Wow my computer is acting a bit odd.  It's probably confused.  See normally we should be playing some U.O. in the early morning.  I know....what about the other stuff.  Well we're not getting to it right now.

     Today is supposed to be a very nice day, sun is just pouring into my home.  Want to get some yard work in.  Getting taxes done today, food shopping, going to be busy.  So I'll be left with free time and no game.  It's Easter weekend, so no one is truly around just now. 

     Must get some breakfast in me as well.  Tis a puzzlement devoutly to be wish'd.  Anyway.  Still losing the threads as you can see.  Guess this was about the video game.

     One of the reasons I'm not as annoyed as most people should be.  It's Spring.  Spring and Summer I really don't play much.  In the wee hours before work, weekend mornings, and the odd moments here and there.  So we'll see.  Maybe I'll just start a fund to buy a PS3 or new computer. 

     But right now spring is coming.  I've got a yard screaming for attention and it shall receive it.  I'm definitely planting this year.  Also as soon as I'm done with this, I'm going to look for charity walks and see more of this place than I have.  It's time.  And I'm willing, ready? Probably.

Later.
    

thread bare

     Been a week.  Have the post that should of been next in the draft thing.  I think Spring is coming.  There is stuff to cover but just wanted to say hello and I haven't forgotten this place.

     I've forgotten the fight, will have to re-read that post.  So much crap.  Even religion got into the mix for me last week, but I may pass on that telling.  Crazy co-worker story, sister's car accident, there is stuff to write about.  Yet I just can't get into cohesive mode.  Little things stirring.  Paycheck feels awful short too. 

     Felt good today, was almost Spring like.  Oh and I'm still shopping for a car.  Just don't know where to begin or end.  Tired I think.  It's quarter of 10, house is chilled and bed is beckoning.  Oh and my video game I adore doesn't want to recognize my credit card.  Like I said there is stuff.

    Here I sit just sort of rambling.  Feeling like I'd love to be in an old bar with a few glasses of beer in me watching a game.  Those thoughts are still precious to me.  Where do I pick this up?

     Sister is okay, just in pain, soft tissue damage stuff.  The weight will make it worse.  And of course there's pain pills involved.  I'm tired.  In good spirits deep down inside I do admit.  Just tired.  I want Spring badly.

     Must remember tomorrow is meatless.  At least I still have a job.  Just truly rambling a bit now.  Putting out fragments of thoughts that float through the ether of my mind.  Kind of freeing and annoying.  Didn't think I'd last this long at the blog tonight.

     One grand solace to me has been YouTube.  Maybe I should just put in a movie.  Finally got the DVD thing back to working.  Just don't have the television remote.  And I've lost my nail clippers.  That is really annoying because I need to cut my nails.

     Well if you've followed this entry this long.  You know pretty much my state.  Let me know what it is please.  Maybe I'll just don the bathrobe and watch an episode of Judge Judy, 10 minutes to go for that.  Click clack goes the keyboard.  Yet I persist in just typing the nonsense.  Is it Spring yet?
   

Hmmm.....cont'd

     Was a good day at work, like the uneven transisition? Even got an uncalled for hour of overtime too.  There was no reason for it, but overtime is overtime. 

     Friday night, got home about 6:15, tired.  Mood was not good in the house.  Sister wanted another restaurant take out.  Brother in law went for pizza, I waited about 45 minutes for her freaking dinner.  I tell you I was bone tired.  The cold weather does that to me.  So I chose to lay down after dinner.

     I've mentioned I live in a very small house.  I could here the trouble in the next room.  Sister was on a tear.  It was the usual bullshit.  Both sides were right, but never do anything about it.  Cannot really relate it all because of the huge mess of it.  You get it in compartmentalized form, and think it would be easily solved.  Ahh well, sorry.

     It got to the point where she would now punish him by not asking him for anything.  I heard my name called from thier room.  "my name," I know this game, it wasn't half as effective on my mom as it is with him.  It's an old game and an old tactic.  The less seasoned me gets up and goes and sees what is up.  Then fetch's.

     I just lay in my cozy darkness ignoring and listenting.
"My name"
To my brother in law, unheard in background, "No I don't need anything from you thank you."  "my name"
     Rinse repeat a bunch of times.  Eventually this round lost she lets him get her a slice of cake.  Oh darn I missed out big time huh?

     Saturday morning not much better.  She didn't want anything from the deli.  "Well you're getting something and that's that.  You have to eat." he retorts yelling back.  I'm at my computer having a bowl of oatmeal.  I can tell it will be a rough day.  I make up my mind early that I'd be out the door and try to plan something for the evening.

