Tea Tree

I was up just before 5:30am feeling completely rested and ready to begin the work week. That doesn’t really happen too often. I leaped to my feet and eagerly headed down stairs to start my exercise regiment. I was still achy from yesterday’s yard work. I thought about swallowing some Ibuprofen but didn’t. 

Ykraps and I did our walk at 5:45am. I was quite comfortable. It was in the low 50’s – balmy compared to last week. In fact, the last two weeks felt more like early December. I was beginning to think that we might miss out on any unusually warm fall weather. The newly found warmth was very welcome. We took our time on the walk. We didn’t get back until 6:00am. I poured two cups of coffee, sipped mine, then delivered Mindy’s. She was as appreciative as usual. 

Downstairs I sipped coffee while reviewing the results of the Colts/Patriots game. Colts won a close one 18-15. I was pleased. Later, I read the financial headlines looking for an early clue on how the markets might perform today and thru the week ahead. After getting my fill, I read the Daily OM then retreated to the family room for meditation. 

I left for my run at 6:30am. I was delighted to see daylight heading out the door. The sun wasn’t yet up but the sky was brightening just the same. My run went well. I finished just before 7:10am. Mindy made fried eggs this morning. She’s learning how to fry them just how I like them. Hooray!

 Mindy and Bella headed out at 7:25am. I finished up breakfast then headed for the shower. While grooming, I concluded that my hair is getting too long. I planned a haircut for lunch time. Meanwhile, the weather was expected to be ideal this afternoon. I planned to drive the BM’er. These BM’er days are numbered. We’re expecting high’s well into the 70’s through Thursday with an abundance of sunshine. 

Jacob and I walked to the bus stop and tossed the football with Jake while waiting on the bus. She pulled up at 8:05am. I walked back home. Before I could leave in the BM’er, I had to move the Trooper onto the street. I hadn’t driven the BM’er for at least two weeks, maybe longer. She started right up. The price of gas was down to $1.95 at Thornton’s. I snapped a picture on my Blackberry to commemorate the event. I still had over a half tank in both vehicles. I didn’t stop.

 I arrived at work around 8:25am. The morning went by quickly. Around 1pm I left for Saturday’s to get my haircut. A soccer mom pulled up just before me with three small children, two of which were getting haircuts. I almost left, but decided to wait it out. Glad I did. It wasn’t long at all before Stacy called me back. Short back and sides, #2 guard. My preferred cut is simple. Stacy knows my life pretty well. She asked about any coming trips – skiing. Not till February. We also talked about kids. She also knows I like to put the gel in my own hair after a cut. I bought a tube of their new Tea Tree styling gel and tipped her well. 

I headed across the street to Lowe’s for a quick review of their icicle Xmas lights. As stated before, I’m thinking of putting some up this holiday season but am not certain which type. In addition, I wanted the review their gutter/shingle clip options. Too many choices. I left still not sure which direction we’ll go.

Back at the office I checked my hair cut in the restroom mirror. It’s very difficult to judge how it looks from a car’s rearview mirror. Looked fine, but like expected, it wasn’t lying correctly.

The rest of the day went smoothly. I left for home at 5:40pm. It was practically dark as I pulled out of the lot in my BM’er, something I hadn’t given much consideration. Not a big deal, though.

 Mindy had burgers frying in a skillet when I arrived home. I walked Ykraps by myself. I was ravenously hungry having eaten only vegetables and fruit for lunch. It was fully dark by the time that Ykraps and I returned from our walk. We called the kids in for dinner. Neighbors, Jake & Makayla asked if they could wait on the deck while the kids finished their dinner. They were hopeful that they could play more afterwards. They literally sat just outside the bay window often with their faces pressed against the window looking in. 

Clean-up was a snap. I was much looking forward to sinking my teeth into my first piece of chocolate pie. It looked delicious resting there in the fridge. The kids were again playing with their friends only this time inside and upstairs in their rooms. I cut Mindy & I a piece of the pie. I topped both pieces off with fresh whipped cream. Honestly, something seemed amiss with the taste. I couldn’t tell if it was the crust or the filling – too much salt. Don’t get me wrong, it was bad at all, just not quite as scrumptious as expected. Mindy said she liked it but that it didn’t taste like her mom’s version. I agreed. Interestingly enough, sampling the filling without crust, and then vie versa, neither tasted overly salty. Rather, I got that flavor only when the two were combined. Hmmm?  I’ll continue to tinker with the recipe until perfected. 

The kids got their showers after the neighbors departed, and they were in bed by 8:30pm. Mindy & I tuned to MNF until 9pm, when Saturday Night Live’s Presidential Election Special came on.  We watched that together, at least for the first 30 minutes. Mindy headed for bed just after 9:30pm. I chose to stay up and watch more. A lot of the skits were repeats from past elections, like the Perot/Stockdale spoof. That was memorable. Some were from this season’s episodes. I had seen enough come 10pm and headed for bed myself.