Mosh Glass

I woke up at 515 this am. And I was thrilled. For the last couple of weeks I have been waking at 3 or 4 and not going back to sleep. So all the way to 5! Feels decadent. Did not get back to sleep. Just laid awake till 645 with Emily snoring. Marika came in, she had been unable to sleep as well. We have matching mania I think. I feel sorry for her having some of my traits. Though her brain energy is at a much lower setting which is lucky for her.

I finally dragged myself out of bed. It’s Wednesday and that’s weigh in. 154.8, dropped about a half pound this week. Coulda been more but I really added on this week. Nice helpings of red wine and ice cream. Neither are allowed on my diet. For that matter, neither are allowed on anyone’s diet. Maybe if that’s all I ate? Willpower this week. Gonna lose 5 lbs. Please.

I have to work today, deadline coming like the 455 freight train. Every moment counts. Will work the weekend too. Yay. Love my work. Need to get some banking done. Need to find a contractor. I am needy.

Just finished my coffee. And diet gingerbread. Which I like. Gonna go shower, post a video? No. And ready for the day. Gotta get the kid out. She wants to head home and help with the volunteer rebuild in Santa Rosa. She lives there. She gets that from us, because we help out. Don’t know what happened to my other kid. Marika went back to sleep, one way she is not like me. I can’t go back to sleep. But I know she wants to get going and get home which is like me.

I got out of the house quick. I have to take the car to Citrus Heights. My AC pump exploded, literally. It was under warranty from a previous repair so I had same guys fix it. Warranty equals free. The original AC compressor later 201k miles. The second one, 14k miles. On my way to auto repair I stopped at Debbie & Franks to drop off their taxes. I had to be firm and said several times I had to time to talk. Debbie is a notorious talker. Loquacious to the extreme.

I left Debbie and drove theb45 moms to Duncan Automotive in Citrus Heighrs. On the way there, my maintenance minder came on. So I added that to the work order. The repair joint is in far North Sac, I had ended up there in June because my AC broke down while up that way at a clients office. I got a Lyft from there to my office. They hoped to be done with it today.

My Lyft driver was really unaware of basic driving directions so I led him back to my office. He also had nothing to talk about. That’s fine but usually it helps if they talk.

Got back to my office quick, in time for my next appointment. Which was nice then the appt called and delayed it an hour. No big deal, I have lots to do. I worked on taxes all day. Had the one tax appointment and kept working on taxes.

I called the auto repair at 5 and they still were not sure if they’d be done today. I called again at 520 and they said come on out and get it. I called an Uber. This guy was bad with directions and had nothing to say. Much like the Lyft guy from the am. With my help and his crappy driving we got to Duncan Auto.

I picked up the car around 6. The AC is so cold I can’t run it. It froze me out. Which is nice. It’s why I have AC.

I drove home, it took nearly an hour. Far north Sac, remember? Emily called while I was headed in. We get taco salad for dinner. Marika is coming back from Santa Rosa tonavoid he smoke. She has severe asthma. We’d rather have her here. Hey 12 is still closed so the trip was 3.5 hrs for her. Usually is 1.5.

Good news for all, Marika had a bottle of the good stuff from her job. The kind of wine I don’t buy because it cost too much. And, as expected it was excellent. Her job bennies are good for us. The taco salad was good too. Emily still knows her way around a taco salad. I did the dishes, no small feat, there were a thousand.

I am reasonably sure it’s bed time now. For me it is. Marika wants to go back home tomorrow to do volunteer work. So she needs to hit the hay to. Emily went to bed 40 mins ago. The bum.

Bad news, for my very short sister, Silverado winery was destroyed. This will ruin her day. It was one of her favorites. If anyone sees her, please tell her all her relatives are ok, in case she cares.

The day is very smoky today. And a funny color. The smoke makes morning look like night. Freaky. Everyone who does not live here has finally figured out there were a bunch of fires here and near here and people they know were in peril, sort of, and actually. Marika got more calls and texts today from people she knows in other states. Checking on her welfare. Nice to know people care. TRhough some are a little screwed up honking Anaheim and Sonoma are next to each other. Hey, 600 miles apart. Pay attention in geography class next time.

It really smells like a campfire whenever I go outside. It stinks. Inside is a little better. A little. There is something about the way this day is unfolding that makes me want to skip work. I do not know what it is. Maybe the smell that makes me think I’m camping. And when I’m camping I’m not working. Don’t know. Would rather sit at home.

