January Ends

Because this month is long, I had the time to create plenty of posts. That has been one of my goals for the blog, a post every other day. The other two are keeping it exciting and expanding my readership. Next month will be more challenging.

The boss indicated we should continue our current work-from-home schedule until directed otherwise. Mine is work from home Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday. This is excellent news, and I hope he doesn't change the policy until after February. We will see.

We are getting our first snowstorm of the year-- eight to fourteen inches. It is occurring Wednesday through Thursday. I am looking forward to it. The Gladiator prefers deep snow over a thin sheet of ice.

Otherwise, I do not have much to report. I stayed indoors this weekend and avoided the world. I had lunch planned with Rose for Sunday, but she canceled. When she suggested dinner, I told her she could text me next week for lunch if she became available. I don't think she will. I like Rose and would enjoy seeing her, but she is not dependable. I probably give her more credit than she deserves and should remember she is the closest thing it a psychopath I have ever met. 

Thursday

 I texted Firefly the other day. She is back with her parents. There are no issues with the boyfriend, but she was staying with the boyfriend, his mother, and the mother's boyfriend, and they are painting the house and preparing it for sale. Firefly cannot be around the fumes. At least this is the story. There could be more to it. Firefly can be a lot to deal with.

She got her car back, but she has an issue with the seat belt that keeps her from driving it. Firefly is working at a Greek Coney Island. She seems happy and in a better headspace. She and the boyfriend are looking for apartments. Good for her. It will be an uphill battle, but she may need this purpose to motivate her.

January is a long month, and this feels like a long week. I am glad it is almost done. Our temperatures are bitter cold, but the weather overall has been devoid of any deep snow in my area. 

Ava has agreed to the trip in theory. A four-day road trip down to Cumberland Caverns and Nashville. I still need to book a cabin, a hotel, and a cave tour. We are going on the first weekend in April if the cabin we want is available. The last weekend in March is the alternative. I think it is a good time for an early trip, smack between St. Patrick's Day and Easter.

A Sunday Recap

 We are getting cold temperatures here. When I hunker down in bed, I box myself in with the extra pillows and stay in bed until the darkness fades. I am working from home the first two days of the week until February. We will probably go back to full-time in the office after that.

Ava came over Sunday night. I bought the supplies we would need to make pizzas over the weekend but forgot avocado. She adds avocado to almost everything. We cut the cauliflower crust into pieces so it would fit on a baking sheet, and Ava spread the pesto sauce onto the bread while I fiddled with the fresh spinach.

I don't eat much when we are together. I prefer not having a full stomach if I know we are getting physical after. Ava finished half of the pizza but was still feeling hungry. The girl can eat. She rummaged through the refrigerator after and decided on making a spinach wrap with non-dairy cheese. She placed it in the toaster oven. I leaned against the counter and pulled her in close, squeezing her butt while kissing her.

Later, she goes to shower before joining me in bed. Ava drops the towel draped around her and slides in beside me, complaining about the chill in the bedroom, but I refrain from turning up the heat. Things warm up quickly when we are between the flannel sheets.

I describe Ava as quirky to friends. She is conservative and doesn't like drawing attention to herself, but I get the feeling there is this wilder Ava inside that is longing to be set free. A lack of self-confidence holds her back. 

Rolling on top of her, we kiss a few times before my mouth travels down along her torso, teasing her. I whisper, "How do you want me?"

"From behind," she tells.

"You want to be on your belly or on your side?"

"From the side." 

"From the side and about seven other positions before we are through," I joke.

I am already inside her, and we shift positions seamlessly with me pulling out. I let my hands roam across her naked form, enjoying the softness of her firm breasts and round ass before lying down behind her.

Gripping her shoulder, I increase our rhythm. She places her hand over mine and moans with pleasure. I am a confident, almost animalist lover with her, and she relishes the attention. I roll her onto her belly for a while before having her bend over the side of the bed. When I sense she is getting tired, I have her lay sideways on the bed.

"Wait," she tells me. "We should turn toward the headboard. Each thrust is pushing me closer to the edge."

