Bella's Spring Break

I tossed and turned a few times through the night while also battling stiffness, most likely a byproduct from digging those four post holes and then lugging that heavy fiberglass extension ladder around the yard. Even still, I slept OK and woke for work ten minutes early. It was still only 5:20am when I got downstairs to the kitchen. I glanced out back to see what the weather looked like. Couldn’t tell much, but I could see that it wasn’t raining. Despite being stiff, I pushed through a full gamut of exercise: sit-ups, push-ups, and curls. I felt a bit looser afterwards. I checked the temperature. It was 38 degrees, a little warmer than I expected. I still wore my warm running jacket, gloves, and ear covers to walk Ykraps. We walked west. It went well. It was still early when I got back. It was only 5:45am. Because Mindy & Bella were on spring break, I didn’t bother making and delivering coffee for Mindy. Aside form being on spring break, Mindy wasn’t feeling that well. I enjoyed my morning very much, taking my time with every aspect: surfing, meditation, and stretching. I headed out the door for my run at 6:29am, a little earlier than usual. Like with my walk, I wore my heavy running jacket, ear covers and gloves. I was surprised to find myself too warm around the 2.5 mile marker, so I removed the gloves. That helped a bunch. I was comfortable for the duration. The house was unusually quiet when I returned form my run. Not a soul was stirring downstairs. Before doing anything I went upstairs to make sure that Jacob was up and ready for school. Like clock work, he was. I returned downstairs to make my eggs and pack a lunch. The time passed quickly. Soon my breakfast was eaten and my lunch packed. I headed off to the shower at 7:33am. Jacob was snuggling with his momma when I got out of the shower. Mindy asked that I return upstairs for a visit after seeing Jacob onto the bus. Much to the boy’s dismay, Mrs Vanorder was driving again today. I returned home where I checked on Mindy before heading off to work. It was spitting rain along my drive in. I stopped at Thornton’s to fill-up. Gas was $1.89 per gallon. My Trooper took 14 gallons. I arrived at work before 8:30am but just barely. After filling my water jug, dropping off my refridgerables, and washing my utensils, I stopped in to see my team. It looked like a choppy day ahead. But the day didn’t go roughly at all. To the contrary; it was very manageable. I ate lunch at my desk, but that was self-imposed. I had no reason to venture out, and besides, the weather wasn’t that nice. I talked with Mindy mid-afternoon. She and Bella had lunch with her mother at Bob Evans. She mentioned having leftovers for dinner. I was fine with that. I knew we had some of last Thursday’s roast beef still in the fridge. I left the office around 5:40pm. I talked with Mindy through most of that drive. The house was quiet and clean. Ahh, just like I like it. I grabbed my gloves and ear covers and headed out with Ykraps. We hurried through our walk, the chilly temps cutting right through me. I should’ve worn a heavier jacket. Back at the house, Jacob and I tormented Bella after she said she was cold. Our canned response is most often, well, pleased to meet you cold. We had her in tears. She kept biting on the bait we launched out there. Shameful I tell you. J Dinner was tasty. I had mashed potatoes, roast beef, and green beans. Mindy pretty much the same. Jacob had the chicken. I ate a lot. And after dinner and clean-up I was mightily tired. Not only tired, but my neck ached too. I plopped my rear down in front of the fire I started just before dinner. I was comfy. I fell asleep for maybe an hour. While sleeping, I think that Mindy and the kids played another board game, Chicken or the Egg (which came first). During my slumber I overheard Mindy chatting on the phone with Lil’ Rocky and Landon. I heard Jacob and Bella get on the phone with them too. By the time I woke it was time to get the kids tucked into bed. I went up, changed into my pajamas, and eventually tucked the kids into bed. Once again, Mindy allowed both kids to watch TV. She reminded Bella it was only because it was spring break. We returned downstairs in front of the fireplace and tuned into House. At 8:30pm sharp Mindy asked the kids to kill the TVs. They complied without any push back. After House we stayed tuned into Fox and watched 24. That was exciting too. We headed to bed immediately after, at 10pm.