Goofing around

 Goofing around before going out at 3.  Oh I took this picture...that is if this works.

Mundane updated

     First off, rain left, sunny and terrbly muggy now.  Literally only reason I'm inside at 2 in the afternoon.  Thinking about going out.  We've just come back from one of those mega store places.  Actually not a bad trip.  Found out that bro in law is in a bad mood cause tomorrow is anniverssary of his moms death.  That is something many of us can relate to.  Yet none of that is why I came back in here. 

     Sodium!  That is the cause of my headache.  I've not really bored you with my menu in awhile.  Let's just say that most people should try to keep sodium to 2grams daily, or 2000mg.  Well I've topped it out.

     I've had between Wed and Friday night a massive over dose of the stuff.  Not going to do this anyway but quick.  In order more or less I've had the following at meal times.
1 burrito for lunch, 1 half pastrami half cornbeef for dinner, 2 eggs on store bought roll, looked on package (530mg sodium), 2 slices of pizza for lunch, turkey breast roast, repeated egg sandwhich, burrito, and 1 slice of garlic knot pizza for dinner last night.  And probably not enough liquids.

     Which is funny, because I drank a liter of seltzer last night wondering why I was so thirsty.  So I'm trying to take it easy on the sodium for the rest of the weekend.  Well that's it for the update.  Laterz.

Return to Mundane

     Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come On Back Another Day.  Technically thanks now I don't have to water the lawn.

     One of those days is blooming.  Got to much sleep, now have a headache.  Which lends itself to 2 thoughts as to the cause.  Neither of them do I like very much.

1) I have unashamedly smoked quite a bit this week.  For some reason I'm thinking either withdrawl, which makes little sense.  Or that my body is sending a clear message.  It's the concept of withdrawl here that would be my issue.

2) The worse is the dreaded sleeping sickness.  I've described it before.  Just in case.  Only on weekends which is odd; When I've no known plans; I get a case of tiredness often heralded by a headache; In which I sleep for 1 or 2 days; Always recovering in time for work on Monday.

     I've decided to just tough it out, whatever the cause.  I'm going to the laundromat after this entry.  Haven't done laundary for a week.  Yes I've showered, egads, I've some dignity....somewhere....think it's on a shelf over there....Anyways.

     The house situation is what it is.  Brother in law is in a tizzy because he and sister were supposed to get moving early.  It's now 2 hours past that time.  Did he really think she was going to move at 7 A.M.

     The rest of the weekend looks rather bland and lackluster.  Hope it's better where ever you who reads this is.

     Oh and I may hit some garage sales today too.  Maybe that will inspire a tale.

Last day of vacation

     It's not even 6 in the morning here.  Having my coffee of course, quite good.  The whole car thing kind of loused me up a little with my origional plans.  So I didn't really mention it, that I can recal.

     Weather has been hot, humid, and nice.  I've had a great time.  Got a lot of the little things done.  You know, the things that drive you crazy because there are a hundred of them over the weekend.  Well I accomplished a lot of them and ignored some others.

     I've been a tad decadant.  Have had a morning cigar every day.  Thus I've decided not to smoke at all for the next week.  And next week is the 4th of July.  Inmates, yes they're still alive, want to bbq.  I may have made plans.

     Even hit the lounge twice this week.  Saw a pal I don't see often.  Heard plans of the bachelor party, tame but it will be nice.  No, I'm not invited, nor was I expecting to be.  Honestly think it would be awkward if I was asked.  But things still good there.

     One day of my vaction was spent on my sister.  Had to go to some meeting with lawyer about that 4 car accident, see if she needed to see chiropractor.  And I'd promised to take her to Whole Foods, a supermarket she hadn't been to.  The day pretty much wiped her out.  Sad I know.

     Whole Foods is a nice store.  Has little stories on the stuff they sell.  They are also on the expensive side.  I fear it would take twice our weekly food budget if we shopped here.  For us it is more of a novelty, pick up 1 or 2 items at the most.  But it was packed and the stuff I saw was great.

