Fruitful Begging

I wasn’t up until 5:35am, trying to sleep as long as I possibly could while still considering myself “on-time”. It was 5:40am by the time I was downstairs and exercising. Once again, I skipped my push-ups in curls in a effort to rest my aching right shoulder. I find it peculiar and almost hilarious that my right shoulder was pain free for years all the while my left shoulder ached incessantly, and that dates back to before my running streak and regular exercise regiment began. I find a miraculous cure for the left shoulder (Mindy walking on my back) and a few months later similar symptoms arise in the right. Something to ponder.

It was another chilly, yet beautiful autumn morning. The temperature was warmer than the day before – it was 43 degrees when I left for my run. But it still seemed quite chilly heading out the door. It wasn’t long before my body heat mounted and I was cooking like a stove.

The remainder of the morning progresses as normal. Mindy & Bella departed, Jacob and I hung out for another 45 minutes preparing for our own departures. We met up with the Shultz’s at the corner. There’s little question that the autumn color is now waning, but its magnificence remains a spectacle, especially as the sun brushes against the thinning canopies of the many surrounding trees still dressed in their reds, oranges, and yellows. It doesn’t get wasted on me!

Off to work while listening to another few chapters of the Tao Te Ching. I didn’t get to work until 8:35am. I was a few minutes behind for some reason. No worries.

This was Halloween. Last year I showed up in costume. No one else did, however. This year I skipped it. This was also team meeting day. I had previously arranged to meet with my entire team at 9am. I didn’t have much time to make last minute preparations. It was the first formal team meeting that I’ve held in a few months. The meeting went well. My peer held her team meeting contiguous to mine. It’s critical that no one has information that others don’t for too long. J

My mid-day break entailed a trip to Lowes. I had no specific agenda. Rather, I just felt like walking their aisles as I contemplate our basement finishing project. I ended up buying a 3” straight-tip Klein screwdriver to complete my existing set, and a bag of 8” tie-wraps. But I spent the most time looking at electric sub-panel boxes since I must add about 5 circuits as part of the project and our existing box is full. Not satisfied with their selection, I stopped by Home Depot on my way back to the office to check out their offerings. Back to work.

The remainder of the day went by quickly. Many of the parents with young children cut out a bit early to give themselves enough time to get home and ready for the big night – Trick-or-Treat. I left at 4:55pm about twenty minutes earlier than usual. I took the back way as I-270 looked painfully slow from the parking our lot. That was a wise choice. I ws home in short order. I called Mindy who indicated that Courtney & Porter Jump would indeed be joining us around 6pm. Jimaken was slated to arrive just before then to take the kids Trick-or-Treating. Mindy reported having dinner all but ready.
Jacob and I walked Ykraps as soon as I got settled. We tossed the football along the way. Our time was shortened, however, by the early arrival of his father, who drove by the two of us as we set out on our walk. Jacob dashed back home to play with him. I never try to out play Jimaken in those situations.

I finished Ykraps walk and returned inside. Meanwhile, Jacob and Jimaken tossed football lout front. Eventually the two came back inside where the kids costumed up for the big event. Bella had a minor meltdown during the process, insisting that she wanted to go with Emily & Evan, Mike and Terri’s kids. She locked herself in the bathroom while pouting. Eventually she came out with a little force and got to spend a few quality minutes in her room before finally settling down. I was worried for Jimaken because even when she finally gave in and left she continued holding onto some of her anger. Mindy was insistent on snapping a couple pre-Trick-or-Treat photos on the front porch.

It wasn’t long before the kids were gone & we were serving our first Trick-or-Treaters. And a few minutes later Courtney and Porter arrived. Porter was in costume – pumpkin pajamas. Courtney, while not in costume, looked great, especially after just having a baby a few short weeks ago. They joined us for dinner. Porter slept most of the time, and when he wasn’t Mindy was quick to pick him up happy to give Courtney a break. I passed out most of the candy as a new batch of Trick-or-Treaters showed up every few minutes. Jimaken returned after only 30 or 40 minutes with Bella. She had to pee. She decided to stay back with us while Jimaken and Jacoby set out for more candy. The almost constant stream of beggars continued until about 7:45pm .We had a few stragglers after that but for the most part it was done. We ended up with enough candy – something I worried about the entire evening. When I was a kid, that was the best way to assure that your car was soaped – run out of candy.

I checked the kids candy for illicit content. I was a little concerned that the Butterfingers might be tainted, so I confiscated all of them. :) It wasn’t long after Jacob returned that Courtney & Porter decided to leave. I’m sure that he was hoping for some milk soon! The kids ate their fare share of goodies, and I sampled a few pieces myself. Mindy eventually put them to bed, but Bella made a return after I popped some corn to share in my salty treat.

I must’ve went to bed near 9:30pm. I didn’t stay up too late, for sure.

Lordy, lordy, downstairs an exercising before 5:40! I was most thankful for the anti-inflammatory I took just before bed. My entire body ached, and the Diclofenac made it all better enabling me to garner a restful night’s sleep.

It wasn’t long before I was headed out the door. Once again there was a light coating of frost covering the lawn, but the temperature was a few degrees warmer than the morning before. The moon was bright and several stars were visible overhead. This might be the most peaceful, tranquil part of the day. But we’ll agree to keep it a secret.

I poured and delivered Mindy’s coffee as requested. I dressed for my run before meditation and headed out the door a few minutes after 7:30am. I stretched for a few minutes before taking off. And even though it was warmer than Monday, I was still quite chilly until I got a few blocks under my belt. Great run!

Before heading back into the house I rolled the empty trash can back to its holding spot. I also dumped about an inch of water from the bottom of our artificial pumpkin. I must have accumulated while I was power washing the front porch Sunday afternoon. Inside, Mindy had a pan preheated with olive oil waiting for me to throw in a couple of eggs. I hadn’t had fried eggs for sometime. This pleased me much! She quickly gathered up a sleeping Bella and headed out the door for work.

I finished my breakfast then headed up to get my shower and dress for work. I was back downstairs and ready by 7:45am. Jacob insisted on heading to the bus stop early but I talked him out of it. I really didn’t want him standing out there in the cold unnecessarily. Our remaining time inside went fast. We headed to the bus stop at 8:00am sharp. Pat & Alena were already there. Among other things, Pat shared that the upcoming Buckeye game would only be televised on the Big Ten Network. That being, so I’ll be encouraged to rethink my weekend plans. By 8:05am I was in route to work.

Work was teeming with activity. I stayed focused all morning long. I planned a stop at Target and Home Depot for my lunch break. Come 1:00pm I headed out first stopping at Target. I looked at lots of stuff but purchased only two items. I bought one more set of rope lights to complete the pergola, and also bought a new bottle of Tire Wet. Next, I drove next door to Home Depot and waltzed around there for about fifteen minutes buying only some WD-40 and a surge protected multi-outlet for my garage work center. I was gone a little over an hour making it back just after 2pm. I spent the rest of the afternoon working through a handful of customer issues leaving for home just after 5:15pm.