I left the house with enough time to drop off a tax return but still make it to the dealer to get my wife’s car serviced. Stopped in at a clients business, one of her employees is a client as well. I stopped in and sat down and the inevitable happens, we get into a conversation and I use up all the time I have and then some. Oh well gonna benlate to dealer. The boss, Karstin, came in and I realized how long it’s been since I have seen her. Several months during which she has divorced her husband of 16? 20? years. And been diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. She, of course, looked different. Who wouldn’t. She did not look bad. There was something that took me aback and worried me. She was thin and did not seem as strong spiritually as she always was. I always thought of her as a superhero in terms of what she has done in life. Maybe now life is beating on Her just a bit. I can only think she will beat anyone and anything but now I’m worried. I met her first when she was 19 and within 30 seconds she laid out her entire life to me. She knew where she was going and what she was gonna do. This part of her life was not on the schedule. But that sheer vision and determination makes me believe she still has a hell of a future. But I worry a little anyway.

After my visit, I drove to Sacramento to the MBZ service for Em’a car. Regular service, a Dee items to check, all feee, and check the brakes. That last had an $800 estimate on it. No thank you. I picked up a ride to the office from their shuttle.

Spent the day doing taxes and phones and crap. Our copy machine guy finally showed up and now I can scan again. I forget how important little things are. Scan is the fax for the new millennium. Can’t function without it. Had a backlog of things to scan but all done now.

Had one appointment today with a client. He is a fleet sales manager at a local Ford dealer. The go to guy for car stuff. Any car stuff for any car. He is the guy who called the MBZ dealer and forced a deal on them so we could buy our Mercedes. Anyhow, he needed a couple tax returns done and a checkup in all the things I already did for him. When I first met him he was in a world of tax hurt. I have managed to calm that roar to more of a whisper. Not all done but getting there. He was in my office for three hours as I worked on that and everything else he could think of. He might be crazy. We got all done, at least the returns, and checked up on all the rest. At a quarter to six I made him drive me to the MBZ dealer to pick up the car. Hey, I needed a ride.

Dealer was free, they said wait on the brakes. So no harm, free service. I thanked my client for the ride and he went on his way. I went back to the office and used the now working scanner to finish up all the backlog.

Rqc snout at about 7+ish and to home. No one home when I got there. Soninpremade cocktails and shots for everyone when they got home. About 15 minutes later. Em and Marika brought home Mexican take out. Not as good as Lupitas, our fave, but for a made up Taco Tuesday it was fine. Especially with the liquor. We managed to clean all plates, no chile left behind.

It’s Tuesday so I put out all garbage. Marika volunteered to help, which is great, I did it all. But she meant well. I am now sitting in this smoky smelling dining room writing these bits of wisdom. Because I can. I stay up late because I like to provide this to whoever wants to read it. Or not. I am hoping the smoke blows out. Tomorrow Marika is heading home to help with the clean up in Santa Rosa. Where does she get this volunteer bent? She is more likely to end up at the animal shelter helping dogs and cats. She has her interests. I won’t be helping out that way, I will be doing more tax returns. Yay. I help out by supporting her efforts. That’s important too

So yesterday the wind was blowing in nor cal. Blowing with a capital B. Gusts to well over 70mph especially at higher elevations. 4 wildfires, now 20, sprang up overnight in the Santa Rosa and Napa area. This am, all of Santa Rosa and Napaare being evacuated. My daughter, Marika, lives in Santa Rosa. She is now in her car headed VERY slowly out of Santa Rosa to home. This is made more difficult because hwy 37 and 12 have been closed. Probably take her 12 hours to get home. Her roommate was in Lodi and will be headed to our house today as well. Can’t go home. My bro in law, Nobby (aka Gunny) was up all night fighting back flames from his house. He lives in a wooded area in the hills above Santa Rosa. He thinks his house will be toast sometime today. Maybe. Many have burned down already. He has evacuated. I will keep you posted as news surfaces. Or should I say news at 11 since I post late? Pray for good news.

Just found out we may have more guests staying with us than I thought. No one yet but Marika kinda advertised we would take people in. Whatever. Here’s one. That’s Emily P. She is from Santa Rosa and was evacuated.

My bro in laws house was spared. Hallelujah!! Hosanna on the highest. Or some such. Good news amongst the destruction. Now he has to camp out there because of looters. Lovely. People are good at heart always. Not.

Btw, Marika made it home in 5.5 hours which is a plus. Coulda been twelve.

My friend Hal called. His moms care facility burned to the ground. She was evacuated to who knows where. He had to drive to Santa Rosa to find her. I have not heard back yet but sounds like it’s just bad communication.

This is all a bit too exciting. I hope things calm down tomorrow. Lots of fire destruction in Napa County and Napa and many other adjoining areas. No fun when it cuts close to the bone.

Just got another update. Hal found his mom and took her home to his house. That’s more good news.