     After breakfast.  Well they're supposed to go get their taxes done.  Oh, what, really?  He was surprised she did that.  He's very upset about something.  She's yelling from other room, he's in his strained emotional voice saying it's not fair.  No not to me.  Just saying it out loud.  Been here before.  Never does want to talk about it.  In the last 8 years he's taken no advice.  I don my bomber jacket, grab a handfull of cigars and hit the door.

  

Hmmm.......

     I'm writing this on a Saturday night.  It's been a weekend and I'm wishing for Monday.  Let's start with Friday okay. 

     Broke open like most days, wasn't making the gym so I wasn't rushing.  Also food was taken care of.  I'd dropped off some menu's for a deli.  They used to do the cafeteria where I worked.  Nice people and am always willing to print for them.  Even when they were in house they never were in a rush and fairly generous to us.  When I drop stuff off I'm usually treated to free food.  I paid for breakfast.  Got a nice shrimp salad sand which for lunch with a Ghiradelli brownie.  Also snagged a min apple turnover for my manager, he likes them.

     My 70+ co-worker was out so I knew I'd be busy.  He hadn't been sounding good on Wednesday, and his wife called and had made him a doctor appointment.  Out Thursday and Friday.  My other co-worker, the lunatic.  Well she called and said she'd be half an hour late, she had some stuff to clear up.

     Left the turnover on my managers desk and got to work.  About 8:30 she came in with her tale.  The following may not make coherent sense, but this is what I deal with on a daily basis.

     Enter stage left my co-worker.  "I have to go to the bank today so I'm going to leave as soon as my mail run is done this afternoon.  Someone hacked into my bank account."  This before she took walked to her desk to put her jacket down, she continued, "I ordered something on Amazon a week back and it hasn't arrived yet.  A book by someone you don't know, Maureen McCormick, she was an actress."  "Yes I know her" I replied, "she played Marcia Brady." I should have shut up but gave a little dig, "I thought you said books were going away." She's been like that since she got a Kindle and declared books obsolete.

     Undeterred she continued, "No I still have my Kindle but sometimes I like to have a book.  I got it for a good deal, $14.99 plus shipping.  That's not the point it shouldn't take like 8 days for it to arrive.  I found out it's coming from Madrid."  "Anyway when I went to use my debit card it was declined, I shouldn't have used my debit card on Amazon.  I was like what the Hell. I used it for clothes shopping.  My credit card is good they call me to make sure every purchase I make is mine."  Yes these are the facts and just the facts as I retell.  "So I need to call Amazon and find out what's going on."

     With that she was out of the room and I relaxed.  A little later she returned and sat at her computer looking for the number.  I recommended she call on her break.  Being a solid worker and coming in late, she certainly wasn't going to miss her break.

     My manager came in.  Was going to be a nice slow day.  One of my other co-workers wasn't going to be in.  The tale was related to him.  Later in the day she reported that Amazon was going to give her a refund.  Furthermore that if she still gets the book she wasn't going to return it.  With a pretentious look she said "it got lost in the mail"  I chided slightly something about stealing. 

     Well it wasn't her fault, the people in Madrid hacked her account, she thinks.  No.  Now she's sure of it.  She's ordered before from Amazon a few times, maybe 1 time and no problems.  This time a problem and it's because of Madrid.  You simply can't make this logic up folks.

     Also she decided to email the crooks that she reported them to Amazon and say they stole her identity.  I'm unsure what the message they sent her back was.  I tried to tell her to let Amazon handle it and not contact the people directly.  Much less put in an email baseless accusations.

     By the end of the day she's decided that when it's all straightened out she's going to sue them.  My manager told her that she would need to contact Interpol.  No she said, that's the FBI's job.

     Oh and I left this out.  She banks at one of these 7 day a week banks.  Well she claims that when she was there making a fuss.  Someone else came said they hacked you too?  So now she thinks the whole bank may have been hacked so she's going to change banks too.

     Other than that bit of entertainment it was a nice day.  The night not so much.  Brother in law and sister are fighting.  But it's getting on and I've a piece of apple pie that wants attention.  Tomorrow.

Limited time

     Awoke on Sunday, determined not to have stomach issues like last week.  Made a rather nice omelet after the bakery run.  Brother in law was out of sorts but came food shopping anyway.  Bought the requisite stuff, it was St. Patrick's Day after all.  Personally I wanted to do corned beef and fixings from a deli a town away. 

     We did it last year and it was a success.  But no sister wanted to slow cook it in crock pot.  So I washed the infernal thing, Helped her with stuff to get it in and set up.  Brother in law was laying down, every one has an off day you know.  Then to the lounge.

     Totally unrelated paragraph.  Just put the heat up in the house.  Taking my shower 15 min later seems to be working rather well.  Was a good strategy.  Am happier and I get a hot shower.