I called Mindy on my trip home not hanging up until I was in the drive. My closing comment was about her leaving her mini-van on the driveway to drip oil after I just power washed on Sunday. Not exactly a sweet parting. J Mindy was again making dinner. This time smoked sausage and sauerkraut – favorite of mine. Jacob joined me walking Ykraps taking along the football. I see it as a good opportunity for the two of us to bond. Bella, on the other hand, was at dance class. It was long after we returned that dinner was on the table and ready. I topped my sausage with honey making it even more delicious. We used paper plates making clean-up a snap. Jacob and I rushed outdoors to toss the football immediately after. But before tossing the ball, I installed the last set of rope lights completing the circuit. We threw the ball well past dark. Jacob improves more with each passing day. He’s now able to make grabs once unthinkable. He likens himself to Ray Small. :)

It wasn’t too long after we went back in that Mindy and Bella returned. While Mindy bathed the children I updated my photos and blog. Mindy allowed the kids to stay up to watch Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin. That came on at 8pm. She sent them to bed afterwards. I caught the very end and then stayed up and watched House. We went to bed right after it ended.

Jack Frost meets Jack O' Lantern

I wasn’t too excited that it was already 5:30am. It seemed to arrive awfully fast. Still, it is what it is, so I jumped out of bed and headed downstairs to begin my Monday morning preparation. There was a prevalent glow to the entire landscape. The moon was shining brightly above. In addition, I could see frost coating the lawn. This was our first official frost of the season.

I whizzed through my exercise routine and then turned my attention to Ykraps who was waiting patiently by the front door. We walked to the east – his call. He took care of number one and two. It was definitely the coldest it has been all season. My sack was frozen! But even in spite of the cold, it was a very beautiful morning.

Back at home I coffee’d myself and Mindy. She requested that I alter my routine and bring her coffee earlier rather than later. I delivered it even before the clock struck 6am. I returned downstairs immediately and went about the rest of my pre-run routine. I checked the results of the World Series game #4. The Red Sox swept the Rockies. Saw that coming like freight train! I donned my running clothes before settling down for ten minutes of meditation. It was 6:25am when I left out the door for my run. I wore an older jacket – one that’s a bit thicker than others. After stretching, I dashed off into the chilly autumn morning air. I picked a poor day to not wear any underwear under my running pants, and my fingers were cold enough to require me pulling them into my jacket sleeve like a turtle head. But a wise old runner I am, I knew that in few minutes I’d be cookin’ like a stove. Less than a half mile into the run I was nice and toasty.

Once again, because of my earlier than usual start, I didn’t happen upon the usual corner dwellers or peer runners. I finished early too. I was home well before 7:05am. That even surprised Mindy. She made fresh scrambled eggs along with a plate full fruit. I could’ve eaten more, but what she made was very good. She & Bella soon departed. She must’ve been grateful for having her van in the garage avoiding the drudgery of scraping the frost off the windows.

Jacob played Gameboy while I readied for work. Like always, he was eager to head to the bus stop well before we needed to. I did my best to slow him down but with little success. I met him there after starting the Trooper. I chose to leave it warming up while I joined him at the bus stop. Alena and Pat rejoined us at the bus stop. Pat & talked at length after the kids we on their way to school. I hadn’t talked with him since the prior Monday. As I walked back home I took notice of the trees that appeared almost on fire with orange, red, and yellow hues basking in the vibrant golden sunshine. Perhaps even more stirring was the fog slowly lifting up from the pond. Instead of heading directly for the Trooper I went instead for my camera not wanting to miss such a photo op.

I returned to the bridge where I snapped off a handful of pictures. Very nice! Having satisfied my creative side, I headed off to work listening to more of Dr Wayne Dyer’s interpretation of the Tao Te Ching.

I was happy to settle in at work knowing that my on-call weekend was now behind me.
I will in all likelihood take this coming Friday off in trade. And due to a trade, I’ll be on-call again after next week, but not again until Xmas.

The work day moved by swiftly. I worked straight through stopping only to grab my food from the fridge. I could hardly believe the day’s end was upon me but it was. I left at 5:15pm sharp. What a day! I didn’t bother calling Mindy on my way home. Instead I enjoyed the peaceful drive home taking in the fabulous autumn views. Once at home I smell the delightful smell of chicken baking the oven. We were having hot wings - a family favorite. Jacob walked Ykraps with me bringing his football along to toss as we walked. I play along even though I know it’s potentially dangerous both to us and the cars passing by. But without bragging, I rarely if ever drop a pass. And I’m coaching Jacob to be as sure-handed as I. J

The wings still needed eight more minutes when we got back. Jacob and I headed out back for some real football tossing. He’s beginning to catch most passes thrown his way. Just a month or so ago he had all sorts of rules and excuses. But now he’s catching balls thrown over his head and shoulders as well as sucking up my tightly thrown spirals. He’s a natural athlete to be sure.

Inside the wings were ready and it was time to chow. Bella sat at an empty plate just waiting for our bones as she always does. She insists! Too funny! She did nibble on fruit while waiting the first of many. What would strange company think seeing this smallish Guatemalan girl chomping on our used chicken bones. J Our dinner conversation began with me marveling about how Glenn and I were drinking a beer at the Keg room just the evening before and now he was likely sitting 2500 miles away at his work desk. Life moves at blazin’ speed!

Clean-up was fast. While I tended to the deed, Mindy readied the table for our annual pumpkin carving. We decided to carve two and tattoo another. We convinced the kids that it made the most sense to first plan the face on paper and then transfer the drawing onto the pumpkin in light pencil, and then in black marker. They, understandably, wanted instead to move directly to carving. Both seemed enamored with the pumpkin goop while Mindy and I did most of the scraping. These pumpkins held much less “goop” than the pumpkins did when I was a kid. Mindy separated the seeds for baking and got busy with that while I finished the carving. She coated the seeds in olive oil, garlic, and buttery salt and baked them at 400 for about twenty minutes. I’ve never eaten a pumpkin seed before. They were delicious!

After we finished our carving we added candles and sampled the art first indoors. After feeling satisfied we carried them to the front porch and took more pictures. Clean-up was a snap as we simply rolled up the plastic table cloth and pitched it in the trash. Mindy rushed the kids off to bed while I updated my blog. Mindy headed to bed just after 9pm. I stayed up until 10pm uploading and editing new pictures. I was eager for a good night’s sleep too. I took anti-inflammatory around 7:30pm. I could already feel my tight muscles beginning to ease.

Where's Aunt Teet?

I slept until 7:30am. Just before that, the kids invaded our room to snuggle with their mother. I felt somewhat like a side dish in the mix. I leaped to my feet and made my way downstairs to pick-up the pieces from the night before. I prepped the morning’s coffee, heated up my laptop, and began my exercise routine. Come 8am Ykraps and I hit the street for a glorious morning stroll. It was a lovely but chilly autumn morning. There wasn’t a cloud to be seen and the temperature hovered near 40 degrees. There was a light fog lifting off of the pond creating a surreal view looking back towards the rising sun. Very nice!

