Averting Disaster

I was up before 8am. I was still a tiny bit sleepy but felt terrific otherwise. I did my normal thing. I started coffee then completed my exercise regimen. Soon, I was out walking Ykraps. Mindy remained sleeping, and honestly, I didn’t expect her up for sometime. I was just getting ready to leave for my run when Bella rang the door bell. I’d almost forgot she was coming home for a few hours. It must’ve been about 9:30am. I soon left for my run. I wasn’t too surprised, but almost every vehicle that passed was occupied by folks in Buckeye attire. Many, I assumed, were heading to the game, or at a minimum, to a tailgate party. Bella was a little bummed that Makayla wasn’t home. She was bored, and wasn’t too interested in watching the Buckeye game. I asked Mindy & Bella to make a “free” sign to tape to our old brass firescreen. That kept Bella busy for a little while. While they toiled with the sign, I propped the firescreen against our big green trash can out front hoping that someone would nab it. Daughter Courtney and GD Olivia came over for a brief visit sometime between 1115 & 1130am. Olivia was excited to be over, and Mindy & I were equally excited to see her. Mindy left for yoga class around 11am. I expected her home until near 1pm. I took Olivia out to swing before they needed to leave. And at some point, while playing up in Bella’s room, Olivia cracked Bella over the head with something. Bella came running and crying. Said she bit her, too. Courtney corrected Olivia, and soon she was crying as well. Holy smoke. Courtney & Olivia departed just before the game began. Maddie, a young girl from down the street, soon came knocking on the front door looking for Jacob, and for the second time in as many days. I offered that he was off to the Buckeye game, but that Bella was home. They invited her out to play. That made Bella happy. It was finally time. The 2009 OSU Buckeye football season was officially underway. The Bucks looked decent, but not extremely sharp. Even still, coming out of halftime it looked like they just might put the game out of reach. And even though the Buckeyes had a couple promising drives stall, they pinned Navy back on their own 1 yard line. Mindy arrived home around the end of the 3rd quarter. We watched the rest of the game together. I could see it coming like freight train. The Buckeyes stopped playing with any intensity and before we knew it, Navy was back in the game. In fact, they had a chance to tie it up with a couple minutes left on a 2-point conversion try. Lucky for us, we intercepted the pass and ran it back for 2 points for our side. After recovering the onside kick, we ran the clock out narrowly escaping what many would deem as a complete disaster. After the Buckeye game, and after Jimaken stopped by to pick-up Bella, Mindy ran to Tuttle to look for a suit for Jacob. I stayed home and tinkered. I thought about cutting the grass but didn’t. Instead, I watched more football and napped. I eventually took a shower just before Mindy got back home. She never did find a suit, but did find herself a dress. We discussed dinner plans, and loosely decided to pay yet another visit to Barley’s. And why not? Good food, good people, and great beer! We walked Ykraps around 6pm, and left for Barley’s around 7pm. I took an empty growler. Haven’t had one of those filled with my favorite brew for some time. Saturday’s at Barley’s are generally laid back at least after the Buckeye game crowd departs, and this time was no exception. There was plenty of bar-side seating, and our dear friend Beth was working. She poured me a Centennial. Mindy ordered water and then food – their brisket special. I figured to order food but a bit later. I was happy to sip on my IPA. Cliff stopped in and bellied up next to Mindy. We also chatted with a couple who was at the game, and like many, said they left with the Buckeyes up 29-14 with 6 minutes remaining. Had to hear the near collapse from outside the horseshoe as they walked to their car. Yikes! I’ve done that before. I never did order my own entrée. Instead, I nibbled on Mindy’s brisket and ate a good portion of her fries. We didn’t stay too late either. I probably had three beers over the 2 hours. However, I did get my growler filled with liquid gold – IPA. Mindy called the neighbors after arriving home to see if they were up for company. They were watching a movie all snuggly on the sofa. I took my growler and a pint glass. We had a good time talking about the game and Sunday’s upcoming round of golf. All of the sudden, and seemingly out of the blue, Mindy was ready to go home. I opted to stay a while longer. She wasn’t gone long before Chrissy’s phone rang. It was Mindy requesting I come home very soon. I agreed, but also wanted to finish my beer. The phone ran again. It was Mindy … again, only this time she was a bit more adamant. I headed home five minutes later. And just as I thought she might, Mindy wanted to chat about it when I got home. We talked for nearly an hour.