     Also I've hit the beach almost every morning on vacation.  Said why the Hell not.  We're talking early.  It is also where I have the afforementioned morning cigar.  I've enjoyed watching the birds and fiddler crabs quite a bit.

     Well 6 is quickly approaching upon felt slippers, means breakfast and the last cigar at the beach.  Enjoy your day.

Some thoughts about cars.

     Sitting out back with a bottle of Honest Ade Half and Half Tea and a cigar.  I couldn't help but reflect upon some past car stories that occured to me.

     My first car I inherited from my mom.  When I say inherited I mean she got a newer one and I was given the 10 year old beastie.  Had some vinyl roof issues, peeling and such.  It was a recall thing that my folks never took care of.

     Well my best friend, we were 17 and 18 respectively worked for someone who said he could fix it.  Long story short he'd had it for over 1 month.  My dad was livid about this.  Phone calls went unanswered (I miss spell check terribly).  To make matters worse, the so called mechanic was seen driving the car around town.  Mom placed a call saying if it was not returned immediately the police would be called.  It was left curbside the next morning, filthy inside and out.

     Go to the 90's.  I had a little Blue 4 cylinder Toyota Corrolla.  Now this is when 4 cylinder cars really struggled to get to speed.  We'd found a new mechanic, little crooked fellow.  Seemed nice enough.

     My car developed alternator problems.  I believe the issue was it would stall out over 25 miles an hour.  Not a thing you want happeneing.  We put in 3 before we called it quits.  I asked him to junk it for me.  Mistake.

     Some time later, weeks or months can't remember, I came home after a night in the city.  Mom was there with a friend of the family who asked where'd I been.  Puzzling.  Come to find out, her son who was a cop had been involved in a high speed chase.  A chase of a little Blue Toyota Corrolla.

     Unfortunately the suspects, after smashing into a few cars escaped.  Upon reaching the car the most noticable things were.  The I Love Jesus bumper stickers all over the trunk.  And the only paper work in the glove box was....the title with my name on it.  Luckily for me I had the receipt of the destruction of the license plates so wasn't liable.  I still remember going back to that mechanic.

"Mike..."obviously his name, "...who did you sell my car to?"

I remember he blinked a few times then smiled slightly.

"I sold it to a few guys behind the restaurant down the road.  Why?" he asked squinting.

"Well I want their names."

"I don't know them.  Is there a problem?"

"Yes...."  I remember getting loud at this point, "...you see they're apparently a shitload better at fixing cars than you are you jackass.  The car you couldn't fix, was just involved in a high speed chase with the police and my title which I gave you was in the glove box."

     That was the end of my relationship with him.  My mom and sister continued.  To a point that is.  You see she junked a car with him as well.  I warned her to keep the title and the reciept for the destruction of the plates.

     Well long story shortened, she recieves a call from an impound lot in another county, a few months later.  Seems her car had been impounded and she was liable for the money.  Well yadda yadda yadda, luckily she had that destruction reciept so it was the last we heard from the police on that matter.  And they finally stopped going to Mike as well.

Still talking about cars.

     In general, I like this car.  I am enjoying it a good deal.  It is very good on gas, peppy, and comfortable. It is the last week in June, I have not smoked a single cigar in it.  I do believe that has also helped on the gas mileage. 

     My older habit had been leave work, get in car, light up somewhere off company grounds, enjoy smoke on the way home.  For those that don't know, cigars do not all smoke the same or come in the same size.  So often times I'd meander home on backroads.  Literally just driving to finish my cigar.  It was my best relaxation before coming home.

     No I haven't stopped.  I've adapted, it will be more interesting in the winter weather.  But on nice days, I go down to a beach and have a smoke.  Afterall, as I knew for other reasons, there is no way it takes me up to 1 and a half hours to get home.  Shh! Don't tell the kiddies.

