Fresh Buns

Like any other work day, I was up around 5:30am and quickly going about the business of exercising my body. Once again, the sky was clear and the forecast called for nothing but the same for the next handful of days. In fact, they’re predicting temperatures into the 80’s for the coming weekend. Should be really nice! 

While cruising through my routine I beat myself up a little for not making another batch of salsa the evening before. I had promised my team that I’d bring in more on Friday. I wondered if I might be able to make a quick batch yet this morning. If so, it would have to be after my run and before a shower. 

My pre-run routine was history by 6:30am. I dressed and left for a run five minutes later.

The run went well. I was really loose. No sooner had I returned from my run when Mindy and Bella headed out the door. I finished my eggs, which Mindy had ready at my spot. I headed up for a shower just after 7:30am. Jacob & I were at the bus stop by 7:58am. I never did have time to make any salsa. 

After seeing Jacob onto the bus I headed back home to load up and head into work. I drove the BM’er given the day’s lovely weather. I arrived at work sometime before 8:30am. Things were amazingly subdued for a Friday. I didn’t say anything to jinx our good fortune. Instead, I just took it as it came. It never got too bad all day long.  

Even with a calm day, I didn’t leave for a formal lunch hour. I had no plan so I decided to stay put and keep busy. I got caught up on a lot of administrative stuff. Mindy called/emailed late afternoon. She suggested making burgers for dinner. She asked that I bring home fresh hamburger buns to avoid using frozen buns from our freezer. I left for home just before 5:30pm after making sure things were peaceful.

 I listened to NPR’s recap of the day’s abysmal stock market performance. Another day of huge loses. I was headed towards Kroger when I decided instead to pit stop at the Schwebel’s Bakery outlet store just up the road a bit from Kroger. We needed nothing else so I viewed that as an efficient stop. Inside I picked up a dozen fresh buns along with a bag of chocolate frosted mini-donuts. I knew that would please Jacob. I was in and out of there in less than two minutes. Very efficient.

 I arrived home before 5:50pm. Mindy walked Ykraps with me. She reminded me that Rene was coming over later but wasn’t going to dine with us. We also loosely discussed the weekend plans. We had nothing major going on until Sunday dinner at her mother’s. 

Dinner was ready not long after we got back from our walk. The burgers were extra tasty. I was very impressed. Not sure what she did to them, although she most likely added heavy seasoning. We were done eating in a jiffy. Along with our burgers we had a garden salad. After dinner and clean-up, we all headed out to play. It was a gorgeous Friday evening. We tossed the football. Mindy played with us, too. 

Rene showed up some time after 6:30pm. She joined us out back and tossed the football some as well. She’s a very athletic girl in her own right. I’ve seen her only once, briefly, since our Tennessee vacation. She’s since traveled to Palm Springs to see her boyfriend, and then started her PhD program at OSU. Sounds like that’s dominating her life, just as one might expect. 

Mindy & Rene went inside while Jacob, Jake and I continued throwing the football even as darkness crept closer. Eventually, Kenny came out and played, too. Kenny & Crissy were leaving early Saturday morning for Mexico (6am early). Their kids are staying with the grandparents. We played a game of two-hand touch football. Kenny & I were the all-time quarterbacks for the Jakes. Jacob chose Kenny as his quarterback. Jake and I won 14-7. The entire time we played, and we played until it was completely dark, the mosquitoes were fierce. 

We called it a night around 7:40pm. Kenny advised that despite their early AM flight that they’d be up partying for a while if we cared to join them. J Inside, Mindy & Rene polished off the magnum of Merlot I bought a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile, I drank a few brews. First, I polished off the CBC growler of IPA, and then moved onto the bottled variety. 

We talked politics for most of the evening. All three of us proclaimed being undecided but admitted having a difficult time voting for Obama given his unproven track record. Now, more than ever, I am focused like a laser beam on the economy. Which candidate can most readily get it going the proper direction (my retirement fund in order)? We snacked on veggies and Triscuits all the while enjoying our drinks. I eventually made Rene a Jack & Coke. Personally, I kept to beer, and Mindy stopped drinking somewhat early. 

Rene & Mindy kept the conversation going well past 11pm. I got very sleepy and eventually found comfort in one of the living room recliners. I woke just as Rene was leaving. Mindy and I were off to bed minutes later.