Just a Tuesday

Mindy's family room all aglow at dawn. Bella enjoying a healthy breakfast Mindy being a dear and checking the weather prior to my run. Forgive me if the days begin to blur, but that is exactly what happens when I am on a "stay at home vacation". The days begin to blur into one another and it is difficult to differentiate one from the next. The weather that greeted us this morning was no more palatable than it was the day prior. It was cloudy, chilly, and gray. Too, we slept a little later than usual. I don't think we rolled out of bed until sometime around 8am. My first goal was to brush my teeth, pee, exercise, and then some coffee. At first it seemed as though Mindy and I were going to be able to enjoy each others company in solitude for a spell before her children woke, but that lasted only about five minutes. Soon their small voices echoed from the upstairs hallway beckoning mothers attention. Not to worry, though; they are very pleasant children. Although I must admit, Bella woke in a bit of a sour mood this morning. Later in life she may read this in horror when she learns that I revealed to the world that she had a bout with diarrhea through the night as well as the ongoing accompaniment of "bad gas" through the day (sorry Bella). After a cup of coffee and a little breakfast casserole, I readied for my run. My plan was to do the golf course route again this morning. I did. The difference was that I took a different path today. I wound around hole #4 which swings right up against Mindy's subdivision and ultimately by a number of tree groves and ponds as well as another set of beautifully appointed homes. They all have a very nice, peaceful view. My run took about 50+ minutes again and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was noticeable stiff however. I suspect it 's for lack of normal hydration. You see, on a typical week , I drink about a gallon of water through the day. Since being on vacation I have not been doing so good about the water. I have no doubt, whatsoever that I'll be right back in the swing come next week. Hey, but that's what vacations are for. Back at Mindy's I was in somewhat of a hurry to ready for home. I had yet to tend to Ykraps whom I had largely ignored for the past two days. It was approaching 11am, and he's used to going out for a morning stroll no later than 8am. Thus far he's been doing very good at staying home and waiting. I'm so proud! Mindy and I made rough plans to regroup later in the day. I departed for home. At home was immediately greeted by Ykraps. We went on our walk as usual except this time I allowed him to take his ear old time since he had done the same for me. Once back home I went about some household chores (laundry, floor care, and dishes). Next, I resorted the remaining gifts I still have yet to deliver, and I have many (Dodie, Connie, Margie, Char and family, Tommy and family, Charles and family). I must get these delivered by weeks end. While journaling, the sun busted through the cloud cover and made the afternoon an absolute delight! It was beautiful. The temperature seemed to hover in the low 40's which seemed warm after what we'd been through the past few weeks. I spent the next couple of hours in my leisure mode which his what makes me, me. I guitared, read, and slept. And surprisingly, I slept deeply despite having slept 9 hours the night prior (it must be all the sex!). The afternoon expired quickly. Mindy and I talked a couple of times. I was planning to rejoin her at her home so she could run some shopping errands. The plan called for me to stay with Jacob and Bella while she went shopping. A gift of sorts given that she rarely if ever gets an opportunity to shop in peace. To me, shopping is a peaceful joyous experience; for Mindy, it is often nothing more than a necessary evil. Same experience viewed differently. The plans changed as they often do with family matters. Mindy had made arrangements to spend the afternoon/evening with her mother. She invited her over to see all the gifts her children received for Xmas. Plus,I don't think that she had seen Mindy's home all decorated for Xmas either. Mindy asked if I would pick her up on my way to her home. I would've but was admittedly a little nervous about the idea. Mindy understood and rescinded the request. Don't misunderstand, I was more than happy to visit with her mother, just a bit fearful of one on one time together. All in due time! So, to simplify matters, I headed to Mindy's and hung out with Jacob and Bella while Mindy went a fetched her mother. Soon, we were all together sharing a large Joseppi's Topper pizza. The kids showed their grandmother all their gifts and there were many - sinful almost. They have so, so many toys. The could open a small toy store - no doubt. Mindy's mother goes to bed quite early and by 730pm she was ready to go home, so Mindy whisked her off back home. I stayed and played with the children. Once Mindy returned and put the children to bed, we relaxed on the sofa against the warmth of a glowing fire while she enjoyed a glass of wine and me a beer. In addition, we played a game of Euchre which netted the same result as always. ... I WON! - sorry princess! Some time around 11pm we went to bed!