"I wouldn't let you fall. Just far enough back to expose that pretty neck of yours."

"That would be okay."

When she climaxes, her legs stiffen and she screams out in pleasure.

"I don't know what that was, but it was wonderful!" She tells me. 

Later, I have her legs over my shoulders, she curled up below me and I am alternating between kissing her and thrusting deep inside her. "I could fuck you all night," I tell her.

"I'm not going to tell you to stop," she assures me.

But after an hour in bed, my pace quickens again, and I climax inside her. The chill in the room raises goosebumps, and I pull the blankets up around us. Some nights we will cuddle. She will nap in my arms, reluctant to leave. It is already close to midnight this night, and she needs to be home. 

Below we leave, she says, "I am going to have you drop me off at my door tonight. My dad is not home." As if she were a teenage girl instead of a twenty-nine-year-old woman. 

I just shake my head. We've already had that discussion. When spring arrives, I hope she lets the Ava trapped inside out to see the warmth.

Deer In The Headlights

 The weekend was quiet. Max came over Saturday, and we ordered lunch from The Detroit Wing Company. Max has lost some weight and is dressing better. He has been going to his college classes in person.

I worked on the Lego model for a few hours. I finished what I wanted to achieve behind the wall and will be working on a mountain beyond the cottage next.

I picked up Ava Sunday night, and we made pizzas back at the condo. We are still discussing the deals of a road trip in March. She has some quirks I am still trying to plan around. It was close to midnight when I drove her back to her house. The drive their was uneventful, and we discussed vacations and the possible road trip. On my return trip, about a mile from the condo, two deer jumped across the road in front of me. There are woods in the area, but it isn't devoid of houses.

When  I turned into my condo complex entrance, two more deer crossed in front of me. These were closer. My dashcam caught both pairs, but it was easier to see the second pair. I am going to start driving with more caution at night. Here is a screen capture. There are no woods for them to hide in near me. I have never seen deer so close to the house.

Drive

 Lately, the drive to and from work seems short. I put on a playlist and find myself wanting to continue driving more than the thirty minutes it takes to get from the condo to work. I like the acoustics and solitude of being on a drive. I am restless and not ready to go home. A road trip is needed.

The cold temperatures continue, but we are devoid of snow. Outside the condo, I see the construction workers struggling to accomplish their jobs, and I idly wonder how Billie is fairing in this weather. I know I would not want to be out in the cold. I'll be glad when this season is over.

Alexis cut my hair Wednesday, and though I did not plan on staying long, we talked till late in the evening. Sam came home at one point and joined in on the conversation. Alexis and I have no filter. We talk about sex lives, social issues, and much that goes on without holding back. Sometimes I need that more than I realize.

The isolation that comes with winter shrouds us more than we know. I would not function well as a complete hermit.

Love

I watch you spin around in your highest heels
You are the best one of the best ones
We all look like we feel
You have stolen my
You have stolen my
You have stolen my heart... Stolen, Dashboard Confessional

Chris Carrabba knows how to write a love song. There are days when I put on songs, the music rekindles fleeting memories, and I long for the intense emotions, the craziness, the extreme highs, and the emotional rollercoaster that I am riding when I am in love.

If you are a good man and work hard to become a good provider, you will find a good woman who will love you forever. That's the reward, right? True love. If it doesn't work out, well, there must be something wrong with you.

My detractors in the comments think that relationships are not transactional. Hypergamy doesn't exist. I like this question and answer I found online this morning:

What is the prime function of marriage?

"Marriage fulfills the economic needs of marriage partners. Marriage provides the framework within which people's needs are met: shelter, food, clothing, safety, etc. Through the institution of marriage, people know for whom they are economically and socially responsible."

Ava comes back because I pay her. I invite Ava back because I like fucking her. Those are both true. Obviously, neither of us has other options. This is not true. Ava knows men far wealthier than I. Men, that offer her financial stability if she would be exclusive to them. She declines. I have not had a shortage of women to have sex with. For me, either something in the grey between develops or I move on.