On top of all this I had a normal day at work. Phone calls, clients dropping in (bringing money), the usual. I had one whose info was finally delivered, a K-1 from an outside accountant, so I finished her return late in the day. I contacted her and she wanted to come over right away. She got there about 530 and sat and asked questions till 615. I followed Her out the door. Had to get home, what with the houseguests and all.

The sky was an unnatural grey orange color. It smells like smoke everywhere and only gets stronger the closer I get to home.

When I finally got home all had alr day decided we were going out to dinner. We went to Napoli’s which is a local Italian joint we all like. Better to go out than make dinner I think. The restaurant was not offering any deals to fire refugees, and with that attitude they won’t get many. The food was good, I would say, but not as good as it usually is. Sad. I still paid for it. I even tipped though the waitress forgot my wine and my meatballs. Wth?

Tomorrow I have to take Emily’s car in for servicing. I sometimes feel certain tasks require a Y chromosome. Though Emily has certainly taken this car in before but other cars in the past I took in. All the time. She loves her Mercedes. That’s the difference.

I am going to bed now. Sitting around watching TV with these guys does not really entertain me. I’d rather read a book or go do something. They are all watching Dancing With the Stars. God how I hate that show. They are NOT stars. They are wanna be has beens. I don’t want to support that kind of crap. I’d hate for people to think I chose to watch it. I watch GMA some mornings and they shamelessly promo DWTS as if it were actually worth a crap. I don’t get it.

Back to reality. I do hate this show. That is part of my reality. So is going to bed. That’s a good part of reality. Ok, ok, I’m going to bed.

It’s finally my day off. Sunday, as noted prior, is the only off day for work. Aside, does that make me god-like? I have no work planned for the day. Yard work is out, the winds are up to 40 to 50 mph which really effectively stops all outside work. It’s been grueling so far. I got up, cleaned up cat barf then cleaned up more cat barf, washed my hands (you are welcome), made coffee for Em and I and chased her out the door to yoga. For the last hour or so I ate breakfast (no diet pancakes, ate diet gingerbread) and read the paper for an hour. Today was a read every section of the paper day. Some sundays the content is not worth a poop. Today it is. So I get to read for an hour and I saved the food section as well. The several page article covered inexpensive ethnic eateries with enough info to pick a place to eat. Sometimes it’s a fantasy to think you will get to try one of the places. But eventually I hope to succeed.

Today, our only planned outing, is lunch with our friend Roma. Don’t know where we are going but the point is really just spending time with her. Since her husband died she spends a lot more time at home. Her son is living with her so she is not alone at least. Her daughter recently moved in as well. Getting out is supposed to be good for you. Or so I hear. If I’m lucky I will get out later to the movies.

My sister just called. I have been mentioning her a lot in the blog (short, mean, loud) and she finally noticed. She takes some offense but as usual people love to see their name mentioned. That overcomes a lot. She especially enjoyed the post of our trip to (not so) Secret Beach. The trip back, she was to inebriated to remember, made her laugh. My favorite part was her having fallen off the cart, again, she had gotten up and fallen again and was flailing on the ground like a dying roach. That was the day my camera swam with the fishes. No pics. Mentions of people keep them reading I guess.

Another instance of the “blog effect” occurred today. As mentioned here this week, Emily called me out for bashing her choice of where to eat dinner. I had posted she always chooses Thai not much variety in her choices. Well, today, she made a point of choosing the lunch location with variety in mind AND she mentioned what I said as the reason. You are welcome, Emily. I have done some good in the world. I hope the effect does not wear off.

We had a nice lunch at The Wren’s Nest in Vacaville. More of a brunch as we all chose egg dishes. I have not eaten here in years. Of course, there is a Thai restaurant directly across the street. I had Spanish chorizo and eggs. I am full. For those of you not aware there are different types of chorizo. Portuguese and Mexican also come to mind. I really like the Portuguese but all are good. Emily had chicken fried steak and eggs. I was not that hungry. It’s nice to go back to a place you haven’t been for awhile. A little nostalgic, like going to your parents house that you used to live in. The owner here has cut back to breakfast and lunch only. Maybe he is getting ready to retire.

We dropped Roma off at home after lunch. She is going to have some of her ice cream gift. Roma has one hell of a sweet tooth and ice cream she can eat every day. At her age, 86 tomorrow, I think she should indulge herself all she wants.

When we left, still not going home. First to the car wash where Emily has a monthly subscription. Wash the car. We had to dry. No big. Now we are at Target. I am waiting in the car. She is taking her time inside just getting bottled water. I have a feeling, well founded, she will get more than she came for. It’s in her blood. And she did.

The weather today is really warm. But, wind is gusting to 50 mph. So I can’t call the weather nice. Can’t call it bad either. Pleasant and windy? I’m no weatherman, I have not got a handy euphemism.

