The Week That Is

It has been one of those weeks that defines retired life, which means it speeds by much more quickly than it ever seemed to while employed. As I’ve stated before, that probably occurs because I’m doing things I enjoy rather than am forced to by the inscrutable requirements of employment. Well, a couple of the requirements this week definitely do not fall into the enjoyable category. Both my Favorite Panamanian and I got both our flu and updated Covid shots earlier this week. We were assured that these were the updated versions. No aftereffects for either of us except for a mild case of dizziness for me while putting up the flags the next day. That definitely has improved.

Fun Times at the Lab with These Worthies

The second experience could be categorized as the payment of long overdue dues. In a statement that will surprise nobody who knows her, my wife has been a big fan of the online emporium known as Wayfair. Come to think of it, there isn’t an emporium she’s not a fan of. The overdue part comes in from her discovery, years ago, that Wayfair operates an outlet store not too far from us. She has periodically come up on the spousal net to request I take her there, usually because of some diabolical advertising campaign from Wayfair. Anyways. I finally succumbed, figuring I needed some hero points and off we went on Wednesday.

The Wayfair Outlet Exists!

I took along my trusty Kindle as I expected to be waiting in the parking lot for an extended period. I am not brave or foolish enough to think I should accompany her inside. I was therefore shocked when she emerged after a mere twenty minutes and sadly objected to the fact that they only had furniture in the store. I was smart enough to cut myself off from reminding her that is what Wayfair sells. Apparently, she had been lured there by the prospect of decorative plates. I was content, hero status confirmed, at a minor expenditure of time and effort. Feeling my oats, I gallantly suggested we stop by a steakhouse on our way home. My day turned catastrophic when we pulled into the parking lot and I saw the location also sported a Marshalls. Doomed.

My New Footwear

She knew we still had plenty of time unspent, so after lunch I trudged back to the car and my Kindle while she fairly skipped towards one of her favored hunting grounds. After a very serious steak and the accompanying treasures, I found reading an excellent sleep agent. I put my cap down over my eyes and with the glorious autumn day outside, quickly succumbed and had a very nice one hour nap. I woke up believing my time in purgatory was ending, however, Marshall’s had other ideas, since my Favorite Panamanian had found some long sought after jeans. A couple hours later she finally re-appeared and advised me I was joining the “clog” generation. Wingman and my daughter had long worn this hideous footwear and I had solemnly pledged to never wear them, for no other reason than being ornery. She had bought me a pair, suitability camouflaged, and I am surprisingly happy since it makes going on for flags and other assorted outside chores so much easier to just slip on; just don’t tell anyone. Okay?!

Our Table at the Luncheon

Yesterday had a decidedly more pleasant agenda, including the monthly luncheon of the incomparable KHS class of ’73. My Favorite Panamanian had a PT appointment in the morning which meant I had to drive her there and we would leave for the luncheon from there. So, back to reading my Kindle in the parking lot, no nap this time. We arrived at the luncheon only to receive a call from the Toyota dealership saying they had found the Highlander we were looking for and it would be ready by 4 October. It’s blue instead of black and has gray interior instead of black but has everything else we asked for. The luncheon was the usual assembly of fantastic people, including Keene Friend 2 and the Cantankerous Friend.

The Other Half

My Favorite Panamanian is more popular with my classmates than I am, so there was a groundswell of happiness that she had returned. We had a lively discussion at our table with a classmate who is dedicated hunter of salmon. We adjourned after a very fun lunch for the drive to Keene for the obligatory post-luncheon social hour(s).  We were blessed with the emerging autumnal foliage as we made our way to Keene. We assembled at Keene Friend’s house before my wife left for her usual perusal of tax-free shopping while the Cantankerous Friend, Keene Friend and I made our way to the Lab ‘n Lager. That prestigious location has become the dedicated post luncheon socialization location.

The Foliage in Front of Old Friend Mount Monadnock

The afternoon evolved into a truly special time as the Lab performed its usual role and we were joined by another classmate and her husband. The Kindergarten Friend also deigned to join us which always adds a significant amount of gravitas to an otherwise mundane encounter. The CRC also appeared as an unplanned addition as he had already set up a meeting at the Lab with some other friends. It was every bit as much fun as I hoped. We realized our time was coming to an end and we had yet to make our usual, well lubricated, conference call to the PCR. We hurriedly made that call while my Favorite Panamanian was already enroute to effect my extraction.

Finished Another Puzzle

The call was only mildly encouraging since the Lab decibel level increased. The PCR’s wife was blessedly forgiving of some of the salty language from our end before we realized she was listening as well. The call was just about over when I noticed my wife pulling up out front. I ended the call and rushed outside with the Kindergarten Friend who wanted to say hi to her. She had given up on us and drove on in search of parking. She found it nearly a quarter mile away near the head of the square, so the Kindergarten Friend and I parted while I set out in search of her. A great day ending with my Favorite Panamanian providing the requisite driving service back to Worcester.

School Photos are in
BR3 Looking Less Maniacal This Year

The Very Elegant BRS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course