HOP IPA Looza

It was 5:45am by the time I found my way to the kitchen. Of course I had already brushed my teeth and peed. I could smell the freshly brewed coffee. I started my exercise routine in earnest. I thought about skipping push-ups just to rest my shoulders but didn’t. I can’t allow myself out of that routine. The weather was expected to be a notch better than Wednesday’s, thankfully. The high was expected to be 69 degrees with clearing skies. It was cool enough for a jacket at walk time. It was cool enough that I knew right then that I’d be running in the long stuff. It was already time to deliver Mindy’s coffee when we got back home – 6:10am. I waited to enjoy my own after delivering hers. This would be Mindy’s last day of school with kids, although she still has to go in on Friday to clean-up her classroom. I teased her about calling off sick. Back downstairs I sipped coffee while enjoying some brief PC time. I still took time to meditate and stretch despite running behind time-wise. I dressed in long running pants and a long-sleeved wicking shirt. It was 54 degrees. The sky was already showing signs of clearing, but an unusually cool breeze was blowing out of the NE. I was anxious for sunshine. As expected, I warmed quickly and finished feeling great. My eggs were already waiting my return. Mindy was ready to head out the door. It was nearly 7:30am. I wished the children well, not sure that I’d see them again before they leave for vacation with their dad. By the time that I was dressed and ready to leave for work it was 8:07am. By then it had prettied up nicely. Work was really busy. I didn’t get out of my office much at all. I did glance outdoors a time or two and saw that a lovely day had unfolded. Bob Imber emailed mid-afternoon to measure my interest in Thursday evening golf. Hmmm? I couldn’t think of any reason why not. We planned to attend the IPA-looza event at Barley’s but that could easily be after golf. I called Mindy to see how she felt about it. She was fine with it. We still had to find a venue, however, where we could get nine holes in. With golf leagues that’s no easy feat. Surprisingly, Raymond had leagues going off the back nine only. Said it was first come first serve after 5pm. We agreed to try there, although knowing that it gets backed up in a hurry. I was busy with a hot issue up until I left the office at 4:45pm. I stayed connected via Blackberry. As I exited Roberts Rd. Bob phoned to let me know that Raymond was backed up 40 minutes on the 1st tee, and a steady stream of evening golfers were still pouring in. He offered Groveport as an alternative, but that s such a long drive. I pulled in Raymond’s lot anyway. There I found Bob and Bob discussing options. I opted to head home and possibly get some pre-vacation chores done. Bob Imber and I discussed meeting later at IPA-looza. Mindy and the kids weren’t home. Must’ve went to dinner. I wasn’t sure. I decided to use the time to get the grass cut saving myself the trouble of squeezing it in Friday evening. I started cutting the lawn but got interrupted with a work issue straight up. After handling work, I worked on the lawn for the next 1.5 hours. I lowered the blade on both mowers (push and tractor) since 10 days would pass before the next cut. I accidentally scalped a few spots of the new sod. It bothered me, but realistically I knew it would bounce back. Mindy got home around 6:15pm and offered to walk Ykraps. Thanks honey! Jimaken arrived to pick-up the kids while she was out. I gave the kids a hug and told them that I loved them before they left. No tears this time. They seemed excited. I finished off the lawn chores by blowing the walks, drive, and beds clear of clippings. I failed to mention that I lost a bolt from the handle of my trimmer. Mindy and I crawled around on the ground for a few minutes searching for it. We never did find it. I was going to water flowers but decided I’d hold off and give everything a super good watering Friday evening. Instead I went inside to ready for an evening out at Barley’s. At first, I was gonna skip a shower and simply brush up, but felt gritty/dirty after cutting the lawn. I hopped in the shower while Mindy primped. We arrived at the IPA-looza at 7:50pm. Bob phoned just as we pulled in asking our whereabouts. We joined the crowd inside seconds later. Ahh, this was my paradise, about 20 different IPA’s, and about half were double IPA’s. My buddy Steve Wonn was kind enough to have them save for me the last half pint of Southern Tier’s Oaked DIPA. It was tasty. For my second beer and first full pint I had a Barley’s 4-Cs DIPA. It contains Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Columbus hops. I was very impressed. It’s right up there with HopSlam. And speaking of HopSlam, that was my next choice. Mindy and I ordered some food. I ordered sauerkraut balls and a brisket quesadilla. Mindy spent the lion’s share of the evening consoling Beth, a Barley’s server, who was not working but simply being a patron like us. She and her boyfriend of 3 years broke up earlier in the day. Beth was distraught. Mindy thrives in such conditions. She’s always there to lend an ear and some encouragement during such matters. All of us love Beth. She’s a real sweetie. We all offered up some encouraging words. But honestly, she needs to work through it on her own time table. We met another woman who was there consoling Beth, too. Her name was Sarrina. She had big boobs. We later learned that they were purchased. She let all of us touch ‘em – try them out so to speak. Even Mindy tried them out. We had a really fun time. I worried that I might be a wreck come morning. But I really didn’t care that much. After all, I’d be on vacation after Friday. We were home and in bed before 1130pm.