the excitement.

What do you have to lose? Gonna tell it like it is. Listen to me baby.

Tuesday is way better than Monday. Just sayin. Only thing I know is going on today is the appointment I rescheduled from yesterday. Other than that the day is new and exciting and unknown. All that, unlikely. I hope I can find something to make this day one of a kind. One of a kind good I mean.

Well, all morning items as checked off on the checklist are done. And no different than usual. Definitely not one of a kind. The excitement of morning chores was not palpable. Sorry.

Drive to work was the same. One quick detour. I stopped at Starbucks and got a caramel macchiato and took it to Emily at work. Women need to know you think about them when they aren’t around.

This act of kindness brings up a question: when the hell did a cup of flavored coffee at Starbucks go to $4.75. That’s half a movie. A full meal at McDonalds. A pound of hamburger. Come on, the crap isn’t even good coffee. I always buy a small coffee when I go there. Which isn’t often. Outrageous is the word I use for this. Wow. This is why I make coffee at home or get an americano at the bakery for $1.50.

Moving onward. Work. Got there about 11. That’s early for me. Have I mentioned I hate work? Makes me a late arriver every day. The work today? In a word, scintillating. Ok, boring. The usual load of paperwork plus a call to the IRS. I would be jealous of me too.

Late in the afternoon a client came by. He thought he had an appointment. He didn’t. But I was in need of some excitement so I saw him. We spent a couple hours working on three tax returns. Normal stuff. He is a very entertaining guy, a car salesman. So we usually have a blast. This part of work I enjoy. I managed to finalize all but the paper part of the taxes. That can be mailed later.

This appointment lasted till 430. I had another appointment at 4 and he showed up 10 minutes late. Weird thing, he left. Got a text later and he said he was to busy anyway to see me. Very strange.

Was ready to head home. Got a text from Cara. She has been out today for jury duty. Well, she got picked. Great. Now I am out an employee for a week. I called her, she said she had tried to not get picked but it would appear she was not forceful enough with the attorneys to demonstrate her lack of ability as a juror. Putting it straight, she screwed up. Worse for her, I don’t pay for days off for this bs. Too bad.

I headed home. The drive? Crazy, crazy dull. I stopped on the way at our favorite carniceria for Taco Tuesday. This time they had Chile verde. Hurray for us.

While having dinner I called Michael. He has an interview for a paying internship in Salinas at a County hospital. Sounds like a nice opportunity. He has been sick for over a week so he was more sickly than excited. His mom and I are very excited about it. We did not let on. Mostly. I can hope.

Michael also made an offhand remark about my brother in law. He was in the hospital for a few days. And no one called. Which includes my dumb ass sister Doriene. She left for London in the middle of this last week. She has work. Stupid bitch. Oops. I meant to call her a stupid inconsiderate bitch. My bad. Her husband goes in the hospital and she goes out of town for work.

I phoned Vince and talked to him. I offered to help but he says he has been able to get up and walk for over 24 hours so he thinks he can do things by himself without help. He sounds awful and is on lots of meds. Not dying as I understand it. And no one called. Confusing.

We went to the store to get a few provisions. We are making meatloaf. Marika and I are going to Visalia on Thursday to see dad/grandpa so we are making an extra meatloaf for dad. He will probably get mad. But, he gets mad about everything.

Back to home. A little clean up. Off to bed

I have decided todaybis a great, maybe fantastic, day for a break. So, a break for me is no blog for you. See you tomorrow.

Sorry forgot to post this a week ago

Hey, I was just thinking as I sat here this morning, listening to my dog. I may have never mentioned one of my least favorite morning tasks. Every morning, first thing, I put the dogs out for their morning constitutional. Not uncommon for dog owners. But, Jax, Marika’s Cocker, is special. He was very sick about a year back. Almost died. He came out of it, but he was a changed dog. He has lost control, not completely, of his bowels. He can hold all night. Usually. But every morning I have to get him out. Obviously. The kicker? I have to remember in my busy morning to put him out right after I feed him or he leaves a trail of “bread crumbs” all over the house. The big question, why do we forget to put him out every morning after he eats. The dog has no idea what he is doing so it’s all on us. Emily forgets too. It’s a good thing we have vinyl floors.

