The day has been good.
It’s nice to be able to say that about vacation days.

It’s been good being at home.
It’s nice to be able to say that about vacation days, too.

I had lunch with Don, Christine, Thomas, Sheila (Christine’s sister), Susan and Matt (friends whom I met through Don many rains past) at the Macaroni Grill. The conversation wandered to and fro and back again. It was fun. After that came a trip to Toys & Co. and Petland.

I went to Ed McKay’s Used Book Store on the way home. I had nearly forgotten how much I enjoyed that place. The parking lot at their “new” location isn’t great, but that’s not the point.

Home for a bit while waiting for the family-unit to return from Richmond. I did some packing. The folks arrived. Kris packed up her car (clothes from the trip and Christmas loot) and went to her apartment. We followed about 00:45 later. She has a very cute place – perfect for her. Mom’s hand in some of the decor is quite evident, too. We watched the first half of the Steelers-Ravens game there. At halftime, we came back home and watched the last ticks of the third quarter and the fourth quarter… and overtime.

Football Final

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Final Score: 10 – 13
Thanks to the drubbing that Cincinnati took at the hands of Cleveland (Congrats, ; sorry ), Baltimore was already set as the AFC North playoff team. The extra space didn’t hurt though. The Steelers are always a difficult team for the Ravens to play… let alone beat. Tonight’s game was a game of defense. The Ravens scored their only touchdown in the first quarter. We missed the third quarter as we were riding home. The fourth quarter was tense. VERY tense. And overtime…? *sigh* I’ve mentioned before: I don’t like close games, especially when it comes down to rivalries and divisional standings. Matt Stover and Wade Richey both pooched kicks at the end of the fourth that would have won the game. Stover came through in overtime, though. Jamal Lewis did not break Eric Dickerson’s one-season rushing record, but he was only 48 yards away from it. He put up a good fight. And, becoming the #2 person in that stat isn’t a minor feat. Congratulations to him.

Next up: The AFC Playoffs!

At this time tomorrow, I’ll be back in snowy Salt Lake City. Away from the wonderful 60° weather here. *sigh* C’est la vie. At least I’ll be back in a few months. And, it’s been a great trip. I needed this.

Namaste.