I didn't plan to address this topic again until I saw the comments from yesterday's post. I find it interesting that some continue to religiously read when they dislike the protagonist. They must be waiting for the train to derail. Sorry, that happened long ago-- several times. And if it should happen again, I know I have the strength to get back on the tracks.

 I am an optimist. Like Shelby in my comments, I try to see the good in those I care about and have empathy for some that others would disregard. I think it pays off. I am not alone. If I were in need, I have a vast pool of friends I could call upon-- that is a powerful thing.

Sadly, I get more attention and fulfillment from Ava than some people get from their partners. My longest relationship, my marriage has been forgotten. I didn't take anything away from that except my children.

But, enough about this, I wanted to talk about love. There are days when I miss those feelings, but I don't want to ride that rollercoaster again. Although I am not sure I could avoid it if the coaster was in front of me and a pretty woman said, get in.

Instead, I remember the past. It is safer to recall the highlights from the best times while forgetting the bad episodes. I am thankful I have had good experiences. I know what love feels like. I feel sorry for those who don't. 

Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember
I'll always remember the sound of the stereo
The dim of the soft lights
The scent of your hair
That you twirled in your fingers

And the time on the clock
When we realized it's so late
And this walk that we shared together
And the streets were wet
And the gate was locked
So I jumped it
And I let you in

And you stood at your door
With your hands on my waist
And you kissed me
Like you meant it

And I knew
That you meant it... Hands Down, Dashboard Confessional

Paradigm Shift

For those who asked, yes I am feeling back to normal. Still a little yellow phlegm, but I am not scheduled to go to work until Thursday. Ava is coming over for dinner Tuesday, but I think we are both looking forward to the bedroom fun that comes after. She sent me a sexy picture of her in a new long sleeve top she got yesterday and a pair of red panties. She is definitely up'ing her game. I like to think it is because of that comfort level we have been building. It certainly has me anticipating 5:30 to get here.

I need to change my way of thinking. I am stifled by that "oneits" paradigm I grew up believing in. I have been trying to fit Ava into a mold of one person right for all occasions, but she is not and doesn't have to be. We are in different stages of life and have different goals, but our goals do not have to align in all areas. Ava is still searching for her career path. She wants to be an entrepreneur, have her own business, and multiply income streams. I do not have the desire or ambition to start something like that. I have been comfortable with my 9-5 and looking at retirement. 

My goal is to enjoy these next few years, indulge in my hobbies, and do the things I have put off. Sometimes she will fit into this, sometimes she will not. That's okay. She doesn't have to be the only person I have a relationship with.

For example, there is a concert festival in Vegas this October. several of my favorite emo bands from the 90s and 2000s will be there: My Chemical Romance, The Used, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, A Day to Remember, and Hawthorne Heights to name a few. I want to go, but that is not something Ava is comfortable doing. I can miss out, or find someone else who would want to go. It is work cultivating a new relationship, but there is no reason I cannot. 

I like Ava, but there is no reason I cannot see more than one person. She sees multiple people. I don't think anyone provides her with all she is looking for. Physically, I rock her world. That alone keeps her coming back. 

Vacation Conversation

And the reason oughtta leave her calm, I know
I said I don't know whether I'm the boxer or the bag...Yellow Ledbetter, Pearl Jam

The system that brought snow and ice to the northeast left us with colder temperatures and heavy winds. The wind rumbled outside this morning, causing the condo to flex and groan. Ava canceled dinner yesterday. When I checked in with her earlier in the day, I got an "oops." We are still getting together on Tuesday, though.

I finished Vampire Diaries over the weekend. It was a sappy unrealistic happy ending but isn't that why we call it fantasy. I like how the three series are linked together, Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies, but I watched them out of order. I prefer binging older series. That way, I have plenty of episodes to watch.

I would like to plan a vacation for March, but I am unsure where to go. I am sure Ava would be up for a long weekend away somewhere warm, but I don't want to plan something active. I don't want to spend all the days on a beach somewhere. Any suggestions? I am thinking about Cumberland Caverns in Tennesse.