     Nothing really to relate after that.  Nope no car shopping or anything.  The corned beef was very salty for me.  No we didn't do a pre-soak or rinse.  I could tell my system was functioning badly and will not have another piece of the beef.  Such a freaking shame.

     If you've read long enough, I think, you'll know I generally eat the left overs.  It is a rarity that they do.  So I'm looking at waste, and I despise wasting food.  They are supposed to eat some of it tomorrow night, I really hope they do. 

     Tomorrow night, Thursday, I'm hoping to hit a car dealer.  That may help them along.  How?

     Monday night, was supposed to be hamburgers.  Long story shortened sister wasn't hungry, brother in law in mood, of course not cooking.  She finished mashed potatoes from corned beef, he had a grilled cheese.  I did the wise thing and had a salad. I'd been drinking lots of water and just figured the salad would help the sodium leave my body.  Felt great yesterday.
 
     Tuesday.  Supposed to be burgers.  Got home after 6.  Was told everyone, they included me, was exhausted.  I of course said I wasn't.  We did hero's.  Sister wanted Chinese.  That leaves 2 nights to go, counting tonight.  There's burgers and chicken, and pasta on the menu.  So...sadly....I know the corned beef will be wasted on Sunday. 
 
    Shoot have to go.  But just had a thought.  I've never frozen it before.  What if I did that and served it with eggs every so often.  Yes that is what I'm going to do.  Glad I came in this morning now.  Later.

The weekend was.....

     I actually made a note to come in and write a blog tonight.  Figured what the Hell.  Do a run down of the weekend and such.  A question first.  Does  anyone subscribe here or is it all just foot traffic.  Either way pull up a chair and enjoy the ride.

     Saturday.  Usual.  Eventually woke up, when I say eventually, I mean I slept.  Think I got up at 5 and thought what the Hell and went back to bed.  Got up about 7ish.  Today we were going to see my Grandfather.  He doesn't live to far, about 40 miles west as the inebriated bird flies.  Last I saw him was at his wife's funeral 2 years ago.  He was 90 then.  From time to time I speak to his son, my Uncle, mothers brother.

     Let's just say relations between him and us are strained.  I could write a whole blog on him alone.  Let's not and say we didn't want to.  In fact he just moved from round the corner and hasn't let us know.  Anyway.  I've mentioned from time to time about going to see my Grandfather.  He, my uncle, always says the house is in shambles, the bathroom doesn't work so well.  Really discourages the idea.

     My sister has been wanting to see him.  The last time she saw him was nigh on 8 years ago, at my mom's funeral.  Mom, I pause here.  I still miss her.  This isn't a blog about that either.

     The last time I got ahold of my Grandfather, at my sisters insistence was....interesting?  I made the call, got him on the phone he said hello and asked for her.  Now I was standing next to her and she waved that she wasn't there, why I don't know.  My Grandfather promptly said okay and hung up on me.  Yup.

     Don't think I mentioned in the heart blog this tidbit.  We only learned that his wife had been in hospice, for months, after she passed.  The summer I was recuperating from open heart surgery, and my sister was in rehab from her ovarian surgery.  Yeah, my Uncle lived around the corner.  Getting the warm and snugglies yet?  Me neither.

     My Grandfather was a rapscallion of sorts in his younger days.  A fun guy.  He's now in his early 90's.  I say 92 sister says 94, she exaggerates a tad.  Anyway.  She wanted to go and see him, I told her to call.  She called while I was out Saturday morning, she got him.  His first words were when are you going to come and see me.  She replied today.  She was elated.  I was apprehensive as to what we would find.

     We both told my brother in law he didn't have to come.  He was not in a good mood.  He came.  Whined and bitched a bit.  Was annoyed about getting lunch in the deli, I got nothing cause I wasn't hungry.  And we were off.  Made it out just before our town had it's St. Patricks day parade.

     The ride was nothing special, just irritating to be in close proximity to them.  Always feeling held hostage.  Anyway we arrived and he was waiting for us.  He's lost a lot of weight and walks with a cane now.  Looked and sounded very well.  We all should be so well at his age.

     The house?  It was immaculate, I mean gorgeous, not like the squalor we live in.  But don't get me started on their lack of cleanliness please.  Anyway.  (anyway appears to be the word of this blog huh?) 

     It was a nice short visit.  Little tour of stuff.  His television and the box on top of it that at he paid $45 for and got Lot's of channels.  Saw a few rooms.  He doesn't go upstairs anymore.  And it was a lot about his son.  I could see my sister was getting annoyed by that.  As for me?  Not sure.  The conversation was mostly directed towards her.  And her social skills were failing quickly, I'm usually relied on to keep the conversation.  He didn't really seem that keen on making conversation with me.  Anyway.

