Free On or Free Off

Boy, did 5:30 ever come around quickly! I didn’t feel completely slept, but then again I only snagged about 6.75 hours sleep. That's a half a pint shy. Couple that with another A/C-less night and that adds up to restlessness. My A/C has needed some work for the past couple of years. It needs a new A-coil, which my step-brother, Kenny was supposed to replace on two different occasions. He came out two years ago and got all the data he needed, and to tie me over, he refilled the coolant which got me through the rest of that summer and last. Having not fired it up this year, I really don’t know if it will run efficiently but doubt that it will. I’ve since given up on Kenny and instead have asked my neighbor, Mike, who is a fireman, but does HVAC on the side, if he’d do the work. He said he would. It was shaping up to be another warm and humid summer preview day. It was already 70 degrees at 5:45am. Simply walking Ykraps provided plenty of evidence to support that it was going to be another hot one. I was still feeling a little unsettled and off-center about the handful of issues needing immediate repair or attention suddenly. But more than that, I am feeling even more overwhelmed due to the needs of certain family members that are counting on me for some financial help. When it rains it pours. Honestly, I’ve never been good at accepting the costs associated with breakdowns. It just seems so wasteful and unfair. I have worked hard too buy the items and I guess I expect them to last a long time without any need for repair. For example, replacing three windshields in three years is a bit much, don’t you think? There are those that tell me if you’re going to have toys, you’re going to have up keep expenses. Makes sense, just don’t like the way they seem to creep up all at once. One of the people needing/requesting some help is my mother. I’m not sure what exactly she needs but I will be finding out. I do know that she has a tendency to spend beyond her means then seek out help. That frustrates me. For example, she’s bought new furniture a number of times over the last ten years and has had about three or four different cars. One would think she’d be a bit more frugal and instead take great care of the one she has. Honestly, that in no small part contributed to the demise of her marriage to my father. The other person requesting some help is my daughter Lindsey. What she’s asking of me is a bit more complicated. She’s very needy and often times looks first to what others can do for her before looking inside to determine what she might do for herself. Lindsey, I think, just needs to get a sniff of some sustained success and then she’ll be fine. To help shape my entire day and to put my mind at ease, I did my morning mediation on the deck just as the morning was unfolding. Add to that, after prepping my lunch, I enjoyed my scrambled eggs and fruit from the deck just as the sun was coming up over the roof tops. I had my camera with me too. I won’t kid anyone, I still felt as though I had a rock in my tummy. However, I know all to well that the only thing that fixes it is facing the world and the issues head on. This I will do! I prepped for work and headed out the door at 7:30am sharp. I got down the road only about three houses when I realized my laptop wasn’t with me. A quick return to right the wrong and I was once again on my way. I talked with Mindy as I so often do along my way to work. She’s so lucky. She has only one more get-up before heading into an 11 week hiatus. Can you imagine? What are the options to afford myself such luxury? I need to determine what they are and then weigh the pros and cons. Think of the possibilities! I arrived at work with a Monday kind of mindset. No, not so. It was more of a after vacation mindset. Do you know the feeling? It’s when you look around at all the people and ask yourself who are these people and why are they so uptight. And what’s all this email about? The whole exercise seems a bit pointless and futile. What am I working for or towards? This is a classic case of not taking enough vacation time. But thankfully, I have a week’s vacation coming up in just over two weeks. Work went OK for my first day back. Aside from the countless work related issues, I called my auto insurance company to get my windshield issue moving along. Bottom line, it’ll be addressed tomorrow while I work. I left for my run at 12:15pm. It was already 87 degrees and sunny with about 50% humidity. The heat index was 94 degrees. That’s by no means killer, but definitely high for May and my unadjusted body. I held up quite well for the conditions, but certainly noticed the staggering humidity. It didn’t hurt too that there was a sizable breeze blowing. I was soaked when finished, and a bit anxious to get back inside to the comfortable A/C. I retuned to my office with the expressed goal of eating my packed lunch, and perhaps more importantly, setting up interviews to fill open positions. That I did. The afternoon was fiercely busy. There was no let up in sight, but that’s just how it is this time of year. Despite the chaos, I managed to leave for the day at 5:20pm. A call to Mindy revealed that she was just pulling up at my house after leaving a retirement party held for some departing teachers. Her plans called for a quick visit, then a shower, and then departing for her nephew’s graduation ceremony at Vets Memorial. I would be addressing my lawn. We carried out our plan until 630pm when she left for the graduation. Before getting busy on the lawn, I took a nap, something I haven’t done at home after work in a long, long time. I grabbed my book and cuddled up in my reading chair. Ten minutes later I was sound asleep and slept for a good 30 minutes. I woke at 7:15pm and got crackin’ on the lawn. I did a good job and took my time with each aspect of taking care of the lawn. My blower continues to be a problem. I think I’m just going to bite the bullet and replace it again. Screw it! After putting the finishing touches on the lawn, I got out my new sprinkler intent on watering the front lawn and flowers. With all the hot steamy weather of late my petunias are looking a little stressed. They’d normally mange fine under such conditions, but that’s after a period of acclimation. They prefer to be nudged slowly towards the hot and steamy instead of being placed directly in it. I finished at 9:15pm, almost two full hours after beginning. I felt good about what I had accomplished. I went immediately for the shower to wash away the grime of the yard. I find it very irritating having bits of grass and dirt about my legs and arms, especially since it only aggravates my poison ivy. Mindy called just as I was getting in the shower to let me know that she was on her way back from the graduation already. Fast and Efficient she reported. She was going stop at Kroger to pick me up some lettuce, strawberries, and broccoli first. She arrived within ten or fifteen minutes. She stayed just long enough to view some of the many photos we took over the long holiday weekend. I got some real good ones! She left around 10pm. I spent the next hour updating my blog and then went to bed. I was tired.

Wednesday AM on the deck

Lovely!

Heaven Sent

I woke at exactly 6am – just as I had planned. I was eager to get on with my last-minute vacation day. I was still a little tired but not as tired as I was Monday morning. Like usual, I whipped out my exercises and walked Ykraps before pouring my first cup of coffee. By chance, I took my camera along for the morning walk and I’m glad that I did. Not only was the sky very picturesque, but I also happened upon a lazing snapping turtle resting in my neighbors yard (see pic). My goal this morning was to have my run completed by 7:30am, which would allow enough time for a shower while still being at Dad’s by 8:00am. I had arranged the evening before to pick him up for breakfast before going boating for the day. The weather forecast happily called for more of the same early summer weather we’ve had all weekend (90 and sunny). I was just a smidgeon behind, leaving the house at 8:03am in route to Dad's. The slight delay was in most part caused by the extra time it took to grab everything for my maiden boating adventure, such things as life vests, rope, cooler, a towel, camera, boat keys, water, etc. Having everything one needs, especially the first time out is always a crap shoot. I made it to Dad’s by 8:08am – his house is essentially right around the corner, or about 1.5 miles from my door to his. He was ready to go as soon as I pulled up. For breakfast, we headed to First Watch in Mill Run. They’re known for some of the best breakfast food in town. I had eggs and dad had oatmeal. It was good. We were out of there by 9:00am and on our way to get the boat which was just a couple of miles down the road at boat storage facility. Picking up the boat went without any trouble due in part to just putting back it back in the storage facility last night. It’s fair to say that I already have the in & out routine down pat. Because I needed gas in both the Trooper and the boat, we headed back towards Mill Run to gas up. But again, it’s only two miles away and realistically right around the corner from the river docks. Everything was close! We arrived at the river at 10:00am on the button. There wasn’t anyone at the docks and only a few other trailers parked in the lot – most of those were bass boat trailers. We took our time getting everything together, and even took the time to check the oil in the lower unit. I was cautiously optimistic that everything would go flawlessly putting in and getting underway. Aside from having all the necessary gear, two important pre-launch tasks which are often overlooked are placing the plug in the boat and taking the trailer straps off the back of the boat and trailer. Trust me!! Everything appeared to be a go. We put the boat in the water without any trouble. After parking the Trooper and trailer, we were ready to give her a rub and a whirl. I lowered the engine, secured all the onboard gear, turned the key, and VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOM! So far so good! Our first pass was down towards the dam just to insure everything was operating as expected – it was. Northward! Aside from a few fishing boats along the waters edge, we had the entire river to ourselves. The water was high and there were quite a few large branches drifting ever so slowly towards the dam & their eventual demise. We avoided all of them. We headed up river about as far as my boat comfortably goes. We stopped only a couple of times along the way to take some photos of the beautiful wildlife that inhabits these parts. As we approached our favorite anchoring spot, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my anchors. So, if we were to enjoy the area as originally planned, we’d have to tie off to a tree or large rock along the bank. But if my dad’s taught me anything in life it’s to be resourceful. We tied off to a fallen tree pretty much where we would’ve anchored anyhow. The sun was very warm and the sky clear on what was simply a lovely boating day. As mentioned earlier, the water was a bit high so what I was used to seeing above water was under. The area was teaming with natural wildlife – turtles, cranes, ducks, snakes, bass, and other indigenous species of birds. We were secured directly across from the spot we used to dock and cookout as youngsters – by the two big rocks. I remembered the spot well but can't recall much about the terrain beyond the rocks themselves. After sitting in the sun for about two hours, we decided to mosey across the river and pull up to our old spot where a private dock now resides. Dad seemed a little reluctant at first, but I convinced him that if the homeowner came out that we would simply share with him the history of the spot and the sentimental value it held for the both of us. After all, we weren’t harming the property. As he often does, dad shared several memories he has of this spot. Some I remembered – many I didn’t. We hiked back along the trail where a beautiful European styled home is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking a pond that spills into the river - very quaint. We didn't stay too awful long but long enough to get some cool pics and take in the memories. Back in the boat we sat and talked all while under the canopy of the private covered dock. We had already had several hours of unadulterated sunshine. Come about 2:30pm we headed back to the dock and called it a day. We had been out there for 4.5 hours. As we docked we noticed another boat just pulling out after it looked like they were just putting in. We later learned that this gentleman did what I did last year. He put his boat in without the plug and damn near sunk it. When water came up and over the carpeted floor they got suspicious. He quickly pulled back to the dock, got his truck and pulled it out. He was draining it when I pulled out. One tell tale sign of a day in the river is the residual scum it leaves on the boat. It doesn't readily wipe off either. Because if this, we stopped back at dad's where I washed it down quickly before taking it back to storage. On our way back to Dad's we stopped at the five acre lot that's for sale just down the road. I became curious after running by a week or two ago. I hadn't noticed it before then. We walked though a lot of low brush and what appeared to be poison ivy. Great! Just what I need - more poison ivy. We toured a small rock and mortar building that's since been abandoned that is the only structure on the property. Further back is a winding creek and thicker woods. After about 15 minutes we headed back out to my car, and then onto Dad's. Before leaving Dad, I asked for some rubbing alcohol to wipe any potential poison ivy oil from my bare legs. Dad did the same. Both of us get ivy pretty bad when in it. I was home by 4:30pm when I called Mindy and made arrangements to join her and the kids for dinner. We would be having chicken wings. I wrapped up some chores, showered and watered flowers before heading out around 6:00pm. When I arrived the kids were waiting my arrival on the front porch. It's nice to be wanted! We sat for dinner almost immediately. Everything was yummy.After eating Jacob and I went outside for a little ball, but Jacob tired of it quickly and instead wanted to swing. Suddenly overcome by sleepiness, I went in and found my way to Mindy's sofa where I snuck in a short nap. Mindy and the kids watered the flowers. Jacob was testing Mindy's patience while watering flowers and did enough to earn being sent to his room. He locked her out of the house too. When Mindy came in Jacob got the dreaded spoon! After a quick bath and jammies, I read each of the kids a story of their choosing. I ended up reading When You Give a Moose A Muffin twice - once for Jacob and another for Bella. After the children were asleep, Mindy and I escaped to the front porch where we enjoyed the warm summer like evening, watching the neighbors toil, and the landscape. I left for home around 9:30pm anxious to get a good night's sleep before heading back to work after 4 lovely days off. After some reading I was asleep at home in bed by 10:30pm. Good night moon!

