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.