Mosh Glass

So, for those of you paying attention, I just posted my blog from Sunday. A week ago. Sorry for the delay, I’m a lame ass in the writing and posting department. Since tax season I have really fell off the the bandwagon. Hell, I never got on.

Last night I booked the last part of our plane flights. The leg that gets us back home from Boston. That would be the end of our mega trip summer.

This whole weekend has been slow with nothing planned. Except for Friday night. Emily, Marika and I went to dinner with our friends the Garlick’s. We chose to go to The Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa. Fortunately, I posted an online review. Here it is:

Go here for great food, excellent cocktails and fun atmosphere. And great cocktails. Yes, worth saying twice.

I get over here about 3 or 4 times a year. We currently live an hour away, if no traffic, so it’s a drive. But, Port Costa is a cool trip and does not feel like you are in the Bay Area. Though the bay is about 100 yards away.

What drew me the first time I came was the pre-prohibition cocktails. It is fun and interesting to try out these old recipe drinks. You can see where some things came from. Like standing next to your grandfather and noticing the similar traits. Like how you are both incredibly handsome. The cocktails are the big draw for me. My favorite is the Buster Brown, whiskey with lemon and absolutely fabulous. The BVR cocktail is great, it’s really a variation on a whiskey cocktail but is very good. There are enough drinks to keep you busy for a long time. Remember, in the old days the cocktails were made with booze and tasted such. Sort of like coffee before Starbucks.

All meals are served in “share” size. The first time we came here the waiter did not inform us of the share size. We had leftovers. We are smarter now. And better looking. According to my mother. So be careful and ask your server.

The appetizers are so good you are required to have one. I suggest the mussels and fries. We had two orders when we were here last.

Of the main dishes, I think the pork stew and buttermilk chicken are to die for. I find it difficult to not order one or the other every time. Biscuits and gravy are great and they came with a side of the chicken. Win win, baby.

I will admit the desserts don’t do much for me. The cookies are great. The pecan tart, I did not enjoy. Coffee was excellent which helps to round out my meal and fight off the drinking fatigue from cocktails.

I call this place a top five on my go to list.

That was Friday night. Since then we have done absolutely nothing. A little shopping, house clean, mow lawns. Today, nothing. Yesterday I watched TV four straight hours. I suggested we go to the movies. But, we could not agree on which one. That was the high point of the day.

Today Emily and I went to the store to get supplies for her year end. Then she spent the entire day on year end school projects. She just finished and it’s 9pm. What fun only now for me. This day was not exciting. Maybe work will bring excitement tomorrow. The good news, Emily does not need a lunch all week. Frees up my morning just a little. And Wmily is off to Maine on the fifth. Summer is coming and I am ready.

So, Sunday, we are leaving town for home. Early. We are going to inconvenience Michael by making him get up early to drive us to the airport. Suck it up, weenie.

There is not much to hopping in a lane these days. Except for 15 mins of so called security. You know, where the TSA pretends to do something and call it secure. Complete bullshit of course.

We checked in at the counter in Long Beach. The nice lady gave us exit row seats so we get awesome leg room. Without paying. Is that nice?

The trip thru bullshit security and onto the plane was quick. No issues. Upon arrival we even found our car quickly. And I was the one that remembered where it was parked. Scary.

Got home around 1230. Isabella was there, watching the pets. She is the best. She managed to keep the little poops under control with no major problems.

The rest of the day, we did the unpacking and grocery shopping. And laundry. Always lots of work when u get home from a trip. I mowed the lawn. Took out the trash. I know, life on the edge. Usual stuff, though.

We had dinner around the usual time, nothin notable. But still good.

Went to bed early. That is awesome. Seems like I can get to bed prior to 10 on any night. So early is awesome.

Our vacay is getting close so we need to get moving. Tomorrow.

After today’s graduation, I will only have one to go. Marika. She finishes up in December. She has told us she is not going thru ceremonies. She may change her mind. Or not. But, Michael is probably done. I guess he could get a doctorate but seems unlikely right now.