     I put part of the new enjoyment on the fact that the car is so enjoyable to drive and part that it is so new to me.  Also part has to go that I trashed the inside of my old car.  To the point that I cringed at the thought of anyone I knew looking into it.  I've also compiled a list of things I will not miss about the old car.

1.)  A few winters ago she developed a really bad habit.  When the weather went below 32 degree's F here the drivers door gave me problems.  No not opening, closing.  There were times I would forget to go in the passenger side and freeze waiting for the car to warm up.  The door would close, just would not engage the latch to keep it close.  Not until it was warm.  Many a cold morning was spent this way.  Sometimes without the benefit of gloves.

2.)  Oil.  I cannot put my finger out on it.  I and no one else, this is hard for a man to admit, apparently almost ran my car out of oil.  The car never forgave me for this.  She burned oil like a cup of coffee.  I would estimate the last 2 years I put in about 5 quarts in between oil changes.  That is a lot.  Recently as she's gotten worse I've been concerned tha she would just ignite.  Car fires are not fun.

3.)  A recent thing.  My door lock and door handle have been sticking.  I would stop and go to leave and would occassionally have to open the car door from the outside handle.

     Those are the top 3 there are more.  For instance 1 year ago the check engine light became a permanent fixation.  This past winter the car has actually began to shudder at times.  I mean come on, 207,000 thousand some odd miles, I've gotten a real good run out of her.

     She's still in the drive way, it is a feat to clean her out.  Then I must turn in plates and get rid of her.  Hoping to get a junkyard to pick her up.  Otherwise it goes to charity and they can get the salvage points.

     Oh there's still a little more to tell, but let's save that for some other time.  Or some general rambling.

The first trip to work.

     The roads were a bit slick from rain, not unexpected. I took it as a good sign.  A good way to break in a new car.  I carefully took the keys and went to the car at 6:15 A.M.

"Well this is it." I carefully perused the buttons to beep the alarm.  This is my very first car with an alarm.  I got in and adjusted.  The seat does recline and is very comfortable.  Very astonished at the roominess.  Set my radio stations, so glad it is so much easier than it was.  Double checked I knew where the wipers were and such.  And put it in reverse.

"Things got a little pep." I said to myself.  Think I may have even introduced myself to the car, can't remember.  It took some getting used to.  You see this one seems to despise 30mph.  Well I go on a lot of roads that require that, with a police presence. 

     I'd made myself a promise.  I'd keep the car clean for at least a month.  Also no smoking while in it.  Which is a little easier since there is no conveinient ashtray anymore.

     Brakes were working nicely, just took me awhile to learn the gas pedal and how little I needed to coax it.  Neat to have a car with good pick up again.  We hit the highway.  We were doing 70 in no time to my astonishment.

"No, we're going to take it easy."  I eased over to the right lane and did a comfortable 60.  Man this car wants to move.  Getting to work was no great feat, early, hit the gym.  The day went quick.  Now was the time for our first rush hour together.

     Working in an industrial area, there is always traffic.  Roads were drier.  I was a little on edge.  I'd decided to take the expressway, even though I am a lover of the service road.  Lights yes, but moves and can be quicker than the expressway.  However, there can be a very strong police prescence to make sure you keep it under 40.  I felt and feel that sporty cars are always a target of police.  It didn't help that the windows were tinted in my mind.  A town I frequent to the North of where I work.  Let's just say tinted windows=getting pulled over.

     I could tell you stories.  Had a co-worker years back.  Drove an Audi with tinted windows.  Never drove with him.  Long story short he was ticketed.  The officer gave him a ticket for ever tinted window.  I can't afford that.

     And stop and go traffic would be something we'd have to get used to.  I noticed I was really enjoying the ride.  Very unexpected.  I was also glad the tint didn't obscure the view out of the window.  Versus non tint.  Another pointless fear.  Although I had not driven at night yet.

The car is good.

     Sunday broke, a little nicer than expected.  Food shopping.  I was still torn a bit about my new purchase.  I'd arranged that on Tuesday. I'd drop it off at my mechanic.  We bbq'd something.  I didn't hit the lounge, but I remember it being a mice day in general.

