Barley's Alone - A Guy's Night Out

Well, it was already Friday again, and no matter how you look at it, that’s never a bad thing. It was raining but warm, at least compared to the last few morning’s. It was 56 degrees. I felt pretty good coming off of a good night’s sleep. After exercising, I headed out with Ykraps. I grabbed the umbrella off the porch and struggled once again to get it to open but eventually did. I really need to spray the button/clip with some WD-40. Ykraps took his time, not minding the rain much at all. Of course! I had to hurry him along. Back home I toweled him off to prevent some of the watershed when he shakes. After some coffee I went to wake Mindy. This was her last day of school leading into spring break. She was happy about that. I did my usual stuff before setting out on a run. The rain never completely stopped but it did lessen significantly out the door. It picked up again well into the four miles, but by then I didn’t care. My ball cap and jacket were wet but I stayed largely warm & dry. Both Mindy & Bella were noticeably more upbeat during breakfast. Why not? They’re heading into spring break. I was envious. Jacob headed out the door for the bus stop even after I tried to convince him to wait inside by the door avoiding the rain. I did just that. I stayed inside and on my PC paying some monthly bills while waiting on the sound of the school bus. As soon as it passed the house I went to the door to watch Jacob onto the bus. I made sure he knew I saw him boarding. I left for work at 8:12am. It was a damp & dreary day, to be sure. Gas prices were down to $1.91 per gallon. I was right at a half tank. I didn’t stop but planned to before Tuesday, the most likely day that the prices will increase again. Work was busy but thankfully not overwhelming. Mid-morning I confirmed plans to move Courtney into her new place on Saturday. After confirming plans with Courtney I reserved a truck. I had already talked with brother Tommy Thursday night and had his help lined up. At lunch time I decided to make a run to the Anderson’s to look at wheelbarrow tires and collapsible camp chairs. I saw an add in the Dispatch a couple weeks ago where they were on sale. As expected, I ran into my old Time Warner pal, Art. We chatted briefly about his recent cruise to the Caribbean. Loved it. I couldn’t find any regular camp chairs. They must’ve sold out. I did find replacement wheelbarrow tires but none that would accept a 1” inch axle. Since I was there, I ventured their beer aisle. I found some of that Sam Adams that Mindy loves – Imperial Stout. I also grabbed a 22oz. bottle of Hoppin’ Frog’s Silky Porter. She really likes that too. I wasn’t there long. On my way back to the office I decided last minute to stop in Golf Galaxy again to look at new putters and drivers. Sadly, the putter I like is $299. Ugh, I don’t think so! The afternoon moved swiftly. Before I knew it, it was time to head home. I was expecting to have a quiet evening at home. Soon after arriving home, I walked Ykraps. Bella wanted to know if I brought pizza home. I didn’t, although Mindy & I talked about ordering one. The kids had guests over. We had a house full. I was tired so I took a nap in the recliner. I must’ve slept for a good hour going in and out of sleep. The kids were very noisy. Mindy asked me again about getting a pizza. Furthermore, she said the kids wanted a cheese (stupid) pizza. I just wanted some solitude. I told Mindy that I would be going elsewhere for my dinner. I had Barley’s in mind. Mindy left to fetch the kids their pizza around 6:40pm. After she got home and began serving the kids and their friends, I got up from the recliner and headed upstairs to freshen up. I left for Barley’s at roughly 7:30pm. I told Mindy that I just needed to get away – something I rarely do. I talked with Tom Clark on my way to Barley’s. He’d be meeting me there at some point. I arrived at Barley’s alone around 7:45pm. I struck up conversation with pal, Steve Won and eventually got a beer – an IPA. Ahh – it was so good. Tom showed about 30 minutes after me. I found a ticket to the upcoming Ale Fest just lying on the floor. That’s a $25 ticket. I ordered some food, ten KC wings and a basket of fries to accompany my second IPA. Bob Imber showed up by himself too. Looked like a guys night! We had an exceptional time just hanging out and talking. I invited everyone within earshot to join Mindy & I at the Todd Rundgren concert next Friday at Promo West. I talked with Mindy around 9:30pm. She was heading to bed. I left Barley’s for home at 10:30pm. I was home even before 10:40pm. I turned on the TV to an episode of Family Guy that I recorded earlier in the week. Not long into the episode I fell asleep. Not too surprising. I woke at 11:30 and headed for bed.