What Is It With Memorial Day?

Monday: Memorial Day Last year my shed was broken into and my John Deere tractor and new Toro mower were stolen sometime during the very early hours of Memorial Day . This year everything seemed to break. My golf game, my boat, my car, and my house. Shit, what's up? up at 6:05am that's right - 6:05am Exercise, walk ykraps, email, run .... all before 7:30am Left for golf at 7:55am pick-up Bob at Barley's & drive to Foxfire 8:50am tee-time Bob's work buddy Bob and his brother Randall (lives in Scioto Woods too) hot, sunny, blue skies 91 degree high temp average to poor golf ... and same as always... fell apart after about hole 13 or 14 didn't much care Stopped at Peter's farm market b4 heading home. homemade butter, pies, produce - didn't buy a thing though. stop at dad's check boat, starts, runs kinda rough though - leave notice cracked windshield (3rd frikin' time) dammit home with boat in tow Mindy on deck reading/ sunning She spent the day at the hilltop pool chatted, played guitar, planted flowers and veggies together. had to replant the flowers Mindy sunk - not deep enough, needed to trowel deeper into the soil or else they'll die left rooting in the mulch. Took boat back to storage facility - Mindy assisted - very difficult - not stacked as designed home - cook steaks and asparagus on grill -very good along with garden salads that Mindy made earlier in the day. Call Boss ask for last minute vacation day tomorrow - Tuesday - weather's going to be perfect for boating (90 and sunny). He obliges. I call Dad and ask if he cares to join me for breakfast and boating. He accepts. Agree to pick him up at 8am. Mindy preps to leave - back door breaks - door latch stuck in locked position thus not allowing door to close - bummer Mindy leaves - I work on door pay bills online frustrated! disassemble door knob - find prob - it's broken Call Home Depot - open till 10pm it's 9:08pm Left for HD West Broad St - talk with Mindy share my frustrating day - bad golf, broken windshield, homeowners policy up $450 per year, door breaks, boat runs rough.... she helps me find perspective. Find new lock set- entry and dead bolt - Home install new locks - will need to determine if I should have all rekeyed alike late

Day Two of Long Summer Weekend

Sunday: Up at 7:30am feeling largely refreshed. Even though I had one of my best workouts of the early summer the day before my body responded feeling rested exercise, walk ykraps, run at 8:30am 9:10am done with run - sunny - steamy 10am go get boat maiden voyage prep cone off in front of house begin cleaning - working wouldn't start - no battery charge Mindy shows up after church jumps boat turns over - won't fire - she suggests the airs low :) doesnt stay long - lovingly takes care of my need for ice water take boat to dad's - add quick start, carb seems stuck open - boat starts put charger on battery, Ashley calls, comes over, talks of boating/visiting walk in woods see all the wood/trees he's chopped out neighbors scurge of a yard go home - take boat- wash head-to-toe wash trooper too shower, walk ykraps take boat to dad's to place on charger overnight back home pick up BM'er drive to Mindy's play with kids -tuck in kids eat snacks... nuts, cheezits, diet coke, two beers: CBC CPA and a Snow Cap leftover from winter talk, nap, home, surf, bed 1:00am

Summer - Day One

Saturday: Summer Up energetic at 8am sharp! The smell_ it smells of summer; flowers, humidity, warmth, all of it! I am pumped up! exercise - walk Ykraps beautiful morning!!!!!!!! call Mindy talk about last night tentative plans for later morning flower bed work run at 9am home, shower, woof down lemon poppy seed muffin ready for Mindy's, grab flowers, yard tools, socket set, boots, Get Dad's trailer (not home) Get one yard fine Absolute Black mulch Start flower beds at Mindy's by 1115am All of us, Jacob, Bella, Mindy, Me Jacob & Bella move to slip n' slide, pool, and sprinkler! dig, edge, rake, and scrape preparartion is the key to an attractive, sustained flower bed tarp in yard to place 'dead mulch' edgings, and such hot - sunny - very summery! 2pm out of mulch- jacob and i go to retrieve another yard Bella Mindy Kroger Stop Speedway for treats: slurpee, candy for kids Back at Mindy's 3pm more mulching Finsihed al lflower beds by 430pm (main, side, 4 trees) load all dead mulch and edgings into trailer and filled it to the brim I leave 530pm - loose plans for later Dad's to unload he's there happy to receive edgings and dead mulch. I offer ot unload he says not - just leave covered till later talk aout his boat, mine, cordless drills, etc. Sheila, Margie come home from long work day (hugs abound) Archie tries to bite me on the sly when dad's not looking - frikin dog! Home - shower walk ykraps - ready for mindy's - few chores spary down shower with Clorox cleaner with bleach - awesome stuff to Mindy's in BM'er but Wal-mart first- hanging basket, boat ropes, trailer grease, aquarium tubing Minelli's Hilliard- surprise pizza for Mindy - 20 minute wait - next door bar for beer. out door patio - 3 corn hole boards. pure honky tonk! too mIndy's pizza ready sooner Sit on Mindy's front porch eating pizza and having beer and wine. Absolutely beautiful evening!!!!! fireworks in the distance Home in BM'er awesome drive!

Let Summer Begin....

Firkin Friday: Up at 5:45am up late the night before mapping out path to Craig's stormy yet warm day in store- changing skies later no BM'er day- rain forecasted run 1pm - sun giving way to clouds, but sure it wouldnt rain It did - heavily soaked to the bone but still warm one rumble of light thunder but no visible lightning good afternoon breezed through the day left right at 5pm Mem. Wknd - Wahoo! Stop at Straders for veggies - talk with Mindy peppers, tomatoes, another gerbera daisy, vinca home - 615pm Mindy arrrives 730pm after tanning wants plans for entire weekend - AHHHHH I want to boat Sunday -90 sunny She showers after a red wine- me a beer I guitar Barley's Bob M.A, Jeremey, Courtney, Thad, Monica gates of hell & cheesy fries for me, Mindy pulled pork - no bun 3 Gumball head IPA's yummy taste of graprefruit home 11pm - we go to lay down in my bed talking - mindy leaves arguably frustrated- but she knows better; me, a bed, at night, asleep in less than 5 minutes- always