     Monday was pretty nice weather.  Just a good day in the house hold.  And on a side note.  It was a 3 day weekend that didn't include any fighting in the domestic situation I reside in.  Another bbq.  Again I didn't go to the lounge, they were open.  In fact I'd blown off a bbq the previous day, never had any intention of going.  To the extent that I didn't even get an address.  I wasn't missed.

     When I came home on Tuesday I got the news.  Firstly and foremost, the garage said it was a good car.  Wanted me to come back for an oil change when I got registration in the mail.  On an aside my sister told me what they said at the garage.

     They complimented it to my brother in law.  Then they asked him, he told my sister who told me. 
"He's going to treat this one a little better hopefully."
"It's his car." was what my brother in law is credited with saying
 
     He didn't want to tell me what they said.  It's all good.  As I said I let that car go to pieces in the end.  In fact I'm still cleaning it out, or just starting to.  And I know that it reeks of cigar smoke and just general lack of care.  But I figured it was my car, and this is how I wanted it.

     When I got to the garage and spoke to them they said it looked great.  I mentioned I'd be taking care of this car.  In all fairness it's only been the last 3 years I really let this car deterioate.  I'm talking about the insides.  It is a mess, just imagine it and multiply it by 4.

     Even one of the people said they stopped smoking when they got a new car.  It was a hint.  I know my car reeked.  Whenever I brought it in I had all 4 windows down hoping to help.  They'd kindly return it with the windows rolled up.  I was just being thoughtfull, kind of like when I always shut the radio off when I left it there.  Always hated when entereing someone's car and it started radio blaring.

     So now I was free and clear to drive my new car.  I reveresed the spots in the driveway.  I would take it to work on Wenesday. 

     The most ridiculous part, or one of the most, figuring out when I'd pick the car up.  First it was Sunday then Saturday.  This was Memorial Day weekend also, big car sales weekend.

     My old car was giving me more and more signals that it was ready for me to move on.  Little things that may not translate well.  A slight shudder; poor preformance; of course constant oil burning.

     We had a few rides together, and a cigars.  I wasn't going to the lounge that day, waiting on the call from the salesman.  It was about 4 in the afternoon when he said it was ready.  With my brother in law driving we got there.  Waited over an hour and such.

     It was a very hectic scene.  Didn't really get a chance to speak with the sales man, the manager that I had met with was not there.  Finally went upstairs to discuss the details of the loan.

     It was upstairs, I never even noticed the second floor before, crazy.  There were a few people.  I was called into the office.  Here we go.

     Firstly the rate was not what I expected.  Of course as I said I failed to get it in writting.  The power train warranty was not much better, oh I fell for that one as well.  Did go for the extra warranty, the only one they offered.  Basically, I bought it.  Still got a good deal.  But they got me on the back end.  Well, they think they did, but that's more foreshadowing.

     Back downstairs I was shown to the car.  Oh.  Charcoal gray not black as I had thought, interior was black.  And somehow I just didn't remember tinted windows.  I don't like tinted windows.  Got in it, same car, even checked the vin number.  Yeah I didn't mention that.

     Not sure why, but I did check the vin number just in case they were trying to be slick.  So after the origional test drive I made some notes.  Yes, I just wanted to make sure there'd be no bait and switch pulled on me.  Which really makes it ridiculous. 

    Check the vin number! But simply cannot remember what color the car is!  Are you kidding?!

     It had been rainy so I negotiated my way around the lake and between cars in the parking lot.  Followed my brother in law home.  Oh and I should mention they did give me a full tank of gas.  The last time they gave me 1 gallon above empty.

     And there it sat in my driveway.  I'd negotiated and put it in front of my old car.  I was not driving this until everything was assured.  And then I wondered what did I do.

I didn't forget you.

     The weather here has been dreadfull.  Have hardly been on the computer at all but let's continue eh?