Got home, this is really a day off. I have nothing to do. So I just spent 45 mind online, not THAT kind of site, looking for all weather floor mats for the S2000. Problem (challenge?) is I need them in red. The interior is red leather like my sisters clothing. Lol. Turns out only one manufacturer exists for red all weather floormats. I found them on the Auto Accessories Garage website. Managed to find two types I wanted. Had to ask chat for help. Then I try to put my choice in the cart. There was no button to press. You know what I mean. A button that says “add to cart”. Back to chat help. Candice, professional chatter, said go to right of main image. That area did not exist on my screen. Now, just so you know, I do this shit all the time. I know how it works. There was an issue on their server and I know it. The chat lady was not the person to ask. She decided to create a cart, fill it and send me a link. So she gets a 5. The checkout process was fantastic. That was incredibly fast and I have never ordered from them. Just well set up and incredibly intuitive. Pain then gain. Almost a joy after all the pain. Like S & M, if I knew how that worked. I don’t of course. Ask my sister, lmfao.

I am going to the glass house to help Emily. I did. Helped her work on putting a clock together she had made. The clock face is a glass square that she designs and fires in her kiln. I just put together the hardware. Didn’t spend more than a half hour out there. We came in and sat around a bit. Doing nothing of great import.

I made leftovers for dinner. We had plenty from our meals out over the weekend. So this was a combo of all the good meals we had. Very satisfying. Followed by leftover ice cream cake from my birthday. Just a bang up dinner. It’s. Ow 8 o’clock and Emily is ready for bed. And since I follow her wherever she goes, So I am going to bed too.

This is the 6th day if the week, otherwise known as Saturday. Most of the country thinks of it as a day off but as I have said before, Saturday is the “workiest” day of the weekend. I will do the same things today, to start my day, as I do on any work day. No change. Then now he lawn, two hours work, which is not really fun or day off relaxation. Then go to the office to prepare tax returns for a few hours. I hope to be home by dinner time. So, it’s a day off from sitting around.

Btw, a quick shout out to my sister, she is still an obnoxious dwarf in case you were worried.

I am done with breakfast, diet pancakes and coffee, and reading the paper, and feeding the wife breakfast. Well, I handed her a bowl. So off to lawn duty.

Just a look at what I mow.

Lawn is done in only an hour. It’s been cold and the lawn growth is slowing down. Soon no mowing to do. I like not mowing the lawn.

Emily was a little mad at me after yesterday’s post. I said some things about picking where to go out to eat. She took offense and said I have to pick from now on. Making observations is hazardous work.

I went to work after finishing the lawn. I have tax returns to prepare and an impending deadline. I finished a few in the four or so hours I was there.

Emily went to Sacrmento as well to go shopping. She did find cheap jeans, sweater, shoes, etc. I guess thats good. She managed to get home before me.

I got home and washed both cars, mine and Marika’s. The AC on my car, which I replaced back in June, is making strange noises and I can’t run it. My mechanic is gonna look at it on Monday. At least the car will be clean. The washing took at least an hour.

While I was washing cars Emily was cleaning out the glass house. That the ok a lot longer than two small cars. By the time she was done it was late and we decided to eat out.

First place we go is Alhelis. It’s a burger/Mexican place in Dixon. We got there at 740, and it was closed. Wtf? Saturday night and closed early? I hate the way they ignore their posted hours. I suspect the customers will thin out even more if they can’t count on the place being open. Assholes.

We went next to the new El Charro in downtown Dixon. I remember coming to Dixon for the first time in 1978 just to eat at El Charro. They served minors. And the food was awesome. Any place worth a 30 minute trip has good food. The new El Charro is not related in any way to the old. Too bad. Here is my first impression

So from the menu, what do you want? Perhaps tequila? I tried ordering the Tres Generaciones anejo. They don’t have any. It’s on the menu. Waitress says no. I ordered a top shelf margarita. They don’t have Patron. I say use something else. Turns out they have no alcohol whatsoever. I could have sworn the menu said they had booze. Now I want booze. Have to wait till I get home. Also, he waitress is a less than competent idiot. She is very nice but probably has to be.

Emily ordered a wet carnitas burrito. I ordered chicken mole, a personal fave. Thank god both things were excellent. Better than I have had in a long time. One thing, our friend Elena’s mole is the best ever. But now I have a place to go to get it. Emily makes a great mole and she made mole enchiladas recently. Anyhow, new place is a good addition to Dixon.

Marika called while we were sitting there finishing up dinner. Emily had been texting with her and she finally just called. She had a great day at work, Sonoma-Cutrer Winery, and she had gone out on the town with some of the employees. Her boss bought the two rounds of drinks. Nice. She also got to take home a bottle of their most expensive wine. I told her to bring it home so we could help her drink it. Will see about that. We talked on the phone a good twenty minutes. It varies from the restaurant to the car. Nothing notable, per se, just a nice talk with the girl. Our son never calls. Never. I don’t mean seldom. Never. Thank his for females, they like to talk.

