Firkin Friday

I was awake even before 5:30 but chose to stay in bed for a short while longer. It was 5:40am when I finally found myself in the kitchen fiddling with the vitamin bottle. I went about my exercise routine and eventually leashed up Ykraps for our Friday morning stroll. The lawn and flowers were all still drenched with rain water ready for the sun to rise and dry their foliage and invigorate further growth. The pond looked slightly swollen but only a an inch or two above its setting level. The morning air was unusually crisp – a far cry from the heavy humid air that’s been so prevalent of late.

While enjoying the morning’s coffee I sat at the PC reading the Daily OM and catching up on some scores and NBA draft headlines. I wouldn’t normally give tow shits about the NBA except for the fact that three Buckeyes were rumored to have gone in the first round – a Buckeye first. I was curious to see how that all unfolded. Three Buckeyes, as it turns out, went in the first 21 picks, including Greg Oden going overall number one to Portland thus producing another natural connection for the PNW.

I got started packing my lunch and cooking breakfast at 6:40. I finished eating and began watering by 7:00am. I didn’t have too much watering to do since we got the summer rains overnight but I still had to water the baskets and pots, if nothing else, just to top them off. I finished much earlier than usual and returned inside to begin the showering process. Mindy was already up in an anticipation of the grandchildren, whom she agreed to watch yet again today. They arrived while I was showering. Rocky seems so happy when he’s at our home. And baby Landon seems to be a very happy little guy. Mindy said that he was very easy to care for yesterday. He eats, sleeps, and plays. No fussing! I should’ve snapped some pictures but didn’t. I guess I was too focused on the work day ahead. I was definitely looking forward to the coming five day weekend.

I arrived at work by 8:05am under almost full cloud cover with the promise of a lovely day yet to unfold. Work was busy but then again, eerily quiet for a Friday – none of the usual chatter form above. I stayed busy all morning. I left for a run around 12:40pm. The conditions were ideal for a run. It couldn’t have been 75 degrees and the sky was still trying to shed the leftover clouds. I took notice of the sun as it busted through the ever thinning cloud cover at my turn around point. The run went really well. I had plenty of strength left even after I finished. After a quick shower I stopped by Jay’s office for a quick chat. Eventually, I found my way back to my own office ready for an afternoon of fun.

The afternoon was much like the morning. Quiet from above but very busy from a volume standpoint. It got really busy the last hour of the day. That happens often on Friday’s for whatever reason. I left for home later than previously desired but didn’t want to leave my peer in a lurch. I also waited patiently for my insurance agent to call me back as promised. I knew she was going on vacation next week so if I didn’t push her, I might not have closure on my issue for ten more days. I was eager to avoid that. Turns out, she called my cell just as I was walking out the door. She confirmed that the deal was done and that the check was in the mail. Cool!

I arrived home just before 6pm. Mindy had already walked Ykraps, and the kids were gone with Jimaken. Mindy was sipping wine on the deck when I arrive home. The house was peaceful, just like I like it. She reported the day going rather well, despite having four small children running about. We sat together on the deck talking about life. Eventually, I dosed off but only for a few minutes. That was enough to refresh my busy mind. She went in to ready for an evening at Barley’s and I went in and updated Thursday’s blog entry. Around 7:20pm we jumped in the BM’er and headed to our favorite watering hole.

The lot was packed. We had to manufacture a parking spot one over from the last lined slot. I do that often. Inside, the place was bustling with regulars - Bob, Mary Ann, Jeremy, Courtney, Mark, Steve, Scott, Dan, Josh, Rebecca, and eventually Rick & Tim. Jersey and Lee were working the bar – no Janet. I had a Firkin (a Scottish, I think). Mindy had a Shiraz. We visited with our friends and eventually placed an order for food. I ordered Gates of Hell wings and fries. Mindy ordered a Southwestern salad. Everybody’s food came but ours. We watched our friends eat for a few until Mindy finally asked where ours might be. Somehow our order got lost. Being the regulars that we are, they comp’d our meal – very cool!
Everything was tasty as always.

We hung at Barley’s until 1030pm or so. We drove home with the top down under a full moon. When we arrived home we could hear the Shultz’s living it up a bit. We decided to crash their party. They had a nice fire going and lots of family members hanging around having fun. We joined in the fun. Eventually, all the family members departed but we remained talking until about 1230am. As always, we were the last to leave. We shared lots of dirty laundry and joked about all sorts of stuff. We had a very nice time. When Mindy and I got back home we headed straight to bed. We both fell asleep in less than ten minutes.