     The salesmanager came in and sat across from me.  He wanted this car off the lot.
"What do I have to do to get you in this car?  It's been a slow month.  On a nice day after there rain there's no one here.  Let's make this happen."

     I smiled, "Just meet my price.  I already told the salesman it's a great car, but no where near my price.  What can you do?"

"12,000 firm" he said without blinking.

"10,500 is as high as I'm willing to go."

A sigh, natural no, but it was working.  "Look," he said, "if you go through our financing I can go to $11, 500 but that is it.  It's the price."  He passed some numbers over a piece of paper.  It all seemed fine.  I was sold.

"Done, I just have to do 2 things."  That was true.  What was also true is that I should have had him sign the paper he offered me.

     I told them I had no deposit to leave at 7:30 at night.  I needed to call my insurance company to see what my insurance rates would go to.  I also wanted to contact my mechanic and get his opinion on this car. 
"If every thing is a go I'll call tomorrow and give my Amex number for the deposit.  If I loose it by then, no hard feelings at all.  I'll just keep trying.

     We were all pleased and agreed to the aforementioned.  I went  home and told the inmates.  My sister was excited for me.  I down played it and said nothing was official until I got my calls in the morning.

     At work  I called my garage first thing.  They open at 7:30, I called at 8:30, to give them time to get settled.  They liked the car, said it was a good one and I was happy.  Around 10 I called my insurance agency.  They're a local office, I speak to them quite often and like them.

     When I told them of the car they crunched the numbers, my insurance would only go up $10 a month.  That's with everything.  You have to get all the bells and whistles when you buy a car on a loan. I called the dealer ship, left my deposit and I bought a car.  I was to pick it up that weekend.  Memorial Day weekend.  I was excited.  I only told my manager.

thunder, the story will be continued.

     I didn't time the dude, I did last time.  He was back fairly quickly.  He even had a counter offer.

"Okay I can go down to 13.  But that really is the bottom line."

Smiling I told him, "You should have no problem getting that at all.  But that is not an amount I can spend on a soon to be 4 year old car."

     I could tell he thought this was going to be a whole lot eaiser.  Sitting down, he brought up the facts once again.  Lease on this car just ended so it was well maintained; the mileage is perfect; it is a 4 cyllinder; was I really looking to buy a car.

     Still smiling I stood up, "Look I feel like we're wasting time..." was just a line, it was a day when there was no one coming into the dealership.  Oh and I also don't believe you can waste time but that is an other discusstion entirely.  "...What is the bottom line on this car.  I'd like to own it but not at this price."

     I sat back down, he looked across at me, "What is your bottom price?"  I told him "$10,500"

     Unrealistic?  Let us remember I'm doing this as I have a car that runs.  It is a different situation entirely.  There is no reason not to barter and try.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.  Yes my bottom line was truly $13,000 but no way in hell was I going to admit to that.  It is all about negotiating and who wants it more. 

     Off again, it was someone who he felt he could deal with.  Not sure what he called him.  It took a bit longer for him to return as the minites wanned.  I sat there actually realizing I was considering buying this car.  I'd been having so much fun, but now this was becoming a reality.  I was also getting hungry, I'd been there now about an hour.
  
     He came back at $12,900.  I smiled and said no.  Told him it was time to end this, dinner was waiting.  He went to get the manager said he'd be right back.

tbc...

Let the games commence

     Once back at the dealership the tour continued.  Showed me the engine, trunk, insides.  The car was nice, comfortable, and quick.  I didn't like the fact it was black.  Did I mention it was a dark and rainy day?

     Inside at his desk it began.  They wanted 13,500 for the 3 year old car.  I smiled,
"It's a great car and a good price.  But it's not at my price point.  I'll have to pass."
The saleman flinched visibly, "Then you're not really interested in buying a car.  Deals like this don't come around very often."

I continued the same approach, "I am definitely interested, but only at my price point not yours.  I was here about a month and a half ago.  When we last were here there were 4 cars at my price points, with similar mileage." ( I was still having fun car shopping and test driving.  I didn't even look at those vehicles.)

