The Dynamic Duo

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the ocassion to relive my wonderful birthday surprise many times as I’ve shared it with friends. Each time it makes me feel so happy inside as I revel in the thoughts of how much I am loved. UltraBob’s visit lasted 4 wonderful days, and I want to capture a bit of them in writing, as much for myself as for you so I can revel a bit more.
In case you missed “our last episode”, UltraBob flew from Japan to Idaho to surprise me. I was the only one who didn’t know about it, and I arrived home late Wednesday night to find him sitting in my house! Johnny had arranged for me to have the next 2 days off work. Johnny and Jim had each taken the next day off, and I would have all three boys home for one glorious day. There, now you should be “up to speed”.
I awoke Thursday morning wondering how not to waste this day full of promises. UltraBob was prepared to start the task of fixing my computer (it had been on the verge of crashing for months), but I asked him to put it off for another day and just enjoy being with his brothers. To tell you the truth, I can’t even remember what we did that morning. When there are several people around, it always takes a while just for everyone to get up and get their shower. I do remember, however, that I was a bit grumpy when Johnny talked me into making homemade pizza for lunch. I was in the kitchen all by myself, while the boys played video games in the living room! But they loved the pizza, and I had managed to avoid ruining it with nectarine pits, plastic or candles. (See previous post)
Then someone handed me a note, and I realized that we were about to engage in one of my very favorite, #1 activities of all time: A birthday treasure hunt! While Ultra and Johnny had been engaging in video combat, Jim had been writing clues and hiding birthday presents around the house. It was great! The only problem was that Jim’s handwriting has eroded over the years to a small, undecipherable script, so Johnny had to help me read some of the clues. He is good at reading Jim’s handwriting since his own is similarly bad. Also, some of the clues were a bit obscure, so I needed some gentle “direction” at times to get me to the next clue. One clue led me to the bathtub where my large stuffed dragon was sitting (Jim won him for me years ago at an amusement park) with his tail wrapped around a wrapped gift. It was so cute that I had to go get my camera. Another clue led me to a stuffed pig we have. This pig when turned on, has a motion sensor. When aroused, he squeals loudly and then proclaims “I love you!” Jim had removed his battery mechanism and inserted a toy fish with a note that read “You found Nemo!” Perfect!
My actual birthday wasn’t until Sunday, but Johnny and Jim would have been gone by then, and we all know how much I love surprises!
Speaking of surprises, after being stuffed full of pizza, I was surprised that everyone could eat wtih such good appetite the meal I cooked that evening, at UItraBob’s special request. You guessed it, venison steak, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Friday we had Ultra all to ourselves, and he spent practically the whole day working on my computer. First we had to determine what I wanted to save and backup, because the next step was reformatting the hard drive. It still gives me goose bumps to say that. Then he loaded Windows 2000. I guess its a lot more stable than the Millenium version I was running.After that, of course, all of the other programs needed to be reloaded. We had a bit of a time with my e-mail, but now it works fine. And on a whole, the whole system does seem to be more stable. I just can’t get it to do everything I want it to do yet, but I’m sure it will come in time. That evening, UltraDad and I took Ubob over to The Rendezvous Cafe and Bar in Howe for a terrific prime rib dinner. At the Rendezvous, you basically have whatever they are cooking that day. Period. But we had called ahead, and thought prime rib would be a good treat for a special occasion. There was still an end-cut left, so that made me happy and the creme de brule dessert was splendiferous!
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the exciting sequel, “Saturday and Sunday”.
TTFN
UltraMom