Someone is having a birthday today. Well, statistically, a bunch of people are having a birthday today, but it is one special person I'm referring to with this post: yes, our sweet girl. I won't mention the number, but if you can read the title, you'll have some idea.
Festivities are planned. An early breakfast outing this morning. An evening reminiscent of her 21st birthday, except we don't have to go to Vegas for the gaming.
Where did all those years go? I demand a re-count!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie! All those years ago, when I first saw your face, I thought: "Life is never gonna be the same..." I had no idea. Your Mother and I could not be more proud of the woman you are.
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I smell like a summer's eve...
Well, those weren't her exact words... she said, "You smell like a douche bag." But I think she meant what I first typed.
I got a cover for the CTX - one day from Amazon. I swung by Steph's house to pick it up. The floorboards I ordered arrived, too, but it will be a while for the splines to attach them - but, I digress.
Back to the whole douche bag thing: I use vinegar/water to wipe down the bikes in between an actual wash. The CTX had a layer of dust on it (another joy of being in the desert), and I didn't want to put the cover over a dusty bike - if it flaps in the wind, the cover against the dust will put fine scratches in the paint. So, I wiped the bike down with the vinegar/water and a micro-fiber cloth. Looks good. Then, I put the cover on it...
It was a snug fit, so I took the top case off and put it in the cargo trailer; that's better. "Why don't you just put the bike in the cargo trailer?" you ask. Again, thanks for asking - it is that give and take here that keeps me on my toes. The cargo trailer will hold two bikes. Right now, it is set up for the Xmax and the Vespa; I will have to re-do chocks and tie-downs before the Honda can go in there... and right now, the CTX is the new kid and doesn't have "favored bike status." Don't get me wrong: I am truly enjoying that bike, but I understand the "honeymoon phase," and I'm not leaving the Vespa out in the dust and wind here.
Back to the title: I came in smelling of vinegar. I thought I smelled more like a pickle, but I think Joan wanted to use the douche bag descriptor. No, I haven't done anything to piss her off. That I know of. I'm considering it a term of endearment. No matter - I took a shower. We will dress like grown-ups to dine at a high-falutin steakhouse in the casino. And, really, how often do you get to say "high-falutin"?
It is Steph's birthday, and she and Joan have been planning some things. The casino and steakhouse today; a Segway tour in Scottsdale in a few days. We did cards and gifts after breakfast out this morning. We are eating with the reckless abandon of someone in a higher tax bracket than me. Apparently, these birthdays with a "0" at the end only come around once every ten years or so. ;-)
We are ready to go get the kids. Joan just came out of the bedroom - what a babe! High heels and dressed like a grown-up; hair and make-up done. I am going to have to up my game to be seen with her.
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The results...
I am the only one who broke even at the casino. Yes, because I didn't play again. I watched the action at the tables and walked around the casino while Joan, Steph, and Dan made investments. We met in front of the steakhouse just before our reservation time. The food and service were good, as you'd expect at these prices. I saw the disappointment in the waiter's eyes when he brought out a birthday dessert for Steph... and we still ordered other desserts that we had planned on. None of it went to waste.
The first time in Desert Diamond Casino for all of us - it is big, new, and nice. Masks required. Busy - tables and machines were mostly full. We were one of early dining parties, and the place was full when we left.
It was a special day and a delight for us to be able to spend it with Steph and Dan.
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