Vern, Vern, Vern Vern, Vernal Equinox

Welcome Spring!

At first glance it looked to be a lovely kick-off into spring. Although it was still dark, the sky was crystal clear giving way to the full moon. Just the fact that it was the first day of spring was enough to elevate my serotonin levels. Not only was it spring but it was also my Friday. I was very happy about that. I went about my exercise routine with an extra bounce in my step. I was up a little early, too, so Ykraps and I were out the door by 5:40am. We had a nice, leisurely walk.

The morning went well – coffee, PC time, and meditation. I delivered Mindy’s coffee after I was fully dressed for my run. I headed out the door at 6:30am on the nose. It was still dark but the coming sunrise was detectable in the eastern sky. As I set out I remembered the full moon. However, gazing skyward I couldn’t find it. And with the sky being perfectly clear I was at first stumped. But then, finally, I caught a quick glimpse of it as I ran past a couple houses. It was big and orange and sinking quickly onto the western horizon – a rare view indeed. Such a view is typically reserved for its rising, not its setting. I felt blessed to see it.

My run went fast, and again because it was clear, daylight came on quickly, too. It won’t be too long before it’ll be daylight through my entire run. I’m looking forward to that – about April 7, I predict.At home Mindy was already up as was Jacob. Bella was apparently still asleep. Jacob was in a good mood since this was his Friday, too. I made the eggs again today, an omelet with roast turkey and cheese. I was in the shower by 7:45am and ready to go by 8:05am. Bella woke just as I was putting the finishing touches on the day’s wardrobe. She greeted me first. She told me that her mommy was sad yesterday because I left without giving her a hug and kiss. I was touched not only by her words, but that this was the first thing on her mind right out of bed. Too cute!

It wasn’t long before I was out the door and on my way to work. I arrived at 8:25am with an extra bounce in my step. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and a great start to spring. Work was bustling with activity. I was engaged in important issues all day long. But I still managed to leave for a lunch break around 1pm. I drove to Kittles first to look once again at entertainment centers, and then to Home Depot to look at landscaping stuff. It’s getting to be that time. I was back at the office by 2pm. Like always, I pee’d, washed my hands, and grabbed my packed lunch from the fridge.

Thankfully, the afternoon went quickly. I left for the day and weekend at 5:30pm. I already knew that we were having dinner guests – Mindy’s mother and my father. We were having spaghetti & meatballs. We also tried to coordinate a Kaileigh sleep over but as it turned out, she had standing plans with her great-grandmother Rosemary. Instead, we’d pick her up tomorrow afternoon.

Dad was walking Ykraps when I arrived home, and Jacob was out riding his skate board. Gloria, Mindy, and Bella were inside. This was the first time that our parents had met. As I understood it, Gloria knew my dad was coming but he didn’t know of her attendance. For whatever reason, he’s been shy about meeting her. The meet/dinner went well, and the spaghetti and meatballs were very good. I had two helpings, as did others. Mindy bought a chocolate pie for dessert. Despite it being frozen, it was still good – not as good as Gloria’s homemade version, however.

The back yard was like a swamp after two plus days of heavy rain. The kids wanted to go out and play after dinner. Much to my chagrin, Mindy allowed as much but only after insisting they wear their snow boots. I was fearful what damage they might do to the lawn. And sure enough, they headed right to the wettest spots in the yard and began splashing in the slushy muck stirring up mud and stomping the lawn. I begged Mindy to request they stop. Nothing good would come from the activity. Mindy, my dad, and her mother all took exception to my anal way of thinking. The grass, they explained, will always grow back. Of course that is true but I saw no value in allowing such destructive behavior to continue. They stopped.

Dad decided it was time to head home around 7:45pm. Gloria wasn’t far behind him. Mindy left to take her home around 8pm. I helped the kids into their PJs and then played on the computer. Mindy was back after only about 15 minutes. After the kids were in bed I enjoyed an ice cold HopSlam. Mindy wanted to go to bed together yet it was still before 10pm. I expressed my desire to stay up and watch some funny TV since I didn’t have to be up early. She reluctantly relented and went to bed on her own. Meanwhile, I watched an episode of South Park and then Lil’ Bush. Now that was funny!