     It was a nice visit.  We were in the middle room, seeing old stuff he had.  The inmates saw it was snowing and got worried.  That helped end the visit.  Grandfather said not to be strangers.  My sister felt great about the visit and wants to do it every couple of months.  Of course I will have to be dragged.
 
     It is difficult to talk about certain family members and such.  You, in this case I, want to say so much.  And it would all seem silly and petty to those on the outside.  I know, and maybe some of you know.  It was a nice visit.

     And he's slowed down a bit.  He no longer has 4 or 5 of everything.  2 now.  Know many 90+ year olds with 2 cars?  Yeah didn't think so.  Heard a lot about my Uncle.  He's going to inherit everything, and he should.  He is his natural son.  I don't begrudge that.  It's the little silly things I mentioned in the paragraph before.

     The only example I offer.  Walking in through the kitchen I saw the table.  A table you say, no I say.  The Table.  See it was my mothers Grandmothers.  My mother did her homework at that table.  When Grandma died, his first wife, she asked him for it.  It was promised to her.  He said yes.  Almost a year after he died he remarried.  They used that table as a dinner table.  It always hurt my moms' feelings.  Stuff like that.

     Anyway.  Took a break to let the dog out.  She balked, no not barked, balked at the snow.  Refused to leave the stoop, so I'm guessing I'll be on clean up during the night.  Lucky man.

     Hopefully I didn't come off to petty on the above.  I'll let it stand anyway.  (the last 2 were intentional.) 

     I was asked to grab cheesecake after we got home and I did.  Sister ate it right away, real smart.  I had time to make mass and we ordered dinner from one of our usual joints.
  
     Apparently hers was hideous.  She had me call to let them know.  Brother in law was in fits.  Don't know why, he just doesn't like to make waves.  I view it like this.  We are regulars, we know the managers.  I expressed that I knew it was a busy night and probably someone new on the grill.  They're giving me a credit for her dinner.  Not mine or my brother in law's, ours were fine. 

     Sunday.  Really not to much and I'm typed out.  Some online gaming in my game and bed for me.  Later.

     It's 8:30 and I should be doing stuff.  That utterance drove me here for a ramble.  Maybe some cohesion.  Saturday morning, looks okay.  2nd or 3rd cup of coffee, does it really matter:

     Made an awesome breakfast.  Had a bell pepper going wrinkly in the bin, some left over slices of a cut of meat, and there was cheddar cheese.  Tried to get fancy.  Cut up the pepper then the steak, cracked 2 eggs.  Was going for an omelet.  Heated the pepper and steak in the stainless pan nicely, resprayed.  Beat the eggs.  Can you see it coming.  Poured the eggs in and realized I never lowered the gas and really should have washed the pan.  So no omelet. 

     I was not raised to waste food.  Made one of those skillet looking things you see advertised on television.  Once the egg was cooked, flipped, tossed on toppings and tossed it all together.  Even put it on a a new plate I bought.  And know what.  Damned tasty too.  Beat their deli breakfasts.  Only thing that could have been better.  If I'd remembered last night I was out of half and half.  But coffee with milk is still better than no coffee.

     I really ought to see what is on the agenda for today.  Is my sister still determined to go and see my Grandfather?  Of course some household banking, some of my own bills to organize and pay.  And since we're rambling, wondering if they'll give me the last installment of money they owe me?

     Oh and I did watch one of the movies, just don't feel like breaking it down.  Maybe next time.  Should be a nice weekend.  Maybe a little car hunting.  Oh I cannot wait for better weather and a day off.  So needing it.  Even my manager is needing it for himself.

     Okay that's all.  Have a day.

Sunday

     Sunday.  2 notable things things.  Means bakery run and food shopping for the week.  Was a nice morning.  Got the usual for the inmates.  Me?  A sourdough roll and a St. Josephs pastry.  They make 2 kinds.  One cannoli filled and the other is Italian cream.  Oh they are both wonderful.  Asked the young lady at the counter to choose for me.  I'll have the other this Sunday.

     Then relax a bit and off to food shopping.  I generally play some video then recon the shopping list my sister puts together.

     We were in the first supermarket when I felt my stomach hurting a tad bit.  After a bit of thought I realized it was the damned potassium pills.  Anyone familiar with my heart blog would do well to remember the endoscopy colonoscopy entries.  So I learned a lesson.  Roll and pastry is not enough of a breakfast.  Was well enough to hit the second market.

     Put the groceries away at home and made my way to the lounge.  Did a bit of regaling the adventures of car shopping with my pals.

