Spring's New Moon

I had one of those sleeps where my eyes were closed but lingered there in a semi-conscious state. On top of that, I woke at 4:30am and couldn’t get back asleep at any level. I was OK for the time being, but knew all to well what would likely happen later – a crash and burn. I glanced out the back door and saw that the sky was clear. Very nice sky. Unfortunately, I also noticed that the uplight socket that I replaced on Sunday was already sporting a burnt out bulb. UGH! Some times I just can’t win. I left that worry behind and proceeded to knock out my exercise regimen. This was a curl day. Ykraps and I headed out for our walk. It was a tad chilly but not too bad – 37 degrees. It was a productive walk. We were back home by 5:55am. I moved immediately to pouring coffee but also treated Ykraps while grabbing the Splenda and cinnamon from the pantry. I sat down in front of the PC for a short while before stopping long enough to pour and deliver Mindy’s coffee. I returned to read the Daily OM and brother Glenn’s blog. I did my usual meditation and stretching before dressing and leaving for a run. Without question, I was tired. I could feel the sleepies coming on. My run would only serve to delay the effect with the sudden release of endorphins. I noticed a sliver of the new moon hanging low in the southeastern sky. Very beautiful against a cloudless backdrop. My run went well. By my run’s completion I was wide awake. Mindy & the kids were all in their usual positions upon reentry. I helped Mindy get the kids ready and loaded for departure. This was Jacob’s spring break so he went with the others to grandma Sharon’s. That meant I had a little extra time on my hands. Wahoo! Somehow I let the time get away from me. By the time I showered and was ready to leave it was a quarter after eight. I hated to leave without unloading the dishwasher knowing how much time it saves Mindy when she gets home, but I had to get going. I had about a quarter tank of gas. It was $1.95 at Thornton’s. I didn’t stop, but figured I would later this evening. Just hoped the price didn’t jump $.25 like it did last week. Work was relatively quiet. The time passed quickly. I called Lindsey mid-morning to ask about Rocky’s visit with his dad – something we don’t condone. It happened alright. I them proceeded to ask when they planned on picking up the boys. Lindsey had no idea. It wasn’t five minutes later that Kelly called me at work asking about my conversation with Lindsey. I shared with her my concerns and questions. She offered up that they were ready to take the boys back either the week of April 3rd or 10th. What a train wreck! At lunch I drove to Lowes & Target. While at Lowes I browsed their pond pump section looking for replacement parts for Mindy’s fountain. The underwater light burned out. I wasn’t entirely sure if it was the bulb or the fixture but wanted to price/find both. Of course they didn’t stock the bulbs or the exact model fixture. I could buy a new fixture for $40, however. I decided to check the manufacturer’s webpage and then check the bulb type, something I didn’t readily know. I picked up eight AA rechargeable batteries for my camera but the line was so long I put then back and left for Target. I knew that I could get the same batteries there. At Target I got the batteries, some Delsym, and some windshield washer fluid. Spent about $21. It was 2pm by the time I was back at the office. The rest of the afternoon went smoothly. I left for home just after 5:30pm. I called Mindy along my drive home. She mentioned that the kids were a little cranky. She was in the process of making dinner when I got home. Looked like some noodle concoction. I didn’t ask. I did walk Ykraps. It wasn’t too long before we were called for dinner. She made a chicken noodle casserole. The kids didn’t care for the crushed potato chip and cheese topping baked on top. Not one of my favorites, but it was OK. I had two helpings. We enjoyed a fairly relaxing evening at home with the kids. The bigger kids played outside after dinner. I took a nap on the family room floor. My neck was really stiff. I must’ve slept for about 30 minutes. I woke and helped Mindy get the kids into their pajamas and then tucked into bed. Back downstairs, we watched House and part of 24. We chatted some about the boys some, too. Mindy called Kelly sometime around 8:30pm to share some thoughts surrounding their care. In the end, Mindy suggested we bring them back this Friday versus next, not seeing any value in us being their glorified babysitters. After all, it’s been 115 days and Lindsey’s done little to improve her situation thus far. What’s another week do? She also shared our thoughts about the schooling and the episode Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, Kelly implied that she witnessed the debacle and how even her neighbors were appalled at Mindy’s actions. Hardly! Kelly eventually acknowledged Mindy’s perspective. Still, the call ended somewhat curtly. Fact is, we’re never going to see 100% eye to eye. Kelly & Lindsey are cut from a different branch with much different priorities relative to the boys. From my perspective, they’re either too stupid to see it or worse yet, operating with self-indulgent motives. Maybe a little of both. I fell asleep again during 24. I was undoubtedly making up for missed sleep the night before. Mindy woke me around 10pm to go to bed.