Changing tacts a little he coutnered with, "For that price point I can put you in something right now, just won't be at the mileage you want. and will be a little older."

I admitted my mistake in waiting.  Told him I was serious enough to have him be the only Toyota saleman left on my list.  My car however was still running, told him it would be a different story completley if my car was dead.

"I'm willing to take my chances.  We both know the 2014's are coming in a couple of months, it will then be a 4 year old car.  5 but that's a technicality."  I waited.

He retorted, looking a little non-plused, that they didn't know when the new cars were coming.  A lie, but if this was the only one he'd tell I was allright with that.  We were begining the barganing after all.  "Let me talk to the sales manager and see what I can do."

With that he got up and left.  I sat back smiling.  I hadn't noticed, nice tactic, we'd parked my car right outside his office and I could see it.

...sorry all I have time for this morning.  and the weather may not be condusive to being able to put on computer tonight.  later.

Meet the car.

     I went to see the car.  It was an end of lease return and I was assured that it would be cleaned a ready after 6.  Unfortunatley for me that meant rush hour.  It wasn't that bad truthfully.  I went a route that was ugly but direct and got there in time.  I met the salesman who went to get the keys and the plates.

     It was a very overcast day, not to much in the way of rain.  The car I must say was appealing to the eye, with a spoiler on the back.  I wasn't thrilled that it was black.  Black or white cars, both suck for the same reason.  Both show dirt and actually require washing, I'm not big on that.  Also the windows were tinted.  Yes I know there is a group of people thinking "tinted windows are so cool..." Or "I paid good money to get mine tinted so stop complaining..."

     I am used to a plain car, maybe a little sporty but nothing catching the eye.  I once had an old cop car from the 80's.  Loved it.  It was sporty and could move, and never once got a ticket.  A black car with tinted windows and a spoiler means I'm more noticable and on a list.  The list being, law enforcement will be more apt to expect the sports car to speed and such.  So must be more careful.  Where I work it's not far from the highways.  And on the service road, which is my preference, many cops.  It's actually sometimes ridiculous in theory.

     Of course that might have to do with the fact that many are doing better than highway speeds.  So it will be fun learning.

     The test drive was nice.   Since I bought a car here about 13 years ago I told the salesman to talk up the car, I knew the the route.  Being off a major highway they have a nice little stretch for a test drive.  The first part is a service road.  Leads to another then through a small part of a town and back.  Gives you a feel of the cars performance.  From soup to nuts.

     We got to the dealership and he let me know the price of the vehicle.

Monday descends into Tuesday an news

     Unfortunately I was about 15 miles away when I remembered I'd not paid for the smoke.  But my body screamed L-U-N-C-H!  I've no clue what I ate, no the cigar wasn't that strong, it's just that it was 2 weeks ago now.  Anyway.  It was late in the afternoon, knew I had to cook dinner.  Did dishes, watched peoples court.  Really an uneventfull end to an otherwise uneventfull day.  Promised myself I'd go back to the lounge to pay for the smoke on Tuesday.

     I'd checked in with me contact at the Toyota dealership.  Said something about Tuesday.  Enter Tuesday.

     Well being Tuesday, early, all my errands done, I was entitled to a reward.  Breakfast out.  (wait you can't remember lunch from a weeks ago but remember breakfast?  wtf?)  Yeah, deal with it.

     It is one of my very favorite places.  They used to be in a little trailer across from their current location.  Now they're a booming business.  Breakfast is never cheap, but will fill you for the day.  And their coffee is simply awesome.  I got a little table on the covered out side area.  I was the only customer, it was awesome.  I went with a short stack of pancakes that were simply awesome.  They had mango, and I grabbed a side of sausage.  And was cheaper because of asking for a short stack.

    I have never been able to eat 3 pancakes.  Years ago I realized I could order 2, they usally call it a short stack.  This works in many places.  A decent place, non chain, will sometimes adjust the price as well.  Just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone was interested.