     One friend seriously was disappointed I didn't hit BMW.  "Don't be intimidated."  he said sternly.  Encouraging me to consider all options.  "And don't forget Fiat, you'd be awesome in that." 

     He's also a big proponent of making and offer on cars.  "If it's marked $16,000, tell them.  You really like the car, if they would come down to 11 it's cash in the pocket.  Wait 1 time for a counter offer.  You've nothing to loose."  I don't disagree.

     I used this weekend primarily to get my feet wet again.  Has been so long since I shopped for a car.  Also I really don't know what I like.  I don't want to get a Corolla just because I have one now.  So we'll see.  Told them I was leaving a little early.  Hitting the Hyundai dealer down the road.  Convenient.

     I hit the lot.  Was a kid outside who was glad to show me around.  Talking about price points.  He was actually showing me the brand and not just the trade ins.  That would have been a clincher for me.  Except for what transpired next.

     He started talking about financing.  How he dealt with hundreds of banks, he brought up Wells Fargo for some reason.  I countered with I knew about the loan I was taking out.  Under sold and said it was for about 3-4 grand.

     "Oh...", he said not missing a beat, "...I don't thing that's possible.  They changed the law a few years ago.  You can't get a loan for less than 5."

     I stared at him for a moment.  I was incredulous.  Was I supposed to be buying this bullshit.  "I've got it covered." I said in an earnest tone.

     "You'd better check..." then went on a bit more about the banks he worked with to secure loans. 

     The conversation was dead to me no.  I was disappointed and determined this was my last car lot of the weekend.  Back in my car I headed for home.  Where I knew no one would be cooking.

     At home I rushed the meal, whatever it was.  I wanted to enjoy the new hour of light out of doors.  And I did.  This weekend shall hold new surprises.  On Saturday I wanted to his another Hyundai dealership.  Have just been informed that my sister wants to go see my Grandfather.  If it happens it will be interested.

     This week I finally saw Batman Rises.  I enjoyed it.  I'm not a huge Batman fan, but the movie was quite excellent.  Last night I watched Skyfall.  Another good recommendation.

     The other 2 for watching are Django unchained and Seven Psychopaths.  I'll let you know.

Guess what it's contiued tonight. Lucky readers.

     Will have to keep an eye on the time.  Hell's Kitchen premieres tonight and I want to see it.  Seems the inmates enjoy it too.  So it's sort of a bonding thing I reckon.  Okay the first dealership.

     Toyota is flipping huge in my area.  I hit the first lot.  Turned out to be a Scion place.  I was told, with on one offering to show me anything on the lot, that Toyota was the next lot on the right.  Slightly annoyed I got in my car and went out into traffic.  Upon arrival, it's still early, about 9:30, couldn't find a place to park and said screw this. 

     I left, lit my first cigar and debated.  Near my lounge, a good 20 miles away from me was a Honda dealership.  Why there?  Well the sales person from another Toyota dealer that sold me my current vehicle was there.  I made myself promise to see him and not to visit the lounge.  Was tough just driving by the lounge but got to the dealer ship.  Also noticed just south of the lounge was a Hyundai dealer, I would keep that in mind.

     I arrived at the Honda place.  My salesman was on vacation, not returning until today.  One of the salesman offered to show me around the lot.  Told him I had a firm limit of not a dime above 15,000.  He showed me a few cars, they looked good.  Nothing really caught my eye.  It was probably around 10:30 now.  I thanked him and headed west back to my town.  Passing the cigar lounge a second time.

     This time I was assaulting the strip from the West driving east.  Drove past Mitsubishi, Mercedes, all on my side, and I think the BMW dealer.  I stopped then at Nissan.  They were busy.  I left my name and looked around the showroom.  On the floor a suave roped off, convertible caught my eye.  It looked awesome.  I checked the tag.  16 miles to the gallon city and 23 highway.  I laughed.  This could be mine, or yours perhaps.  For a Paltry, I made a note of this on my phone, $107,605 dollars.  I went outside.  I had been there for a good deal of time waiting for someone to become available so thougth I'd peruse the lot a bit.

     Now the weekend before I had done my research with my bank.  They would only do a car loan for about 3.5% for 2009 or newer.  Any car older would be considered a personal loan at 11%.  So I knew the years I had to go for.

     They had some very nice cars out there.  The one that really caught my eye was a Nissan Versa, it was white, 2010 if I recall.  At this point a young kid walked up and asked if he could help me.  Told him my parameters, 2009 or newer.  He first steered me towards a 2005 model.  I said no.  I asked about the Versa, he had some knowledge.  What was the special financing being offered it was on the windshield he said he could ask.  I asked about any other models fitting my parameters and he really didn't seem to have an answer.  I wished a good day and told him to enjoy the weather and made my way to the back of the dealership and lit a new cigar.  Toyota.