We got up kinda early on Saturday. But not too early. Michael had left his car at campus for a function on Friday. Function that included drinking. So he had gotten a ride home from a classmate. Saturday am we went to pick up the car. Which was handy later when we went back for the ceremony because I knew the route.

Driving through Irvine to Orange helped me to realize what a bunch of retards drive around LA on any given day. My sister and bro in law included. Truly amazing. I am pretty sure they don’t use turn signals, ever, and drive as though they are alone on the road. Hint: you’re not.

The graduation is at 830 tonight. They have grad ceremonies all day. I think they have to break it up because there would never be enough room for all the cars.

The plan for today is a party at my cousins in Irvine. Michael is making a big batch of Paella. We have quite a few guests coming. Carly, Michaels girlfriend; her mother and brother; my cousin Victor and daughter Sophia; and the rest of us Dorie, Vince, Gerardo, Chris, Gabriella and anyone else I have forgotten. Oh yeah, Kona was there too and dressed appropriately.

Shout out to Glen & Eileen Tanaka. They gave Emily and I a nice bottle of wine. Funny thing, I had two bottles at home from the same vineyard. Weird.

Our paella party went on most of the day. Michael did not have to leave till 715. The rest of us not till 745. So we ate a lot, drank a lot and chatted. You know, a grad party.

After we had finished all the food and most of the beverages, I decided we needed dessert. I like dessert. No one else planned for it. We went to Yogurtland. Turns out Chris is a platinum member of there club. We got a party pack of individual yogurts and lots of toppings for only $50. I ordered my own. I’m that way. This, for me, was the highlight of the meal. Paella was great but I’m a dessert guy.

We drove back to the party with our haul. The guests made short work of the froyo. I guess they like dessert too. You’re welcome.

The grad got all dressed up

as handsome as his father. Almost.

So, at 745, we left for Orange. The city, not the fruit. It was a quick trip. The tough part of it was convincing Chris I knew where I was going. He was driving. He did not believe me. No one believed me when told them parking was free. Gerardo got money out just in case even though I knew it was free. Kind of an asshole. He just couldn’t trust me. It’s ok, I can forgive the slight.

Short walk to Wilson Field from parking. Wilson is the athletic field for soccer, and etc. we walked in, plenty of seats available so we sat up front. And, we got free hats!!! Looks as good here as it does on my head. Very cool.

The ceremony was exactly, like every other graduation. First the Dean gets up and tells the grads to come in and sit. Then Dean says stand for the Anthem. Then Dean introduces the keynote speaker. Speaker inspires all with his story. Then they hand out diplomas. That’s it. Grads get a picture with an administrator they have never met too. And 5 seconds on stage to wave. It was a blast. What does the crowd do? Wait till their kid is announced and scream. The highlights:

After the ceremony we hung around a little and took pictures

We did not stay long. The trip back was faster than the trip there. We hung out a little when we got back to Irvine. But, we have an early flight Sunday morning. We went to bed by 1130. With a graduated kid in the house. We must done something right.

Ok. No freak out. But it sounded like a nice title.

Today held little intrigue and really no activities. Graduation is tomorrow. So this morning we moved very slow. Took two hours for both of us to get cleaned and dressed. After that I think we just drove around all day. At least it felt that way.

First thing up, we drove to Tustin where the REI store is at. The annual BIG sale starts today and we were in the market for duffles and travel bags. So we had to get there. The stock on sale is only what you see on the sales floor. So worth an hour drive to Tustin.
That teal blue bag is a duffle with attached day pack, so a two-in-one. The darker blue bag is some over the shoulder thing Emily could not live without. We also got Marika a birthday gift. And all at 25% off. Winner.

After that we picked up Marika and headed out to meet Aunt Joanne and her daughter Candace for lunch. Somewhere near Costa Mesa.

