Mark My Words

We went into Madison over the weekend to cash in the $50 World Market gift card we won in the Holiday Market church raffle in December. I hadn’t been to a World Market in ages, didn’t even realize they’d removed Cost Plus from their name, so I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to spend that $50.

Ha. I had nothing to worry about; we maxed out the gift card and then, just for fun, added another $120 out of pocket to our total. WUOTWSO, we bought stroopwafel! Turns out World Market is a pretty cool store. Good thing it’s so far from home; lead us not into temptation and all that jazz. The closest one is in Middleton, almost an hour away.

Since we were out yonder, we decided to make a day of it in Madison. We really wanted to hang out at Memorial Union Terrace, but the weather was iffy: mid-50s, slightly chilly. We debated for a bit and decided to take a chance, since it was sunny without much of a breeze, so we hoofed it down State Street. Grabbed a table, ordered a couple of apps and beers, and enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. It was just warm enough to be comfortable, so: good call.

Afterward, we hit up B-Side Records, found a bunch of albums we had to have, dropped all our stuff off in the car, then headed for Great Dane Brewing. I’m a Loyalty Club member and had a $15 birthday reward to cash in, plus an additional $15.34 from points earned on purchases. We spent a couple of hours in the basement bar and accidentally caught the Kentucky Derby (nice come-from-behind victory, Golden Tempo!). Fun evening with good food, good drinks, and good conversation—though at one point, “mud shark” was the topic. If you don’t immediately get the reference, don’t look it up. If you do get the reference, congratulations and please don’t ask me how that even came up. I DON’T KNOW.

Darkness was just falling when we got back home, so we decided to build a fire and hang out for awhile. Tara texted Neighbor Brian, cordially inviting him to join us around the fire if he were so inclined. Turns out he was, which meant suddenly two hours had gone by because the man does love to spin some yarns. But he’s a good guy and we enjoy both his company and his stories. We learned Dick is in assisted living now, so it’s doubtful he’ll ever stop by and wheelchair his way across our yard again. Which is kinda sad. Thankfully, we have already gained tons of knowledge from the man.

Nothing nearly as exciting happened today. Oh, except, I BROKE OUT JD FOR HIS MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE SEASON. Be still, my lawn tractor-loving heart. (We’ll see if this still feels fun and novel come August, but I’m guessing yes.)

Speaking of JD—John Dorian (Zach Braff) from Scrubs, not the idiot who’s a heartbeat away from replacing the other idiot (it’s so hard to keep track these days!)—I must’ve accidentally left my manifesting powers on, because the very day I wrote, I hope like crazy they bring it back again for another season, the network announced they’re bringing it back again for another season.

Yes! Renewal high five!