Friday, March 27, 2026

Nomad Life - Day 194

I was awake before my alarm (0630) and worked until 0930, when Erin finally came out of her room.  At that point, I joined her in the living room and we talked for a little bit about my job.  She offered me some breakfast but didn't really have much to eat (she had Golden Grahams and other snacks).  I politely declined and, instead, I went back to work.  At 1115, I had to run to get something from my car and found the day to be warm and sunny, with only a light wind.  Just then, Erin and Austin went out to do some errands.  For my part, I took a break from my telework and started putting together my tax documentation - I made some good progress!  Along the way, I also brought in a lot of my printing and business gear, hoping to get caught up on things.  Sadly, I figured out that was out of ink again...  I attempted to order some ink from a Walmart, near where they were shopping, but they returned before the order was ready.  By then (1215), they were ready to get something for lunch.  We departed (in Austin's car) for Commonwealth Brewing.  With the traffic conditions, it ended up taking more than 30 minutes to get there.  Upon arrival, we ordered some pizzas, fries and a burger - we also tried some local brews.  Everything was great and we stayed at the restaurant until about 1345.  After returning home (via some errands along the way), I started a load of laundry and returned to teleworking.  Despite spending a significant part of the morning doing errands, Erin left the house again (to visit her friend) - meanwhile, Austin played video games while I worked.  At 1715, I turned off my computer and wrapped up my work week,  To celebrate, I played with Kiki.  Hoping to get back into a groove of outdoor time (coupled with attaining my step goals again).  So, at 1730, I started a walk in the "back" of Erin's neighborhood.  I thought I knew where I was going but then got caught by the difference between Thalia Drive and Thalia Road - d'oh!  Meanwhile, the day had turned gray, cooler and breezy.  Birding was good and I had to laugh at the many ducks in people's yard.  I thought I'd find Steinhilber's again but ended up closer to our old home in the Kingston area.  Meanwhile, Erin finally returned from her friend's house (1815) and texted about dinner plans at Chipotle.  At that point, I didn't really know when I'd get home so I sent in an "order" but kept walking.  At 1830, I finally returned to Erin's house and she (and Kiki) joined me on the remainder of my walk.  All told, I logged three miles!  Back in the house, we waited (and talked) until Austin returned from picking up the food.  Once he arrived and we saw the good spread, we all ate together.  Without thinking, I had ordered a steak burrito bowl, capping off a meatless Lenten Friday with two beef meals.  Dang...  At that point, though, I was oblivious.  Once the dinner was complete, Erin and I had fun making combinations of Jelly Belly "recipes".  These candies were the ones I'd gotten her for Valentine's Day.  A bit later, Erin and I adjourned to the living room (Austin went to play video games).  First, we watched two episodes of "The Middle" and then we watched "In Your Dreams" (an animated kids movie about the Sandman).  These shows were all good and it was nice to relax with Erin.  We wrapped up our entertainment at about 2200.  Even though it was late, I spent more time in the guest room watching streaming service episodes.  I finally went to bed at 2330.  Feeling good about finishing up my work week with some good exercise, outdoor time, socializing, food and time with my daughter!