Upon my return I poured myself coffee and quickly checked work. We were looking eons better that Saturday. Suddenly, I didn't feel so rushed. I checked most issues that I managed the day before and all were completely resolved or just about. Happily I carried on with other less pressing tasks. Soon I was joined downstairs by Mindy & the kids. We sipped our coffee together and discussed the day’s plans. Mindy & the children would soon be dashing off to church all the while I dashed around the subdivision. I didn't leave for my run until Mindy was out of the shower and seemed to have things well under control. It was the least I could do.

I wore my warm running clothes and was quite comfortable through the duration. Truth be told, I was looking forward to some alone time back at the house. Once I got back I woofed down some leftover pizza, chugged another cup of coffee, and dealt with a handful of work related matters. By 11:15am I was working diligently in the yard. I whacked, edged, mowed, and blew. Mindy arrived home soon after I finished the major lawn chores. She had brought home Burger King and didn't forget me. Not all that hungry I kept at my chores knowing that we needed to leave for her brother's by 2:45pm. Over the next 1.5 hours I power washed the front porch and walk leading from the drive. In addition, I hit the oil stains left behind by Mindy's ailing rig.
Wanting to run the power washer out of gas I decided to hit the wheels on the Trooper that get trashed by brake dust rather routinely. The entire thing could use a good bath, however. But time wouldn't allow that. After wrapping up the power washing I had just enough time to check in with work & check the Vikings score before heading off to the shower. Work was under control and the Vikings were ahead 7-3. That didn't last, however. Before I could even make it to the shower they were behind 10-7. I headed for the shower.

By the time I reemerged, Mindy was ready to go. One more check of work & football. Work good - Vikings bad! We left with our cheese ball, veggie tray, and camera. We stopped to pick-up Gloria along the way. She announced that Aunt Teet canceled her trip into town earlier in the day so I wouldn't be meeting her after all. The family was noticeably disappointed, but we proceeded onto Mindy's brothers despite the news.

Everyone was there. We were the late arrivers. This is the first time that I've been to Mindy's brother's place. He gave me the grand tour early on. Nice place and a big spacious yard somewhat out in the country, but then again not. We socialized for about an hour eating appetizers before making our own plates of dinner food. It was a little crowded eating out in the sun room, but cozy. Jacob insisted that I join him for football toss out back even after my appetite for football was squished by a Viking loss. They lost 23-16. Slackers!!

We left Mindy's brother's around 6:15pm. As soon as we arrived home Jacob and I walked Ykraps. Some time just after 7pm I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Glenn. He and I had made loose arrangement to visit the Keg Room for one last beer before he leaves town early Monday morning. I had just told Mindy that I felt too bloated to do anything other than sit on my behind. I listened to his VM. It sounded like he still wanted to go so I gave him a call back. He did. I told him I'd pick him up in ten or fifteen minutes.

I went back upstairs and changed out of my PJ pants and back into jeans. I drove to my Dad's to fetch him. Jacob went along for the ride too. I would drop him back off at home, of course, before moving on to the Keg Room. He & Bella both wanted badly to say goodbye to Glenn. I visited with dad for about five minutes, my first time inside his house since Sheila passed. He's consolidated quite a bit.

We headed back to my house where I dropped Jacob and Glenn gave goodbye hugs to Mindy & both kids. Onto the Keg Room. We only assumed that it was opened never caring to confirm upfront. It was. However, there were only three other patrons inside each sitting about as far from one another as possible. It looked almost completely unchanged save for the repair after two fires over the years. All three patrons, including the bartender were completely focused on these two strangers who just walked in. I had my camera bag and Glenn had a purse type bag in which he was toting around his pummie. A long haired fellow who would soon befriend us asked if we were selling something. We denied such activity. They all then asked if we were the smoking police. Nope. They all then lit their cigarettes, even the bartender despite Columbus having a no-smoking policy in public places within city limits. I was very surprised and really forgot just how awful it smells and how easily it sticks to you.

We bellied up the bar and ordered their only dark beer offering - Shiner Bock. The long haired fella - Bill, I think - asked to try it. Begging a small glass from the bartender whom he addressed often poorly obliged him and simply laughed of his less than pleasant advances. He thought our beer horrendous and tried to buy the two of Budweiser's to try. After turning him down he then reached over the bar and helped himself to two more small glasses and proceeded to fill them both with his new Budweiser. He then offered them to us to sample. Not wanting to hurt his feelings we gleefully accepted. He went on and on about his girl friend, often switching from calling her a damn beautiful woman, and then just as quick, a bitch. Of course, she wasn't there to defend herself. He said she was wandering West Broad St. making her way there. He was entertaining, if nothing else. He kept the energy high. I cringed when he asked Glenn what type of music he liked, offering up the internet fed juke box. I knew that Glenn would utter something that would throw him a curve - the very thing that can start a fight in a west side bar. Instead, Bill reached down deep to try and draw correlation to his own life speaking of a friend or cousin that plays organ music at church and "loves Jesus". Not quite the music Glenn was describing but even he (Glenn) knows when to stop.

I had two Shiner's (probably 1.5). Glenn had the rest by design. Not only was I feeling bloated, but I had to be up at 5:30am and I don't like to drink on 'school' nights. We were there only about 45 minutes. Our new friend Bill cut out just before us. We said goodbye to the folks still inside and headed out to the Trooper. Bill was still outside apparently discussing some business with some of his counterparts.

We headed back towards home. I dropped Glenn at dad’s place and said goodbye. We briefly discussed our next encounter which in all likelihood will be in February. However, I had almost forgotten about his possible trip home the week before our almost certain trip out there. He’s planning to come home for cousin Brian’s wedding mid-February – literally three day before we’ll most likely fly out. Too funny!

I headed back home where Mindy was already in bed and the house closed up. I headed to bed where Mindy and I talked for a few minutes before dosing off.

Babies Galore!

I slept restfully all through the night. Mindy quietly exited the bed just before 7:30am and headed downstairs. I think the kids were up already, too. I stayed in bed set on stealing another thirty minutes or so of precious sleep. When 8am arrived I went vertical and began my morning. Mindy greeted me downstairs with the pleasantries of someone who’d been up and had their coffee. Of course, 99% of the time there’s nobody up when I meander downstairs. I wasted little time getting logged into work in between the sets of my exercise routine. After successfully logging in I took Ykraps on his morning walk.

The weather could best be described as partly cloudy & cool. Definitely seemed like an autumn morning. After our walk I settled down with my coffee in front of my laptop and worked through a handful of issues before readying for my Saturday run. It was after 10am by the time I had things under control enough to head on out. I used my MP3 player for the first time in a couple of months and enjoyed running to music. Nice change of pace!

