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I still have yet to catch up on everything following the holiday weekend.  I still have some stuff I need to get done around the house, and I hope to have most of that done tonight.  Nonetheless, the weekend was a busy one for me. 

On Friday, I met up with some friends (former colleagues) for drinks and dinner.  Our original plan was to go to an Orioles game, but my powers of persuasion had no parallel on Friday night.  I convinced them that watching the Orioles lose was no fun, and we could do the same thing for a lot less money outside the ballpark.  We had a good time quaffing drinks and telling stories while hanging out at Sliders.  Following that, we decided to quench our need for food and travelled out to Captain Larry’s for some food and drinks.  After that, my friends had to leave, so I dropped them off and returned for a couple more drinks at the Captain with some other friends. 

On Saturday, it was time for me to make the trek to Ocean Pines and visit my family.  I had two objectives here: 1.) visit with my family and spend some time with my grandfather; and 2.) take care of some “help desk” issues as I always do when it comes to my family.  I addressed the latter on Saturday afternoon and evening, fixing what seemed like a minor issue with the laptop used by my aunt and uncle.  Sometimes, applying updates is an easy thing, but there is something else that will lead to a separate rant later.  Following that and the successful installation of a wireless print server–which was surprisingly easier than expected–I was plied with food and alcohol.  Apparently, my family treats me just like my friends do when it comes to fixing their computers.  I did warn them, though, that I would get this t-shirt. 

On Sunday, I fulfilled the second objective.  I treated my uncle and grandfather to breakfast at a place of their choosing, so we spent some time catching up then.  After that, we headed back home.  My grandfather really does not do much these days, and there is no hope in bothering him to get out.  I decided to head over to Ocean City and enjoy the sights on the boardwalk.  As usual, the boardwalk did not disappoint–folks with too many tattoos, people wearing clothing they have no business wearing, and the other usual assortment of visual entertainment.  On the way home, I picked up what my grandfather wanted for dinner, and I cooked for him in an attempt to get him to eat a bit more healthily. 

On Monday I decided to try and beat the traffic home from the beach, so I left mid-morning.  I did not encounter too much traffic, and the ride was pretty smooth.  I got home, and I decided to relax for the rest of the day and get to bed early.  Although I didn’t do much over the weekend, it was still pretty busy. 

The beach visits are not as fun as they used to be anymore.  When my grandmother was alive, I was her sherpa, driving her all about and taking her up to the boardwalk.  I did the good grandson thing, and I know she enjoyed it.  At the same time, I was able to hang out and have some fun with my cousin.  Now, with everyone married with children, it is a bit more difficult to find someone to hang out with.  My uncle is fun, but he is enjoying his retirement lifestyle.  I am not looking to party it up, but at the same time it just isn’t as much fun when you don’t have someone else along to enjoy the trip.