A Satur Day

Today was a day of errands and sloth. First, an oil and filter change, plus a tire rotation, for the Bastard, my 1997 Toyota Avalon.

I've given the beast more care and money than he deserves over the 11-years-and-counting that I've had him so far. But, in all honesty, he's treated me well, too. No massive breakdowns on the highway, no general sense of unreliability. But that Bastard has cost me lots to keep it in tip-top shape! But, since I paid for my previous car about four years before I bought the Bastard new, for cash, I've not had car payments (on my personal car) for fifteen years!

After caring for the car, it was off to do some short-sleeve-shirt-shopping at J.C. Penny, which I typically loathe because I become upset at the prices that I consider highway robbery. But I was surprised by massive discounts, allowing me to buy four shirts for only $51. The down-side, of course, is that the shirts were made in Bangadesh (I think) and the people who made them are probably living in abject poverty, courtesy of my willingness to buy sweat-shop shirts. Realistically, though, I don't really know what options I have. Seems everything is made someplace else. Signs are everywhere of the well-deserved decline of the American empire.

Thereafter, we stopped for lunch at a place called La Hechizera. The staff speaks very little English, I'm reticent to try my Spanish, and the menu board is printed in such tiny type I couldn't read it. But, we we managed to order some tortas that were very flavorful. My wife had one that had ham, lots of cheese, avaocados, and various other "stuff," but it was too large and too greasy to eat easily. I had a torta that was a mix of pork (al pastor) and chorizo, also with loads of cheese, avocados, jalapenos, and various other stuff. Good! Just a few minutes ago, I read a review of the place on chowhound that made me want to go back and try some other things...and try my Spanish.

When we got home, not long after 1:00 pm, my wife allowed as how she'd like to take a nap. While she napped, I showered and shaved so as to be presentable for the remainder of the day. And then I took a nap (which I do rarely, but more frequently now than in the past). I woke after 5:30!

It wasn't long after that my wife inquired as to what we should do about dinner. A short conversation resulted in an agreement that New York strip, grilled outside, would be just right. When the time came, I prepared the meat for grilling, quartered a large onion (also for grilling) and my wife sliced some tomatoes and got some fresh broccoli ready to steam. The timing worked out well and we had a nice dinner.

Tonight, we'll watch a DVD (Blood Diamond). And then, tomorrow, I'm off to class number three in welding!