After my run I walked about the yard surveying the wetness of the lawn as I had hopes of mowing later in the day. The yard was still too wet, especially up by the deck. I figured, if nothing else, I could get a few other outdoor yard winterization chores completed. But back inside, work kept me on my toes throughout the mid-day. Mindy left for the grocery while the kids stayed home with me. They were fairly low maintenance and well-behaved. Mindy returned from the grocery store around noon. I spent the next couple hours working on yard projects while at the same time keeping a close eye on work. Mindy departed once again only this time with the kids. They went to Rene's. In addition to more chores, I made a batch of buffalo chicken dip for Bobby’s party. My outdoor chores included installing gutter strainers in each downspout and mounting three new sets of exterior lights on the pergola. Unfortunately, it’ll take four sets to make it all the way around (the new sets are two feet shorter and the electrical cord is about three feet shorter). Geesh!

Mindy got back from Rene’s Country Living party just as I was finishing up. It was about 3:30pm. Bobby’s party was slated to begin at 5pm, but we decided not to push ourselves too hard to be there that early. Instead, we aimed for 6pm. In the meantime, I continued working diligently to clear several issues off my plate at work. It was a very busy day, to be sure!

Around 5pm I showered up dressed. I decided then that I would not be costuming for Bob’s party. I called him just before my shower to determine whether or not he had a wireless network available. He did, making it easy to bring work along with me. We left for Bob’s just after 6pm and arrived ten or so minutes later. Glenn, my dad, Tommy & Wally were already there. And so was Bobby & April’s grandchild, Hailey. There were so many babies! And that total jumped even higher when Ashley, Olivia, Lil’ Rocky, Lindsey & Landon arrived. There were lots of delicious goodies to munch on too. As expected, I had to deal with a few work related matters over the course of the evening.

We tuned to the Buckeye game come 8pm. Bob has a large 56” HDTV. That made the viewing all the more pleasurable. Mindy opted to take the kids home at halftime. Dad reluctantly agreed to drop me off at home if I stayed, so I did. The Buckeyes opened a can of Whoop Ass on the Nittany Lions. Their only highlight was a kick-off return for a touchdown once the game was out of hand. Dad & Glenn dropped me off around midnight. Glenn & I discussed visiting the Keg Room for nostalgia’s sake Sunday evening after I get back from The Thompson family dinner. Neither of us has been in there for twenty or so years.

Hobgoblin on the Firkin

Friday morning had finally arrived. I was up at 5:30am eager and ready to finish out the regular work week. However, because I stayed up late the night before, I was still very sleepy. I stayed up late watching the college football game between #2 - Boston College and #8 - Virginia Tech. B.C. won in rather dramatic, last minute fashion. I found myself pulling for V.T.

It must've 11:30pm by the time I headed to bed. But sadly, I found it difficult to get to sleep. It was after midnight when I finally did, but even then, my sleep was unusually light.

But rather than focus on the negative...

I chose instead to focus on the task at hand. Like an man with a plan, I whipped out my calisthenics and then headed out of doors with Ykraps. We walked towards the west – our more common path. He was quick with his agenda. We found ourselves back in no time flat enjoying some coffee and the warmth of our home. I prepped and delivered Mindy’s coffee before heading out for my run. Like most mornings, I stretched on the front porch just before taking off into the cool morning air. I was a few minutes ahead of schedule somewhat throwing off my usual morning encounters.

I returned from my run by 7:05am and went about the business of preparing my breakfast & lunch. It wasn’t long before Mindy & Bella left for school leaving Jacob and I alone to finish out our daily prep in silence. We left for the bus stop at 7:55am. I tried getting Jacob to wait until 8am but he would have nothing to do with it. So, we waited at the corner for the bus to come sweep him away. Yet another day without Alena at the bus stop. Perhaps she’s quit school. ???

It was 8:03am. I headed into work listening to more of the Tao Te Ching. Three out of every four Fridays I head into work with an extra bounce in my step and a wide smile across my face as a I look forward to the weekend ahead. However, that elation is substantially lessened on that exception week - the week that I am on-call. This was that week.

I worked hard all day long intent on getting ahead as much as possible. I worked through lunch choosing to eat while I worked. As the day began to wind down the work load heated up. I faced many challenging situations between 3- 5:30pm. But like always, I persevered. I headed for home a few minutes after 5:30pm. I was tired after a tough work day and little sleep the night before. I called Mindy on my drive home. Among other things, we discussed the night’s activities. She had already decided that she’d be staying home this evening all the while Glenn and I went to Barley’s. She was exhausted and had lots to do. I was fine with that.

I arrived home and quickly walked Ykraps. Mindy decided to order a Minelli’s pizza for her and the kids. I laid down on the sofa hell bent on stealing a few winks. Glenn arrived a few minutes later just before Mindy left to retrieve her pie. Glenn stayed largely to himself working on his laptop allowing me to nap in silence. I slept for about ten minutes – long enough to get a second wind.

While Mindy & the kids chomped on the some pizza, I freshened up a little before Glenn and I headed out. This is the first time that I have visited Barley’s without Mindy for a very long time. At my prompting, Glenn gave Tommy a call on our way. Tommy agreed to meet us there a bit later.

Hobgoblin was on the firkin. Lee poured me one without asking. Glenn ordered the same. Steve, Mark, and Tim were seated at the corner of the bar. They were surprised that Mindy wasn’t along. No too many other familiar faces, but we were there much earlier than usual. No Bob & M.A. No Jeremy & Courtney. After I finished my firkin I ordered my favorite, a Double Dog Dare IPA. Lee offered to put some wings on for us but I wanted to wait for Tommy. He showed about thirty minutes later and joined Glenn & I at the bar. Rick showed up, also. Among other things, we chatted about the hapless Ohio professional sports franchises that haven’t captured a world championship since the 1990 Reds. The fun was poked most recently at the collapse of the Cleveland Indians and their inability to capitalize on their 3 games to one advantage in the ALCS.

Eventually we ordered twenty Gates of Hell wings along with a full order of sauerkraut balls. Lee served the wings with a side of Jerk sauce. They were as good as usual. We left Barley’s around 10:40pm. Glenn asked to be dropped at dad’s but only after stopping first at my house to retrieve his laptop. I obliged him. I was back home by 11pm. I took two Advil and checked-in with work before heading up to bed.

