Oil Change, Big Al & Barley's

I was up on time to clouds but no rain. It looked like it might’ve rained just a smidge during the over night but not even enough to wet the walks and road. We just can’t seem to buy any rain. We’ve had only an inch or two in the last 6-8 weeks. The last rainfall I can recall was Father’s Day, and even then that was a brief, heavy shower. Of course were gone for 8 days too, when the extreme heat and thunderstorms rumbled through.

I completed exercises then enjoyed some coffee at the PC. Then after meditation and a stretch I headed out for a 4.1 mile run. Out the door it was cloudy, 74 degrees with 91% humidity – sultry! There was no threatening weather in the area but once again storms were forecasted for later. Right!

Packed my lunch and made my breakfast. Walked the pug after breakfast and just before a shower. She seemed grateful for the egg I placed on top of her food. Showered and ready for work by 805am.

Spent the entire morning and afternoon working on a new quarterly report. This was my peer, Lance’s last day. He was starting a new job the following Monday. He and a few others headed out for lunch. I stayed back citing my scheduled oil change appointment at Germain Honda at 1230pm, its first. We agreed to hook up another time, perhaps for a beer. I left the office at 1205pm and made it to Germain on Sawmill in less than 15 minutes. They were busy, but seemed to have enough service writers to handle the load. They completed some quick paper work then invited me to take advantage of their guest lounge or visit the showroom. I headed to the showroom.

I happened upon my salesman, Chris. Surprisingly, he remembered me. We chatted at length, me sharing my Hyundai nightmare. He said he’d keep an eye out for a good used Civic/Accord and call me. While we were chatting I spotted an older silver haired fellow walking up to the showroom. It was Al B., my ex-father-in-law. I joked with Chris that he’s a great guy, just couldn’t live with his daughter.

Turned out, Al was there to pick-up his new 2012 Accord. Traded in his 3 year old model. We chatted for quite a while. He hasn‘t changed much at all. I asked why he was trading in his current Accord. Explained that he back into his mailbox and they wanted to much to fix the deep scratch. Opted instead to trade it in on a new one. He’s always been like that. Told him I wish I’d known. I might’ve been interested in buying it for one of the girls.

I headed off on my own when Al went with his sales guy to look over his new white Accord. It was another 30 minutes or so before my car was ready. Got the oil changed, tires rotated, and an inspection for $35. Not bad. Looked like they washed it too. I made a quick stop at the Home Depot on Sawmill to get some D-Con rat poison to put under the deck where we have to 4” diameter holes from a rodent of some sort burrowing under. It may very well be a ground hog. I looked at more humane options, like the granular concoction that one can spread that supposedly detour rodents from the area for 30-60days. I opted for the d-con. Back to the office.

I continued working on the quarterly report until 415pm so I could dedicate the necessary time to my weekly administrative responsibilities. I managed to get through all of that and out of the office just before 5pm. The work week went fast. Glad it was over. I headed straight home. Called Mindy, but Bella answered. Aid her mom was busy in the basement, She went on to share that Jacob was grounded. According to Mindy, for being a PITA all day long.

It was a Jimaken weekend, and he was in the drive when I arrived home. They left a few minutes later. Mindy showed me the progress she’s made in the basement. Looking good. The would-be bathroom is almost entirely cleared out and all my storage containers are now on shelves. I noticed that she had 10 Barley’s jugs in a box that she wanted to return to Barley’s that evening. We planned to head there around 7pm.

However, before any of that, Mindy needed a shower after working in the basement all day. While she showered, I did a little writing in my blog. As expected, it was near 7pm by the time she was fully ready. She carried the box of Barely jugs to the Accord. I heard a crash of glass from in on the computer. The box split out and jugs were rolling down the driveway. Surprisingly, only one of them busted. We spent ten minutes or so sweeping up all the glass. I reinforced the box with masking tape to prevent a similar accident later at Barley’s.

Not very crowded at all. In fact, more sparse than most Tuesday’s. That happens sometimes mid-summer. I don’t think there was one regular at the bar, which is very odd. Mindy couldn’t drink alcohol due to the antibiotic she’s taking. I enjoyed their new ZIPA (a orange zesty IPA). It was good. She ordered food at some point, a grilled cheese and tomato soup. Later, we ordered 10 KC wings well done. I had three beers, my 2nd and 3rd Centennials. And since I was the only one drinking, our tab wasn’t that much. Mindy drove home.

We were home by 915pm. I suggested we pay a visit to Pat & Lisa. I noticed their deck lights on across the pond. I half expected Mindy to decline but she agreed to go. We left Eiknarf at home this time. I took one beer, a White Rajah.

Jamie was over with new baby Oscar. He was sleeping just inside the patio door. We yucked it up with Pat, Lisa, Jamie and Alena for 90 minutes or even longer, talking about all sorts of stuff including politics, which is always good for a healthy debate at Pat’s house. Before I even finished my White Rajah, Pat offered me a tall can of Guinness Draught. I accepted. It was good.

Mindy and I headed home around 11pm (guess). I woofed down a section of the sub still in the fridge and then a few potato chips just before heading to bed.