As a crusty 47 year old guy, it was very challenging to maintain my cynical NY attitude even before arrival. If the clearly laid out directions of where to park and location of the apartment weren't enough, the friendly in person introduction from Mike to his Mom, Dad, and dog were going to be a stiff test to my naturally cantankerous attitude.
As I walked into the apartment, I was immediately smacked in the face with a wave of cool, dry air. Never mind it was 92 degrees outside, a little heads up that the air conditioning was already turned on would have been nice!
Not giving in to the inviting bottled water already left in the refrigerator or the coffee/tea on the kitchen counter ready for me at a moments notice , I move through kitchen and into the living room with the hopes of finding something to tickle my peevish sensibilities.
I was yet again disappointed.
A soft couch and gentleman's chair awaited my skeptical eyes as they darted around looking for reprieve from all the well appointed touches that littered the larger than expected room. If you think a high def TV and gently turning ceiling fan are going to ease my morose nature you have another thing coming!
Perhaps I would have more success in the first floor master bedroom? No.
The lofted second bedroom? No.
The classic yet meticulously clean bathroom? No.
As I settled in and my saturnine temperament began to dissipate, I had to concede that Mike and family had won this round of our affable battle. Dare I say, well done my friend.
But I WILL BE BACK this time next year with an even more choleric attitude and shrewish demeanor looking to be satisfied.
Till our next engagement....