There is no coffee in the house again. My coffee man, Shawn, was unable to get to the office yesterday. So it’s German Bakery again today. I would complain to Shawn but it is free. I like free.

Marika and I will head up for coffee when I am finally showered and etc. She is sound asleep right now. As sound asleep as one can be whennher dog is whining. Loudly. Next to her bed.

So I showered and got dressed. Went out back and picked up the poop. Awesome. Came in. Marika was up and we are going for coffee before she eats or showers. I gotta go.

We went up to the bakery for our Americanos. Cheaper than brewed coffee, strangely. On our way out we ran into Emily Kincheloe. A fri Nd of my daughters for 20 years. Hence, my friend too. She is working for her Dad now, Bob, as a locksmith. Crazy. We had a nice chat and got all caught up. Waved bye bye.

Back to the house. We decided to try and install the armrest on Marika’s car. She pulled out the one she didn’t like and got one from the wreckers that is like mine. Turns out we need a couple more parts to make this work. Marika bout had a cow over that. I did manage to get her calmed down and sent her back to Superior auto body. I figured Alex, svc mgr, would have an idea. I got a call about an hour later. He had a solve, cost $5. Marika pit he cow back in the pasture.

Anyway, I left miss pissed off and went to work. I have 3 appts today. When I arrived, my first appt, early, had left cuz she forgot her paperwork. Next appt cancelled. I just worked on the crap I had, of which I had plenty. Enough to keep me head down all day working. My last appointment was at 5. Guy is starting a business selling auto tires online. Had a nice chat. No work for me yet. I referred him to an incorporator and invited him to come back when he had tax and accounting work.

Off to home. It’s Tuesday so I stopped at Lupitas for Mexican food. The assholes were out of Chile verde. Only our favorite. That place must be run by Mexicans, I swear.

Now we are watching bad tv, post dinner. I would rather just go to bed but Emily feels the need to stay up later. It’s a waste. Maybe I can sneak to bed without her noticing.

Saturday. The day for sleeping late. I got up at 6am. Read the paper for an hour, at least. I scanned the headlines.

Why am I missing out on all the fine hinge a good Saturday has to offer? Well, there is an answer. As most know, we are living in temporary quarters waiting for the County of Placer to grant our variance so we can build. Or sell for higher value. I am willing to wait without worry or concern. I am. The wife however is not like minded. She likes control, not waiting for the County. She is anxious about all, because a lack of worry is just not part of her being. So, the cure for her inability to control her anxious worrying? Today we went on a house tour in Auburn and it started at 9. So we had to leave by 730 which means up early. But it gives her some control. Of course we can’t buy any homes until we know if the lot is selling or we are building. But Emily feels better. Which means I do to. You see how this works.

The four homes we saw were what I expect. First one was perfect, beautiful, clean and way too expensive. The second was in need of about $300k in rehab. The other two, ok and priced ok. So what did we learn? Emily feels better. Didn’t I already say that?

We did stop at a great burger spot on our way home. Still in Auburn. They make pastrami burgers, a personal fave. I am sure this would be a place I eat at several times a month. Our local spot like this one shut down a few weeks back. And I miss them.

The drive home was overlong. Stopped for gas. Probably because it’s too warm and I wanted to get home to the bathroom as did Emily. Everyone gets anxious in these circumstances. No other errands on the way. Not sure Emily would have stopped anyway.

We are home now. Other than Gods work, I need to wash Em’s car and mow the lawn. Then it’s a we will see with the rest of our Saturday.

