Let me share with you some of the awesome that was today. As some of those who follow my tweets and Facebook feed know, my transmission went out on my van last weekend. Monday was pretty challenging as I tried to locate a mechanic willing to install a good used transmission that I located in a wrecking yard.
I was finally able to find someone quoted me a good price and the right amount of labor, so I dropped it off and rode with the boss during the week to get to and from work. Good thing he commutes past the town where I live each day!
So today, as we were getting ready to head to lunch, I get a phone call. It's the shop telling me that my van is complete. Couple of things made this really exciting news. The first was that I had gotten a phone call indicating that they had run into a minor issue that was going to require some replacement parts and could be delayed. So I spent the day yesterday trying to adjust my expectations for the weekend accordingly. Now all my plans are back on, good stuff! The second thing was that when I asked him about the total cost for the transmission and extra stuff I asked them to do (oil change, exhaust leak, etc.), he gave me a price that came in below what several places quoted me on labor for the transmission alone!
The day got better when we got to lunch. There is a wonderful restaurant here in Cincinnati (well Blue Ash actually) called "The Brown Dog Cafe". Now I know you're thinking it sounds kind of like a dive, right? Well nothing could be further from the truth. This is one of the finest places to get lunch ever. The kitchen is run by a real chef that takes pride in his cuisine, not some run of the mill cook cranking out meals from a stack of someone else's notecards. I've never had a mean that didn't sit well with me there and today was no exception.
They had a succulent cheese burger listed. A rich combination of smokey, sweet flavors was to be found in every mouthful. Nor were we subjected to some mass produced soggy bun, but thick slices of artisan bread. The same rosemary bread we enjoyed as an appetizer while waiting for our meal to arrive.
Waited on by some of the prettiest ladies, our glasses were never empty. In fact, I can't think of a moment where I didn't feel as if our every need were just a wish away. It was our waitress that tipped my decision to the burger and not the gyro. While I was tempted by the tzatziki, I'm glad she made the recommendation she did.
Afterward we headed out to pick up my van and return to work. I couldn't have asked for a more amenable day. The sun was high overhead, yet a breeze kept the humidity and staleness from the air. Every breath was a delight.
Getting back to work, things continued pretty easy for the last part of the day. Not too unexpected before the big holiday weekend, but still a pleasant change of pace.
At three in the afternoon, the next celebration began, although I wasn't able to participate until closer to four. In honor of one of the long time employees leaving the organization, the office threw what they call a "beer friday". It involves bringing in a large selection of adult beverages and those who can, participating and socializing. Your's truly doesn't drink, but I still got over and had a small bowl of ice cream whilst enjoying the lighthearted chatter.
Closing out at the office I headed out. In the back of my mind, I had been considering a bit of irrationality. As I pulled out of the parking lot, insanity took hold and I headed back to The Brown Dog. Upon taking my seat and reviewing the menu, I saw what I was there for. My prey would be the Chocolate Banana Bread (with Homemade Vanilla Bean Ices Cream) and a single scoop of the Strawberry Black Pepper Sorbet. There would be no attacking any normal dinner, tonight was about stalking the desserts I was too satisfied to challenge earlier in the day.
I wonder what the wait staff thought of this single diner, ordering two desserts was really doing. However odd they must have thought my request, the service was right up there with what I had experienced earlier in the day. Never was my water glass empty and my dishes were promptly cleared when completed.
Leaving every bit as filled as I could have hoped for, I walked back to my van casually glancing through my emails on the phone. Imagine my surprise when the recumbent trike I listed on Craigslist received a response from the man who designed and built it. Not only does it look like I'm going to sell it, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to put it in the hands of someone that will appreciate it every bit as much as I have. (There's probably a whole post about the acquisition of the trike and my decision to part with it which I'll have to write someday.)
Now, I'm at the library, with a handful of great sounding movies and the audiobook I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get without my van. Things seem to be going great and I couldn't be happier...Well, I probably could, you know, having someone to share with, having no problems at all, etc. Still, I'm in such a good mood right now, I don't care.
Hope you all have the best Fourth of July ever. I know I'm going to be trying to do the same.
Bert
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