Pop Flies, Time Flies, and House Flies

A shot of Mindy relaxing happily on my deck Wednesday eve. Juvenille deliquent geese taking part in gang activities. Alas, the common house fly whose life span is no longer than the typical American vacation Five months removed from Xmas! I can hardly believe that it’s already Thursday when it seems I was just staring down the barrel of another Monday and a long week of work. That happens often, though. One minute I'm powting about the weekend's quick end and then in the blink of an eye we’re back to where I truly want to be - the weekend! I can’t help but think that life as a whole is much the same way. A hundred years in the grand scheme of things goes by undeniably fast. The earth’s history, or better put, existence, goes back some 10 billion years. That’s one hundred million one hundreds! Compare that to the common house fly which has a life expectancy of only 7-10 days, and that's in optimal conditions. I wonder if that must seem like a hundred years to them. Mosquitoes are much the same, living any where from 4-10 days. http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4th/KKhp/1insects/fly.html In stark contrast, I read an article recently about the inevitable collision of two black holes – one eventually swallowing the other. Upon further reading, I learned that this catastrophic event has been forecasted to take place in about one million years. What? Are you kidding me? Of course , I can't help but think that these scientists/alarmists, much like our weather prognasticators, try to sensationalize and over sell the coming conditions or events only to have something much less dramatic transpire on the otherside. All this talk about a life span of 4 days and a black hole collision one million years out and what am I worrying about? I worry about sleeping an extra five minutes! And by the way, what is time? Is it real, or is it some warped dimension in space where everything really happens at the exact same ‘time’? Woah! But somehow I managed to move one with my morning all the while contetmpalting the seemingly short life span of house flies along with my personal race against the clock. I had fun though. Today promises to be our first real taste of summer. We’re expected to pierce the 80 degree barrier and throw in a dose of humidity too. I am looking forward to it, although the skies aren’t suppose to be so clear. I threw together my day like most other work days. Nothing out of the ordinary here – sorry. This would not only be like any other Thursday, but also like most other work days. I realized, however, on my morning drive, that the one significant difference would be not having a guitar lesson tonight. My evening, instead, would be mine to enjoy however I so choose. That's powerful stuff right there. The evening would be a ‘Tabla Rassa’! I was excited about this afternoon's run since it was the first run of the season with temps above 80 degrees and some decent humidity. Too, the sun made a surprise appearance all afternoon driving the temperature and humidity even higher than expected. I ran without a shirt and the sun soaked sky cooked away at my brown, yet tender glistening skin. Ahh - this is what I crave! Truth be told, I could tell a big difference as I finished. My heart was racing much faster than it would be otherwise. It’s like anything, the body needs time to adjust, and this being the first dose of sultry weather made it seem much warmer - just like the first time it dips below freezing. I was smiling as I returned to my office. The afternoon breezed by and before I knew it, it was time to head for the hills. I decided along with Mindy that I would pass on a quiet evening at home and instead visit her and the kids all the while getting a jump start on her long neglected flower beds. We are planning to spruce them up a bit this weekend, and try to make certain that they're not the scurge of the neighborhood. I figured I could get a lot, if not all, of the edging completed in about an hour this evening. So that became the goal. It's good to have goals! But almost as if it were toying with me, the sky began to cloud over and threaten rain. In fact, there were heavy storms predicted to slam into our part of town throughout the evening. So far we had escaped the wrath. With Jacob's help - ;) - I edged the main flower bed wrapping the front of their home. I had already planned to remove the upper inch or two of mulch, but what I didn't expect was the hideous soil conditions present in her yard. It was like concrete so even edging was a challenge below about one inch. But I'm not sure why I expected better since mines like that too. I guess because of the 'upper scale' sub-division my expectations were that the builder would've topped the yard in top soil, but no. Mindy joined in the fun soon after Bella gave up on the indoor coloring thing. She trimmed some of the dead branches from the flowering shrubs in abundance as well as providing moral support. Just as we finished edging and scraping off the 'trash mulch' the sky began to spill. Before moving inside Mindy and I dug her lawn mower out from the depths of the garage so that I could take a look at what might be ailing it. A quick look revealed that it was out of gas, but that's good given that its been sitting idle for over one year. I will try and start it this weekend. Inside Mindy gave the kids a bath, and while they dressed in their jammies, I went and took a shower too. I had little bits of earth about my legs and arms that were driving me crazy - that along with a few nasty clusters of poison ivy that had taken up residence on my person. The shower was just what the doctor ordered aside from the inept shower head in Mindy's master shower. Mindy often raves about mine and now I know why. There must be something amiss with hers. It's really no more than a trickle. I'll have to look at that. After my shower the itching subsided. We then did what we often do - wild unadulterated sex - no. We sat on the sofa and watched a little television. We watched "So You Think You Can Dance". Pretty good entertainment. I ended up staying at Mindy's until almost 10:40pm - much later than usual. Once I made it home I did a little blogging then went straight to bed.

Party Crasher

I crashed the world’s party at 5:44am – a little later than my usual invasion. I was excited to be part of the day’s events since the temperature was expected to come awfully close to 80 degrees for the first time in quite a while. More importantly, we’re expecting another healthy dose of sunshine and brilliantly blue skies. Today’s routine went pretty well, but I wasn’t as gung-ho as perhaps I could’ve or should’ve been. Still, I enjoyed my morning ritual, which by the way is probably my favorite time of the day. Even though we have a potluck planned at work today, I went ahead and packed my lunch. The theme for today’s event is appetizers only! I forgot to make something but will likely stop and pick-up my contribution. I debated driving the BM’er to work but didn’t. I just haven’t been in the mood and the weather hasn’t been all that conducive to BM’er driving of late. Although, if you remember, I did drive the damn thing in January when the temps hit a high of 50 degrees. It was a cold drive in, though. The summer spoils us like that. I got really busy at work and all but forgot about the potluck until a buddy came by and mentioned it. We collectively agreed to go in on a treat of sorts. We decided on a ‘crave case’ from White Castles. That’s 30 hamburgers for about $14. Not bad! While he flew, I went for a run. It was about 68 degrees when I left. I decided to leave my shirt on but toyed with the idea of going for the sun. There’d be plenty of time for that. Also, I ran with my MP3 blaring in my ears for the first time in a number of days. The afternoon potluck went well as usual. We had lots of great food. Some of these guys can really cook! We had a 3pm staff meeting that went right up until 5:10pm. I left work at 5:20pm in need of getting home and getting on my lawn duties. Mindy was already there enjoying the ambiance of my deck. When I got home I saw that she had bought be a Swifer and a cordless vac to help keep my white ceramic tile floor cleane. I walked Ykraps while she took care of some of my other routine chores. Bless Mindy! I wasn’t hungry at all for eating quite a bit at the potluck. When I returned from the walk, I got right on my lawn. Mindy wanted me to be done by 7:20 so we could spend a solid hour together. It was 5:50pm when I got started. That goal certainly seemed achievable. I wacked, edged, cut, and blew all by about 7pm. For the last twenty minutes I watered the backyard flower beds, baskets, and pots. Meanwhile, Mindy replaced/transplanted one of the wave petunias since being devoured by a rabbit. Not this again! Damn rabbits. I could see too that Mindy cleaned my tile floors spotlessly. I was afraid to walk on them. After chatting for about half an hour, we tuned into American Idol – the crowning night! The show featured the final twelve contestants and several celebs from the music industry. It was good entertainment and really funny too. Mindy left around 8:45pm – late. After she left I played guitar as I continued watching the rest of Idol. Taylor won! But in reality, they all won because they all received lots of exposure, and many already have gigs because of it. I continued playing guitar until about 10:30pm – one of my longest practices ever. It just felt good and I was making progress! Before going to bed I called Mindy then did some reading. In fact, I read myself to sleep.