We are home, Emily already went up to bed and I am finishing the daily post. After we both had a shot of tequila. Tomorrow is the only day off of the week. Maybe we can catch a movie or something. We are going out to lunch with our friend Roma. She turns 85 or 86 on Monday. We don’t see her as much as we used to, sadly. We bought her six scoops in single servings of her favorite coconut ice cream for her birthday. She is like my 87 year old Dad, doesn’t want any gift unless it’s food or booze. He wants no “stuff” he has to keep or store. Whereas food is eaten and booze is drunk and all gone. Should be fun.

I am going to bed now. Enough posted.

No mistake about it, it is Friday. Yesterday I confused myself, strangely, that it was Tuesday. I’m over that now. Friday. Appointment at 11. Go to bank and make deposit. Both on Friday which is today. Yes, repetition is important for memory. At least I know what I am supposed to be doing. After my 11, if I remember, I will go to the Apple Store for a phone repair.

I was making my breakfast this am, the ubiquitous (using the “constantly encountered” def) diet pancakes, and I realize how much I hate them. I eat these premanufactured bits of joy because all other options allowed are worse. Many know I am still pushing downward on my weight. I dropped over 30 lbs prior to our Maine vacay. Added back at least 15 while in Maine, and have been trying with very slow success to get back where I was. I had a one week camping trip and Belize trip in there which did not help. Or should I say, how I eat on vacation does not help and I had a big dose of vacation this year. So it’s diet pancakes for a while still. But, I hate them. With passion. And I am willing to start my day with them at the risk of ruining everything. Next meal is 10 which will wash away the flavor.

I am hoping by starting this post early I won’t shortchanged anyone as I have the last couple days. If you start writing at he end of the day you get into a hurry. At 930 at night I rather be in bed reading. Maybe that’s why I woke at 415am today and did not go back to sleep. I really hate that. That’s the third time this week. I have pills but those are more an I can’t sleep at bedtime thing. If I took at 415 I would not be able to get out of bed. I think the next great pill will cover this problem.

I did get up earlier than usual, which is a positive I think. Done with morning everything and it’s still early. Leaves more time to waste on everything that comes next.

I managed to get out earlier but had to run two errands and ended up arriving about when I usually do. The client I was supposed to meet with at 11 had arrive early and Walker started he meeting without me. That’s fine by me, I do not like meetings. So I sat in on it for he last 30 minutes, which helped Walker because he had me answer questions he is perfectly capable of answering himself. No big. Meeting was quite productive and that’s what counts.

It has been a great late filing season. People have not been coming to see me and I get very few calls. I like it. Usually it’s a madhouse. Late filers tend to be a little crazy. But they are the folks you can charge more to. Works out. Q

Spent the day on some bank recs, took a couple hours. Fonished a few more tax returns. I had a late visit from my favorite Dr, a client. Came by around 5 to pick up his taxes. He has been a marijuana Dr for a few years. Nice guy, met him when he worked for a client, a community clinic. Many years ago. His wife is a pharmacist, now retired, and she likes to pick up dim sum and chicken feet at what Asian market and bring to me. Awesome. Nice to have clients who are friendly and do nice things for you.

I know most people think the work day of a CPA is compelling, gripping, exciting, right? Well is not. It’s usually quite the opposite and the work repeats every month. I am not sure I can recommend it as a career. There are some accounting jobs that are more fun, those would be a good choice but public accounting is not fun. Also, the regulations continue to heap on my head fro the state and that makes me want to quit this crap. I am just dripping with joy. At least I drove the convertible today. . So there is some fun in the day.

Had a fun ride home. The car is small and powerful so I cam pretty much drive how I want. Of course, too down everyone sees you. So no privacy like in a hardtop. There was plenty of traffic in all the usual places. Though I must have gotten home quick because Emily remarked upon how early I was.

I am assuming we are going out to dinner tonight. I had hoped Emily would meet me in Sacramento but she begged off. And says the usual thing ” don’t you want to go to” followed by he one or two places she always wants to eat. That means we go get Thai or go to Winters. Her favorites. I like to cycle through 20 or so places I like to go. Some variety. Emily would be happy if we went to Thai every other time we went out I think. She loves Thai. I love Thai ice coffee so I don’t lose. Tonight I had two places picked in Sacto but oh well.

So we are at he Buckhorn, surprise. Emily drove to Winters and we have three choices so I used my random number generator to randomly pick the Buckhorn. Hurray me.