I could take Ava to Key West, but that is what she is used to guys doing. I went to get her out of that element and set myself apart. Or at least see if she is up for the adventure before settling for the safe alternative. This is the conversation we had concerning the possible trip.

Ava: Exploring caves seems dangerous.

Bathwater: So that is a yes?

Ava: Sure, lol.

Bathwater: Have I ever steered you wrong?

Ava: Lol, not yet.

Bathwater: Well we could play it safe and lounge around Key West in a black bikini (she doesn't own a bikini--I know shocking). But honestly, everyone takes you to the beach.

Ava: Lol

Bathwater: Either way I'd be pushing at your boundaries a little, cuz I know you can handle it.

Ava: Thanks, I would be open to trying almost anything with you (bashful emoji).

Bathwater: That's right because you are safe with me.

Ava: Yes, you have always made me feel safe and comfortable.

Bathwater: But I want you to try new things too. It can be very empowering.

Ava: Yes, I need to take more baby steps in new directions. I agree.

Ava has stores of pent-up energy. I see it leaking out when she talks about stuff she has a passion for. I like releasing that energy.

Ruins

 The ruins behind the castle wall are a work in progress. I am waiting for some parts to come in the mail to finish the walkway. You can never have enough smooth tiles.

In the left side of this image the castle if falling down. On the right we see the results of fire damage.

I don't think I will extend it past this point, but in my head I am designing something for the empty space on the right.

I've started using the technic of building on plates and mounting them to the walls. 

The whole project is an experiment in different building technics advanced of just putting brick on brick.

Currently the rest of the project is tucked away in the closet to reduce dust and make it easier to flip this section from front to back.

Sunday, Boring Sunday

 I am going to dinner with Ava this evening. We haven't picked a time or place. We are doing something casual. Tink finds it strange that Ava will go out with me between our scheduled visits, but I don't think it odd. I think it is better for her. she gets a free meal, and it doesn't give me time to lose interest.

Firefly is in jail for the weekend. Not for anything new, but she is still dealing with her past indiscretions. The doctor told her she was eight weeks pregnant. Firefly goes to the doctor for an ultrasound in February. 

Firefly and her boyfriend will struggle, but this baby might keep her alive. Lord knows nothing else has done that. I know I am being optimistic, but I like to hope for the best for people.

The ruins behind the castle wall are coming along nicely. I will post more pictures this week. I still do not have enough room to place a dragon in the ruins, but I have just decided to extend the model to the right and hide the dragon under a mountain instead. This will be a challenge; the mountain will need to be very tall. I am not sure I will have enough dark grey to accomplish it, but I don't want the model to get too wide, or people will not get close enough to enjoy all the details. I have always wanted to create a dragon sleeping on a pile of treasure. I have a load of gems and gold pieces for just such a scene.

No News

 I will be working from home Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday through February 2nd. It seems like last year all over again. I am feeling back to normal and worked out yesterday. The only good thing about going to the office is the access to the gym. Without, I use my bike downstairs and the free weights around the house.

I am listening to The 48 Laws of Power, watching The Vampire Diaries, listening to Ian Hunters's Welcome to the Club, and lying low. I don't have plans to get together with Ava until next Tuesday. I was going to recap our escapades from last week. Suffice it to say, they were not benign. 

Firefly had Covid over the holiday. Tinkerbell was sick the first week of the month. T-Rex and I have covid now. It seems no one is safe from this new variant. None except Tink and T-Rex had contact with each other. Last year I knew few people with the virus. Today I know few people who haven't had the virus. Luckily, no one has been seriously ill.

Monday Morning

Ava: If you are not better by early next week, I'll bring you a wellness basket.

Bathwater: Something tells me cupcakes and ice cream would not be a part of that basket.

Ava: Lol, you would be correct.

I won't be needing green juice smoothies. I stayed inside and watched Vampire Diaries this weekend. The worst of my cold or virus occurred Saturday. I felt a bit feverish and lost some sense of taste and smell. This morning, I am well on my way to recovery with just a bit of itching in my nose.

