What an interesting day.

     Yesterday was fun.  Almost as much fun as the last snowfall.  Think that was on a Wednesday as well.  For starters brother in law stayed home.  Got diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection.  I went out and shoveled about 5:30.  

     We had a good 5 inches on the ground already.  Was pretty easy.  Did the whole thing because I knew more would be coming.  I was even nice enough to offer to go to the deli for them.  Brother in law declined, so I was off.  Already knew 1 co-worker wasn't coming in, the crazy one.

     On a whole the roads were terrible.  I stopped at another deli, where you can sit and eat.  Said I wasn't crazy enough to tackle these roads and eat.  Got a laugh from the young lady.  Out here, even though we've been having snow with more frequency.  People still panic.

    They still cannot drive real well.  Spin out, I've seen more 4x4 vehicles on the side of the road in the last few months.  Come on, drive sensibly.  It was dicey getting to work.  Think my main impetus for going in was because it wouldn't be fun staying home.  Sick?  Yeah I know, but I get no rest here.

     The building was empty as all Hell. Last time I want to say by lunch time we had 20-30 in the whole building.  This time it'd be hard pressed to find 20.

     The release they sent yesterday was a typical corporate release.  Boiled down to, weather looks terrible; work from home if you can; if you can't make arrangements with manager; building is open.  Generally if you stay home you must use a day of your time off.  By the building being open, it means the people that do not come in don't have to be paid.  Oh you get paid when the building closes.  

     As I made my rounds I enjoyed watching the heavy snow fall.  I'd brought supplies if I had to crash here.  Crazy?  Yes.  But it's a damned comfortable building.  And they have t.v.  It would be a night away from my house.  And it would not come to pass.

     Ran into one woman.  He manager texted her at 9, while she was on her way into work.  The text was that she could work from home.  Ran into another.  While her work could be done from home, she did the last storm.  Her manager frowned upon that.  To his credit, he did come in as well.

     It was a day.  Lunch was bought, actually this time for everyone in the building.  The previous time I think was a little by surprise.  Oh and they closed the building at 11, I stayed until 2.  Well we had flank steak for lunch.

     Since the snow was expected, the cafe came in quickly.  Made zitti and some sandwhiches, salad, and left the soda machine on.  Was decent, not flank steak awesome, but I wasn't complaining.  It is a very nice gesture.  Day went on without incident.  I left at 1:30

     Look driving is driving so forget about any descriptions.  Except that the 4x4 drivers that were stuck, hopefully you learned a lesson and no one got hurt.

     My road was barely plowed.  I glanced at the foot or more of snow, the boulders at the bottom of the driveway were the only proof of a plow truck.  It was beginning to do the freezing rain bit.  I had to dig in.  Texted family and manager, not in that order, that I'd arrived home.  
  
     As I walked up through all that snow to get the shovel, I was really glad I'd put in the effort of shoveling early that morning.  It would have been close to 2 feet of snow then.  Unfortunately I'd missed the part of the day where everyone was out doing driveways.  Being sociable and helping each other.  So my driveway had uncharacteristically been left untouched.

     I shoveled and decided to make my car home base.  I left it running, after arguing with myself.  Basically that someone take it.  There was no one freaking around.  Cept for someone down the block doing their own driveway.  As I worked the bottom a town plow came by twice.  

     It was actually nice.  As I got cold, get in car, smoke.  Finally got the car in.  Stop and smoke.  At some point brother in law came to the door.  I gave a friendly wave.  Later he'd come back to ask if I needed help.  Told him no I was having fun and he should get back inside out of the cold.

     Took me the better part of a cigar and about 1 and a half, but I got the job done.  I was in by 4:30.  And did I stop there?  Come on...you know the answer...who'd cook dinner.

     Plans were for the burgers, but they'd been bought Sunday and smelled horrilbe.  So made bacon and eggs.  And that is all that is fit to write as now it's shower time.  

-later

From the depths of 2013 I spit at thee....OR

          Welcome 2014 cont'd.

     Neighbors.  That was a hope my sister was holding out for.  That they would know someone, who on the morn of New Years Eve would come and fix the fridge.

     I knew that wasn't happening so I didn't bother.  Made a few run around trips.  Coin store didn't open until 10.  I'd brought another cigar so decided to smoke it.  Long story short the coins were very disappointing in terms of sales.  Such is life.  Back to the house.

     Sister was much more calm.  Reiterated several times, "Freezer on bottom with an ice maker.  No double doors. Must have an ice maker."

     I said fine and began went to begin my search.  But then the discussion about what to do for lunch arose.  I shook my head.  I didn't take off from work to concern myself with this.  We decided on a Kosher Deli, best way to put it I guess.  They make wonderful food and she loves their corned beef sandwiches.   Even the brother in law enjoys a roast beef sandwich from there.

     Ordering from my car like I've done hundreds of times.  I mean it is literally just 7 miles away.

"I'd like to place an order."  I always say this.
"When do you need it?" the angry man asked.
"10 minutes.  I need a corned beef on rye" thinking the cashier was being a bit rude.
"Are you kidding!? bye bye." and he hung up

     Undaunted and undeterred I decided to go.  Maybe the individual was having a bad day.  I certainly didn't think the person would fill the order.  I got there and the place was chaotic.  They were preparing trays for New Years Eve parties.  So I could see how my order might be puny.  Stepping up to the counter I asked for my sandwich.

Tall dude, who seemed in charge, and I'd never before seen, glared at me.  Usual dude took care of the sandwich.
"That was you!?" the tall man said.
"Yeah, I do this all the time."  which was true.
"1 sandwhich!  Would you order a slice of pizza over the phone?!"
"Not only would I. I have."  Wished the guy who made my sandwich a Happy New Year.  turned my back and left.

     Idiot dude.  And what I said was the truth.  Okay it was usually 2 slices.  Chicken Marsala for my sister and Sicilian for  the brother in law.  I was also a good customer of the place.  And as I pointed out, it was never on a holiday when they were plating trays.  Still, what a rude person.

t.b.c.
no, I'm not joking.  but we do get to the fridge shopping next entry.