Woke up. Jason was awake. We decided to grill some meat. Wally looked like he just fell asleep, so we left him a note and headed to Whole Foods. I was pretty sure the Whole Foods in Seattle had aged steaks, so I thought that was the case in all Whole Foods. But we’d have to make do. We bought some rib-eyes, stuff for chimichurri, charcoal, a grill cleaner, and even a chimney starter (because I’m a snob about lighter fluid).
When we got back, we prepped the food and I called the Vasona Lake Park office to see if there were any grill areas open or if we’d have to reserve a spot. The ranger reacted like I asked if we could shoot the swans in the lake and cook them. “What? No! Today?! No!” It was Memorial Day, so I guess I understand, but in my (weak) defense it’s a huge park and it was cloudy. Luckily, my roommates bought a grill two weeks ago. But it’s propane, so there was no need for the chimeny starter or charcoal. They’re still in my trunk with the receipt. Wally woke up and we went back out to Lucky’s to pick up the side items.
I tried making chimichurri for the fourth time in my life. The very first time I made it with Russ and it was basically one of the best steaks I’ve made. Every time after that it just ends up giving the beef a tinge of vegetable beef stew. I don’t know how I screw it up so much. It’s one of the biggest ongoing failures in my life. It was a little better this time around, but that’s not saying much. We also had brats with onions and cream cheese, aka the best camping food ever. We put Wrestlemania XIX on the projector, got through half of the opening line, “Welcome to Wres…”, then food coma. Deep, deep food coma.
Woke up. Jason was awake. We woke up Wally and got ready. For yogurt. We went to Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt company. I got overwhelmed with all the choices and ended up ordering some kind of ice cream in my panic. Jason got Reese’s yogurt and decided it’d be good to get Reese’s chunks as the topping. Not as bad as getting ice cream. Wally got the blueberry cheesecake yogurt with cookie dough—without a doubt the greatest single decision he’s made in his life. I would look down at my spoon and ice cream in disappointment, then I’d turn and watch Wally mauling his spoon, delighted with himself.
That was basically it. Wally and Jason packed their stuff and loaded the car. Fought over the guitar and played a few songs. We said our goodbyes and the rain started pouring and violins played in the background and everything was slow motion for a few minutes.
And that was my Memorial Day Weekend.