Vibrant Full Moon

WARNING!!! 2 months 'til XMAS With very little trouble, I woke at 5:30am ready to go. But little wonder, I nabbed 8+ hours of uninterrupted sleep. I decided to skip my push-ups and curls, but did complete my sit-ups. My right shoulder was still acting up and I knew that a break here or there was what it needed. I also took an anti-inflammatory along with my multi-vitamin. The morning was preciously clear with a vibrant full moon setting in the northwestern sky. Ykraps and I enjoyed our walk. I was looking forward to my morning run, too. Back at home I made some coffee and then checked some headlines, specifically curious about the outcome of the World Series game #1. The Red Sox smoked the Rockies! I read the Daily Om and then moved on to morning meditation. I delivered Mindy’s coffee before setting out on my run. I took a few minutes to stretch on the front porch and reflected on the difference it’s made in my hamstrings. They are miles better than they were. Truth is, I should have been stretching all along. What now seems like common sense, was a difficult lesson for me to learn. Go figure! My whole life has been like that. I had a very easy run. It felt terrific! Like clock work, Mindy & Bella were almost ready to depart once I returned home. Jacob was already dressed and was heading downstairs to shoot baskets. I spent the next 15 minutes eating breakfast – a burrito, and making tuna fish salad for my lunch. Jacob and I were ready to head out early. He bolted for the bus stop early – about 7:55am. I was surprised that she – the bus driver – pulled up when she did. She was there around 8:03am. She told me that if I see her sitting at the subdivision's entrance I can simply bring him to her and then I can go on about my business. That was a nice offer, but I seriously doubt that Ill take her up on it unless I need to hurry for some unforeseen reason. I arrived at work by 8:20am. The first half of my day went quickly. Come lunch time, I had the urge to visit Tuttle Mall, more specifically, Macy's. I haven't been to the mall more than twice since last Xmas. So, that is what I did. I checked out all the latest Men’s fashions but bought nothing. I have so much and need nothing. Still, I enjoyed browsing the aisles looking at their offerings. I also checked out the kitchen gadgets, luggage, and bedding, but again, buying nothing. I left Macy's after about 40 minutes heading directly back to the office. I noticed that the strange scratchy/squeaky sound coming from my front brakes stopped. Hmmm? Once parked in the lot, I touched the rotors to see if they were still smooth. They were, at least reasonably so. They were hot and dirty, too. :) I had no choice but to stop and wash my hands before grabbing my lunch out of the fridge. I enjoyed my tuna salad and fruit. I worked until 5:30pm. I called Mindy while in route home. She reminded me that Jacob and Bella each had a friend over. Actually, though, there were four visitors when I arrived – Jacob’s friend from Mindy’s school, his mother, and two neighbors. They were quite well behaved. I immediately took Ykraps out on his walk. He seemed grateful! The company was gone or leaving just as we returned. My, I hope I didn’t drive them away. While Mindy finished feeding the kids and warming her own leftovers, I went to the PC to write Wednesday’s blog. I got it done pretty fast. Later, I tuned into ESPN's Thursday night football - Boston College versus Virginia Tech. I stayed up for the entire game. Well, at least I saw the end. I dosed a time or two during the early fourth quarter, but woke to see the final five minutes.

Garden Ho

I was up even before the clock struck 5:30am, and since I was well slept so I rolled out of bed and began my morning. The first thing I did was give my teeth a good brushing. Once I was downstairs I could hear the slight pitter-patter of rain hitting against the sky lights. I was surprised because the forecast, last I saw, called for the rain to stop sometime after midnight. Well, it didn’t.

While walking Ykraps I realized that the rain wasn’t coming down as heavy as the day before. And when I returned home the first thing I did was check the radar. It was clear that it wouldn’t last. Sadly, I happened upon two separate puddles of dog puke as I walked towards the PC. I spent the next 25 minutes cleaning that up. Not fun!

Come 6:25am I readied for a run. By then the rain had all but stopped. My running shoes were still soaked from the morning before, however. I considered moving to a back-up pair but decided against it. Instead, I toughed it out. I barely noticed more light sprinkles until I returned home. I was wetter than I thought. Mindy had a towel waiting by the door once again. Perhaps she does love me. :)

The house was bopping. Everyone was up and readying for departure. Mindy & Bella were gone minutes later. Jacob shot baskets in the basement and played with his Gameboy while I ate breakfast and subsequently showered. He bolted out the door well ahead of me on his way to the bus stop. Once again, no Alena. Hmmm?

I drove on to work all the while listening to my CD book. The morning looked cloudy out the window and remained that way up until I left for lunch. I decided early on that I wanted to walk around Garden Ridge looking at their offerings. There were a few things I had specifically in mind to look for but I was just as interested in browsing aimlessly. I arrived there sometime after 1pm. I spent a good 30-40 minutes looking at Xmas decorations, which they have tons and tons of, picture frames and matting, and storage tubs. I left without buying anything. I was happy just to get away from the office for an hour or so.

Back at work the afternoon went by fluidly. Before I left the office I phoned Mindy. We agreed to meet for dinner at Ding Ho’s, having not dined there for several months. My guess is March/April 2007. By meeting there, Mindy could head directly to choir practice immediately after. The kids were with their daddy.

I arrived a few minutes ahead of Mindy. She wasn’t far behind, though. I waited in the lobby. Their throw back décor is captivating. You definitely get a late 60’s early 70’s feel from the place. I noticed many familiar faces waiting tables. We ordered our usual fare. Their Won-Ton soup might be the best I’ve ever had. As usual, the portions were crazy big. I ended up having them box 2/3’s of my War Su Gai. Around 6:40pm we exited and parted ways. Mindy headed off to choir. I marveled at the downtown skyline as we headed west on Broad St. The sky scrapers were ablaze in color from the late appearing and setting sun. Our immediate area wasn’t sunny but the tall buildings were getting loads of deep orange light.

Once at home I was equally astonished with the autumn sunset. I dropped everything and went for my camera. It was absolutely beautiful! After a few pics I walked Ykraps. I enjoyed my time home alone cruising through my usual set of chores. It wasn’t too long before Jimaken brought the kids home. My charge was to get them ready for bed. Mindy said they didn’t need baths. That made it easier. We played for 20 minutes or so before heading up. Jacob and I played basement basketball – something we haven’t done since last spring. Bella watched and cheered.

Come 7:45 we headed up and readied for bed. The exercise went smoothly. The kids played quietly upstairs while waiting on their mother’s return. Right on queue, Mindy arrived home at 8:20pm. We tucked the kids into bed then I finished updating my blog. Come 9pm I headed up to bed hoping to get a long, restful night’s sleep. I vaguely remember Mindy coming later, but I can’t recall the time. I woke only momentarily.

Umbrella Day

Eight months of Marital Bliss

More Pumpkin Show pics

I was up on time and ready to get moving. I could hear the rain pounding against the skylights so I knew immediately that it was going to be a soggy walk and run. I pushed through my exercises and then leashed up Ykraps. He wasn’t excited about stepping out into the cool, dark, rainy morning. But hey, neither was I!

I grabbed the seldom used umbrella off the porch to protect myself from a soaking. I still got good and wet. Finally returning home, I kept Ykraps on his leash as I walked him to the laundry room where I toweled him off. I checked the weather radar. There was no end in site. I did all I could to get psyched for my rainy run. believeit or not, I’ve learned to pull motivation from the rain over the years.

After delivering Mindy’s coffee I grabbed a more water resistant jacket from the bedroom closet. I skipped the all important stretching for a quicker burst out the door. And while it was a heavy, driving rain, it wasn’t a cold one. I was fairly comfortable. Wet, but comfortable. Less than a quarter mile into the run I was soaked to the bone. I saw none of my usual compadres along the trail. I can't say that I was surprised. I did wonder where all the kids were that typically wait for the school bus on the corner, though. The streets were desolate.

Mindy was kind enough to have a towel waiting just inside the door upon my return. I might as well have been swimming. I was dripping wet, head to toe. It felt terrific to strip out of my wet running attire and pour another cup of coffee. Mindy & Bella left a few minutes later. Jacob was already dressed for school and ordered a Toaster Strudel.

