The devil comes knockin'And he's got the cure*

* Today's lyrics are from a song written by my friend from the Dam, Curt. It is an awesome tune. I had the pleasure of helping Curt put his song to music on Friday. It sounds really, really good. Hat's off to Curt, the newest member of the Mitten.

Been busy, so I am going to give you just the facts, ma'am. But there are a lot of facts, so brace yourself.

So, Thursday...

I slept the sleep of the dead at my parents' house.

I did the Nordic Trak for a while, then visited my friend, Sherry. We played volleyball together for years. They are continuing to rule the league despite (because?) my absence. It was good to see her.

Then, since I was in the neighborhood, I stopped in my old firm. I spoke with my old partner, ELB, as well as Julie, P., Jodi & Laurie. It is always a bit weird going in there. Weird, but nice. I spent ten years working there, and I caught myself using the possessive term "our," in reference to the firm and the office. But neither one is mine anymore.

I stopped by to visit Alison, JM, Birdy and Vaughn. (Screw Tony! Bastard forgot my birthday.) Birdy and Vaughn are cuuuuuuuute. JM got himself a couple guitars and is rocking out. I used to live right around the corner from Tony and Alison, and I usually stopped at their house 3 or 4 times a week, so it was just like old times.

After that, I went to dinner with Husker, Mrs. Husker, Killer, Tony and Jimmy D. (O.K., Tony forgot my birthday, but it doesn't mean we can't have a burrito together.)

I had to collect a bet from Husker, see.

We bet a burrito and a beer on the USC-Nebraska game.

After the burrito, Tony, Husker, Jimmy D and another friend, Curt, went to play some table shuffleboard. Have you ever seen this game? It's like shuffleboard on a waist-high table.

Tony and I beat the ass off Husker and Curt.

Curt, as I mentioned, is the newest member of the supergroup known as The Mitten.

The current roster of the Mitten: Aden- vocals, harmonica, man with the plan; Bells- drums, guitar, vocals, percussion; Dude- guitar, vocals, general douchebaggery; Alicia- go-go dancer; Carp- drums, guitar, credit card; Stanette- vocals, ruling; Tony- percussion, harmonica, vocals, visionary; Curt- guitar, vocals, punch lines.

If we all ever get on stage at one time, somebody's gonna spontaneously combust.

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Friday, I hung out with my mom for a while. I went to lunch with a group of people, including but not limited to, Husker, Jimmy D, TLN, and Rick.

After, I did Nordic Trak and hung out with my mom again.

Thom and Rudy came over for dinner with me & mom and dad. It is so good to see Rudy up and around. Last time I saw him, in July, he was unconscious in ICU with a fractured skull, vertebrae, ribs, pelvis and leg... He is on the road to recovery and is doing well.

Later, I went over to Tony's house to hang out with Tony, Alison, Curt, Kris and the kids. Played some guitar. Curt wrote an amazing song, as I mentioned, and the Mitten gave it life on Friday.

Good times. Good times.
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My brother-in-law Pat flew in this weekend with a surprise for my mom... Lucy!

She is adorable. I will put up some pictures after I get home.

Went to a Badger basketball game today.

(Kyle-sorry I missed you. I didn't get the email until I got back today.)

I went with my dad, TLN and my brother-in-law, Pat.

It has been an action-packed visit so far.

And tomorrow, there's more. Jimmy D and I will head to Madison to watch the Packers-Jets game with Antwaan Randel El and UJ.

Bacon grease.

Out.