Anyhow, we met with the gals and had a fantastic lunch. Was an italian restaurant and very good. Marika and I optimistically ordered a pitcher of sangria. Not great but enjoyable. We also split a large bowl of mussels

It was fun catching up with them. I haven’t seen Joanne in years, even longer for Candace. But a great time had by all.

Went back to Irvine after. Dropped our load. Went back to the road to go to Irvine to pick up the dog, Kona, and bring her back to Huntington Beach.

Our big plan for today, later on, is Hors’douvre and drinks at 4 til 7 and out to dinner with the whole crowd. My sister, Doriene, has picked a lousy restaurant for dinner. She has no taste, esp not in her mouth. It’s a teppan restaurant, Japanese. I truly hate Japanese food.

Anyway, I digress. Back to Huntington Beach to Dorienes House. We took the three dogs out to the local school to run around and take a crap. We also met a local bunny rabbit, Wilma. Really. There is a break in the wall behind the fence that surrounds the school. The property owner has a rabbit that sits in the gap behind the fence. And the dogs found the gap and sat outside the fence. The rabbit was completely calm. Kinda weird.

We returned to the house and sat around drinking cocktails and wine and eating hors’douvres. Then after a couple hours of that, we went to the aforementioned lousy Japanese restaurant. Named Shima. If you ever get to Huntington Beach, don’t go there.

I was stuck. Michael said he was ok with eating there. We are here for his graduation. So I have to put up with it. God it was bad. And overpriced. I tried to order my way around the bad menu, I ordered a filet. It arrived cooked well enough but cut into twenty pieces. WTH? My daughter later said I looked somewhat displeased all evening while we were there. I guess you can’t hide your true feelings. My sister had me pay for half the meal, too. Add insult to injury please. It did finally end.

After dinner we headed back to my sisters house. Not much going. Marika and Gabriella are sleeping there but came back with Michael, Emily and I to Irvine where we are staying. It was close to ten when we got there. We hung out and chatted for too long. Drank a few more beers, not me, and eventually went to bed. Marika and Gabby Ubered back to my sisters. Driving around all day is tiring.

Monday, May 14, 2018. 30 years ago today, Emily and I got married. Yikes. Long ntime. I am amazed. 30 years. My folks made 55 but Mom died. My in laws are still going, today is their 59th anniversary. Which makes next year the diamond anniversary. Double yikes. I woulda killed my father in law long before now. Lol.

So back to us. What do you do to celebrate 30 years. Besides a huge, cleansing exhale? We are going out to dinner in San Francisco. That’s it. Hey, every day is a party around here. I used the SF Chronicle Top 100 restaurant book as a starting point. Two weeks ago. Sadly, most of the top places need several months in advance to get a reservation. So, I just ran thru the internet listings until I found a reservation when I wanted it. It was at Marlowe which is near AT&T Park. Just took a shot at it, but it is recommended.

I know what you are thinking, today is a Monday. Work? Ya, I went to work till 2. Boring. Emily left an hour early from her job. That’s it. Those are perks of having the same job for over 20 years. Leaving early.

Well, we hit the road about 330. You have to leave for SF early enough to miss all the traffic or you add an hour or more to your trip. We had a reservation for 630. Well, we missed all the traffic and got to our reserved parking spot by 515. Cool. So we walked around. Found some cool spots to check out. Then went to the restaurant for a pre dinner cocktail.

I checked in with the hostess and she said she might find a table sooner than six thirty. We went to the bar.

Well, I have to say, I spilled my guts on my Yelp review. And I can’t figure out how to insert an active link. Try this https://www.yelp.com/biz/marlowe-san-francisco-2?hrid=0hHEQHWeKV9_Jr5ZgkrTXQ&utm_source=ishare&utm_content=review. Tells all u need to know. My fine review on Yelp.

Well, we got a table before we even settled onto our bar stools. The review, above, starts here.

We were at dinner for a couple hours. Nice meal, I had a window seat. In a city like SF, the window seat is nice. You get to see all the crazies walking around. Anytime my gazeblingeredbout the window, I noticed that Emily turned around to see what I was staring at. It’s the floor show part of dinner.