I showered for work and was ready to go with a few minutes to spare. Jacob had little interest in waiting for the bus in the rain. He checked with me to make sure that he could wait in the Trooper. Of course, I countered! I even went as far as pulling the Trooper halfway into the garage to ensure that he stayed dry while getting in. That maneuver would later prove to haunt me.

Jacob and I headed to the corner where we sat in the Trooper waiting on the bus all the while the windshield wipers kept in time with the Tao Te Ching. Do the Tao Now! It wasn’t long before the bus pulled up and swept Jacob away to school. Alena never showed. I figured her under the weather.

No sooner did I arrive at work did I reach to the back seat for my gym bag only find that it wasn’t there. A quick inventory of my morning’s activities revealed its likely location was the garage. I remembered sitting it down just before pulling the Trooper in to pick-up Jacob. Shoot! That meant my personal cell, Blackberry, and lunch were very likely lying helplessly on the garage floor. I thought things through and figured it a minor inconvenience at best. That is until lunch time. If push came to shove, I’d drive home at lunch to fetch my bag.

My morning was filled with plenty of activity making the time go much faster than usual. Around 1:10pm I left for home. I was very hungry given that I didn’t get my typical mid-morning snack that I’ve come to depend on each day. Once at home I enjoyed my packed salad. I also warmed a can of Won Ton soup. I caved and ate a couple of sugar cookies too. :(

My hunger satisfied, I drove back to the office. I was back by 2pm. I finished out the day leaving the office once again for home around 5:20pm. Mindy asked that I stop at ITT to pick-up Jacob where Jimaken teaches part-time Criminal Justice classes. Jimaken was nice enough to get Jacob off the bus and then take him along to his second job. Mindy was at a doctor’s appointment at Riverside Hospital. I arrived at ITT in Mill Run at 5:35pm. It’s just around the corner fro mwork. I phoned Jimaken not being sure where I might find him on my own. He brought Jacob out and we headed home.

Jacob and I walked Ykraps tossing a tennis ball along the way. Mindy arrived after another 20 or 30 minutes. Bella was at her usual Tuesday dance class. We ate leftovers. Mindy ate a leftover cube steak, and me, a leftover hamburger and cheesy potatoes. It wasn’t long before it was time to fetch the Bella from dance. Jacob went along. I stayed back and updated my blog. It didn’t take long. They were back home in no time at all.

Mindy readied the kids for bed. Bella had a minor meltdown crying that Mindy didn’t love her. That lasted all of ten minutes and then she was fine. Little kids do that from time to time. After the kids were tucked neatly into their beds, Mindy and I chatted briefly downstairs about her surgical options. She’s thinking of going for bigger, firmer breasts. :)

While I continued work on my blog, Mindy went to our bedroom to watch Bones. At 9pm I joined her where we watched House from bed. It was good – not great. I fell asleep immediately after.

Celebrating Olivia

I was up at 5:30am just as expected. I felt pretty darn good for getting only 6.5 hrs of sleep. My exercises went well too, and my right shoulder ached only at the outset of my push-ups. All in all I felt physically well. Ykraps and I took to the streets by 5:50am under a very clear star filled sky. It was one of those mornings when I just couldn’t stop gazing skyward.

My first cup of coffee was uplifting and invigorating. Sitting at the PC I read the Daily OM and then a few headlines. But I steered clear of any Vikings news. I also saw that the Indians got pounded 11-2. That’s too bad after being up 3 games to 1. Those Indians’ fans must be waking with heavy hearts. I know that feeling well. They must move on, however.

Before meditation and a run I delivered Mindy’s coffee. She was already in the shower. The temperature was in the low 50’s making my attire almost perfect for the run. I felt really loose. This week marks the first run in total darkness. The days are indeed getting shorter. We change the clocks back in two weeks. I figure that’ll net me an additional week or two of some limited lightness before the days get even shorter.

Mindy was putting together breakfast burritos when I got home. The shells we used were whole wheat. They were a bit too rigid for our liking. But other than that, they were very tasty. Mindy & Bella soon left. Jacob was dragging a little, all the while playing his Gameboy on the sofa. I noticed he hadn’t yet dressed for school. That’s unusual. I threw down his clothes while I headed off to shower. When I returned ready to go I noticed he had yet to move forward with readying himself. At my insistence, he got moving. But he was cutting it close. He had to really hurry. As he bolted out the door the bus was just pulling up to the corner bus stop. He ran down. I continued down to the corner even after seeing him get on the bus. I offered Pat empathy for the Indians loss. I know how big a fan he is. He seemed OK with it, though. I headed on back home to finalize my own preparations.

I arrived at work around 8:25am. It was a lovely morning. But unfortunately, the lovely weather wasn’t expected to last. Clouds were predicted to move in by early afternoon and then steady, heavy rain for upwards of 30 hours. The work day went like most Monday’s. I had a lot of email to sift through and delete after being off for three days. Plus, I hadn’t done clean-up for a couple days prior. That typically translates into a huge inbox. Today was no exception.

I worked straight through – not taking an official lunch break. I did fetch my lunch from the fridge and eat while I worked, however. The day went relatively fast. I left work at 5:15pm. I had already planned to stop at Kroger to get a cake for Olivia. Mindy asked that I also get buns to hold our Texas burgers. While there I picked up an anniversary card & flowers for Mindy. I called Mindy as I entered traffic. She reported that Ashley had just pulled up with Olivia. The much anticipated rain just started coming down while I was in Kroger. I was home by 6pm. Mindy was pleased to receive flowers. Olivia looked cute in an obviously new outfit. Ashley did too. I noticed that her nuisance rash was back. I didn’t mention it though. She’s very sensitive about it.

I played with Oliva and Lil’ Rocky. He came along with Ashley. It’s probably a good thing, too because Lindsey doesn’t visit very often on her own. The house was loud and loose, something I continue to struggle with. Soon dinner was ready. We got out Bella’s old table seat. It appears to magically hang from the dining table. Olivia was agitated and cranky all through dinner, but we endured. I got busy on clean-up immediately after finishing my meal. It’s a good outlet for my compulsion. Mindy allowed Olivia to open her gifts.

The twin neighbor girls, who are 12 I believe, showed up for some math help during our meal. Mindy kindly asked them back just before 7pm. They returned right on time and just before birthday cake. Mindy helped them out while I finished the clean-up. They joined us for cake. I bought cup cakes in lieu of a sheet cake. The icing was bright and colorful – lots of food coloring I’m certain.

Easel Does It

Up at my usual weekend rise time of 7:30am, it was a fabulously beautiful morning. Mindy hardly stirred as I exited the bed. I doubt she even noticed that I was up and out. I made a pot of coffee, exercised, and then walked Ykraps. It was much cooler than I expected given that it was supposed to be in the low 80’s later.

I took my dear old time once we were back from the walk enjoying coffee, surfing the net, and catching up on all the college football scores. Just before 9:30am I crept back upstairs to get my running clothes. Once again, Mindy didn’t budge.