We are finished with dinner. I had a salad with sirloin which was very good. Better than the version they sell at their franchise stores. Emily’s beef tips with Caesar is always good and was excellent. No dessert or we explode. That would be messy. Home and go to bed. We are very exciting.

We are finally home but have to sit in the car in the driveway and listen to some new country song. I am not a fan. I don’t hear a hit, but I’m sure it will sell millions. It’s a tribute to Vegas where the singer gives away all proceeds. Except of course for the massive promotional value to her and her career and other music which will get boosted and millions will be earned from her “charitable” act. I’m not to cynical, am I? Song is no better than so so and sounds like many others as well.

I am going to bed

So it’s 9am. And I just realized it’s Thursday. Since I woke up I have been operating under an assumption it was Tuesday. Not sure how I got there but it is really weird. I think the two days are basically the same, a middle day of the week with no redeeming qualities. Thursday has a slight leg up as closer to the coming weekend, though Tuesday is closer to what you did last weekend. If you remember. This mystery will never be solved.

I spent the better part of half an hour texting with my friend Cissie. She is coming down from Tacoma for a visit in 25 days. Just a conversation in the normal sense, no topics of great importance. It’s just been awhile and we each needed the entertainment. Btw, my obnoxious and short sister actually was mad that I had a friend named Cissie. It’s because she is Sissy (sister). My sister is special, but only in an obnoxious way. Cissie and I had to break off the gab fest because we both have lives and shit needs doing. Maybe tomorrow.

I have only one appointment scheduled for today. This client had a mail order bride from Thailand. Marriage did not work out. Go figure. But, he needs his taxes done and a prior year redone. Works work. I suspect others will show up during the day.

I am in no big hurry, the appointment is two hours off but I have errands to run, and the usual calls. So I gotta get in gear.

Not much to worry about on the drive. I can’t even remember the trip now. Must not have been very exciting.

I met with the client I mentioned above. Took two hours to get his taxes done. He wants to file jointly for last year with his foreign bride (now gone) but not take an exemption because she has no social security number or TIN. 30 years I been doing this, that’s a new one on me. So it took two hours and I finally had to use white out and a pen to modify the tax return. The computer could not handle it. At one I had my lunch, in front of him. We processed the return and he left. After paying. Came back ten minutes later so I could explain why I was correct and he was wrong and then he left. For good.

The rest of the day was really just more paperwork. A couple tax returns. Usual. I spent about an hour trying to find contractors to get bids from on the building up in Auburn. I am doing all the leg work for Dad. Spoke to a couple I had called prior, one of whom who took himself out of consideration. Guy was crazy I think. He sounded crazy at least. He wasn’t a month ago but things can change quickly. I have a good idea who I would like to build it and I will call him on Monday. This is going to be a long process, but Dad needs help and you only get so many opportunities in life to do Hess things.

I got a late call from Emily. She was supposed to be going to yoga. When she goes to yoga, I have till 715 to get dinner going. I know my schedule and I like to have dinner in or near the table when she gets home. So she called, she skipped yoga tonite. There goes my plan. I was finishing more work but not now. So I headed home an hour early. Her schedule was not ruined, just mine.

Got home fixed dinner. Tonight we are having burgers. Which may not sound like much, but with all the traveling we have been doing I have not made hem in a couple of months I have been looking forward to it for weeks. We made our buns special out of cauliflower “rice” which is just shredded cauliflower last Sunday. Like I said I have been looking forward. All was ready today. Anyway? Got he tots in the oven, burgers on to fry, condim re lines up, buns on the fryer to warm. And go. Emily was doing some galas work out in her workshop so she wasn’t in the kitchen. It all came out perfectly, so don’t worry. I have my burger fix taken care of. I think, again next week is a long enough wait. Maybe Wednesday.

After dinner we drove into Vacaville to pick up Jax prescription dog food. $90. Yeah, ouch. Our dogs are all very old. Geriatric. They all leak, get sick, go lame, take meds, and have special diets. Thank god heybare old. Modern vets keep them alive a long damn time. I think that’s good.

We are home. Emily went straight to bed, I am writing this. It’s been tough because I forget to write about my day while it happens and my short term memory is lousy, I’m getting geriatric too (don’t get any ideas) so I have an excuse. I want to remember to blog during the day but it ain’t there right now. Maybe tomorrow.

Today is garbage day. Always a good day unless the can gets blown over and crap is strewn down the road, hither and yon. Which are fancy words I never use but just did. I like the weekly fresh start an empty can gives you. It’s the same feeling I get when I take a load of junk to the dump or burn our burn pile. A feeling my world is just a little less cluttered. Come to think of it, I think I still need to flush the cat box. It doesn’t actually flush, I have to dump it in the trash can. Today is best so it’s gone and I don’t have to smell it all week.