Got The Life... EZ Squeeze

My mailbox is hiding from the mailman - no bills! Up at 5:35am after a more than refreshing 7.25 hrs sleep, I was committed to getting after it. The sky was still dark in the west bust showing signs of a rising sun in the east. Within a matter of minutes, and just as ai finished my daily exercise routine, daylight broke through. When Ykraps and I took to the roads it was a chilly 42 degrees. There were frost warnings posted for many surrounding areas, but htere ws none present in my neighborhood. That's good givne that I just planted my annuals over the weekend. I have yet to sink some veggies but plan to do so over Memorial Day weekend. When Ykraps and I returned the pesky family of geese were just beginning to make their way form the pond into my yard. Over my dead body, I thought. I grabbed my BB gun and began shooting even before 6am. After having my way with the geese I went about my morning meditation, and it was a good one. After ten minutes of meditation I moved to my PC where I sent Princess and email then read the daily OM. Today's message was good reminder to focus on the postive thigns we want in our lives rather than the negative things we dont' want. Often, without realizing it, we actually help manifest the very things we don't wnat by focusing on them too much. I cana certainly relate,. I have seen it work both ways in my own life. Despite the chill in the morning air it was shaping up to be a beautiful late spring morning. I managed to slip in all of my favorite to do's before leaving for work. I took a few good pics and pounded out a few licks on my guitar. By 7:35am, I was on my way to work. Work was busy but not as crazy as the day before. I had a plan I badly wanted to get a hair cut the night before but the local salons were over crowded, so to combat this problem, I planned to accomplish this feat after my run today. To accommodate, I left for my run 30 minutes earlier than normal. It was beautiful run against warming blue skies. I was back by 1pm and quuickly showered. I left for my haircut shortly thereafter. I pulled up to First Choice hair salon, which is brand new on the Home Depot side of Mill Run, and except for some folks from the new Carabba's going in next door, I was the only patron, so I got taken care of right away. The young lady that cut my hair was named Ashley. She was young and cute, but alittle rough around the edges like a lot of the young girls I encounter in this particualr line of work. Most I have found, are young mother's and from broken homes trying to live the good life. Ashley, however, has no child or a man at this particular time in her life. She seemed a little nervous which consequently prompted me to ask how long she's been doing this. She has been cutting hair since lst July when she finished school. I assumed cosmetiology school but never really qualified that. Anyway, she did a pretty good job and was attentative to my needs. She asked a lot of canned persona lquestions of which I am almost certain they're encouraged to ask in an effort to break the ice. You know the questions, "any big plans this weekend", "have any children", "do you live around here often"? I was done in no more than ten minutes. The total price of the cut was a paltry $11.50, almost $5 dollars cheaper than Saturday's Hair Salon. I gave her $20 bucks just as i would've Saturday's, so I'd guess that was fairly big tip, at least percentage wise. But if I come back, I want her to want to cut my hair and fuss over me. That should help, that long with my charming personality! Before heading back to the office, I couldn'r resist the temptation to stop in at Home Depot for a spell to simply browse the aisles. I mean, hey, it is right outside the hair salon's doors. I spent about ten minutes or so in Home Depot. looking at a handful of things. Like many, I always hava running list of items I 'need' to look at in Home Depot but often forget them when i'm there. I promised myself that I would document my list upon return to the office. The reason we forge these items is rather simple. It's because while they may be important towards finishing or correcting something at home, they're not urgent/emergency type stuff. It's only when you happen upon that slowly dripping faucet, that lightbulb in the closet that's burnt out, or that loose door hinge so we remember that we need to make a stop at the Home Depot to pick up that given item. Then, of course, there's always that new tool that I'll promise myself I'm gonna check out to see how much, how efficient, or what options might be available only to forget about it once I'm there. Again, creating the habit of keeping a running list will help. I was back in the office by 2pm ready to eat my packed lunch. I was famished! I finished out my day thinking almost certainly that I'd be heading hoem acutting my lawn tonight, but sadly didn't get out of the office until almost 6pm after dealing with some rather comlex problems overseas. That kind of threw wrench into any plans I might have had of completing my lawn chores and still makingit over to Mindy's to see her and the kids, since realistically, I wouldn't be there until after 8:30pm. The kids would be in bed. Along my drive home i decided that I'd postpone the lawn chores until Wednesday evenign and instead address my routien chores then head over to Mindy's. I figured I could probably be there by 7pm, and low and behold, I was. I was greeted at the door by Bella and Mindy, Jacob was outside playing with the neighbor girl. Mindy had already made me dinner and had it in the warming drawer. She made me a bunless cheese burger and a garden salad. Both were very yummy. After dinner I played a Dora the Explorer game with Bella where we learned many Spanish terms for many colors and many different farm animals. Bedtime for them came quickly and Mindy worked hard to have them in bed before 8pm. Then at 8pm we tuned into the last singing night of American Idol. It’s between Catherine McPhee and Taylor Hicks. After Idol, we watched the season finale of House. Wow, now that was entertainment! Anyone who caught it knows what I mean. A guys tongue swells, then his eye pops out, his groin explodes, and then they y had to cut his mouth to allow for the tongue swelling! Ouch!!! After House I left Mindy’s and headed home for the night. Once there I updated my blog for Monday then headed off to bed.

The 80's Are Coming - The 80's Are Coming

Hey, my life’s not always about when I wake up, take a shower, and go to work, but then again, life’s like that more often than most of us care to admit. I’d guess, though, that plenty of folks would tell you something different. C'mon, don't you ever get that overwhelming feeling that your life’s like a merry-go-round? Well, I do. And after journaling for ten months now I see why. About 90% of my life is spent in three places: work, bed, and home. And the other 10% doesn’t vary all that much either. I am indeed a creature of habit. And that transfers beyond my physical presence too. It transfers just as easily to my thoughts, perspectives, and beliefs. Tell me, what you believe about life, has it changed much over the years? How about your perspective on the rest of the world. Has it changed or does it stay pretty much the same? What is it that you think about most when your mind’s left to wander? Are your thoughts new and fresh, or are they remanufactured worries and what-if’s that whirl about your cerebellum. Am I worshiping the ‘right’ God? And did God create the pope as a joke? Are we the chosen people/race/ country? Are we the gatekeepers for the entire world? Are we the free-est country in the world? Is our democratic government the best way to rule? OK… where do I get off? HERE. I woke Monday morning ten minutes later than the goal of 5:30am. I knew going into my slumber that I’d likely sleep a little later, so I gave myself permission to do just that. My body was noticeably stiff from two long days of yard work. However, none of the work would be fairly classified as strenuous, but it did require lots of stooping, bending, and clutching. Once I began my exercises I loosened as I usually do. The pre-dawn sky was just short of crystal clear and the few wispy clouds in the east were backlit in a brilliant orange-ish pink that begged for a picture. Sadly I didn’t maximize the opportunity. Today and yesterday just might be the last days we hover hopelessly in the 60’s for sometime – we’ll see. Word on the streets is that the 80’s are coming, and they’re bringing with them their partner in crime – humidity. That’s A-O.K. by me! By all accounts it was a beautiful morning. In kind, I enjoyed my ride into work. The day began like many Mondays (see above merry-go-round thing). We were busy. I stayed that way right up until I left for my run, which was 12:50am. The temperature when I left was hovering just below 60 degrees but under clear deep blue skies -favorable running conditions by anyone’s measure. I resisted the urge to wear a second upper layer knowing that the temperature would only be climbing and that I’d be sweating in a few short minutes. There was a fairly strong breeze blowing out of the north that was ushering in some very chilly air. But the sun was directly overhead countering anything the weak breeze could muster. I took special notice of the sun’s position today. I had to strain my neck to get a peek at its position, and we still have another month of movement northward. I was back from my five mile run at 1:41pm. After a quick shower I was on my way back to the office for some afternoon fun! The afternoon was bumpy and busy but nothing too dramatic. But it was busy enough to make the afternoon go by in a blink of an eye. Come 5pm I made a concerted effort to leave right away. I planned to get my haircut at Saturday’s in Mill Run before heading home. I also knew that it’s a crap shoot getting over there after work. Sometimes it’s completely empty while at other times it is packed. I’d just have to see. Well, it was packed, and the quoted wait was thirty minutes – too long for me. I decided I’d cut back over to Trueman Rd to some new place by Home Depot. But to my dismay, they quoted me thirty minutes too. O.K., I don’t need a hair cut that bad. It can wait. I can’t. Homeward! I arrived home at 5:30pm despite my little whirlwind tour of Mill Run. Mindy was already there and had walked Ykraps, tidied up the kitchen, and began baking some wings. I had only a few chores to do. While the wings baked I fired up the grill so that we could grill them for the final ten minutes giving them a smoked flavor. While it warmed, I transplanted the potted geraniums I had purchased from Wal-Mart into my two Ash tree hanging baskets. First, though, I soaked some Sphagnum Moss in water before pressing it into the sides of the aluminum baskets. These are my favorite baskets! They’re a bit different than most. After finishing the transplant, I began watering the backyard flowers which will become at least an every other day ritual barring a rainy day. After the watering was completed, the wings were ready for the grill. While they baked on the grill we basted them in some Texas Pete’s hot sauce. Ten minutes later we had some tangy and delicious chicken wings! As a side, Mindy had cut up some celery and concocted a half and half blend of blue cheese and ranch dressing for dipping. Everything was great! After we finished eating we ventured out front to water the front yard flowers. Normally, my pattern is to water the bedded annuals only every other day – the front one day and the back the next. Hanging baskets with petunias will need watering each and everyday with few exceptions – even when it rains. The hanging geraniums can go upwards of a week but every five days is almost perfect. After the watering routine, we moved on to some hot tubbing. Again, Mindy had only until 8:30pm on Monday’s and Wednesday’s so there’s little time to waste if we’re to enjoy a variety of activities. This is the first time that we’ve in the hot tub since Friday and the first time in its hole for about a year. It was still daylight, of course, as it was only 7:45pm. It was pretty nice since it was about 60 degrees and the sun was not able to braise our skin since it was being blocked by the west side of my home and trees. The tub’s so much easier to get in and out of now that it’s sunk in the deck. It’s only about one foot above deck level. After tubbing, I returned a missed call to daughter Ashley. She informed me that she started her summer hours today at work – 9am – 5pm. She sounded excited. I invited her for dinner Wednesday. She promised to get back with me after learning when she’ll be dining with her god parents who are in town from New Orleans this week. I let her go as two of her high school friends had just shown up at her mother’s. Mindy had to go. It was nearly 8:30pm. Almost immediately, I began updating my blog and tried adding pics. Sadly, there were some problems uploading tonight so I didn’t waster too much time trying to fool with it. At 9:40pm I decided to go to bed a bit early for a change. While reading, Mindy called to tell me good night. By 10:15pm I was asleep. And, oh yeah, the Reds were ahead 15-4 when I fell asleep

