Don't Forget to Dance

1) Mindy's poppies

2) My new pet flamingos

3) New hangin' basket of geraniums

4) My new bike

It was Friday. I was up at 6:30am after a very pleasant night’s sleep. I was eager to greet my first day off, and the first of five in-a-row. I went about my exercise routine and then walked Ykraps. Next, I woke Jacob for school. After enjoying my own cup of coffee, I delivered one to Mindy’s bedside. So far, the day wasn’t much different from a work day save for the later waking.

It was sunny but still chilly. The weather forecasters promised temps approaching 70 degrees, but one can hardly trust those clowns these days. They just can’t get it right, regardless. I walked Jacob to the bus stop. Alanna pointed out immediately that it was hat and jammie day. Cleverly, she was wearing her older brother’s graduation cap. Suddenly remembering, Jacob hurried back home to grab a hat. He made it back before the bus arrived adorning his Devil Rays ballcap. Pat & I briefly discussed our day’s plans before heading our separate ways to make it happen.

I spent a little time on the PC before getting ready for a run. I was surprised that Mindy came downstairs when she did. She & Bella, that is. I readied and departed for my run at a little after 9am. I ran along Trabue and down Hague back into Western Run and then ultimately Scioto Woods. It was a lovely run. If it wasn’t for the danger factor, I’d do that run everyday.

Back at home I was eager to get busy with my yard projects. But before starting on any of them, I took a spin on my new bike. I took a short one-mile ride and ended up stopping by Pat’s who was trimming his shrubbery. I didn’t stay long, just long enough to briefly discuss the possibility of hooking up later.

Focus! My mental project list was long but my expectations reasonable. I knew I wouldn’t get everything done in one day. First on my list was getting our decks pots done. Meanwhile, Mindy went back to bed for more rest. She wasn’t feeling so swift. Bella came out with me. She even found her own planting gloves. She and I arranged four or five pots with flowers. We used spikes, vinca, coleous, large begonias, and even Wave petunias in some. We did one for Ashley, too, who just the day before expressed her desire to have some flowers on her front porch. That makes me happy that she’s thinking as such. For me, it represents expanded thinking and her appreciation for life, color, and art, although I am certain she doesn’t think of it so deeply. But still … .

I was very pleased with the double bloom knock-out roses I got at Wal-Mart for an amazing $10 each. Given that my yard/landscape is full, I wasn’t sure I had the spot for mine (the other I bought expecting to give it to Gloria). And even if there was a place in our landscape, we have few extra-sunny, well-drained spots, which roses love. The one place I felt would work was in the old willow tree bed. But the spot I had in mind was taken by a large root from the old tree. I scrapped that idea for the time being.

Bella and I planted until 2pm or so. The day went so fast. There were still several things on my to-do list but I also wanted to enjoy my efforts and also relax a little. I chose to chill for a spell. And much to my chagrin, the sky clouded over with thin gray clouds. There was little threat of rain, but more importantly, it really cooled things off. I felt the anger building inside. I really need a week of sunshine and 80 degrees.
Mindy was still in bed resting when I went in. I stunk to high heaven after running and working the yard, not to mention wearing the same running clothes I’d worn all week. P-U! I took a shower pronto! Afterwards, I felt terrific and smelt one heck of a lot better, too.

The unexpected cloudy skies added some gloom to an otherwise nice day. Mindy reminded me that Bella had a make-up dance class that started at 6:30pm and was expected to go 45 minutes. I’d be taking her because Mindy still isn’t approved for driving. Somewhere between my shower and 6pm I took a short nap. Very satisfying. While I napped, the kids went out and played with all their neighbor friends.

Bella and I left after she woofed down a quick snack. Mindy’s expecting me to do this week’s grocery shopping, which I really don’t mind. Hell, she’s still buying! I asked if she wanted me to complete that task after dropping Bella at dance class. She reminded me that it would only be 45 minutes, too short a chunk of time to get to the nearby grocery and complete all the shopping. On second consideration I figured her correct. Those that know me well know that I hate to be rushed! But I don’t like idle time either. I weighed taking a book against using the time to browse a nearby nursery for still more flowers, although we don’t really need any more. I opted for the latter.

I was surprised to see Mindy’s brother at the dance studio with one of his girls. They were there for a make-up class too. I didn’t see any other familiar faces. Finding that odd, I checked with the girl at the desk (Grandma Sharon wasn’t working tonight). Turns out, this was the 3 & 4 year old make-up class. Apparently they wrote the wrong information down on Bella’s slip. She said I could simply bring her back at 7:15pm for the proper class. Heck no! She also offered that she stay and do this class. Bella didn’t seem to care and was eager to dance with her cousin. Besides, she’s going to miss the recital in two weeks anyhow, because of her upcoming vacation with her daddy.

While Bella danced, I drove quickly over to the Hilliard Rome Rd. Meijer’s. I hadn’t been in their nursery for years and years. I wasn’t too impressed with their selection or their prices. I left after a very fast walk through. I drove back to the dance studio. I sat in the Trooper listening to NPR. Can’t remember the topic but I recall it being interesting at the time.

Dance class ended at 7:15pm. Bella and I headed for home. Forgot to mention that I had Mindy’s cell phone as well as my own. Oops! Must’ve grabbed hers in haste. She eventually called me from the extra ‘babysitter’ cell phone. No biggie. We were home by 7:30pm. Mindy asked if I still planned a trip to Barley’s. I did. Neighbor Pat called just before I was leaving to discuss coming over for a visit. I was going to Barley’s to get Mindy some take-out food. She was craving a Barley burger and cheesy fries. Jacob wanted me to bring home some Gate of hell wings, too. I told Mindy that I’d be gone about an hour. I left around 7:50pm.

Barley’s wasn’t too crowded. Rarely is this time of year. Still, I knew almost everyone there at some level. Immediately I was greeted my Rebecca asking about Mindy, curious about her recovery. I sat with my buddy Steve, who works for AOL. We chatted about all sorts of stuff. I ordered a Droughtfire IPA. I didn’t place my food order until I finished my first beer since my plan was to have two. Just after I placed my to-go food order I asked for another Droughtfire. Just then, Bob Imber showed up. And the funny thing was I was just telling Steve how long it’s been since I’ve seen him. Bob’s like a brother. I was happy to see him. He was in alone. Well, not exactly, he brought along two empty jugs for filling. We hung out for the next 30 minutes while I nursed my second IPA and waited for my to-go food order. Just as I was preparing to leave, Bella phoned wondering when I’d be home. It was cute. I let her know that I was on my way.

Pat & Lisa, our friends and neighbors, were there when I arrived. We hadn’t gotten together with the two of them in a long while – since the blizzard as a matter of fact. We hung out for another hour or so. They had to leave at a reasonable hour to meet daughter Alanna at home. She was doing something with a friend. Their twin boys just graduated High school Thursday night. Hard to believe. Time sure flies! Mindy and I weren’t up long after they left. This makes the several Friday’s in a row where I was home and in bed by about 11:00pm.