I knew the instant I hit the door running that I would end up being too warm but did nothing about it. The temperature warmed dramatically over the last hour. In addition to being overly warm, my legs were stiff. Add both of these factors together and my run was a challenge. I managed, however.

When I returned, still no one else was up. I spent some time uploading & editing photos. Eventually, Mindy got up and joined me downstairs. I noticed a little earlier that the Vikings game would be televised at 4:15pm on FOX. For this I was pleased. Glenn rose sometime near 10:30am. We discussed food and the quickly unfolding days plans. We decided on El Vaquero for brunch. I called dad to ask if he was up for meeting us there. He was.

We arrived at the Vaq around 12:45pm. I remember that because Mindy contemplated a Margarita but they couldn’t serve one for another fifteen minutes. She decided to skip the Margarita. We enjoyed our chips and salsa in the few minutes prior to our entrees arriving. One thing about the Vaq is their exceptionally fast service.
























We were done by 1:30pm. Glenn opted to spend the rest of the day with dad. I made sure that dad still had his key so that Glenn could get his gear. Mindy and I went shopping for Olivia’s b-day gifts. We shopped the brand new Hilliard Rome Rd. Target. We got Olivia several outfits, a winter jacket, and a toy. We also picked up some household goods along with three new rope light sets for the pergola.

We left Target and went next door to Kirkland’s. There I was bent on getting an easel for an old painting of mine. Quickly I found one that suited both our tastes. Time was slipping away. It was already 2:50pm. Jimaken was slated to return the kids at 3pm. He was waiting on the deck when we arrived. We had just an hour before we needed to leave for Gloria’s and Sunday dinner.

We left for Gloria’s right at 4pm. I was eager to get there quickly so that I could tune into the Vikings game. They haven’t been on TV once this year. But I guess that’s what happens to a 6-10 team. I watched the game from the lower level TV pretty much by myself. The others congregated upstairs as usual. I didn’t want to be anti-social but really wanted to see the game. It was 7-7 at halftime. I headed up when the dinner bell rang. We had cube steaks, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. All very comforting foods. Jacob was being quite the pill – loud and annoying. It took all the patience I could muster not to pinch him! He was annoying everyone. I threw the football with him for a spell to help him unleash some of his energy. But if it helped, it went unnoticed. I returned back inside to catch more of the game. The Vikings held a 14-7 lead through most of the 3rd quarter thanks to a defensive touchdown. Another one was called back. But in the bat of an eye, the Cowboys scored ten quick points of their own on Viking miscues. Suddenly we were trailing. We never recovered, and lost 24-14. What couldn’t be overlooked was the poor play by our quarterback, Tavaris Jackson. He completed only 6 passes for 75yards the entire game long. Ugly!!

The dessert call came. We had a variety to choose from: peach Jello, no-bake chocolate cookies, and peanut blossoms. I ate a couple peanut blossoms. We left for home at 7pm. The kids needed a bath badly. While Mindy dealt with that, I walked Ykraps who needed out just as bad as the kids needed bathed.

I'd been looking forward to the final game of ALCS. The game began shortly after 8pm. Mindy prepped much of the week’s lunch food and a few loads of laundry before calling it a night. The Indians couldn’t seem to find their groove and lost big. It was only 5-2 when I went to bed, but I learned that they were pounded much worse the following morning.

Punkin' Show 101

Satisfied that I had enough sleep, I got up just before 8am. I made a pot of coffee before engaging in exercise. I was happy to see that the clouds that moved in overnight had all but cleared giving way to clear blue skies. Visiting the Pumpkin Show later in the day would be much more pleasant in the warm sunshine.

After walking Ykraps and spending a little time on the internet I decided it was time to complete my run. I chose to run along Trabue and Hague if for no other reason than to add a little variety into my otherwise repetitive routine. If it was nice before I left, it was even nicer by the time I finished. It was 9:30am. Mindy was up & enjoying her coffee on the deck. I grabbed mine, along with my guitar and joined her. Mindy suggested hot tubbing but then remembered Bella’s return at 10am. We simply spent the time luxuriating in the morning sunshine.

Bella & Jacob stormed in just after 10am. Mindy was a little perturbed that Jacob wasn’t dressed appropriately for the Buckeye game. He would’ve been fine in the sun, but once darkness falls in the second half he would certainly be cold. She saw that he changed out of his shorts and instead into jeans. Jimaken and Jacob left around 10:15am.

Mindy headed off to the shower and later called for Bella to join her. Meanwhile, I did some surfing locking in on the Pumpkin Show’s webpage. I learned quite a bit. Most notably was that this is the 101st version, and that they’re expecting 400,000 visitors over the four days. Glenn rose as Mindy showered. We both got ready over the next 30 minutes and then departed for Circleville around 11am.

We made great time around I-270 until we were just west of rt 23 south. Traffic was practically at a stand still. I was hopeful that it wasn’t going to be bumper-to-bumper all the way into Circleville. I asked Glenn & Mindy if they still wanted to proceed. They did, and luckily, traffic lightened up once we merged onto to 23 south. We stopped at a Dairy Queen north of Round Town so that Bella could pee. She opted for a strawberry milkshake, too. J While there, we ran into Mindy’s friend Kristen’s ex, John (Loy) and their two kids. Very cute kids.

We merged back into the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, we were traveling at a snails pace pretty much the rest of the way in. Lots of folks we turning onto Court St but the line for that turn was long and very slow going. We opted instead to proceed south. At about the same time we saw others doing it, we thought it made since to do a u-turn and head back to Court St. Traffic headed that direction was light. Bottom line, we did it and saved ourselves oodles of time, I am sure. We were parking at the “show” minutes later.

The truth is, I am often troubled by festivals such as this one. I mean, come on, what are you supposed to do that you can’t do more readily anywhere else? With little a variation, the CMH Arts festival, Comfest, and even Red, White, & Boom are simply more of the same: carnies and vendors peddling their food and wares. In addition there are herds of people all moving the same direction, but heading no particular place at all. I’m not so sure that I consider any of that fun – never really have. The variant here, of course, were the pumpkins. But then again, I can see pumpkins everywhere. However, I did see the state’s largest 3 pumpkins: 1st place - 1524.5 lbs - 2nd place - 1230lbs - 3rd place in a blue sweeatshirt 544lbs


A friend of mine’s band was playing so we moseyed on towards the Main St. stage to drink in a little bit of her music (No Such Fate – Deanna Sweeny). I understood her band to be opening for Jacked Up but that wasn’t the case. Instead, they were playing together. We listened to about three songs. Most memorable was Deanna belting out the recent Gretchen Wilson hit, Redneck Woman. We didn’t stay too long, however. We were right next to a speaker tower and it was loud! Bella was a trooper. She sat quietly through those few songs eating a bag of cotton candy.
























We left there walking through the sea of humanity seeking out fair type food. Mindy sought a fired bologna sandwich and had each of us looking out for pumpkin donuts. Meanwhile, Glenn had already found his favorite fair food, Elephant Ears. I decided to try a gyro. Rarely, however, are they that good. I pursued one anyhow. It’s the only thing that sounded good. Today’s was no exception. It was marginal at best.
























