Ready for a long weekend

Moon setting Friday AM Su nsettng Friday evening Baley's sign take nwith low flash Mindy sporting a Viking jersey The firkin two kids leaping for joy, or are they laying down? Nothing was gonna dampen my Friday! The day began much like the previous few – early, warm, and clear. I was up at my usual 5:30am feeling well rested and ready to embark on a long birthday weekend. My drawn out illness was fading further – thankfully. Like any work day, I went through the usual paces. I exercised, walked Ykraps, made lunch, and prepared breakfast. The day’s weather promised to be “Septembery” – warm, sunny, and not too humid. Perfect weather for driving the BM’er. Mindy and kids left on schedule leaving me about 25 minutes of alone time before I had to head off to work. I did what I often do. I played guitar and put the finishing touches on the kitchen before departing. I arrived to work just before 8:00am and immediately got down to business. I was very busy - just like I like to be. I managed to sneak away for my Friday afternoon run by 12:45pm, and I took the Home Depot route to keep things exciting. My legs weren’t as lively as I had hoped but I made it through the run just fine. I was in a very happy mood when I returned knowing that I had I a three weekend in front of me. I worked hard to keep the time passing and things got even livelier as the day wound down. I had a deadline to meet and a couple major unforeseen issues arise. I handled everything though just as any good leader would. I managed to escape the confines of the office by 5:30pm feeling good about what I had accomplished through the week and during the day. It felt really good to walk out the door to my BM’er with the sun at my back and three days of fun ahead. I was home before 6PM. Mindy and the kids were already there. I was tired after a busy day and longed for a short nap, but the kids wanted to ride their bikes and I felt like saying “yes” instead of no all the time. I went out front and watched kids as they rode their bikes and played by the pond. Mindy came after a little while and stayed out there with me until it was time to go pick-up Amy, who was baby sitting for us tonight. While Mindy was away fetching Amy, the kids and I remained outdoors. Bella made a new friend, Paige and fed and chased the ducks. Meanwhile, Jacob continued riding his bike. Mindy returned with Amy just after 7:00pm or so. I went in the house to freshen up and change into some comfy clothes before heading off to Barleys. Once again, we drove the Trooper just in case I needed Mindy to drive us home. The sun was just setting on the golf course as we exited the sub-division making for another fabulous sun set picture. We arrived at Barleys before 8pm for the second week in a row. It was pretty crowded so we had to stand until a few seats opened at the bar. Lee served me up a firkin, which was a Pale Ale. It was very good. I was happy to see that the bar was chalked full of the regulars, and most were in rear form. We learned too that Mindy had won the football pool from the week before. This week’s pool (the Texas game) somehow already had five squares with my name on them. I later learned that Bob had been in on Wednesday and bought them for me! What a guy –huh? We ordered our usual pub food. I had a Cuban and Mindy had pulled pork. I was extra good! Although I typically have three pints, tonight I had a fourth. I had a good buzz from it too. We left Barleys just after 11pm. Amy’s ride had just arrived so the timing was perfect. I noticed while pulling up to our house, two young kids ( a boy and a girl) lying on sidewalk face to face on the bridge. And since I already had my camera at my side, I immediately went to take their picture seeing this as an extremely unusual event that certainly seemed blog worthy. I asked first for not wanting to startle them. They were happy to pose and asked for my webpage url. I obliged. Before going to bed Mindy and I hot tubbed. I still had a pretty good buzz. I think she took advantage of me too but can’t be sure. I do remember asking for some Advil before going to bed.