By he time we hit the end, we were absolutely and painfully full. Which is fine, for occasions. Every day and I would be a fat pig. We left the restaurant at about 8 and drive home. The Giants game was still going (they won!) so there was zero traffic. We were home in an hour, not even dark out. We must be getting old.

So, #30 is behind us. I told Emily to start planning 60. She said she would be dead by then. I told her she can’t count on that. Celebrating always end, and you go back to everyday. So, in honor of that we went to bed early.

Today is Mother’s Day. A Hallmark holiday if ever there was one. Don’t say that out loud, or at least within earshot of any woman. Hell, don’t even think it.

For many, many years I did nothing for my wife on this day. She isn’t my mom. Last couple of years I have done something nice for her. Today, I was ready to open her gift when she woke up. A bottle of ‘06 Dom Perignon. Seemed nice. She did not want to open it. WTH? It’s her gift to use as she sees fit but it’s for drinking. She is a pain. We might get it open today or not. Now you can see why I never gave her anything.

We made breakfast and coffee. Read the paper. Showers. Cleaning house. She is cleaning since I am crippled. Her idea. That way she can be more of a martyr. Suits her. I am sitting with the cat , that’s Prince/Prints. I am blogging. I have time today, mostly cuz I can’t get around.

We have at least two things planned after house cleaning, we need to go to school and feed the silk worms and then some shopping for essentials. I am not sure what that includes. I know I will get lots more crutch practice today.

Well my entire day consist dnof what I just said. House cleaning, shopping and worm feeding. A normal day. Right? Took a few hours. Seems like a fine Mother’s Day. Emily did not complain.

We got home around five after running all our errands. Managed to buy another gift for Emily. Ain’t I wonderful?

I bbq’d steaks for dinner. Emily put together the rest. Was pretty good I must say.

That’s the day folks. Gripping and exciting as always. Off to bed early.

I know, I have be n quite remiss in my blogging duties. Nothing since last Sunday. I will try to bring all up to date, as memory allows.

Right now, Saturday, I am sitting in the exam room at Urgent Care. I hurt myself last night. See, it’s like this, yesterday I took my trailer out of storage. By myself. It only weighs 550 lbs so not bad. There is a lip in the concrete out of the unit and a slight downhill once out for drainage. So uphill in, and over the lip. Much harder.

Of course, you are wondering why I had the trailer out in the first place. Well, the trailer guy, who’s built my teardrop and sold to me has come up within a new design for a box that fits nicely on the tongue of the trailer. It has locked access on each end via a drawer pullout. One end has the ice chest and generator, the other a stove, has and storage. Weighs 80 lbs. there is also a built in fold out table top. Anyhow, I finally got the installation done on Friday. Had to pull it up to Auburn early am and wait, but I got it. And he gave me a 30% discount. It pays to keep in touch. Marika and I hope to take it out soon.

Afterward I drove down the hill and met up with Hal in Roseville. We had some things to discuss on other deals and had been having trouble connecting. We met, discussed, and I was off. Stopped at Roseville Meat Co for tonight’s BBQ. Got some nice red meat. Marika is coming home tonight and we are making a nice dinner. Her cat, Vlad, is staying with us for the next week. He’s a pill.

Drove to the office. Picked up the banking and managed a few tasks before I left to go store the trailer. Which is where this story began.

When I arrived at the storage place it was about 615. I unhooked, and tried to move the trailer around. I quickly realized this would be very difficult to accomplish. So what did I do? Tried anyway. Every trick I could think of. Finally, I tried coming at a sharp angle and turning sharply in. That got me halfway. And stuck. I called home for reinforcements. So I waited patiently for them. No, I got behind the trailer and lifted, pushed and rocked it to get it in the unit. And, popped a muscle in my calf, which I swear I heard but probably only felt. Not good. Now I decided waiting for help might be a good thing.