So one more trip out. Went to target for usual crap – cat litter, new litter box, sundry items. Back to home. Vacuum the car. I trimmed the rose bushes blocking the back gate.

At about 6, I made cocktails for Em and I. Sorry Ed, none for you. Emily them wanted a second round. And a third. I crapped out at one. Which is my habit. My doctor prefers none for me. But I can only be so good and pure.

We had dinner about now and Emily has indicated she is going to bed. My having dozed off may have pushed her in that direction. Not sure. We are going to bed. At 830. We rock.

I really need Friday this week. I am tired, more so than last week. I have been told jet lag can last a couple weeks. I don’t know but I would not contest the statement.

We have made no plans for later. Already had Thai food last Friday. Maybe something I will like. That would be novel. Emily is not in a happy mood. She has a meeting all day. I know she really hates these meetings mostly because they are totally pointless. Though her incompetent administrators believe they are helpful. Which should prove beyond any doubt that they are not. I’m not sure I could handle the tedium. She is stronger than I am.

Friday has zero appointments so far. I am free to do as I please. And I do. I played/worked on the home computer. Read the paper. I’m blogging. And nothing is pulling me to work. A fine day. I may be able to sign sale docs today and finally be rid of my commercial rental. I am really happy about that.

So I spoke to the title officer on the way to the office. Seems the liens on the property were improperly recorded and we have to re contact all and re do all the paperwork and maybe another week or two to close. Well, buyer has a 25k non refundable deposit in. So no worries.

Made it to work. Only two of five employees in today. It is Friday. I managed to jump right in to what passed for work. I do have two tax returns to finish. A little paying work.

Otherwise not much. Usual paper to push and strangely still quite a bit frm the vacay. It was 50 days. I had one errand to run too, ooh some excitement, I did go to both my banks to make deposits. Be still my beating heart. That’s the whole day. Kinda boring but it ate up a lot of time.

Emily called around 530. Just checking in. I decided time to go home. Work is boring. I left.

Nice drive home. The kind of drive that makes Ed tired. But it’s a nice day for a drive.

Got home. We went out to buy dog food. Big Friday night! Then out to dinner for Italian. Back home and time for bed. Not much but I like it. We are headed up to Auburn early am tomorrow to look at houses. Maybe that will be more exciting for some readers

I got some good news this morning. The Bank finally sent the last document I need to close the sale on my building in Sacramento. You think the bank would help in order to get paid. You would. I have been living differently, in a parallel universe even, regarding his building. And it’s been a huge pain in the ass. Like people who complain about the blog.

About four months back I received a letter from an attorney for my bank. The bank said I was using marijuana money to pay the mortgage. I was taken aback. I called the attorney. Turns out the bank had my loan in default already. The problem was a tenant in my building with a recommendation clinic. They talk about weed, but have none. Federal law says that is illegal activity. So I had to kick the tenant out. And I lose the rent. I put the building on the block for sale immediately.

The bank refused to talk to me except through their attorney. Who couldn’t talk to me because the bank would give him no information. So I pushed forward with the sale. I got one offer two months back and accepted. Everything moved along well enough. But I could not get info from the bank. Two weeks ago we ordered a payoff statement and nothing. They did not send. The attorney could not get it. We all, agent, me , buyer thought deal would collapse. The buyer had 25k non refundable deposit in it. Yet, Lo and behold, the payoff arrived this morning. Assholes. I guess it will close after all.

Anyhow, nothing else exciting happened this morning. I went with the usual crap this am. Marika is home so I had company going for coffee. I still have not gotten my free coffee delivery. Not sure what’s up with that. I bought a bag o beans at the coffee shop for tomorrow and the weekend.

I would like to tell you about all the exciting things I did at work today, but ibjust can’t.

My noon appointment was a gentleman who fronts a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. He is famous regionally like on this coast and in Hawaii. I see him on TV once in awhile. I have a few famous clients. They don’t really impress me but other people get very excited about it when I tell them. I get to be a little cooler because of it. Strange.

