This is pretty dumb, but it made me laugh. Explains why it might be sticky in those places.

It was actually a pretty decent weekend. Had Friday night to myself unexpectedly so no drastic plans were hatched. Chinese takeout and my new Across the Universe DVD had to suffice, and did just fine in that regard. Guess the week left me a little spent. Grabbed the kids Saturday morning to make some stuff for my mom's upcoming birthday (The big prize is a piggy bank painted up to look like my Dad). We repaired to the Lake Effect Diner for dinner where high hilarity ensued. Darling Daughter Number 2 wanted some alfredo and they served it with potatoes as a potential side. I like carbs as much as the next guy, but that seemed a little exhorbitant. Poor waitress was hung out to dry by the rest of the staff. Lake Effect has always had an extensive list of milk-shakes as desert options. She was whipping up a batch of either strawberry or raspberry when one of the cups gave way and sent a rainbow of shake straight at her. Darling Daughter and I both got a good look and to our eternal credit kept reasonably straight faces as the poor waitress managed to avoid yelling "FUCK" at high volume.

It did make me a little apprehensive about us getting a round. I was a little concerned at the color possibilities that a mint oreo shake and a chocolate coffee shake could combine, but she kept them under control and our shakes didn't arrive ahead of the cups to hold them in.

We made it to church and met up with their mom on time yesterday. It's the Ex's birthday (got to think of a better name than that as we are all still family) today and to celebrate her mom invited us all over for cake and more importantly homemade chicken and dumplings. Oh my gosh, how toe curlingly good. Nothing like giving your digestive system a nice warm loving embrace. I was in afterglow for dessert.

It was a good weekend in that regard. Nothing significant happened, just a good easy going time, just what the clan needed to recharge our collective batteries. Now, if I could score a Springsteen ticket, the week would be rife with optimisim.

In need of a trim, I was thrilled to see Chick, formerly of Elmwood, has his barber shop open for business on Hertel now. He always did a nice haircut and was fairly cheap. He offered to trim the beard and got a little to into his work as my chin is making a rare appearance. Watch out when the barber is a little too glad to see you

Takes a few years off I guess

Fun night last night. My Dad has been doing some volunteer consulting for one of the labs at Roswell. So the physician in charge left him hockey tickets for last night's Sabres game. Dad calls me up to offer the seats on Thursday with the addendum that the good doctor has Harbor Club access to go along with it, so we're going to eat dinner there.

I had actually been to the Harbor Club for non-hockey functions and thought it pretty vile. Turns out they are saving themselves for the Sabres crowd. We get there last night and get seated. Our waiter appears and announces that everything has been taken care of. HELLO! Dr. Paul has everything set, so enjoy. Suddenly I felt like I was in that Seinfeld episode where he was enjoying first class. Every sports event should start with sapphron chicken, roast garlic potatoes, assorted veggies and a heineken bottle that refilled itself the moment I got to the bottom. Said waiter said we could keep the table for the game, so we did. At the end of the first period, we came back and I found a generous slab of chocolate cookie cake and a cappucino waiting for me. Absolutely awesome. And the end of the second period, one more heiny was awaiting.

And the game wasn't too bad either. Felt really nice to be spoiled and know that it didn't cost the old man a penny. We split a tip with the knowledge that everybody should have their butt kissed to a fine sheen like that at least once.

If you have the means, I highly recommend it.

After being apart for nine frickin days, my car and I are back together. I didn't think it was possibile to miss the bugger, but I did. Given the invasive surgery it went under, I'm skeered to do things. Nothing feels like it did, or it's just been so long I have to get used to it once more. Twas the longest I've ever mass transited about. Today was the third day of waiting on Mitsubishi to pony up with a spring and they finally did.

I was standing in the snowfall this morning waiting for the latent 32 bus to cruise up Amherst st, thinking how perfect an omen this was. I had to work a Zoo thing at the Convention Center last night till 10 and back up and at it early this am, bus is late, but car guy called and promptly ate my paycheck. Well, I'm mobile.

But omens a plenty, my Dad called with tickets given him by a freelance client so, we are going to the Sabres game tomorrow night complete with dinner at the Harbor Club. I'm looking forward to the faux poshness of it all.

Have a good weekend, peeps