Cavalry arrived and the ladies took over the muscle portion. Emily was much better at it than I was. I steered, no muscle from me, and we got it put away.

Which tells u why I am at the Dr office on Saturday.

I got home from storage and made Mai Tais. Liquor makes everything better, I think. And if it doesn’t, at least you don’t care anymore. We bbq’d the steaks, and veggies and had a nice salad. Marika picked out a nice red from my vast collection of 15 bottles. It was a nice choice. See, sometimes liquor is the answer.

I took some aspirin. I iced my leg in bed as I slept. I woke up and it still hurt. We will see.

The rest of the past week, which was unpublished, had very little going on. Day to day stuff, workouts, work, dinner. Usual stuff. All details now lost to history unless I make something up. I will think on that.

Dr came in. Did her exam and figured out what she was wrong in two minutes. I got a boo-boo. I need to rest and ice the injury for a few days. Take ibuprofen. The usual. Stay on crutches till Monday. Where this lovely thing which is only available in black. I wanted more Oxblood or a wingtip. Oh well. The boot stays for 3 or so days. Rest for a week, and ease back into things. And, best of all, the Dr used me as an example. She brought in a Jr doctor to see the injury. Turns out it’s quite swollen and discolored. Which I had not noticed. It is on the back of my calf. Maybe I can end up in JAMA.

So at least my day was painfully exciting. And I got to do something new. Don’t be jealous. I am hoping tomorrow, mother’s Day, is a little more fun.

Saturday we did not get up early. It’s saturday after all. Emily went to yoga. I packed for the trip to Visalia. Em and I are going to go visit my Dad. He lives in Visalia. Though, my personal opinion, no one really “lives” in Visali. It’s a totally hot, dry and cheerless place. Not unlike Passaic NJ. I hate it. I was sentenced to 7 years in Visalia in 1972. I got out about two minutes after high school graduation. There are now 130k lost souls residing in Visalia. What a bunch of ultra maroons.

Em got home and cleaned up. She packed. We put the dogs in the car cuz they get to go this time. Taking your animals may seem rude, but you have not visited my dads house. He has two cats who pee all over the house. His caregivers dog lives there. Pees everywhere. I think my two only help.

We did have to make our old cat, Pepto, extra comfortable before we left. She is sick. Not eating much. Not moving much. Just trying to crap continually. Nothing comes out. Just a drop or two of diarrhea. Lovely. She was throwing up a lot on Friday. Not sure what’s up. She’s sick. So we left her with plenty water and food. The trip is only overnight.

Trip to Visalia is 220 miles, approximately. Takes 3 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. The only way to efficiently get there is to take Hwy 99 down the center of the San Joaquin Valley. It’s too hot. It’s ugly. There are a lot of billboards advertising Jesus and lawyers. And by Jesus I mean the Pentecostal variety. The lawyers are all car accident attorneys. Not sure which of the two I would prefer to give money to. One offers immediate cash remuneration. The other offers eternal salvation, once you pay up of course. Nothing is free. The Central Valley is often called the New Appalachia. Mostly due to the poverty, disease, drug and alcohol abuse, etc. I know, you are saying “when do we go!!” For me, about once a month. And I run the hell away quick. Sort of like post high school.

Well we made Visalia in under four hours. I hate Visalia. We had planned on taking Dad out to dinner. To his favorite Chinese place. Before dinner we had a bottle of nice champagne as a cocktail. Dad likes champagne and we always have it at the holidays. And whenever we get together. No celebration required.

After the bottle we headed out to eat with the Chinaman. Which is how my grandma would have called it. It’s cinco de mayo so the place was almost empty. This Chinese place is not a favorite of mine. Last time I was here they ran out of rice. Really. No rice in a Chinese restaurant!!?!?! Morons. Well, food was fine at least. And I got rice. Yay.

After dinner we watched a little TV and went to bed. We get to sleep in the back bedroom which is great because they leave the door closed all the time. So there is no layer of cat pee in there. Of course, his cleaner uses Fabuloso detergent on the bed sheets so it still stinks, just in a different way.

