Monday Night Musings

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Finances. I’m not hurting for money but retired cube rat me still experiences sticker shock once in awhile. For example, car maintenance and repairs.

Miku needs two minor repairs plus a proactive battery replacement. I expect that bill to be just under $1,500 and if I’m lucky she’ll be home before the weekend. Luckily her spark plugs and transmission fluid can wait until her next oil change.

Artoria’s tire bill will also be about $1,500 but I can defer that job until next week. She requires a brake fluid exchange later in the year but that's less than $200.

I intend to keep these beloved cars long term but holy shit that’s a lot of money to spend all at once.

WHERE I’VE BEEN

I dropped off Miku at the dealership today, and I visited Callaway Winery on Thursday. More on that later.

WHERE I’M GOING

I want to take Bert to Callaway Winery this weekend. I want him to experience the members only viewing deck as well as Meritage’s dinner menu. And if we can’t go then I may take Miku on a solo trip out there.

WHAT I BOUGHT AND WATCHED TWICE

Citizen Vigilante. It won’t win any Oscars but its message resonates with people fed up with how society has become lawless for some but not for all. I suppose that's the most polite way to dance around the top of why people and even countries want to ban this movie.

WHAT I READ

I finished reading the latest volume of The Hero & The Sage, Reincarnated and Engaged on the J-Novel app, and I was pleased to discover the series isn’t ending just yet.

WHAT I LISTENED TO

I hopped around the SiriusXM channel lineup this week so there isn’t a single station I listened to for an extended period of time.

WHAT I ATE

I had this scrumptious smothered pork entree for Thursday’s lunch at Meritage. With a paired Malbec it was absolutely divine.

THE KIER STARMER AWARD GOES TO…

The local HOA that fined residents for flying the American flag. I don’t care if they decide not to collect the fines. Their wankery is like a birthday gift. It’s the thought that counts.

WHO DESERVES A FIST BUMP

The staff at Callaway Winery gave me an opportunity to purchase this limited edition Petit Verdot a day or two before its public release. I promptly added this $250 bottle to the small collection of reds I’ll open in 2029. That’s the sweet spot when it should be at its best.

WHAT I’M PLANNING

I’m contemplating a Temecula Valley mini vacation in the near future. It’s been far too long since I’ve had a brief respite from Le Crash Pad. My soul craves a road trip in the worst way, but I also must keep an eye on my investments and expenditures.

Speaking of which…

WHAT MADE ME SMILE

My IRS refund check arrived today. It should cover most if not all of Miku’s bill.