And Winter Came

Welcome Winter! I was up before 8am Sunday – closer again to 7:30am. Landon was still sleeping. Taking full advantage, I slipped downstairs to make coffee and exercise before any of the kids woke up. I heard a little stirring as I completed my exercise routine. The kids were soon up. Mindy was up to deal with Landon and his morning diaper change. From Mindy’s perspective, we had already discussed me going to church, but I didn’t see it that way. I would agree, however, that she seemed to intimate that I would go. After a small debate I agreed to go. More than anything, that meant I had to accelerate my routine. After a fast cup of coffee and some quick PC time I dressed & left for a run. I cut my run to three miles to further expedite things. I ran along Trabue and Hague. It was bitter cold but I was dressed for it. It was only about 10 degrees. I found a stray golf ball along hole #1. That happens more often than not. It’s more a question of me picking it up or leaving it lie. Today I picked it up. I was back at home by 9:30am. Mindy was surprised that I was back so soon. Not only had I cut my run a little brief, but I ran it fast, too. The kids were already dressed. After checking with Mindy, I headed up for a shower. We didn’t really have anytime ot eat anything of substance. We left for church, me still hungry. We took gifts for my ex-inlaws. We’d be dropping Rocky & Landon at ex-Kelly’s immediately after church. I had yet to see the new church sanctuary. I was impressed with the design - very nice, very functional. The kids were doing a presentation of sorts. Bella chickened out and didn’t want to participate. I would’ve believed Rocky not wanting to do it, but Bella? Big surprise to both Mindy & I. Rocky & Jacob were still in. The sermon moved swiftly with the children doing their individual lines throughout. Rocky needed help with his lines, but still managed the intestinal fortitude to do it. I was proud of him. The choir was bad - sorry! Mass lasted almost a full 1.5 hours. It didn’t’ really seem that long, however. More than anything, I was getting really hungry. We hung out for about ten minutes after mass - long enough for the kids to pick-up a small gift. We bundled carefully before dashing out into the bitter cold. Rocky was excited to be going to Kelly’s. She lives right around the corner from Crossroads. Kelly came out to the van to greet us. Lindsey made a very brief appearance but barely acknowledged us. Probably more surprising, she didn’t offer a hug to Rocky. We briefly discussed their return arrangements with Kelly. She agreed to bring them home. Jacob & Bella asked to stop at McDonald’s on our way home, but Mindy & I were more eager to get home. Mindy needed to help the kids wrap their daddy’s Xmas gifts as he was coming to pick them up at 2:00pm. As soon as we got home I snacked on chunks of cheese and later my leftover chipotle from Friday night. The chipotle hit the spot. Jimaken arrived somewhere between 2-2:30pm. I was sound asleep on the sofa. The chipotle, while good, was like a rock in my tummy. Soon after eating it, I was suddenly struck with unbound sleepiness. I woke in time to wish the kids well. We wouldn’t see them again until Xmas eve. The afternoon moved on. Meanwhile, I was getting a little nervous about the Viking game which was on TV at 4:30pm. By winning, they would clinch the division title and a playoff birth. I was excited and full of nervous energy. As I often do, I cleaned. That helped diffuse the nerves. The Viking game started as scheduled. It didn’t start well. The Falcons scored first. However, the Vikings answered on the ensuing drive. I was very pleased with that. As the game unfolded, we seemed destined to loose. We fumbled a total of seven times losing four of them. Even still, we had a chance to tie the score as time expired. Our receiver was interfered with on 4th down but the officials never called it. I didn’t complain too much. We shouldn’t have left ourselves in such a position. I was bummed that we lost. Kelly brought the kids home around 5:30pm. We were on pins and needles wondering how they might respond to their first visit with Lindsey. They seemed fine and were very loving once back home. We let Rocky stay up later than usual. He was happy for that. We got a call from daughter Ashley soon after Kelly dropped off the kids. Ashley needed help with her rent. I was willing to help but wanted answers regarding the whereabouts of her money. She had none. Word has it, though, she does a terrible job of balancing her check book. She came over to get some money. She didn’t like the lecture we gave her. Please! I don’t like pissing my money way. We put Rocky to bed soon after Ashley and Olivia left. Must’ve been about 9pm. While reading the manual to my new Canon camera, we heard a knock on our front door. It was nephew Joe and Camilla. We stayed up partying with those two until nearly midnight. We shared some beers, snacks, pictures, and storeis. It was a lot of fun. We made loose plans ot meet up at CBC Monday evening for even more fun. Despite all the fun, I went to bed with a heavy heart still smarting after the Viking loss.