Caught up with an old friend and business partner from Monster past. We did some big deals together back in the day, the Tyco account especially. I say it in jest, but this truly is the house that Monster built. Million dollar deals back in the early 2000’s spelled big commission checks for yours truly. I’ve moved on of course, from Monster and from sales for the matter. Joel is still at the same ad agency. He runs the place now. What a flash from the past. I bet I haven’t connected with him in 20 years!
Steph is on the road again. This time with our dear friend Tracey, our bestie from the PNW. she’s been here the past couple nights but today they left for Franklin Tennessee. Tracey handled the Airbnb. I think they’re going to the Grand ol Opry. Johnny cash museum. Some great meals. Also they happen to be staying super close to Steph’s other lifelong friends, the Berry family. And what an estate they have. Should be a great trip. I’ll hold down the fort with Jules and the dogs.
Steph and I are here, spending the night in Lagrange Georgia of all places. Julian’s first tennis tournament. The varsity girls team is here too. Honestly, this is what other parents have experienced their kids entire lives. But for us, these “away” games are totally new. Jules went from a virtual beginner to Varsity singles in a single summer. Now facing off with teams from across the state. Might as well be the US Open here at the Lagrange college. A small Methodist institution with a storied past. There’s a railroad that cuts thru town. It’s a beautiful day. I’m splayed out on the picnic blanket we brought. Jules is right in front of me about to serve. Steph is talking to some other moms over at mid court. I should turn my attention back to the match. But before I do, this is what I want to say. And what I hope he’ll take away. Win or lose. I am so proud of watching you play right now.
made lunch for the kiddo. Left him a little post-it note inside. Scrubbed the pool and added salt and chemicals. Then sat there and soaked it all in with coffee and Chai. The dog that is. 9:30 appt with Dawn. Physical therapy for my aching tennis elbow. Boy did she stick a bunch of needles in me but ohh Lordy do I feel like a new man! Breakfast of champions at Pops. More coffee ☕️ Changed the battery out of our chirping smoke detector. Picked up the pillow cases from alterations. Sent welcome emails to our new sales and marketing folks starting at Dads company. So exciting! Skimmed thru a little White Lotus 🪷 Re-read the details of my annual performance appraisal. All still good at Dell thank heavens. 😅 cranked out some actual work-work. Then in comes Jules as he flies straight from school to tennis, wondering why his laundry isn’t completely dry. Hot yoga for me at 5:30. Followed by more loving on Chai. A nice hot shower. A beer at Stout. Rounded off by dinner at my favorite haunt, Table & Main. Time now for beddy bye before daddy do it all over again tmrw. Counting the days till you’re back babe 😘
back from a really great weekend in Franklin. Aside from the poker fiasco on Friday night, we awoke bright and early come Saturday to get a jump on papoo’s recliner. Steph’s idea was to swap it out while he was still sleeping but wouldn’t you know it, he fell asleep in it while stoking the fire. So Jules and I went right on to this new yoga place in town called the Yoga Den. I’ve taken a class with Sophia before but never with Julian. So that was a hoot. 😝
then onto Bidwell street to check on our tenants the Holder family. Jules listened while we kind of walked the property and talked about their issues. Drainage, a fenced in dog area, the rent increase, and even their own mortality. He is 80 after all. But for a conversation a wasn’t looking forward to, we came away with a firm handshake and a favorable 2 year extension.
Next came tackling our own basement. On Mason Branch. Not a job for the faint of heart. But Jules and I, and even Papoo in his own way, readied a truck load for the dump, a shit load in the smoke house, sweeping junk from basement caverns, breathing in so much noxious filth and dust I envisioned myself a coal miner. All bitchin and moaning aside, got to give all due credit to Steph for being right down there with us, and making it all happen.
then came the actual birthday dinner. And man was that a home run. we had these tender cuts of beef called Teres Major. And a bunch of fresh boiled shrimp. Baked potato bar and more. Gloria made a Pig Pickin’ cake and Mitchell (obviously I don’t call him Papoo) blew out the candles with Muffie in his lap.
to top it off, as I was laying there on the floor, stuffed from the meal and exhausted from the day, Jules twists my arm to go shoot pool. It was weird and country and he beat me every single game.
