A Kaileigh Day

I swear I didn’t even try, but somehow I woke promptly at 7:30am. Like a trained puppy I jumped right out of bed and began my weekend routine. After making a pot of coffee and exercising, Ykraps and I hit the door. It was very chilly with clear skies. If I recall, the temperature was only about 45 degrees. I knew that I’d need more than a thin dry-fit shirt while running. Furthermore, the expected high is only 63 degrees.

After some coffee and internet fun I readied for a run. Mindy was up and already in the shower. She had to be out of the house just after 9am to make a 9:30am hair appointment. Also, Jimaken was picking the kids up for breakfast at 9am. He wanted to spend some quality time with the kids before an upcoming west coast business trip. I hung around long enough for everyone to leave before setting out on my run. When I did it was still rather chilly. I ran inside the subdivision. It was a good run, one in which I resolved several issues whirling about in my brain.

I was determined to chip away at several home projects this weekend, but before jumping headlong into any of them I felt compelled to tidy up the kitchen and take care of a few minor household chores. I spent about an hour watering house plants, unloading the dishwasher, windexing appliances and door glass, and putting away miscellaneous toys and junk. All of that was really getting to me.

I was torn like I so often am when I have a lot of items on my to-do list - almost to the point of paralysis. While many of my projects feed one another, I could start at various places. UGH!!!! In the end I chose to spend time assembling the second of two steel base cabinets for the garage. That went much faster than the first, which I suppose should’ve been expected. Meanwhile, the kids returned as expected from there short time with Jimaken. Bella wanted to help me with the cabinet. And honestly, she was a big help handing me screws and supplying that helpful third hand. Mindy arrived home about fifteen minutes later.

I was just about done with the cabinet when I realized that I had assembled it incorrectly. I used the black screws where silver were to go. And truthfully, it was only cosmetic but to leave it that way would’ve driven me nuts. I took all 24 out and replaced them with silver. Gee Whiz! I later learned that I put the drawer bottom on wrong too. Mindy had to make sense out of the archaic drawing.

Finally, I finished the cabinet. I moved the finished product to the garage still not sure what would be next on the list. Thankfully, the Buckeye game wasn’t kicking off for a few hours still, so there was plenty of time to squeeze in more projects. Almost by default I got to moving things around in the garage to facilitate the cabinets. I moved them into their assumed position and then took the time to level them with the adjustable legs to compensate for the slight fall towards the street. Next, I put the accompanying faux wood top into place. Looking good!

I was motivated now to move onto the black metal shelving. The directions stated that it should take no more than ten minutes to assemble. In reality that was about 25 minutes, but that was erring in favor of caution. Soon I had the shelves erected and ready to be placed right next to my new workbench. Eager to get a glimpse of the final project I put the metallic peg board into place with out actually mounting it (that would take more time than I felt I had). Cool! I like the look and the functionality. There was still about 30 minutes until kick-off. I decided to move forward with light fixture replacement. I replaced both fixtures out front even though only one was damaged. It looks like someone kicked the one closest to the walk on purpose. I had little trouble getting both replaced with standard outdoor lighting fixtures that handle full-size spots.

Kick-off happened while I cleaned up for the afternoon. I was done, to a great extent, with my Saturday project work, although I still needed to water flowers. While enjoying the Buckeye game, granddaughter Kaileigh finally arrived. I was very happy to have her over and to see her. She was spending the night. She’s always pleasant and is relatively low maintenance. Bella was as happy as me to have her over. The kids played outside during the game. Jacob and I threw the football at halftime all the while I made room in the shed for mowers. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes took control of the game in the third quarter. I returned outside to address a few other chores. I got the mowers secured in the shed and then reattached the hot tub access panel to the deck.

I got the grill going just after kick-off while Mindy walked Ykraps. Before long I got busy grilling Texas burgers & a few hot dogs. Mindy whipped up some A gratin potatoes too. I never did get around to making more salsa or the brownies I had Mindy buy for my birthday, but that’s often the case. I have too much planned. We kept a loose eye on football all evening long. The Wolverines beat Notre Dame rather convincingly. At 8pm we watched USC against Nebraska. USC spanked them. We went to bed early – well before 11pm.