The day begins in earnest, walking down driveway 100 feet to dump the cat box. Way fun. I hope the dust that rises off the contents as I dump it does not cause some crazy ailment. It stinks to high heaven but we can only hope that’s all.

At 945 I left to go see Rachel about my hair. She is our old tenant here and she does our hair. All of us. Emily had her hair done last night and when I arrived this morning Rachel wanted to hear all about jury duty Monday. Emily told her only that she had to ask about it and nothing else. So I told her the whole sordid tale. Turns out she is like Marika and wanted to high five me for calling them out. Only my wife has been a little against my tirade. Of course I can’t discount Emily’s opinion. But I think I’m right and my behavior in court was just.

After Rachel I went to the hardware store and bought a battery for the garage remote. (Just a reminder, my short loud mouthed obnoxious sister thinks these items are boring. But she is a legal dwarf and can’t see over the dashboard.) My remote has been crapping out on me and I am getting annoyed.

Off to work. I love work! It gives life meaning. Know what I mean? Me neither. Work sucks. I spent the day doing my usual mix of calls and paperwork. Nothing special or outstanding. The individual deadline is coming up on the 15th Donovan extra busy. Though not extra happy. Lots of work was the goal when I was thirty. Quality of work is all that counts now. I was head down on the Tak’s at hand till about 615 pm and then ran out the door screaming. Kidding. No screaming. Running, yes.

Managed to get home near 7. Put away garbage cans, let in the dogs, fed the dogs, made dinner for Emily and I (she got home right about this point) and sat down for a fine meal. If not fine, tasty and filling. I am going to do he dishes in a minute. Emily went up to bed whining about being tired. Whatever. I don’t mind doing the dishes.

So I am gonna clean dishes and go to bed. If I am a good boy maybe I can concentrate on a decent post tomorrow.

Ever think to add it up? Today is close to my 3000th Tuesday. Nothing momentous, or extraordinary, just another Tuesday. It’s a random thought on the grand scale of a lifetime. I am not even sure why it jumped out of my head. But it did. So I share. I am a giver.

Breakfast was thrilling this morning. Same as every other day. Ok, that isn’t thrilling. But I just wanted to add some excitement.

Today was like any other Tuesday. A regular work day. Except, Marika spent the night last night. She had an early am doctor appt and it was more convenient to hang in our crib. Her appointment was for 10am. She got up at 935, already dr see I guess because she did not change. Brushed her teeth and out the door. Oh to be young again.

So I saw her for five minutes and gone. I took off soon after and went to the bank. And I ran into Linda Thomas, our real estate agent. She had been meaning to call. Her office is two doors down from the bank. So I finished up my banking and headed to her office.

She just finished up finding and securing a piece of property for us up in Auburn. We sat down and went through the lease in excruciating detail. I’m glad she knows what she is doing. Anyhow, I have the lease now and only need signatures to be done. I really look forward to moving. We are not there yet, but it’s close.

After visiting Linda I went to work. Today it felt like the drive took forever. Not sure why, the roads were clear. Who knows?

I got to the office and Pam was there. She work for me 20 years and then up an moved to Texas. She was in town to visit her daughter and grandkids. And get her taxes done too. We had a very nice visit. I found out her son was divorced and mom left the kids with him. That seemed shocking. I would never abandon my children. Sometimes the news we catch up on is bad.

Got Pam’s taxes done. While I had been working on them Hal Brown had shown up. So I had to kick her out of my office and bring Hal in. We are working on several cases together and need to go over th m once in awhile just to keep them all in order. We spent an hour discussing each one, and making calls to a few to keep them moving, and the like. It’s normal that you have to push people to do the right thing, the thing they have already agreed to, but then can’t seem to move forward with. People are funny but not in a humorous way.

I spent the next couple hours going through the usual pile of paper and crap. I have to get a lot of tax returns done in the next week so I have to keep moving fast.

Drive home was completely uneventful and quick. I went by the hardware store for a special battery for the garage door remote. Mundane, but I like being able to drive in without getting out of the car.

Tonight is taco Tuesday so we got Tacos! Nope. I got an adobada combo and for Emily a chile verde combo. Then race home. I remembered when I got home that Em was getting her hair done. So, I fed the dogs. Put out the garbage cans. Sorted through the mail. Etc. she finally shows up. We ate dinner and she went to bed immediately. Don’t know. I worked on a tax return for awhile. Then decided to finish this post.

I’m sorry this day is so sparse, sometimes it’s like that. Obviously. I am going to bed now. Early for me too.

Today is such a fine day. I get to go to jury duty. Better yet, they are sending me to Vallejo. Which is 20 miles past Fairfield where there is also jury duty. So I get to drive even farther in order to waste my time. Justice is not convenient. Nor is it accessible to most. Not is it justice.