The rest of the day was the usual crap. Still cleaning up after Hurricane Vacation, of sorts. But the paper is decreasing.

My only other visitors came in at 430 and stayed till 615. Lovely. Please extend my excitement another hour. I will need to charge them extra for their taxes just because of it.

I finally got out for home by 620. Nice drive home.

At home I had a package, a beautiful package with many beautifully wrapped pieces inside. My good friend Cissie had sent me a bunch of baked goods she made. Blackberry hand pies (turnovers), blackberry banana bread, blackberry butter and a really cool wooden postcard note. An incredible surprise from a very nice lady and rabid SF Giants fan. She is far too nice to me. Which works for me.

For dinner, we had home made Chile Rellenos courtesy of a friend of Emily’s. So today, we eat for free. People must feel we need the help. We do!! Please keep it up!!

The balance of the evening was not too exciting. The kind of evening that helps Ed K sleep. You’re welcome Ed. We amwatched a little TV. Marika is still home. She is finishing an online test for one of her summer classes. Then she is headed home. Tonight. Has work early but she is leaving her cat. Lovely.

I am going to bed. In like two minutes. It’s late, and I’m tired. I made myself tired. Cool.

Sadly, late yesterday, I made a nine am appointment for today with a client. Sad because I like to have mornings to myself. Quiet, coffee, blogging. That’s a good morning. Well, I just checked my schedule and remembered it. So off to shower and go.

Went to get coffee first. Went to Starbucks. A little farther out than the bakery. When I got there I realized I had forgotten my phone at home. I am going to be late. Bought Marika a coffee too since I have to go back home. And I can act noble too. A small win.

Back to home. Then off to Sacramento. I managed to be only 10 minutes late. After I got there I wondered why I was there. The other five in the meeting spent fifteen minutes speaking Urdu amongst themselve. They did politely ask if that was as ok. I spent the time texting and playing games. When they were done with their gabfest we spoke in English about the business sale I came here to discuss. We managed to hammer out an agreement of some sort for them to finalize.

Then off to work. It’s about 1030 and I have an appointment with a couple who each have a business of their own. Looking for an accountant. Funny thing, they fired me about five years ago. Then came back to get all their taxes done. Then left again for another accountant. They have had a few since then. It really does not bother me. I never take it personally when a client leaves and I am helpful and friendly. Mostly because, as I have learned, the clients that leave eventually come back. It isn’t all peaches and cream out there. Most accountants are assholes and they charge far too much. For instance, these two are going to pay about 75% more than they were. Why? I am most accountants too. I have had a few clients leave and come back more than once.

We did have a really fun conversation catching up on our lives and kids and etc. We do still like each other. I am actually the accountant for his Dad and her Mom. We have plenty in common.

Well, again, the balance of my day was spent catching up on paperwork. I know I say this often, but I have a pile and a half and there is no quick fix to get it done.

I left for home at 6. I think I stayed too late. When I got home, Emily had already made most of the dinner. I was able to do a little prep for the salad. It was a monster salad because the rest of dinner did not cool timely and we had salad for dinner. THe rest will be tomorrow.

Now we sit and watch TV. Actually Emily is watching. I am blogging in the same room and Marika is half watching. I hate TV.

In ten minutes it’s 9. Legal time to go to bed and read. Which I prefer over TV. Emily complains if I go to bed before nine. I like the chance to get some sleep. I woke at 5am this morning and did not get back to sleep. I can hardly wait. If I could stay at home all day I could nap like my friend Cissie who is making blackberry jelly right now.

Today is Monday, everyone’s favorite day of the week. We all look forward to the joys of work and toil. Me too. Love it.

Today got all going pretty much on time. Even though we were out late last night and drank too much wine, the joy of Monday pulled us out of bed and got us ready for the day.

