Suzy Says

Here’s what’s been going on the past few days in la vida loca di Suzy:

1. US clock repair guy came on Thursday evening and set up the clock for me, other than the necessary repairs. He also bolted it to the wall so it will be earthquake proof (or as earthquake proof as possible). Turns out the bell got broken off, in addition to the door being pushed in, so all that has been taken away to be fixed. CRG is a tiny, elderly man who loves his job so much that he won’t retire, though he does have a young apprentice who came with him. Unusual to see that these days. Both thrilled to work on such an old clock, which is rare in these young United States. Also turns out that the two non-working clocks in the living room are collector’s items which should also be repaired. But could I stand three clocks chiming at once?

2. Mom’s birthday dinner at Greens was great. We had a stunning view of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun set. Food was outstanding, particularly the asparagus and leek tart. Frog’s Leap sauvignon blanc was the perfect accompaniment (and you have to love the corks, imprinted with “Ribbit!”). A good time was had by all, and she loved her many presents.

3. Spent very nearly all day on Friday getting Jonathan’s car, a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback. Unbeknownst to me, these cars are apparently very hard to find, and almost impossible to locate for under $10,000. But locate one he did, way down in Redwood City. So we went down there and spent hours doing paperwork. If you have never financed a car before, let me tell you: it tries the most patient patience. But we were finally done and ready to head back to the city, just in time for rush hour. Yay. Made worse time than on the milk run bus to the airport.

4. By Sunday morning, my low reserves of niceness were running on fumes. I decided not to go up to the country with everyone else, so now my popularity with much of my immediate family is much like that of Saddam Hussein’s with much of the world. But I just couldn’t stand the whole idea of going all the way up there to uncivilization and having to be nice for three more days. Something would have had to give, and my guess is it would have been the niceness.

Beth and Cat are here for another week, so I’ll make up for the country bail by spending next weekend with them, even though it’s John’s birthday on Saturday. I suspect he won’t be surprised. I wonder why it’s so hard for me to be nice for extended periods of time?