It Takes a Family

I woke at 6:45am Sunday morning after a fairly decent night’s rest. Once again, I had a busy agenda and getting an early start was paramount to my success. Unfortunately, I could tell before even getting out of bed by peering up and out the half-moon window in my master bedroom that it was a cloudy morning. What I didn’t know was how warm or cold. I tried not to let the weather bother me and got right after my exercises. It was hard getting going as one might have expected after yesterday’s long arduous work-out in the yard. Like always, though, once I got the sit-ups knocked out, the kinks were clearing and my body woke up. Soon Ykraps and I were walking the sub-division. I took the camera along so that I could capture some pics of the cold looking skies over head. After our walk I returned for some coffee while quietly going about my usual morning email and web surfing. I was careful not to wake Mindy before her requested 7:45am. I noticed too that there were 16 geese taking up shop at the rear of my back yard. I went out after them with my BB gun in tow. At 7:45am I took Mindy some coffee and readied for a run. I was out the door by 7:50am. It was only about 54 degrees and cloudy and breezy. The forecast promised improving skies and it looked brighter in the northwest where our weather seemed to be coming from. I took an alternative route today, which I do on rare occasions. I mustered the courage to take Trabue to Hague and then Hague south back to the rear entrance to my sub-division via Western Run. Along the way I took a couple of diversions. First, I ran down Britton Av., which runs parallel to Trabue Rd. and directly behind the Private Dancer and the other businesses. I had never in all my years been down that dead-end road. There were lots of tiny little houses on unusually large lots like I expected. Many of them were fairly well kept with few exceptions. What surprised me was the sprawling Spanish style two-story at the dead-end. It’s a newer build with some beautiful amenities. It looks like a half million dollar home, if not more. Further down Hague – across from my dad’s and St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, sits the old monastery. I hadn’t been back there in probably fifteen years. It’s changed significantly. Too, to my surprise, it’s now owned by Columbus Public Schools and is called, Columbus Preparatory Academy. It looks like they added several modular class rooms in a cluster and gave them a more permanent look than what you would typically see. The thing about these grounds is that you wouldn’t even know they’re there unless you see the traffic going back there. It’s very secluded. Back out onto Hague, I had to run the most treacherous piece of the road – tight berm against scary traffic. Lucky for me, that was just a quick quarter mile stretch before I was back in my sub-division. I was back home by 8:33am. Mindy was still asleep. I continued on with my tinkering around in preparation of my family arriving fort the hot tub lowering. Mindy and I had planned to cook a large breakfast to feed the hungry animals, although I hadn’t told them. Mindy was up shortly after I got back. Sadly, instead of clearing, it began to rain and rained pretty hard for a while as a quick front rolled through. The rain just made it chillier. I now felt raw and damp outside, somewhat dashing my hopes for a comfortable work atmosphere. Tommy called to let us know that he was on his way. And Bobby arrived just after 10am. Bobby shared the story of his Race For The Cure experience as well as a funny boating story . Both took place yesterday. Long story short, they lost Hannah in the midst of the race downtown among 30,000 participants, then Bob lost his car keys in the river while putting the boat in. Luckily he found the keys, but as of yet, they haven’t found Hannah. Kidding- they found her minutes later at the large TV at Nationwide Square – just like they told her to do if she ever got lost. Find a cop and go to the large TV. She did both. Surprisingly Dad was a no show so far. That’s not like him. When Tommy finally arrived – sometime around 10:30am, Bobby gave him a call. He had fallen asleep and said he assumed because of the rain that we weren’t going to do it. Wrong – we were at least going to try. We all enjoyed the well prepared food that Mindy cooked while waiting on dad. Mindy had to leave temporarily to join her son Jacob at a replay of his pre-school graduation being put on for the church congregation that it’s held at, despite he not being a member there. Dad arrived shortly after Bob had called. The sky began to brighten as promised while we all ate and drank some coffee. I don’t know that we’ve all been together that often over the past several years. It was nice. After we finished eating, by the way, we had bacon, scrambled eggs, and lemon poppy seed muffins, and fruit. By the time we ventured out onto the deck, the skies had completely cleared and the sun was shining rather brightly. I was relieved! Our strategy was to stair step the tub back down into the deck. I had it resting on concrete blocks stacked two high as well as two layers of 4x4’s. That meant we could lower it four inches at a time until we got to the blocks where it would move to eight inches. Long story short, the plan worked well, although we had to alter it a bit over the entire process. The lowering itself took only about 45 minutes. The rest of the time was spent rewiring the tub which added another 45 minutes, and clearing all the blocks away. Mindy returned about halfway through the process and joined us on the deck. She seems to get along extremely well with my family. She likes to socialize and entertain. After some additional visiting time, everyone left. First brother Bobby then Tommy and Dad. I could not have done it without them. I appreciated them taking time out of their day. After they departed, Mindy and I kept working to restore the hot tub to it’s original state and then to secure the deck skirting which has been on and off a number of times through the long repair process. Through the afternoon we continued working in the yard refilling the tub and detailing the deck. It looked great when we ere done. Mindy’s ex dropped off Jacob and Bella at my house sometime around 3pm. They played around the pond for a while, tormenting the geese and sticking their bare feet in the cold hot tub. Mindy and Bella left for Mindy’s mom’s around 3:30pm. Jacob decided to stay and help me finish up. We weren’t that far behind though. We simply had to wait for the hot tub to finish filling and then cover it, walk Ykraps, and shower. We left at 4:25pm. We arrived at Gloria’s around 4:40pm – just a little late. It was a relatively small crown for Gloria’s – Larry & Jody, their youngest daughter Lindy, her brother Todd and his daughter Mia, and of course Mindy, me, and the kids. We had pork chops, green beans and potatoes, and stuffing. It was delicious! For dessert, we had Lemon Meringue Pie, and ginger bread. I had a little of both! We left Mindy’s mom’s around 7:15pm – like always and Jacob and Bella chose to ride with me, and a noisy ride it was. They both, especially Jacob, were trying to be as loud as possible. We played ‘did to- did not’ all the way home. They like playing that a lot, and so do I! Once at Mindy’s the children were readied for bed almost immediately. Because they had bathed earlier, they required only a light washing, or what I call a “Tippler” bath. I read each of them a book of their choosing and soon they were out. I was back down stairs by 8:15pm. Mindy and I exchanged back rubs with the limited energy that each of us maintained. I left around 9:30pm for home and arrived home well before10pm. I quickly readied coffee for the morning and completed a handful of small chores. I played some guitar and then read a little on the internet. I went to bed around 10:50 but didn’t fall asleep until nearly 11:15pm after reading for about 25 minutes.