I got dogs and cats and Emily fed and went so far as preparing a mid day meal for Emily as well. Seemed a fine idea. I did not make coffee. We don’t have any. Maybe tomorrow. Free coffee has free delivery but only when Shawn has time to drop it off. He had no time today.

Saw Emily off and then took my time getting ready. A lot of time. I was slow. It’s Monday and I am not going fast. When I finally got myself presentable, my first stop was the German Bakery for coffee. I have to have coffee. Emily had gone here on her way too. It’s tough not having pastries too. They smell really good. But I do have incredible fortitude and do not eat anything. Though I do add cream to my coffee.

Off to work. Unremarkable drive. Got to work. Unremarkable office. No appointments today and almost zero calls. Nice. I worked at the pile on my desk and floor. I am still trying to get through all the mail from the time away. There is a lot. Maybe get done this week but I do have 3 appointments tomorrow and they get in the way. I can’t figure out why anyone wants to see me in August. I guess I will find out tomorrow.

So, anyway, I worked quietly and steadily all day without a break. Late in the day I got a call from our architect, Mike. With all the problems we are having up in Auburn we are gonna sell. All the “neighbors” are up in arms because we want to build. I actually have only one that can even see the property. But probably 20 showed up to our variance meeting. Amazing. I have mine, you can’t have yours. But our next door neighbor, a complete asshole, Carl Stockbridge, at that meeting stated a desire to buy us out. So I had my broker Linda email him to see what’s up. Well, add stupid to Carl’s resume. He somehow was unable to read it. But, he did call Mike and ask what’s up. So Mike told him. And now Linda will call him tomorrow. Maybe we can be done with the parcel and move on. Build somewhere else. I can hardly wait. Everyone cross your fingers. Perhaps my new good friend Carl will overpay. This is the kind of thing that could really make my day.

So after that, I called Emily about four times to share he news. Finally got her. She is excited but with a hard edge. We really did want to build on the very beautiful parcel with amazing views on the American River canyon. But, who wants to live near a bunch of fucking assholes like my supposed neighbors. In the long term, I think it would be a negative.

And now time to go home. Quick trip with very little excitement. Actually none. I stoped for gas. That was thrilling. I went to a station I never go to. Different. And really cheap.

Got home. Marika is coming for the night. If we’re lucky she will take her stupid cat when she goes home. I would like that. Vlad is not the warm fuzzy type cat. More the mean little bastard type.

Emily had dinner prepared and in the oven when I arrived. Nice. No work for me. All I did was set the table. Left me lots of time for blogging. We have broiled asparagus, baked chicken and a green salad with watermelon in it. The cherry tomatoes in the salad aenfrom Mary’s garden. Super sweet! Almost disgustingly sweet. Dinner was good. The chicken was tough and chewy, not Em’s fault, but spiced well.

We are now watching the giants game. This is an uncommon thing since the cable company shut off our baseball access. We got it for free for a number of years. Directv screwed that up. But now I miss it. Sad.

I’m about an hour from bedtime. Probably not much else will happen. I’m gonna set this on the charger. Goodnight.

Great day. Slept late and my lovely bride woke in a good mood. Things are looking up. We are out of coffee so must go get some. There is he first problem.

I am of a mind to slap a little Ban under the arms, put on yesterday’s clothes and go get coffee. Getting coffee is nothing special. Emily wanted to shower, dress, make up, the whole nine yards. By the time she is ready I am on to my daily chores and am willing to skip coffee. It’s just a difference in style, not wholly unexpected. I am OK with it. So, I went ahead and showered and dressed for the day, etc. she was still not ready. I had breakfast. I read the paper. Waiting. Finally, she was ready. I should have just bought a bag yesterday. But my free coffee arrives tomorrow so who wants to buy a bag?

