It has become a ritual that after the kids are done with school I take a week off to stay at home and just hang out. Kind of like going to the beach, although we have no outdoor shower.
Last year during my week off we sketched a shack for the back yard and built it, roofed it, and painted it. It has served us well this year by being a place where we could store some stuff, do what kids do, and have the odd guest break his arm while shimmying the "balcony".
This year we had no such grand plans, as I scheduled my LEED exam for the end of the week, almost at the last possible moment before they those crafty folks at the US Green Building Council rolled out the next (more expensive, more difficult, and more jumpthroughhoopish) version yet.
Instead we decided to go to the pool as much as possible, or play with friends (kids, that is) as much as possible. I studied while they all frolicked about. It worked out well, since this was the type of test that required repetitive drilling of factoids that are easily referenced in books or on the interwebs.
Monday at the pool: the popcorn was salty and the fruit Mentos were very fruity. Shakes at Potbelly's before the movie were divine.
Tuesday & Wednesday were much of the same. Doin' a whole lot of nothing, though I had to work a coupla hours each day...the only low points of the entire week.
Thursday: The cultural event of the week featured a trip downtown to see the Marine Symphony Orchestra at the Monument. But first a phony baloney "Belgian" meal at Gordon Biersch which was punctuated by fire alarms set off by the hellions at the booth next to us. Dad got a serious talking to by the frustrated wife and ate his salad with his brim pulled way down low while she stalked off with one of the toddlers. Note to this restaurant: Steak frites are not supposed to come with a spicy sauce...
Friday: Our kids and their kids play Wii at their house while we go to a real Belgian joint. Karen had real steak frites, we all shared an order of real moulle-frites, and I had a green peppercorn sea bass dish garnished with a fried prawn that I am still thinking about--the fried prawn, especially. This crustacean treat was so lovingly crispy that it crumbled, nay, melted in my mouth. The company was fab as well, and it sure is nice to let the inmates run the asylum every once in awhile so that both sets of parents could enjoy a fine night out.
Saturday the rest of the family vacated out of town to join the in-laws and I joined the club century ride to Sugarloaf, only expecting to complete a forty percentury. But by the time we reached Sugarloaf Mountain I realized that I had hit that mileage mark and in a continuance of poor decision-making I rolled up and over the top of the hill, knowing I would pay dearly on my return trip home. Good thing there were provisions at the bottom of the climb--gels, bagels, bars, and tons of water allowed me to limp home for a cool 82 mile ride with some memorable moments. Awesome people on this ride, too.
The original plan was to go to a work related BBQ, then a graduation party for a neighbor's daughter, and then my annual get together with the high school in the Philippines crowd. No BBQ due to the extended ride, but the rest of the evening and push through into the wee hours could be described thusly:
Flank steak slices
Curried chicken slices
Shrimp in lime juice
Salmon with a ridiculous glaze
Crispy fresh veggies
Sumptuous fruits
Beer
And that was at 5:30 PM.
Then I got to the party. It was on like Donkey Kong:
BBQ prawns
Steamed seafood, corn and potatoes
Jello shots
Sea salt brownies
More beer
On Sunday we saw the O's-Nats game in B-more. Boogs BBQ featured a horseradish sandwich with roast beef, and I was, for about the 11th time in 4 days, in heaven.
Other highlights: my sister and her fam (with their new pooch) came down to visit, and I passed the exam, so all is well.
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