Poppies, Raspberry Margaritas, Brokeback

When I fell asleep Friday night I had gobble a couple of Advil and a Tagament to prevent feeling ill Saturday morning. I woke Saturday morning pretty early – 6:15am feeling anxious like I might have drank one too many beers the night before. I laid in bed for another 15 minutes deciding whether or not to get up and get moving. I jumped out of bed at 6:30am sharp. Mindy, right beside me, chose wisely to stay in bed and sleep. All I needed to see were the deep blue skies waiting out the window to get my weekend juices flowing. Before 7:00am rolled around, I had already exercised and walked Ykraps. It was coffee time upon my return from the walk. I spent the next hour writing & publishing my Friday blog, which isn’t something that gets done on too many Saturday mornings these days. Just after 8:00am I dressed for a run and took Mindy a cup of coffee although she was still sleeping. My goal was simple. I wanted to be free of my routines before 9am leaving the better part of the morning still to get cranking on my weekend agenda. The weather outside as alluded to earlier was clear but cool. It was only in the mid 40’s. Still, with the rising sun it felt great. As I was heading down the home stretch, I came upon a character trash picking in the sub-division that looked an awful lot like my dad. On closer inspection, it was, in fact, my dad. He was picking up bagged grass clippings to help amend his garden soil, and at the same time was attempting to load a heavy skid constructed of treated lumber onto his trailer. I stopped to greet him and lend a quick hand. I also took the opportunity to confirm plans for tomorrow AM’s hot tub lowering party. I arrived back at home somewhere close to 9:00am. Mindy was already up and dressed for our trip to Straders and eventual planting. She had cooked up a batch of scrambled eggs for us to woof down quickly before departing. I changed into some street clothes and we were off. We headed through Arlington to the Grandview Straders, where we had stopped just the evening before just after closing. The Grandview Straders is, I think, the original store. It’s very small by comparison to the Riverside Drive store. Lucky for me, they had everything I hoped that they’d have and in very good shape. We weren’t there longer than thirty minutes and dropped another $95. We were back home and unloaded in short order. After placing a little snack under our belts we were ready to get on with the task of sinking the annuals. We began as I usually do, in the large front yard beds. We sunk the better portion of four flats of Midnight Blue Petunias between the two beds. By the 4th of July they should pretty much fill in creating a solid blanket of blue (it’s more like deep purple). After petunias we moved on to sinking two thirds of a flat of Cranberry Impatiens at the foot of my giant Boxwoods and Taxus where there’s abundant shade all day long except for a couple of hours each evening. That went quick. The extra time I spent this year removing all the little rocks that inevitably rise to the top along with the ‘mulch trash’ has gone a long way in making the planting go much, much smoother. Next, we moved onto a transition bed where I typically plant begonia’s, and did again this year. Before taking a break we planted a few Petunias around the mail box bed and filled the three front stoop flower pots – two with Gerbera Daisies and the other large one with a mixture of wave Petunias, Geraniums, a Spike, and some Vinca. We accomplished all of that in a little over 1.5 hours. Time for a break! After a snack and a little rest, we moved onto the back deck and yard. On the deck there were several large pots to create and fill. Mindy really seemed to enjoy doing those. I do too. I allowed Mindy to do the more creative ones while I tended to planting two Hibiscus. When she was done filling the containers, she planted her Poppies and then more wave Pentunias under and around the two Red Maples that shade my lower tiered deck. I sunk the new giant Hosta back under the weeping willow which should provide the ideal conditions it seeks. We still had a almost a full flat of geraniums to plant around the back in full sun but we opted to cease the planting and move on to some other stuff. Most notably, we began draining the hot tub for tomorrow’s big sinking event. I have had my hot tub raised on the deck for almost a full year now (It’ll be a year June 3rd). While it drained, Mindy watered in most of the flowers we had just planted, and I took care of some last minute preventative measures with the hot tub. The last laborious task we undertook was scrubbing the last two deck chair cushions and the four plastic stackable deck chairs that have collected lots of dirt and mildew from sitting under the maple trees all year. The Clorox cleaner with bleach worked miraculously! After they dried we coated them with a vinyl protectant much like Armor-All. It worked perfectly restoring their original luster. By now it was just after 5pm, and time to change gears. It was also time to walk Ykraps again, although it’s not like he’d been cooped up inside all day. He was tethered to his screw and chain in the backyard while we worked on the beds most of the afternoon. There’s no question, having and keeping a beautiful yard takes lots of work. After returning from our walk, we took a shower. Both of us were grimey, stiff, and tired. After freshening up in the shower I readied for a quick trip to the grocery, not wanting to waste anytime. We hadn’t completely nailed down our evening plans but had loosely determined that we’d skip the DaVinci Code, but still go out to dinner, and El Vaquero was our first choice. Mindy stayed back and read and napped while I grocery shopped. I like to grocery shop by myself. I had thought about another trip to Straders for still more annuals but decided that could wait. I knew in the back of my mind that I could see what Wal-Mart had in the way or inventory and quality while grocery shopping. At Wal-Mart, my first stop was the garden center. And to my surprise, they had a beautiful assortment of annuals and perennials. Plus, they had ten inch potted geraniums that I transplant to hanging baskets for $13.47 compared to $19.98 at Straders with little if any difference in quality. I grabbed two for the two hanging baskets in my White Ash trees. I also found a variation of the Swedish ivy I wanted to add to my deck pots. Good quality and very good prices! I finished my grocery shopping in about 45 minutes to an hour. It was a little tough getting my food haul in the same cart with the flowers I wanted but I managed. I made it home by 6:45pm and began putting everything away. Bob had left me a VM while I was driving home to see what Mindy and I were gonna do. We all had tickets to tonight’s Clipper game thanks to Lee, from Barley’s but Mindy and I had already decided that we wouldn’t be going. Bob stated in his VM that they weren’t going either. Mindy called Bob back while put groceries away. Mary Ann was just getting home from work and he would call us back with their plans shortly. We invited them to dinner with us. A few minutes later they called back and let us know that they decided to do the Clipper game after all. May be another time! Mindy and I finished getting ready which was no big deal and headed off to El Vaquero on Riverside. We had made back-up plans for the Greek Cuisina in case there was too long of a wait at the Vaq. They can get ridiculous crowds in there and a line wrapping halfway around the building at times. The wait was quoted as 15 minutes, we opted to stay and sit at the bar while waiting drinking Margaritas and eating chips and salsa. Hell, that’s why I go! They have decent Margaritas and the best chips and salsa. Mindy ordered #168 & ordered #11. To complement the meal I ordered another jumbo raspberry Margarita. And while woofing down some chips I suffered through a serious ‘brain freeze’. One easily forgets just how bad those hurt. I thought I was dying! Our food was good. The only complaint was when our bill arrived, they had charged me for the two Margaritas we had in the bar again. I notified the waiter and he quickly removed the erroneous charges. By 9pm the sun was beginning to set and we were on our way home. At the house we couldn’t get in the hot tub since it was drained. We opted for a fire and a movie. Instead of a DVD, we watched a Pay-Per-View movie – Brokeback Mountain. I dosed off a couple of times throughout the movie. It takes a while for the story to unfold, yet it was a good movie – strange but good. I thought for certain that one of them two fellas was going to sneak off with one of them there sheep – now that's baaaaaaaaahhhhhh-d! At the movie’s conclusion, we went to bed.

Annuals

An eye to the clock revealed that I had slept in, but only by ten minutes - no biggie! After following through with my out of bed ritual of brushing my teeth and peeing, I was down stairs beginning my Friday. I like saying that - "Friday". It's sweet music to my ears. The only time it's not necessarily music is when I am on vacation. That's because everyday is essentially a Friday. A peek outside revealed what was predicted. Could cover and more damp streets. But that's OK because what is also predicted is improving conditions not only through the day but through the weekend. In fact, next week it's supposed to surpass 80 degrees after Tuesday. Excuse me, but didn't I mention last week that after the passing of the whirling rain storm that summer would be on the other side? I think so! After sit-ups and push-ups, and a set of curls, I was seeking out Ykraps for our morning walk. Sometimes he's right there for me while other times I have to coax him into the leash up position. He doesn't trust me much for some reason. He always has a fearful look about him when I reach toward him. Not sure why. It's not like I beat him or anything. Although I used put his nose deep into any mess he'd leave on the carpet as a young and budding mini-Ykraps. Our walk was over quickly and I was home drinking my beloved morning cup of Joe. Meditation, some email, and food prep was next. That took me right up until 7:05am. Next, a shower, some clothes, I was ready for a day of work - a Friday! As I backed out he drive towards work I felt as if something was amiss. It was. I didn't have my phone with me. I thought for an instant that I'd go on without it but quickly abandoned that foolishness and pulled back in and went and retrieved my personal communication tool. Mindy was off today and I didn't call her along my way to work. I kind of got lost in my thoughts. She had a busy day planned - almost busier than a school day. In fact, no almost about it., It would be busier, but definitely more fun. After attending Jacob's pre-school graduation, she'd be taking the kids to see the DaVinci Code - or no, Over the Hedge. My work day, as expected, got ugly fast. Most Friday's are like that for a number of reasons. I just try to take it in stride. I worked diligently up until 12:50pm when I left for my run. By now the sun was peeking through and the temperature had reached a balmy 60 degrees. My running clothes, I noticed, were extremely ripe, but it is Friday. Still, they were riper than usual. They smelt like old wet tennis shoes. The run went well despite the stiff easterly breeze blowing directly in my face for the first two miles. I knew after the turnaround that I'd have it at my back so I took it in stride. As my five miles wrapped up, I felt good having yet another weeks worth of runs under my belt. I don't weigh myself very often but when I do it's after my Friday run and shower - standing naked as a jay bird in the locker room on our medical scales. That way it's always under the same conditions every time. Today was no exception. I weighed 161 lbs. I've been above 160 lbs for several weeks now since winter. That's about four or five pounds more than I'd like to weigh but I am wearing it well. And as long as my clothes fit as they do, I'm fine with it.. Looking at my physique objectively, I am pleased. The fruits of running and exercising each and everyday coupled with eating a reasonably sound and steady diet works. But it doesn't happen in two weeks, four weeks or two months. It's a long arduous process. Don't let anyone fool into believing otherwise. There's just no easy path. Truly, if there was, everybody would be fit as a fiddle. Look around, that's not the case! Back at the office things were beginning to get a little hairy. It was definitely a Friday afternoon! I was focused in on several key issues needing my attention heading into the weekend. I forged ahead with the determination of a bull. As five o' clock came and went, I was still working hard to wrap up some things. I found a comfortable breaking point at 5:45pm and left for the day and the weekend. My trip home would be marked by my annual pilgrimage to Strader's to buy my annuals. I was excited!!! It's only a mile or so from my office. I was there in no time at all. Also, what was important to me was that it wasn't too crowded. It can be a zoo there form time to time. I grabbed a pull cart to carry my load but also know that it generally requires two trips. I need four flats of petunias alone just to fill the front two flower beds. Sadly, the beautiful supply I saw there ten days ago was no more. Instead, they had plenty but they all looked like they had been abandoned which is uncharacteristic of Straders Riverside. I almost threw in the towel completely thinking I'd go elsewhere but ultimately decided I could get some of the other flowers I needed. I did. The quick version is that I got a flat of impatiens, a flat of begonias, several spikes and vinca, some Gerbera Daisies, some Dahlia's, and two tuberous begonia's, along with two Hibiscus. All of that filled my pull cart. Truthfully though. Most of these also looked picked over. I know all to well that getting my annuals before Mother's Day is key but I also have learned the hard way that if you can't get them planted within a few days, you might as well not buy them. And with last weekend's rain out and cold temps, I chose to forego planting. I'm paying for it now, I guess. My haul was $121. And my guess is that when it's all said and done, I'll have another $100 in wrapped up annuals, if not a little more. Well worth it , though. "They're the gift that keeps on giving, Clark"! I headed home with my flowers. Mindy was already there and had walked Ykraps. I realized, I was still in work mode - with that rock in my tummy along with the associated edginess I display often the first hour after work. Mindy seems to understand that and deals with me accordingly. I need time to reshuffle my deck so to speak when I get home to switch into 'Jimmy' mode! And the fact that it's Firkin Friday was all I needed to realize to help thrust me forward. After a greeting, Mindy went to the shower since she stopped and tanned on her way over, I cracked a brew and picked up my guitar. Nicely done, Jimmy! Soon I was feeling like my normal self. As Mindy finished prepping herself for a night out, I went up and changed into some shorts, brushed my teeth, and primped a little. Soon we were ready to hit it. I threw a load of darks in the washer before departing and then we were on our way. I was still a little burnt over the crappy flowers thing thus I begged that we stop at the Grandview Straders to see if their flower selection was in any better shape that the Riverside selection. After all, it's almost on the way to Barley's - the back way. Unfortunately, they had just closed when we pulled up. I'd have to address the flower thing tomorrow. We arrived at Barley's around 8:20pm. It wasn't too crowded - good! Bob and Mary Ann were already there as usual as were Courtney and Jeremy. Mindy is a social animal and makes it a priority I noticed to greet and talk with everyone upon entering. My first priority is a beer. Tonight's Firkin is a Pale. I opted instead for a Russian Imperial Stout. Mindy ordered a Margarita. After hanging out for a while we ordered food. Mindy had her favorite salad, I had wings and sauerkraut balls. Over the course of the evening I had two more beers. I had a house IPA along with a guest IPA that was very, very hoppy. We made tentative plans to go camping with our 'Friday night' friends sometime in June or more likely July. We settled on Salt Fork which is around Cambridge Ohio and is said to be one of our nicest State Parks. It has a golf course, lots of woods, hiking, and a sprawling - beautiful lake. I'm siked! As the night waned, Thad and Monica showed up as they often do. We talked with them as they shared stories about their Detroit Art show trip. We left Barley's around 11pm. I felt pretty buzzed for having only three beers over three hours, but that's Barley's for you. Once home we opted for some hot tubbing. This would likely be the last hot tubbing in it's current state of being raised. I would be sinking it back into the deck Sunday morning. We hot tubbed for about an hour. Afterwards we headed directly for bed. I took one detour. A detour for two Advil and a Tagament for preventative purposes. I don't want to feel like shit in the morning . The weekend's too important!