     Back into traffic, which had now picked up.  It is a very busy road, finally made a left onto the lot and found parking.  I walked in and was greeted.  When I inquired about cars, and my price range, and possibility of pre-owned, they told me, "Pre-owned Toyota's are across the street."  I mean seriously, what the Hell.  So I left.  Back into traffic, it was nearing 12:30 and I was feeling a bit tired and hungry.  So I went home. 

     The inmates had bought pizza and they had an extra slice of Chicken Marsala, which I said thank you for and ate.  I tried to tell her the joke about the Nissan GTR but she took it wrong and was giving me every reason not to get it.  Before hearing the punch line of the price.  She also asked if in my travels I'd check to see if a local restaurant had any cheesecake.

     It is a new restaurant in the area.  Good food.  But the kid that makes the cheese cake, makes it phenomenally.  The way we do, except he uses a crust.  Also it is made from Pillidelpia Cream Cheese.  We love it.  I called, they had it, and I agreed to pick up 2 slices, warning her it was for dessert after dinner.  They know me all to well at that place, and always give me generous slices.  Recently the owner had made an apple pie, that was wonderful.  1 serving was enough for me and my sister.  Brother in law doesn't eat desserts.  Less room for beer I reckon.  Ah but I digress.

     Cheese cake ensconced in the fridge I made my way out once again.  Assaulting the strip from the East this time, I'd make Toyota my last stop.  I hit the Acura dealer.  Now I'm not even sure I know what their main vehicle line is, but I was hitting everyone I said.  This weekend I'll hit BMW just for laughs. 

     I walked into the dealership where 3 of the most, oh what is the the saying.  3 of the most stereotypical kind of white salesman awaited me.  When I asked, think I led with pre-owned they called over another salesman.  Who promptly took me to a desk to peruse their website.  I was astonished.  Here you have a customer and you're doing what I could do from home.  Utter bullshit.  I thanked him and left.  No Acura for me.  Whatever an Acura is.  Lit a cigar and headed back West for the Toyota pre-owned lot. 

     I liked the lot immediately as well as the dealer that greeted me, he was already outside.  I was blunt and told him what I was looking for.  Preferably a Corolla.  We went inside to find keys for a car he wanted to show me.  My luck, it was currently out for a test drive.  So we perused the lot.  There were cars there within my price range. They looked nice.  He did show me 1 trade in, I believe it was a Nissan.

     Back inside I took his card, we had a pleasant conversation and I said I'd be in touch.  The bad side.  Today I looked up some of the dealerships I've been to.  My original salesman that I went to at Honda.  A D rating from the BBB.  The Toyota place had some complaints, cannot remember looking at the BBB for their rating.

     I must admit I was tiring, it was nigh on 3 in the afternoon.  My last stop, now going East again, can you tell this wasn't the most economically or well thought out assault?  I hit the Kia dealership.

     Parked my car by the showroom, parked my cigar.  Upon entering I was told the pre-owned was across the lot.  Oh you wouldn't believe this one.  It is literally a trailer, can you say no respect.  They have permanent wood steps leading up.  The man was eating lunch, also noticed a drill on his desk  Told him not to rush on my account, and I did mean it.  Asked some questions and he said politely he'd tell me what he could but he was just about to take someone on drive.  Thus the drill.  Seeing the people coming back to the steps I bid him well and said I'd return.  I didn't want to interfere with a sale when I was just window shopping.

     Tired, but not discouraged I returned home.  It was about 10 to 4.  I was tired but intending on making the 5 O'clock mass.  Sorry I like to just chill on Sundays before the bakery run and food shopping.

     My sister heard my reports.  She also mentioned Hyundai.  Said I had every intention of hitting it tomorrow.  I think my picks now that I'm a little more informed are as follows, Corolla, Versa, and Sonata though I've yet to see them.

     That's it for this entry.  Time for the show in 9 minutes.  Stay tuned.

Where oh where to begin?

     It's 5:10 in the morning, Tuesday.  2nd or 3rd cup of coffee, been up since 3:30.  Put up one of the last blogs in my heart blog.  Had a weekend I could tell you about.  Other stuff too.  It's warming up here.  Just don't know how to begin at all.

     Partly on my mind is money and that ties into this weekend.  If you've read this you know that I do have money concerns, like everyone else.  I also have 2 grown assed adults that live with me and siphon off what they can from me.   Also I hope I've mentioned my car is dying, need one.  I finally have a small car fund.

     Backtracked and did a huge edit, but am feeling cheerier for having written it off my chest.  Sad to say you will never see it, but I'm grateful, because I'm happier.  So let's make this about my weekend!