     After a luxurious breakfast and 3 cups of coffee.  That doesn't include the 2 from home. I decided I deserved the beach and a decadent morning cigar.  Of course I obliged.  My car shrugged, or should I say shivered.  It was giving me little signs that it was ready to be put out to pasture shall we say.

     I enjoyed my smoke, it was near 11 so I made my way Eastward to the lounge.  Upon walking in I was greeted by the same friendly person. 

"It occured to me that I forgot to pay yesterday." I openly admitted.

"Don't worry I covered it for you." he said.

     Then a polite bickering about him taking the minimum of $10.  He reletned and said not a dollar more.  Sat and chatted for awhile.  Told him I was going to see a car and such.  After about an hour I bid him good day.  It was to beautiful not to be doing something outside.

     "Unknown number?" I looked at my phone perplexed.  Played message.  From the salesman.  We'd play phone tag for the remainder of the day.  The upshot being me agreeing to see the car after 6 tonight.  Really annoyed me that all day I had to check my phone.  For whatever reason Unknown Number never rang and just went straight to voice mail.  Infuriating actually.

     Next  Entry.  Meet the car.


    

     I'd taken the Monday and Tuesday off from work.  Specifically because I wasn't sure how I would feel after walking the 5K.  I felt great on Monday, top of the world great even.  I had some things that I must do.  Mundane errands mostly.

     Was asked several times by my sister if I had a Dr.'s appointment.  Told her no, just 2 days off nothing special.  I was out of my house by 7 A.M.  Several reasons: I am an admitted early riser: I wanted a new walk: She doesn't leave the house until 8:30 and generally drives me nuts.  Enough reasons no?

     So off I went.  It's a nice town some 20 min drive from the house.  I had walked here in the fall when I was recouperating from OPH surgery.  Nice little challenge.

     My basic goal was to prove to I was okay.  I wanted to walk withought a field.  Without being over dressed.  I wanted to prove to myself that the 5K the previous day was not how I normally am. 

     I set my pedometer, free application on my cell phone, and picked a route.  It was laden with hills you simply didn't see on the vineyard.  So I knew it would be challenging.  Story shortened I did the mile and some tenths walk in 21 minites.  I was well pleased.  So mayhaps my real time would have been closer to 40-50 minites.  There was 1 hill in particular, I wanted to do a Rocky dance, from the movie where he runs up the stairs.  I did it without stopping, I could have to dance, but just continued.  I didn't stop for the whole walk.  I was elated.  Must celebrate!

     What I failed to mention is where I parked.  Relavant?  Uh....yeah.  It was the start/finish line.  Happed to be just a few doors down from a bakery that makes the most amazing chololate croissants.  So yes...I bought 1.  I don't know how I only bought 1 but I did.  And it was delicious.  

     This isn't one of your factory made bread product.  One where they put 2 bars of chocolate that run through it.  Not for me.

     No, these are first off light.  They do have a drizzling of chocolate on the top.  I've not had one hot.  It is a perfect bite of chocolate and butter laden deliciousness.   It is rich, and truth is I've had 2 before and it is to much.  1 is enough just to make you smile.  Oh I love that place. 

     Got home with a smile on my face.  Did errands and such.  I thought I would treat myself to the cigar lounge.  I'd missed it the day before.  Also my friend/aquaintance works there during the week and I generally only get to see him when I have a day off.  So off I went. 

     Well found out that it was finals week so he had my pal from Sunday covering his shift.  Nice guy.  Told him my tale, we talked of a few things.  I'd picked an Illusione, think that is how you spell the cigar.

     I sat down customarily lit up and contiued talking.  It is what I call one of those that you'd best not have on an empty stomach cigars.  Well I felt the effect.  Not at all unpleasant, I've had that with perdomo's which I adore.  It is hard to describe.  Essentially when it was done I said my farewells, a few customers had come in.  Walked out badly in need of food.  It was after 12 and the only thing I'd eaten was a croissant.