Guitarzan

Seeing the school bus at rest in front of my home gave me an idea. I could ride share with them to work each day. For a minute I thought maybe my dad had bought one at a garage sale or something. I had to prod myself to get out of bed this morning at 5:45am, but I slept very deeply. My old 7.25 hours of sleep doesn’t seem to do the trick so much anymore. But to be quite honest, I haven’t gotten it lately either. Instead, I have been getting about 6.75 – 7.00 hrs. Come to think of it, I haven’t gotten any of that lately either. :) I am more a creature of habit then I care to admit. As I have justified before, habits or patterns are good. Leaves more RAM for other spontaneous endeavors. I took my sit-ups slow as I felt a little rusty still. Once I had 55 of them in the bag my body began to wake up. The rest of my routine followed in kind. I had an enjoyable morning as I readied for work. Judging by the wet pavement and the high water in the pond, it must have stormed good through the night. An email to Mindy revealed that it had stormed through the night and stormed good – twice she said. I figured as much. That would explain why I slept so deeply. Always do. The sun broke out a few times even before I left for work. Again I took notice of the absolute lushness of my lawn as I drove away for the morning commute. I arrived to work in one piece at roughly 7:48am – early again! The workload was very heavy today and it showed no signs of letting up. In fact, it kept building. I escaped for my run early – 11am. By then it was cool and sunny, about 53 degrees. It was a good run. When I returned to the office I had several VM’s and emails begging my attention. It seemed the next time I looked up it was quitting time. I left the office just after 5pm destined for home and my last guitar lesson of the season. As it turns out, Josh had left me a message indicating the he might be 20 minutes late. No worries! Too, Bob had emailed asking if I cared to join he and Bob II on a Saturday morning golf outing. I declined for wanting to spend the entire day planting flowers in my yard. I appreciated the invite though. I arrived home at 5:30am almost on the nose. I whipped through my chores and was ready for guitar practice by 5:50pm. As it tuned out, Josh showed at a little after 6pm and we dug in. I hadn’t done all he had asked me to do over the past four weeks for a number of reasons. I asked that we spend this last lesson working on the song, Pigs on the Wing. Some of the chord progressions I am finding difficult. We spent the entire hour working on this very short tune. The timing is complicated and critical to it sounding authentic. Josh departed just after 7pm. I spent the next couple of hours updating my blog and watering all of my houseplants. The rest of evening I spent enjoying some popcorn and practicing guitar. I had a casual evening in. Before going to bed – around 9:30pm – I gave Mindy a call. We chatted only for a few. She has tomorrow off work/school in part to attend Jacob’s year end pre-school presentation. He’s singing some Andrea Bocelli, I think. I went to bed at 9:50pm eager to do a little reading before falling asleep. I find that one of the most satisfying ways in the entire world to fall asleep!

What's at Steak?

I couldn’t have felt any better rolling out of bed when I did. I was up at 5:35am ready to hit it. As usual, a quick glance out the sidelight window to my front door revealed an improving sky for the day’s early weather. My morning consisted of exercise and a walk with Ykraps – nothing really new. If pushed to describe the outdoor conditions this morning I would use the words improving, damp, and lush. While sipping coffee I broke out my camera and snapped a few pics offering a view of spring out my back window. After my usual flood of events I found my way upstairs to begin my preparation for work. When I found my way downstairs dressed and ready to go it was only 7:18am. I was ready in record time! I didn’t speak with Mindy on my way to work having tossed my phone to the side while battling heavy traffic from Roberts to Hilliard Cemetery Rd. I arrived at work by 7:50am and got down to business early. We had a 9am staff meeting so there were several things I wanted to accomplish before hand. That first hour went fast and before I knew it we were in the throws of our meeting. The rest of the morning went fast too. At 12:45pm I left the confines of the office behind for my afternoon run. The temperature was as warm s it’s been in about 6 days – somewhere close to 63 degrees and the sky brightening - sad isn't it). I left running against a stiff breeze out of the southwest ,but the sun was shining in variable amounts through the duration of my run. If I hadn’t been artificially tanning the evening before I probably would’ve removed my shirt to try and capture some of the sorely missed sun’s rays. As my run concluded, I was quickly showered and back in the office ready to eat my lunch. But along my way back, I stopped by Carmen’s office after seeing her in the hallway. She had my Men Are From Mars book. It’s been in her hands for at least three years. She is 12 weeks away from child birth, and she definitely looks pregnant! She’s having a boy and his name will be Jimmy – kidding! It will be Jacob Michael. All of my research points to Jacob being the ‘king of baby boy names’ for the past few years. Back in my office I enjoyed my packed lunch. The afternoon moved swiftly. Before I knew it, it was time to go. I stopped at Kroger on my way home to pick-up some flowers and a card for Mindy since today marked our eight month anniversary together. I didn’t call her until I had already stopped. She was already at my home sitting on the deck enjoying herself after walking Ykraps. I also left my dad a VM requesting his assistance with lowering the hot tub this Sunday morning now that I have brother Bob and Tommy confirmed. Mindy was anxiously awaiting my arrival home – but who wouldn’t? I’m da’ man! After a quick hug and bestowing her with the flowers and card, I asked her if she’d mind moving her mini-van out of the drive way so that I could back my BM’er out. I have the Kidney Foundation coming tomorrow morning to pick-up the 6 bikes that are suspended from my garage ceiling via bike hooks and needed the space to get them down. That took about 15 minutes. While I packaged the bikes and marked them with a K.F. sign, Mindy defrosted two T-bone steaks for our dining pleasure. When I was done with the bike issue I fired up the grill. While waiting for it to heat up, I began trimming some of the low hanging branches from the two red maples shading my deck. They’re really getting big and providing the shade I planted them to deliver. Still, the low growth needs removed to allow head room and such. It didn’t take long and I really didn’t trim all that much. On the grill, the steaks cooked quickly, and just like two eeks ago they were cooked to perfection. To complement the steaks, Mindy prepared a delicious garden salad and green beans with bacon bits. Dinner was fantastico! We kicked around the idea of hot tubbing but didn’t. Mindy had to be home by 8:30pm. We checked our blood pressure a couple of times and then talked about a few miscellaneous things before she up & left. Mindy’s BP is generally all over the place. Mine – always a little high - is generally around 125/74 once I am rested and calm. But right in the door from work, the upper number is always about 140. My pulse hovers any where from the upper 40’s to the mid 50’s. All i nall not bad for a purebred type "AA". Mindy’s pulse is considered good when it’s in the mid 70’s – Cardiomyopathy. When Mindy left, a rather ominous looking storm was just about to strike west Columbus. The sky looked scary! Minutes later it got really windy, but in the end the storm lacked the punch I had expected. Before I knew it, it had blown over and the sky began to clear once again. This back and forth had been going on all day. I updated and added pictures to my web page for the next hour. And then, for another hour I practiced guitar. My last lesson of the season is Thursday evening and i want it to be agood one. I woofed down the second to last piece of my chocolate chip cheesecake cookie too. I sent loads of left over potato salad home with Mindy to share with her school mates tomorrow. I wasn’t too interested in keeping it around knowing that I’d eat it (carb issue). I found my way to bed around 10:45pm. I was tired, and unlike most nights, I didn’t do any reading. an excerpt from Mindy's eight month anniversary letter to me... ( I asked persmission to share) There are several things that you have said and done Over the past eight months that have shown me that you are my gift. When you said that “I might just be the angel you’ve been bugging God About sending you for the past 8 years,” I knew that you were my gift. When you told me that your Grandma sent me to you and That she said she was done and it was up to you now, I knew you were my gift. When you brought me a care package when I was sick, With all my favorite things in it, I knew you were my gift. When you told me often how much you loved me,missed me and desired me, I knew you were my gift. When I watched your interactions with my children, Playing with them and growing to love them, I knew you were my gift. When you put reeses cups in the freezer And kept red wine on hand, I knew you were my gift. When you brought me coffee in bed, Despite having white carpet and new bedding, I knew you were my gift. When you brought me flowers Just because, I knew you were my gift. When you reassure me, love me, hold me, touch me, and share with me, I know you are my gift.