My work has initiated a work from home policy for January. I will be working from home Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday until February 2nd. They were a week too late in starting this, but better late than never. I do not care for the drive.

Weather wise, we received some of that freezing rain... I think, and it will be in the single digits today. I have no plans on going outside as long as my supply of muffins and ice cream last. I am back to exercising this afternoon at home. I will have to figure out our policy for coming back to the office. I might have to get tested just to come back.

Omicrom

 Thursday after work, Ava and I went to the Detroit Zoo. It was cold out, but we dressed well, and it was bearable. The animals were all inside; it was only about the lights. The exhibit was empty. Which is the way I prefer things. There were no crowds to push through.

I started to develop a sore throat Thursday. At first, I thought it was because some hot tea went down the wrong pipe, but I could not deny that I got sicker as the day progressed. I have had three shots. The symptoms are not bad, other than a hoarse voice. I don't have a fever, runny nose, or cough. I would probably be at work today any different cold season, but I stayed home because this is most likely the virus.

I am not going to get tested. I do not want to waste the day standing in line for them to tell me what I already know. It won't change anything. I think everyone will get this version of the virus eventually. Perhaps that will give us some herd immunity.

Wolfpack Tower 2022

The original Wolfpack Tower was released by Lego in 1992, and it looked like this. It was a fantastic model for its day and part of the iconic Wolfpack series. It sold for $30 new. An original sealed set is worth over $500 (probably closer to $1000). Used sets go for $130. I have enough original pieces to build two used sets. The black printed corner pieces, figures, and flags are the key components that are hard to find.

Thirty years later, my reinvention looks like this.

I never get tired of just looking at this.

 

New Year, New Updates

 Last night after work,  I went to dinner with Sam. We commiserated or dating and kids. Her son did not do well in his first semester in college. Max is still more interested in escaping the area than securing a future. The guy Sam is dating ghosted her on New Year. She initially declined an invitation to a party he was having, when she later tried to accept, he did not get back to her, and well, Ava is Ava.

On my first day back to work, I was only fifty emails behind. That is not bad. I like getting back to my routine. I am sure I will be sick of it by February. I've decided I need to start making some renovations to the condo while I can still do them on my own. Nothing major. I need to repaint a few areas. I will make a list and start tacking them during these cold months.

I exchanged a few texts with Firefly last night. She gets out of rehab today. That is good. The bad news is she is pregnant. That explains some of the weight she has been gaining. I'd guess she is around two months along. Just another wrong choice. She not taking it seriously yet, but I think she might be in shock. I am going to encourage her not to have the baby. It would not be a good decision for her or the baby.

Tinkerbell started her new job yesterday and wound up coming home with a 102-degree fever. She got the buster a few days before New Year but spent New Year's Eve in the same bar where Tech got covid last September.

As for me, all is quiet and coldly comfortable. Being well adjusted can be uninterestingly boring. Last night, Sam mentioned that she thought my life with Billie and became uninterestingly boring. Perhaps, but there was comfort in that too. For now, I don't have any plans to shake things up. Yes, I miss the excitement that comes with the added drama, but it is never good. So, for now, you only get to hear about the drama of those I know.

New Year

 I haven't ventured outside the house in days. New Year rolled in uneventfully, except for a drunken Tinkerbell call at midnight. We have gotten a dusting of snow the past two days, but nothing covered the roads.

I am looking forward to getting back to my routine. I only worked out a few times in the past two weeks. Though my weight has not changed much, I am sure my muscles are wasting away. Without my routine, there is no anticipating the time off. 

I continued working on my project. It is coming along nicely. I have just started the ruined keep and some other buildings behind the wall. It takes a lot of mental planning, so it might not look like much has happened since the last pictures.

Ava and I plan to go to the Detroit Zoo to see the winter lights Thursday after work. It is supposed to be cold. The predicted high is only 27 degrees that day. I hope that keeps the crowd down. I am thinking about borrowing Alexis' electric vest for the day.

Happy New Year everyone. May this year bring a sense of normalcy!