It’s been a busy few days of partying to celebrate everything from the Irish in all of us to birthdays to just being alive.
Thursday was, of course, St. Patty’s Day, so Justin and I got the celebrations started early with lunch at the Parting Glass. It was totally packed — standing room only, band already playing — at noon. That’s why everyone loves St. Patty’s Day. It’s an excuse to party all day long. The dogs had a much-needed grooming on Thursday and came home donning matching St. Patty’s Day bandanas.
After work on Friday Jen, Justin, and I hit the local Italian men’s club for its twice-monthly $7-per-person all-you-can-eat dinner. It was delicious. And you can’t beat $2 drinks. Once full, I was outvoted in a decision to hit the Racino to play the ponies. Despite my protest, I ended up having a good time and losing a few dollars on a race or two. The harness racing isn’t quite as exciting as the world-class thoroughbred racing at the famous Saratoga Race Course, but it’s a decent year-round substitute during the Flat Track’s off-season. After the Racino, we strategically parked the car halfway between downtown and our place (to cut walk time that night and the next morning when we picked it up), then hit the Tin & Lint and Desperate Annie’s.
Yesterday was Niki‘s birthday — Happy Birthday, Niki! — and Seth planned a surprise party for her at a friend’s place. Alex and Cati came up from Albany to meet the birthday girl for the first time. It was a really good turnout. Niki was surprised. We all had a great time. I met some cool new peeps. Alex promoted my blog to at least some in attendance, so if I met you Saturday night and you’re reading this, drop me a line to say hi! After Niki’s party, some folks headed into town and a small group of us headed back to my place for an after-party party. The mood was pretty mellow, probably due to the party trifecta that we were completing.
Before the party yesterday, Jen and I spent most of the day doing a thorough and overdue cleaning of the house. And finally today — after living here nine months — I figured out the programming of the garage door keypad.