Not IDOLing Wright

This bird and his relatives are the beasts that roost above my front door in the english ivy. Drip I woke at 5:35am feeling pretty well rested and pretty damn comfortable for an old man. After some scratching and tugging about my body, I meandered to the kitchen and hit the official “go” button on my day. I suppose it would’ve been a bit much to expect two clear mornings in a row. I wasn’t expecting it and the weather forecasters weren’t predicting it. We were still entrenched in getting drenched. Still, even though the rain is back and the cloud cover thick, I could sense a change a’ comin’. While Ykraps and I were walking, the air was thick as thieves and even a bit warm – a stark difference from the chilly, wet air from the past several days. When I got back home I took a couple of photos of the dripping rain that’s been so prevalent over the past several days. After the photo op, I nestled up to a hot cup of coffee, and soon any remnants of sleep were history. After the coffee I relaxed into a short but deep meditation. My next endeavor was sending Mindy an email, which I do almost everyday without exception. After some surfing, I moved onto food prep. I packed some tuna fish that was leftover from Friday’s batch and made scrambled eggs for breakfast. At 7:30am I pushed myself towards the shower, and by 7:25am, I was ready to go. Before heading out the door I took a few shots at the geese who were roosting in my backyard. They don’t get it. I don’t care for them and will always be their nemesis. To work I went. I talked with Mindy along the way. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed with her house issue. It’s a soft real estate market right now and lots of nice houses are sitting on the market for extended periods of time. Those that are selling are selling because the deal is too good to pass up. Bottom line - want to sell fast? Sell under market price! She’s got some options to explore, though. The morning ushered in a very busy work day. We were borderline slammed. Somehow we managed to stay afloat though. Come 12:45pm I left for my run. It was about 60 degrees and cloudy. It was ‘tweener’ weather. I wore shorts and two upper layers. I was sweating good by runs end. Too warm, really. After my run I found my way back to my office by 2:00pm. I enjoyed my tasty lunch while digging back into work. The afternoon was just as busy as the morning. I stayed heavily engaged right up until 5:00pm. I needed to leave on time to accomplish a couple of personal tasks on my way home. At 5:05pm I was out the door on my way to Bahama Tan to tan for the first time this year. The tan I had amassed so far was beginning to fade since shirtless running weather has been absent from the program of late. After tanning I planned a stop at Advanced Mower Repair to try and get a tiny little o-ring for my WeedEater Leaf Blower that’s causing some fuel leakage and I suspect poor engine performance. After 15 minutes the old dude couldn’t find the specific part, but was kind enough to take the information and try to find it later. He promised a call. I was home by 6:15pm after those two rather quick errands. Soon I was walking Ykraps under sky that just couldn't decide if it wanted to be sunny or if it wanted to drop buckets of rain, and the battle raged on through most of the evening. After addressing a few quick chores I was out in the garage working on my weedeater blower just as I had planned. I found that the gasket I wanted to replace for being stretched and worn had reshrunk to its original size and once gain fit snuggly into the groove provided. So, I turned it over using placing the less worn side up and remounted the carburetor. Before testing I pulled the spark plug and cleaned it good too. After putting it all back together and adding fresh gas I fired her up. I ran but still not at full rpm which for a blower is almost paramount. Soon, too, the carburetor vibrated loose again. Damn it! How come? I calmly took it apart again to find the mounting screws loose as I expected. What I didn't know was why all of the sudden are these screws vibrating loose. I figured I had little to lose so I tightened just about as tight as one could get them. After restarting the blower, this time they seem to have held. Maybe they just needed further snugging. Even still, the carburetor on the blower seems to be mis-adjusted, which isn't allowing it to operate a full rpms with the choke off. Two adjustment screws on the carb are not accessible with a slotted screw driver. To begin, they're recessed in a little hole and have no slots for a small bladed screw driver of any sort. Later, doing some web research, I learned that many have asked for such a tool to adjust these but the manufacture won't sell it to the public - that's BS. The adjustment screws do have serrated or geared sides. Some slick message boards suggested some folks have used aquarium tubing to slide down over the screw head and use the protruding tubing to turn/adjust the screws. I may try that after checking first with my dad. He has a tool for everything. If he doesn't have one, he'll likely have some ingenious methodology for adjusting them. Worst case is I'll have to break down and buy a new blower! After an hour or so in the garage fine tuning my yard tools I found my way inside for some guitar and blogging. That took me right up until 10:00pm. I found I had no time for watching Idol tonight. I decided instead that my time was better spent doing some of the things I love. Before the night was over, I talked with Mindy via phone a couple of times. She doesn't like to stray too far. That's just how she is. So, just before fading to sleep, I gave her a call to say good night.

Rainman ... "bout a hundred dollars"

This shot captures my frontyard uplighting nicely This shot captures Ykraps 'leglifter' Wright nicely This shot captures the lushness of spring rather nicely - don't you think. Something had me up and ready to get after it at 5:30am. Perhaps it was the late cup of coffee last evening at Mindy’s brothers, or perhaps the anticipation of a wonderful new work week. Somehow, though, I think it was the former. I slept well but also felt like my mind didn’t rest as deeply – common side effects from too much coffee. Either way, I got right on my morning exercises after observing the condition of the early morning sky. At first I wasn’t sure what that large white orb was lurking in the southwestern sky, but after rubbing my eyes a couple of times there was no denying that it was indeed the moon. On even closer observation, there were several stars hanging above too. We were somehow in between rain. There were no clear skies forecasted though the foreseeable future. So, much like a kid in a candy store, I took my camera along as I walked Ykraps. He doesn’t mind being photographed while he pees or poops. In fact, I think he secretly prefers it. I got some pics of the moon and Ykraps this morning. In addition, you’ll notice that I photo’d my frontal landscape lighting at dawn – lovely! Checking the radar once I returned from my walk revealed that more of the same weather is on tap for today – rain and highs close to 55 degrees. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t beginning to get to me. But I can ill afford to let it get to me now if for no other reason, we’re likely going to be under this pattern for another 6 days. I’m a much happier person in the sunshine and warmth. Just give me enough rain to keep my lawn lush and green – no more! My morning ritual was somewhat less harried since I would not need to pack a lunch. Instead, I would be meeting a friend this afternoon to discuss his career options. Further, to accommodate this meeting, I would be running early – likely around 11am. I had it all planned out. The rest of my morning went as planned, and like most others. I was ready and walking out the door by 7:30am. I talked with Mindy along the ride to work. She wasn’t in the best of spirits but then again, the recent weather’s taking its toll on everyone I’m afraid. But despite the days forecast, the morning was still bright and sunny. The meteorologist on the radio warned that rain was moving in and moving in form the east as part of the wagon wheel effect I have alluded to more than a couple of times the past few days. Either way, right now it was sunny and both Mindy and I appreciated the short but welcome reprieve. Monday was starting like most Mondays. We were busy and things were hopping! Before I knew it, it was time to go for my early run if I were to stay on task. I did. It was 53 degrees when I left for my run and the sun had all but faded from the sky. Clouds were pervasive, and even darker ones on the horizon. Just as predicted, less than stellar weather began trickling in from the east. Yuck! After my run I showered and dressed and then went right for my vehicle. It was now noon. I made it to our meeting point at 12:15pm pm on the nose! We hung out for about an hour taking a number of different things. Soon I had to be getting back to work. We parted ways at 1:15pm. Before heading back, I stopped at Best Buy in hopes of selecting a new stereo for my boat. I need a deck with a CD player- not a cassette player like it has now. A little more power wouldn’t hurt either! Unfortunately, they don’t carry marine ready stereos in store, but you can order one via the webpage. Hmmm? I’ll need to weigh in on that more later. Right now I needed to head back to the office. The afternoon in the office went smoothly. Nothing too bumpy! Before I knew it, it was time to think a bout the evening. This was a Mindy Monday and I was looking forward to sharing time with her. I left for the day at 5:10pm. I didn’t need to make any unscheduled stops, but did gather some information on parts for my blower just before leaving the office. I plan to address that tomorrow evening. I made it home by 5:30pm. Mindy was already there, but only for about 3 minutes. I knew this because we talked on the way home. Something she likes to do. We discussed dinner, but I wasn’t too hungry for having a belly full of Mexican food from lunch. Still, I agreed to make her wings. After I returned from walking Ykraps and prepping my coffee for the following morning, Mindy asked if she could take a shower. “Of course”, I replied. It seems she had a bit of a female emergency crop up while at school today and felt the need to freshen up. TMI???? After her shower and some chit chat the wings were done. Tonight we experimented around with a new spin on the wing sauce. We added sour cream and butter to the Pete’s Hot Sauce based on a recipe we saw on the chicken wing bag. Not only did it add viscosity, but it also helped it stick to the wings. Try it! After wings Mindy convinced me to build a fire, which is likely one of the last for the season – at least indoors. While enjoying the ambiance of the fire, we chatted about things close to both of our hearts – MONEY! … kidding! Mindy left before 9pm in an effort to keep her ex cool. I spent the remainder of the evening updating my blog and reading, but I was in bed fairly early – 10:15pm.