January Thaw, Part 1

It was still below freezing when I woke up on Thursday morning. I woke up early, so I went out and cleaned up the kitchen. Since I had time, I abandoned my usual oatmeal breakfast and made myself some soft boiled eggs. When I was done, I washed up the saucepan and bowl I used, too. That’s another nice thing about living alone: If it’s nothing complicated, you can quickly hand wash the plate or bowl and the silverware and avoid using the dishwasher for long periods of time.

I took my morning walk in the sun, but it was starting to cloud up in the short time I was out there, although it was noticeably warmer.

I had checked my engine oil the night before and it was full but a little dark on the dipstick. So, I went across Plymouth Road at lunchtime and got my oil changed at the Uncle Ed’s Oil Change place just down the street. This was recommended by co-workers who said they were very good, but expensive. I usually get it done by my house on Saturdays, at a place that’s not all that good (but not that cheap either). There is no such thing as a $29.95 oil change for a Volvo.

 But, these guys were very professional and checked EVERYTHING. They found the two lights bulbs that illuminate the license plate were burned out, so I had them replace both. I had them put in high mileage oil as well. So, with all that and the extra $10 for the Volvo filter (I’m used to that) it cost me $100.02 US! That I was NOT used to (it’s usually more like $65.00).

I didn’t have much lunchtime left, so I went right across the road to the Time Out restaurant. It’s had many owners and many iterations, the last being a Cyber-Café, but now it’s a sports bar. I promptly fell in love with my waitress, and was only able to get up and go back to work after reminding myself I had boots older than her. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot: I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries. I told you I was in love…

It was cloudy, but most of the ice patches were gone by the time I took my afternoon walk.

 It still had not rained, though, went I left for home at 5:00 PM. I had a couple of things I wanted to do, but I felt crummy. That cough I had on Monday has a new friend: a runny nose. I suppose I have a cold, but didn’t realize it because my face didn’t (and doesn’t) hurt. It usually does when I get a cold, from my sinuses, I guess.

I warmed up the leftover Parmesan Crusted chicken breast and the other baked potato and ate that for dinner. Both were still excellent.

I tried to watch some TV, but gave it up and went to bed by 9:00 PM.