Half a Long Weekend
I took Friday off of work for no good reason. I generally only work half a day on Friday and I have been spoiled the last few summers having more time off, so I thought I would take advantage of the last bit of quiet before the semster starts and have a three day weekend. Thursday night I was giddy with pleasure at the idea of this. I don't know why really, I can't complain about my job, but it just felt GOOD. Ernie took me for a celebratory drink at Fries and Peanuts and we settled in talking to our beloved Ceal and Roger. Later as we were sitting there Ernie mentioned longingly that the new Billy Joe Shaver album was out. I dug out Exile On Main Street's phone number and Ernie called. He reported that they had cds AND vinyl. I told him to just go buy it. He brightened up and said, "Go right now?" "YES!" I said. He trotted off happily and was back in no time. Not only vinyl....but gatefold cover. I just can't even tell you.
Right after I took the above picture, he pulled the record out and smelled it. That's my boy.
We finished it off with a lazy evening, sat outside talking with the boys until the rain sent us in, and then watched an episode or two of Treme. The next morning we got up and remembered that Ernie had to get bloodwork done. We went over to Carle and did that (where once again they didn't have him scheduled and they had to call the cancer center while we waited...sigh) and then tried Huaraches Moroleon for breakfast. Numerous friends have told us to go there and I must say my breakfast was incredible. WAYYYY more than I could eat but absolutely delicious. I had medium spicy chilaquiles with two eggs over easy, Mexican rice and beans. The eggs were textbook perfect. Almost a bit crusty on the bottom edges with perfect molten centers. It was fantastic! We may have a new breakfast place....
We came home and spent most of the day in the front yard, fielding the occasional drizzle, reading, and and doing an occasional tiny bit of yard work. We slow cooked a chipotle powder covered pork shoulder on the grill and after hours of smelling the smoke it was delicious....served with corn and watermelon and cucumbers. I love this time of year for the vegetables that are so good you don't have to do anything to them!
Today we had planned to go to Bloomington. Leo's favorite hobby shop is there, and I figured we could hit Asahal Gridley's and go to Lucca Grill for pizza. Leo slept so late we thought maybe it wouldn't happen, and I was torn as this is the week before payday, but the first thing he said when he emerged from his lair was, "So....when are we leaving for Bloomington." I had almost decided not to go but I looked at him, paused, and said, "as soon as you're ready."
We actually had a delightful time. Leo picked up a few new coupler thingies for his trains and some green grass paper stuff (note my technical terms). Asahal Gridley's was great as always...saw one thing I really wanted and a second thing I'm downright obsessed with. No money for either though but it still felt nice to be there. I remember going there with Owen as an infant (Leo hanging out with my Mom and Dad) and stopping and sitting down on a random chair to nurse Owen. So long ago. None of the guys we knew were there so they couldn't be amazed at the change in my sweet peas.
We went to Lucca Grill, which I love, after being introduced to it with our friend Bob when we went to see Dr. John with Teri and Brian.
As we drove home Owen played his new favorite song.
We all laughed helplessly. Then he played Leo's newest favorite song and every time I looked back Leo gave me a little smile. I listened and tried to think what was in him that responded to this...and I could have cried I love him so much.
My sweet peas.
It's been a good day.
Oh, and on the way home we stopped at Schnuck's. Ernie and Owen went in to get a few things. When we got home Owen told me not to go in the kitchen. He came outside later with some strawberries with a warm, sweet white dip for them. Evidently he had told Ernie that he thought that Oreo filling would be good on strawberries so Ernie let him get a package of Oreos. Owen emptied every single Oreo of its filling and heated it up. Not just a couple.....no...every single Oreo. So we now have a big bowl of Oreo filling and a big bowl of chocolate wafers. It was however, quite delicious on my strawberry....
I love those boys.