     Friday night, got some rest, I was going to look for cars on Saturday.  I am sticking primarily with major dealers.  Mostly to steer clear of cars from the recent storms we have had.  I know they're out there, on a lot of those private lots.  At least I stand a better chance with a dealership.

     I was kind of looking forward to it.  It is more fun and easier to look when you don't have to.  By that I mean I still had a car whose engine light stays on eternally now.  So I figured a day of fun.  The previous weekend I'd mentioned it at the lounge and was given some ideas as well.  I was going to have fun.

     Saturday broke open with a gorgeous sunny side, and I broke open with a headache from Hell.  Seasonal changes can do this to me.  So good and bad, tells me that Spring is around the corner.  I can only describe the pain and nausea as having a terrible hangover without the benefit of having a fun night out before hand.  I grabbed 2 Tylenol and asked my brother in law to pick me up an egg sandwich from the deli run.  Back to bed for me.  Yes Tylenol works for me, nuff said.

     Still out of sorts I ate my sandwich, feeling the lingering effects of the dissipating condition.  Grabbed an ultra hot shower and prepared for my morning.  It was about 9 now.  Told the inmates what my plans were, they expressed minimal interest.  My sister told me not to jump into anything or be forced into anything.

     Donned my bomber jacket, grabbed a few cigars and walked into the loving sunshine.  Breezy, little chill, definitely wanted to put heat on in the car.  Patted the dashboard, she knows it's time, the car I mean.  And off we were.

     Now recently I'd been keeping an eye on what dealerships where where and such.  Was pleasantly surprised to see not to far from me on the strip was a wide assortments of such.  I decided on a Western assault, heading east hitting everything on the South side first.

     It was with a bounce in my step I pulled into the first place.  And yes...This is where I leave  you until tomorrow.  It is now 5:50, later.

Just thought I'd share

     Night time is when my brain takes out my most embarrassing memories and makes me relive them- from a book Dave Barry wrote some time back.  Don't think it is exact.  Very funny writer, I highly recommend him.  As I remember that lead into a story about his early years and a dance.  Enough about Dave though.

     Not sure why, but a memory came back to me over the weekend.  Thought I'd blog about it.  Then said nah.  It's been in the back of my mind, just sitting there, I glance at it from time to time.  Thought well I did share so let's share something from my past.  Then I figured something slightly bitter and something funny.  So it's a 2 fer.

     Weekend existed, this week is nothing to really talk about, yet.  Let's get back into the fogginess that is my memory.  Back into the last century.  The early 90's.  Before cell phones, before ATM machines, yep way back I reckon.

     Was in my early 20's, delivering pizza, living on my own.  Enjoying life so to speak.  Remember this 1 waitress.  Calling her Dahlia.  She was easily in her early 40's then, 60's now.  Blond, thin, nice personality.  Divorced with 2 kids.  Really enjoyed her company.  I'd listen about her scummy ex husband, who'd even bring the kids there on kids night.  After a harrowing tale about her leaving one night.  Although I no longer think it had to do with the job.  Apparently her ex had someone stalk her for him.  I was young and had no doubt it was true.

     Dude had come up to her window and said I bet you give great BJ's.  She sped off, said she was chased and couldn't find a cop.  The chase finally ended.  The story as I still think on it was sketchier even then.

     Well she had a habit of parking in the back, outside the door, so every night I'd walk her to her car.  Maybe some familiarities, trying not to taint my memory.  Anyway this went on for quite awhile.  In the middle of this and now I'm wondering if I want to continue?  It's a weird non cohesive tale with no real ending.  Okay you've been warned.

     I remember coming back to work after the weekend.  As I was talking to her someone came by to tell her what a great party she'd thrown.  The look on Dahlia's face was that of someone that was caught in an embarrassing situation.  I remember her turning to me saying sorry she didn't invite me.  She thought I was under age.  Funny thing was there was no mention of this in the entire previous conversation.  I let it go, no big deal.

     Seemed quite a few people had been invited.  Okay.  She seemed a bit uncomfortable about it.  Then the icing on the cake.  One ,and not the only one by the way, of the high school kids thanked her for the invite.  I remember kind of looking at her.  She wanted to say something, and I said oh and you didn't know that high school kids were under age?  I remember walking away and not talking to her for the rest of the day.

     I was getting a few chuckles directed at me.  Then clincher was at the end of her shift she waited for my by the door asking if I was going to walk her out.  I could see the sarcastic smiles of one of the kids to my right.  I told her to have one of her friends walk her out.

     Didn't maintain much contact after that. Just a nodding acquaintance.  Just one of those random memories huh.  Although I do think it loses something in the translation from memory to written word..