Coffee out was nice. We went to the local Starbucks. You know the one, the place that has truly horrible service? I’m sure you’ve been there. It’s funny, I always forget how bad this one is till I reexperience it. Bad coffee and bad service. And I pay for it. I am an idiot. But is was relaxing to just sit outside and watch people come and go and sit. So I did get entertainment while I re read the paper. I never go out for coffee like this. Usually I get it and go. Like most Americans. Drink it in the car. Not like in Europe, where you don’t drink it in the car. And the coffee is excellent. Not lousy like here.

We were there about an hour. Then to home we go. Emily had more errands to run. She ran some laundry and finally left to get her stuff done. I stayed home and went through the monthly bills for the last couple months. Before I left I set up all utilities on auto pay. Emily set up her car on auto pay. Guess what? Electric Co did not pay itself. Her car, same. Water Co no. Phone Co yes. So I am behind a few. Water Co is threatening to shut it off. All public agencies and one credit union. All lame as hell. I have to fix this tomorrow. This is why people go postal and I hardly blame them.

Took me about an hour and a half to finish the paper work. It’s a rather onerous task, but gotta do it. I have the same crap at work so I have gotten good at it. Some people even pay me to do theirs.

While I was working I finished the laundry. That is a type of multi tasking that I can handle. I mean without tripping or biting my tongue.

Emily just got home, it’s 345. She had a successful hunt and gather. She had to go by school as well. Glad she did it on her own. Maybe next weekend I will get a weekend.

Well, this weekend is not over yet. We are meeting friends for drinks and dinner later. Actually very soon later. Supposed to be around five. Gotta leave soon. Seemed like a good idea when I said yes. Now, I realize it’s late Sunday night and we both gotta be up for work. Oh well. And who drinks to excess on a Sunday night and then drives an hour to home. Not me or Emily. Though I am sure we will have a good time. Or even a great time. Bobby is fun.

But, before we leave, Emily has some school crap to print. Now I do love my wife but it would be easier if I did all her computer work for her. Less aggravation for both of us. She is having problems with the printer. I like to jump in quick before I get blamed. She is now having problems printing some docs for class. I am her IT person so sooner or later I feel I will get (or take) the call and force the printer to do it’s job. It’s what I do. Self preservation. And she gets mad at me when I yell at my phone or computer. I don’t blame her. I’m a prince.

We got done with the printing, finally. Emily got it done and all I had to do was sit by it and feed paper and change ink cartridges. All happy.

Hopped in the car and off to Sacramento. There was a lot of traffic and a 20 mike drive was more than an hour. Oh well.

Bob and Renee live in Southgate, a Sacto neighborhood near the river. A very old neighborhood. Very nice, elegant, very old houses. Beautiful houses. Always a nice place to visit. Though I wouldnt want to live there. Too many homeless people wandering the neighborhood.

We all sat for awhile and ate the leftover hors douvres they had our from earlier. Drank some good wine. Bullshitted. Shared a few photos of the Europe trip. Missed our reservation time at Fats. Bob called and made sure they held a booth for us. Nice time. Relaxed and comfortable.

About 630 or 7 we headed out to Downtown and Fats. Nice restaurant with a 100 year history in Sacramento. Bob and Renee ho here for their anniversary every year which happens to be about now. Meal was fabulous as always and overpriced as always. We brought our own wine and it still went over $150. For Chinese food. I should be in that business.

I have known Bob for about thirty years. Which qualifies as a real long time. We always have a great time when we go out and tonight was no different. Mostly discuss the Europe trip. But, they just bought a house up in Incline last week so that was a hot topic as well. I have stayed up there in their time share a few times and now I can stay in their house. I am all in favor of friends buying houses in resort areas. Completely selfish reasons of course.

We closed down the restaurant. That’s nice. Drove them home, a short trip which I had to drive so everyone could yell at me. Pussies. It’s Emily’s car she should drive and she made me. And I was in no danger of hitting anything.

Our drive home was quiet and nice. Emily drove. Her choice. Good. Got home and off to bed. It is a school night and I am tired.