Wake & Dinner with Renee

I was happy that it was Friday, but at the same time somewhat guarded given that this was my on-call weekend. The sky was clear and the temperature in the low 20s. There’s no doubting that it was still winter in CMH. I was up on time and followed through with my usual routine. Everything else behind me, I left for a run at 6:40am. Because the sky was so clear, I could see daylight coming on the horizon about halfway through my run. That surprised me. Mindy and the kids were up and already preparing to leave by the time that I was back from my run. Mindy was feeling the pressure of so much to do and yet so little time to do it. She and the wee ones left at 7:30am. We chatted briefly about the evening’s agenda just before she departed. We planned to attend Warren’s calling hours and then meet Renee and company at the Big Fat to celebrate her birthday. My job was to confirm calling hours via the web so we could better map out our evening plans. I’d email Mindy later. Jacob and I left for the bus stop at our usual 7:58am. It was chilly but sunny. I wore my leather jacket, ear covers, and gloves. I was comfortable. Gas was back down to $1.81 at Thronton’s. It was as high as $1.99 early in the week. I didn’t need any, though. Work got progressively busier as the day wore on. We talked about doing a leadership lunch early on but I opted out. I didn’t want to be a spoil sport, but also didn’t want to over eat at lunch given that we were doing dinner at the Big Fat later. I ended up staying at the office all day. I stopped long enough to eat my veggies, fruit, and tuna. I must’ve talked with Mindy around 4pm. She was at Target with all the kids. Her primary objective was to buy Landon some spring clothes. She also confirmed that Kara would be over around 6:30pm to watch the kids. My late afternoon got very busy. I managed to get out of the office around 5:40pm. I knew when I left that there were several issues that I needed to follow-up on through the evening. My evening peer was out on vacation which pretty much left me accountable immediately out the door. I took it in stride. I must’ve arrived home near 6:00pm. Like any other evening, I made walking Ykraps a priority. There was a Minelli’s pizza resting on the island counter. I couldn’t resist the urge to woof down a couple of slices while walking Ykraps. I had a couple more once he and I were back. Kara arrived right on time, and while Mindy was upstairs making herself presentable for an evening out. We dressed casually for calling hours and dinner out. We both wore jeans. Landon fussed a little before we left. He wanted to go with us. As she often does, Lindsey phoned just before we walked out the door. Among other things, she went on about who was caring for the kids. Please, like we’d make irresponsible choices. My question is always… why aren’t they with you? We headed for the calling hours at Schoedinger funeral home first. It didn’t take long too get there. I hadn’t been to Schoedinger since step-mother Sheila’s funeral. The parlor was full of guests. We spotted our neighbors fairly quickly but they were understandably busy with other guests. We visited Warren and looked for our flower basket. We weren’t there long. We got to chat with Becky briefly, but then headed to the back of the room to look at the family photos and the video tribute. Of course you don’t go somewhere with Mindy without running into someone she knows. She spotted an old family friend that she hadn’t seen in 30 years (?). We left the funeral home around 7:15pm. For a little reminiscing, I suggested we drive by 35 N. Brinker. I hadn’t been by there for a number of years. Looks pretty much unchanged, but perhaps a little more worn. It’s been 23 years since we moved out of there. Mindy suggested that we stop at Barley’s before heading to the Big Fat. Her reasoning, they’re gathering for appetizers and drinks at the bar before dinner anyhow. We might as well stop in to see our peeps at Barley’s. That sounded perfect to me. Mindy ordered a St Joan’s. I ordered a Centennial. The place was packed. We had to gather around a table where Steve Won was sitting already enjoying a beer with Calvin. We stayed at Barleys long enough for me to have a second beer. We left for the Big Fat around 8:15pm. Mindy drove. I phoned Renee while in route to let her know that we were on our way. Happy 28th Birthday Renee! We were the last guests to arrive, save for her friend Shane. I ordered a Jack & Coke and nibbled on some of the leftover appetizers – calamari and flat bread & dip. When it came time to order dinner, I opted to try their sea scallops instead of a gyro like every other time. Mindy went with the salmon. We both ordered side salads, too. I ordered a second Jack & Coke before my food arrived. My scallops were melt-in-your mouth delicious. Everyone raved about their entrees. Several of the girls, including Mindy, shared a dessert. I did not. Mindy picked up our share of the tab. Everyone else was headed to the Rack for more partying. Not us. We left for home around 10:30pm. At home, Mindy quickly settled up with Kara. I went to put on my pajamas. Bedtime was next.