I had a difficult time sleeping, Emily really didn’t sleep well. The dogs were fine, of course. They can sleep thru any bad smell. So we woke up tired.

I was in charge of breakfast so I made waffles. They were fantastic of course. After breakfast we loaded up to head for home. I am reclaiming dad’s birthday gift, the big green egg bbq. He says he can’t use it. I have none since the move. So I claimed it in the name of France. It’s in my backyard right now.

Trip home was a little longer than trip down. But at least we were someplace good when the trip ended.

We got home kinda early, around 230. We spent our afternoon cleaning and doing laundry. Emily went to the store so we could bbq tonight. That’s a great thing. And the stemaks and tri tip were very good. Of course, I cooked them.

Not much else after dinner. Sat around. Watched TV. Usual. Went to bed and watched Mad Dogs. Then we slept, reasonably well. No stink. Work tomorrow

It’s Wednesday. I would love to say something cool about Tuesday but nothing happened. Or almost nothing. Tuesday was May Day. Important to all communists which I am not. I can’t even remember what I was doing. I did keep up with the workouts. I have officially restarted and don’t want to drop it. So hurray for me. Whatever I did at work is totally lost to history. I’m gonna guess not much.

On the drive home I did decide to go skiing on Wednesday. Yes, I know it’s May but Squaw is still open and I still want to ski. So I’m going. And Wednesday is my official day off. There, it’s settled.

It being Taco Tuesday, I stopped at the carniceria to pick up taco Tuesday for dinner. Have not been to Lupita, fave carniceria, in a month. And to think, I was a never miss at Lupita on Tuesday for many years.

We had our meal when I got home. I opened a bottle of red, you know, the kind of wine that pairs with Mexican food. Was a fabulous meal.

We watched a little TV and went to bed. I packed the car just before retiring.

Wednesday, today, I was up at 5am. Dress d and ready in ten minutes. I did make Emilys lunch and fed the dogs before I kissed her goodbye, still in bed, and went out the door.

I stopped at the German bakery for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Gotta eat, I’m gonna be schussing soon. The drive was nice except the sun was in my face for the first 30 minutes. At least I wasn’t going to work. There was a complete lack of traffic all the way to Squaw Valley. That was weird. Even through Sacramento. I was able to make good time. Excellent time. There was extensive roadwork up in the mountains and still good time. I live right.

The resort parking lot was near empty. I parked in the very front. The temperature was mild. I could have skied without a jacket if I had wanted. I didn’t. I wear clothes and a shell because it’s more comfortable to fall down when clothed. Also, the lift rides are cold when stripped down.

There wasn’t a lot of mountain open. Some of the steeper runs are closed due to conditions. I rode the front side of the top in the sun till 10 to 1030. Best conditions, not to soft until sun was farther up. It was comfortable and easy skiing. Later in the morning the snow started to soften up and I moved to the backside. The sun does not hit there till afternoon. So the snow on the back was hard and crispy. Not as much fun as the front. I skied on it till near lunchtime and called it a day. Plenty of skiing. I did not ski down the mountain run to the bottom. I spoke to another skier and he said the bottom was miserable to ski on. I rode the tram instead. Very relaxing.

The trip down to the flatlands seemed long and boring. Though, there was really no traffic to speak of. So I drove quickly but it felt slow. I stopped in Auburn for gas and to see if the trailer shop was still open. I still want to get the “kitchen in a can” as an add on to my trailer. Well, the shop was closed. Again. I am beginning to worry there is a problem. I called the shop from out front and the answering machine was on. And a few minutes down the highway I got a message from Linda at the trailer shop so I guess things are ok. I hope. Will call back.

Since it was early, I went to work for a few. Plus I needed to cover for Cara who had to leave early to take Merissa to the dentist. Work was slow but I did get a visitor. Rick Frisk and Tracilea came by to pick up some legal docs which were sent to my address. We had a nice talk about all the work I did for them, what is happening in other common companies, and when I might get paid. Which is most important. Nice talk.