After we all had our taste of fair food we headed back towards the beginning. Glenn was bent on getting his pummie’s picture taken with the grand-daddy of all pumpkins – the 1527.5lb first place pumpkin! Mindy’s tip to walk the sidewalks behind the vendor trailers was a good one. There was little foot traffic and lots of shade. We made good time headed back to the east. The event that never disappoints at such venues is the people watching. We saw lots of colorful people enjoying their beloved pumpkin show.

We were back at our car and on the road by 3pm. Mindy placed a call to the Imber’s to check on the clubhouse event. Bob confirmed that it was a go. Cool! We made plans accordingly. Time was moving swiftly. The game began even before we arrived home. Once home, the plan called for a quick walk of Ykraps, a gathering of a cooler, beer, and growlers, and then a quick call to Barley’s to order some wings and sauerkraut balls.

We drove Mindy’s van since if we were to take the Trooper I would’ve had to get gas. We arrived at Barley’s with the game well underway (10-0 Buckeyes). While Katie filled my growlers with beer (one Double Dog IPA and one Pint-of-Joe) Jersey retrieved my football pool winnings. I guess we won the Purdue game pool - $56! Cool!
After getting our order we drove next door to get ice for the cooler and an apple juice for the Peanut.

We arrived at the Imber’s shortly after 4pm. There were just a scant few already in attendance but a good time nonetheless. And as time went on more and more neighbors showed up. The game was non eventful well into the third quarter. In fact, the Buckeyes had Michigan State on the ropes and looking like a high school team. But then things got interesting. A interception and a touchdown, and fumble and a touchdown, soon it was 24-14 and Michigan State still wasn’t done. Eventually, they scored another 3 points via a field goal. Suddenly the clubhouse became more interested in the game as the fourth quarter waned. The Buckeyes showed lots of poise on the final drive grinding out a couple first downs via the rush.

To be continued...

Do The Tao Now

Despite professing that I’d be up at 6:30 preparing for my day, I didn’t wake until almost 8:30am. Yikes! And I might’ve slept even longer had dad not rang our doorbell. He was over for a home cooked breakfast. We invited him the night before. Bella let him in being the first one up. Right behind her were Mindy and I. We got the house moving quickly. Dad seemed comfortable and entertained.

I went about completing my exercise routine as always, albeit at a more casual pace. Mindy, who had prepped the morning’s coffee, was battling a coffee spill that was caused by not properly seating the coffee pot. After a quick cup of coffee I dressed for a run and headed out the door. Glenn remained asleep.

My run went well. I was back by 10am. Breakfast was not quite ready yet, but Mindy was busy getting it there. We were having French toast, bacon, sausage, and fruit. Mindy sent Bella up to wake Glennie. Mindy hollered outside to Jacob and my dad, who were out playing in the backyard. Soon we were all seated and enjoying some food together. Once again we invited dad to join us on our hike. He declined. All along we had assumed that Tommy would be joining us, but after checking my email Tommy cancelled. It looked like it would be just us.

We had originally stated goal of departing for Hocking Hills by 10am. Obviously that wasn’t going to happen. Instead, by the time everyone was showered and ready it was noon. We headed out just after noon. The drive was beautiful and went fairly quickly. I broke out my brand new CD book - Wayne Dyer's, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. I wasn't too sure how the others might react, but happily it was positive, at least Glenn & Mindy were. Jacob & Bella weren't too excited about it. Our first stop was Cantwell Cliffs off router 374. The winds were a little gusty and the sun was ducking behind clouds now & then making a jacket a good idea if not a necessity.

Bella was not a happy hiker at the outset. This was made evident by her gushing tears and loud screams. However, Mindy was patient and did a masterful job of managing Bella’s reluctance. In the meantime, Glenn, Jacob, and I forged on ahead. We stopped periodically to allow Mindy and Bella to catch up. At one point along the trail we heard what sounded like a large tree cracking and falling. As you might guess, we were spooked! Many around us were as well. We hiked the gorge trail for almost two hours. At the trails end we captured a small red salamander that would’ve otherwise been crushed by a hiker’s foot. Saw a big hairy spider clinging to cave wall too. I got a couple close up shots of him.

It was already 3:30pm by the time that we made it back to the car. We tossed arou8nd our options of heading on home or moving to another Hocking Hills feature. Against Bella’s will, we decided to visit one more trail – Rock House. We weren’t exactly sure how to get there from Cantwell Cliffs so we followed instincts. Those instincts proved valuable. Mindy pointed us in the proper direction. We arrived around 4pm. By now, the hiking thing was old hat for Bella. She was much more into this adventure. Jacob was a bit cranky, though.

After winding down a long trail and then some rustic stone steps we happened upon the area’s main feature – The Rock House itself. It might be the most spectacular cave in the area, and certainly the most impressive that I’ve seen. This stone cave is large and nestled into the hillside completely out of the elements. The kids and Mindy entered through ha very narrow crevice, one which I didn’t even try to put my body through. Glenn and I caught up with them further down the trial via a simpler entrance.

There were birds flying overhead hiding in the caves shelter making it all the more dramatic. Taking flash pictures would later reveal the colorful beauty of the surrounding sandstone, which is largely hidden from the naked eye even during the daylight hours. Our visit to The Rock House ended at 5:00pm as we made our way back to the car. Mindy called Jimaken to let him know that we most likely wouldn’t be home until 6pm or so. This was a Jimaken weekend for the kids. As usual, Jim was very accommodating.

By now, the sky was completely clouded over and the temperature noticeably cooler. What seemed like a warm, sunny fall day at the start now seemed to be fading into a gray and raw evening. We made it home within minutes of 6pm. At various times along our drive home the entire back row was asleep – Glenn, Bella, Jacob.

Mindy quickly readied the kids packs for the weekend although Bella would be returning tomorrow AM so that Jimaken could take Jacoby to the Buckeye game. While Mindy readied the kids packs, I walked Ykraps. Mindy hit the shower and Glenn headed off for a brief nap. I downloaded all of the day’s photos. I got some good ones. I also Googled on the red salamander and found that it is an endangered species. We later made arrangements to return it to the park – its natural habitat.

The time went quickly. It was Barley time before we knew it. We headed out the door near 7:30pm as planned. Rene phoned just before we left to cancel meeting up with us. We arrived to a moderate crowd in the bar area. Most of the gang was already present either eating their meal or sipping their favorite beverage. Without prompting, Lee served me up a Firkin’ – Kiss My Bitter Ass IPA. Glenn had one, too. I met Porter M. Jump for the first time. He was there, of course, with his proud parents, Jeremy & Courtney. He’s already a regular, I gathered.

Not long after we arrived, Brother Tommy showed up too. Mindy & I ordered food. Glenn & Tommy abstained. We stayed at Barley’s until what must have been 11pm. Just before leaving we made tentative plans to clubhouse with the Imber’s on Saturday evening, this being a double header of sorts – Buckeyes/Indians games. We arrived home around 11:30pm and headed to bed almost immediately. I took a couple Advil just before bedding down.