     Okay this entry is long enough.  No clue how this relates to the above, timeline wise, before or after.  Just a funny Delivery story.  This was one of the chain pizza stores and we delivered.  As with any place you have your regulars and such.  I can still remember 1 house.  You had to drive 10 min to get there, passing an excellent pizza place I ate at, that they could walk to.

     These people I genuinely felt bad for.  They were very good tippers.  However, every order had an issue.  Soda's forgotten, bread sticks, pizza's misplaced.  Well this time the order came in.  It was for 1 pie and I was going to make it a mission to get this to them perfectly with no screw ups.  I raced there in my little car.  Up the lawn, pie delivered, tip in hand.  My hand upon my car door they came running down the lawn.  "Excuse me, we ordered a Sausage pie, is this Sausage?"  They opened the box.

     At this time the place was running an add about ingredients.  It showed things, liked sausage being sliced carefully by a knife and such.  It looked good, on the commercial.

     The reality.  We got our ingredients from New Jersey.  Everything presliced.  2 kinds of meat.  One marked beef which went into the container marked beef.  One marked sausage, went into the container marked sausage.  Important?  YES BECAUSE THEY LOOKED IDENTICAL!

     I had little time to react.  They'd beat me back to the house and call the store if I didn't respond.  Remember cell phones didn't exactly exist then.  Thinking quickly on my feet I smiled and said, "What does it taste like?", no way in Hell I was eating it.  The man took a piece, made a face, said, and this is a quote "Baloney?"  of is it bologna?  Anyway I said that's our Sausage, enjoy and drove off.

     Yes I can tell you for a fact they did keep ordering, I cannot remember with any clarity if they ever ordered Sausage Pizza again.

Later.

100th post.

     All week, been thinking on this.  Silly I say to myself.  Tis the 100th entry shouldn't it be something?  Like what I reply, my coffee only stares.  I've looked at my earliest posts here.  Funny, after the last place was invaded.

     The thing in common is the silence of my readers.  I mean you're there and hopefully enjoying it.  Least I know it isn't distant relations keeping tabs.  In the earlier posts I lament the loss of my original cigar lounge.  I think I've kept the same tone throughout.

     I also remind myself that I must end my heart blog.  Kind of don't want to but it must be done.

     So maybe we'll peek into my life just a bit more in this blog.  To me it's a peek, maybe it's not to others.  Or maybe it will just be coherent. 

     Still thoroughly enjoying my online game.  Ultima Online.  I really do enjoy the Hell out of it.  Started playing the Ultima back when computers had floppy disks, from Ultima 1.  3 is still my all time favorite.  Story shortened when they no longer made it for my model I stopped playing.  I'd not get a computer again until the next century.  Now that is a statement!  Yup got my first actual online computer in 2000. 

     Somewhere in the mid 90's I had a chance to think about affording one.  But a kid I worked with got me off the idea.  His theory was that it would cost $2500 and be obsolete in a year and I'd have to do it over again.  I remember my actual thought.  "I just bought my car for $5000!"  I knew computers were out of my reach.

     In 2000 I entered the world of online stuff.  Rather unimpressed I must say.  I did find a chat room, where I made some friends.  That's another blog entirely.  The computer I used was a 3 sided monstrosity.   1 side was off so the modem card could be switched out.

     It was also a time when my mom was battling cancer, I'd moved back home, and was sober and such.  I was there to help and was the primary one, but this isn't about that either.

     At some point I was reunited with my game online.  I've enjoyed for 8 or 9 years.  A very relaxed style of play.  I tend to play more in Winter than Spring and Summer.  Every Fall I tell myself I'm going to get a new PlayStation.  While I wouldn't even be called a gamer, I still enjoy them and am glad to not have lost the urge in my 40's. 

     I usually play before work or sometimes at night, depending on plans.  Just thought, I never talk about what I do either.  May want to remember that.  Anyway that's my sharing perspective.  No don't really play with other people.  Just because I'm there for the pure fun.  Hard to describe.  I did hit a new shard where there seem to be some people that do fun things.  So who knows what the future holds.  Of course Spring is coming,  less time on the computer.

     I need to start seriously cleaning my home.  The others don't.  Also I seem to have lost my W-2 or 4, whichever it is you need for taxes.  So it's probably in the kitchen and I'll start there.  I'll be the only one eating at the kitchen table anyway.  Hmm?  Oh that.

     Brother in law usually brings my sisters dinner into her.  Then takes his to eat either in his room or in front of the kitchen.  So the table became a dumping area.  I let my end go recently to my detriment.  I will correct this.

     Then I need to clean this little cell I inhabit.  I truly have let it go as well.  And other errands today as well.

     I hope this has been a good 100th.  Have a good day.