I got a call from my real estate broker and he felt an offer was imminent on my property on Professional drive. That was the days good news.

I finished out my day still trying to catch up on all the things I was not able to accomplish due to tax season workload. I am really trying hard to get caught up. Maybe by next tax season. I hope.

Just to finish out my week, I did not work out on Thursday but I did on Friday. 3rd workout for the week. Trying to get back into the habit of 4x per week. I dropp d workout when we sold the house and had to move. During tax season. Yikes.

Friday night we went out for Tapas in Winters. And sangria because that’s part of the Tapas was xperience. Maybe the other way around. A very nice evening. While in Winters we did our club wine pick up at Turkovich. We have missed the pick up party last two times. But it’s still waiting for us when we get there. I got an extra bottle of sparkling wine to even out our bag.

Tomorrow we are driving down to Visalia to visit my dad. And go out to dinner. And hang out. Dad does not get out much. Will report on visit tomorrow.

After we got home I made cocktails. Emily had a direct request for an old fashioned. So I had one too. Not good to see her drink alone. People would talk. We had a little dessert of shortbread and lemon cheesecake. With a little bad TV. Then off to bed. Big day Saturday.

Not really. So sorry to disappoint. Not much going today. I need to have a meeting with Frank, so he said last Thursday. I have an employee birthday, Katrina, so office lunch is on. I need to drop a load in storage. Where will I put it?

Some momentous news, I am going to go work out. First time since beginning of March. That was when the move from hell started, and did not finish for three weeks. Then tax season was going in earnest so I just worked till the 18th. Now, two weeks later, I’m ready. And kinda out of regular exercise shape. Gotta start somewhere. I had been going 3 to 4 times a week prior to the move and was getting in decent shape. I have softened up a bit. Today is the great restart. Wish me luck, at this age you get second chances but they aren’t the same as in my youth.

Well the workout was painful. I did what I would call my “normal” workout which is 20 min of cardio and some weights (machines). And it actually hurt to do it. I gotta get back to regular workout shape. Probably just in time to go on vacation and get out of shape again. It’s a process.

Done with workout, went home to get ready for work. This is no small feat, I am now a 16 mike round trip from the gym. Takes longer obviously. I probably need to shower at the gym and leave from there. Or just go home where it’s more comfortable. I’ll do that.

My day has very little planned. I know I have a meeting with client Frank as I mentioned. On my way to the office he called me. He said he was coming to see me and bringing Greg, his son, to go over the tax plan. I hope to have it finished today. Please. The drive was really calm and uneventful. I made three stops to drop off chicken feed (really), and client info. Usual.

Day at he office was the usual load of work. Some client IRS notices, always a few after filing season. IRS sees mismatches in the data and sends hate mail. God love them, no one else does. I answered a few calls. Really nothing exciting. Katrina delayed her bday lunch to later in the week. So I gotta spend more on lunch. Lucky me.

Skip to the highlight of my day. My meeting with SFB & Son. Frank and Greg. Frank is an old world, self made, millionaire. And a total PITA. I am trying, like hell, to close out his tax plan. After two years. Today we actually settled on terms for the insurance policy we will use to guarantee his notes payable. The last step in the process before he pays. Paying money is Franks biggest issue. Which is no surprise. Self made guys are cheap as hell. But, at end of meeting he stated on his own he will be ready to start paying as early as next week. No holding of breath here, I would suffocate. But, best news of the year.

I was done with work by end of meeting. It was 530. I made a couple calls to others involved in the meetings outcome. We are all cautiously optimistic.

Trip home was quick with nothing exciting going on. Hey, it’s a commute.

I got home and Emily had made a very nice dinner and dessert. The dessert was a lemon cheesecake-like filling in a shortbread cookie crust. Very tasty. Gotta love her.

I had a cocktail using the leftover lemon juice from the cheesecake. No waste here.

We went to bed pretty early for a change. Both of us are tired.