I had to get up early because I still have duties to attend to here. I need to feed the dogs, feed the cats, feed the wife breakfast and lunch. And make coffee. All the usual stuff. So up early and off to Vallejo.

Vallejo. Why the hell do they want me in Vallejo? Fairfield, the county seat, and a much bigger courthouse is only 20 miles away. And they send me 40 miles to Vallejo. Assholes.

The drive was nice with little traffic. The calm before the storm. When I arrived I found there was ample free parking. I parked and went thru security, damn near strip searched, and went to the jury room. I checked in and sat down to wait. What a waste of time. I decided to read my book. I ignored everything around me. The lady in charge got up and talked, I ignored her BS. They showed a 20 min video on jury service, I ignored that too. It makes no difference. They will call you by name when ready. Then they will tell you everything you need to know all over again. I hate this.

So I kept reading. And ignoring my surroundings. It keeps me centered. Eventually they split us into two groups. Group one and two. One went to the courtroom, two sat on their asses doing nothing in the jury room. I was put in group one and went to the courtroom.

So if you have never done this, it’s not much fun. It’s very repetitive and very boring. I wanted to read my book but figured that would be a really poor choice. In the courtroom you are supposed to pay attention. So I did. Or at least looked like I did. The gal next to me was coughing and sneezing. She apologized for having a cold. Great. Of course, the judge does not care if you are dying. As long as you have no bias.

I was placed in the jury box with 18 of my friends. Hey, a quick aside, have I ever mentioned my view of prosecutors? Probably not. Let’s visit that. Prosecutors are liars and cheats. Their only reason to live is to put people in jail. Innocent, guilty, just walking by, they don’t care. Just want to “win”. I have a problem with that. The only reason prosecutors have the job is because the rendering plant won’t take them. Back to court. So, I’m in the jury box. The judge began the questioning. Directed toward today’s case. Not a criminal case. The defendant was committed to a hospital against his will. This trial was to determine whether he stays in or gets out. So judge asked first, of each juror, please tell me about yourself. Then he asked the juror, about their mental health connections and have they ever been locked up, or treated for mental issues, etc. has their family ever and on and on. 18 times. Then it was my turn. He started questioning me. “Tell me about yourself”. I responded, “I live in Dixon”, I gave nothing. He seemed to expect more. I made the judge work. “Do you live alone” judge says, I said, no. No give. Who do you live with? I said, my wife. He asked several questions, because he had to. Then he got into questions on mental health, as with prior jurors. He asked me if I could be unbiased and I said definitely not. Then I told him exactly how I felt about prosecutors and ended my comments with “all prosecutors should rot in hell”. He said I could have a seat. Did not realize I was up. I sat down.

Next part, the prosecutor got up and questioned each person separately in order. She got to me. Last. Her first question, “so your comment about prosecutors, explain it”. So I told her why I felt as I did about prosecutors and said again all prosecutors should rot in hell and I specifically included her in that. She let me sit down.
Next up defense. He questioned everyone, but not me. Go figure.

Then the lawyers huddled with the judge. The lawyers sat. Then the judge said Mr Vivier you are excused. Guess I am too smart for jury duty. And too good looking by my view.

So I am out of jury duty. I turn in my badge and go. Only four hours of my life I will never get back. But at least I am now on my way home It’s noon. And I am off jury duty for at least one year. I am moving soon so I may not get picked for another few years. I doubt the system will change. Or improve.

I went home and picked up my cell phone. I had forgotten it on my way out the door this am. I watered the dogs while home.

Went to work and dove in. I have a lot of tax returns to finish up before the 15th. And the usual other crap as well. I need a new job. I also have to help my dad with the home he will be building, by finding a contractor and architect. And a million other things. Will be fun. No. Will be lots of work. Yes

Today was slow. But packed with work. First day back means lots of admin. The day did not disappoint. I believe I did not do any work that I get paid for. Just the usual management garbage.

I fought through all the paperwork including office payroll and A/R and the mail. Answered and made many phone calls. Saw at least one client who was here to discuss his unpaid bill. That’s a fine conversation if it leads to me getting paid. Either way, constant work till 6pm and out the door.

Marika was home when I got there. She has a dr appt tomorrow and is spending the night to make it a little easier to get there early Tuesday. Emily made dinner, probably a little better than usual because the kid was home. I benefit so I don’t complain. She has a new job at a winery and brought home a couple bottles for us. Employee benefits for us! And I don’t even have to work there. Awesome. The Pinot was fabulous. Went well with the adobo choke chicken that Emily created. Quite spicy I think. We managed to choke down some of my birthday ice cream cake for dessert. All in all, nice day (forget court), nice dinner, nice to see the prodigal daughter.