Joe & Camilla for Dinner

I slept really well and woke Thursday morning feeling totally refreshed. I was happy to see a clear sky and countless stars overhead when I glanced out the back window. After calisthenics I checked the temperature. It was only 54 degrees. I grabbed my fleece jacket on my way out the door with Ykraps. We both enjoyed the walk, and Ykraps again took his good old time doing his business. It was 5:55am when we got back inside and I poured my first cup of coffee. I enjoyed a few minutes on the PC before & after heading up to wake Mindy. It was time to meditate and stretch in a hurry. That went well. The stretching was incredibly helpful with my latest stiff neck issue. I dressed for a run wearing a thick, long-sleeved wicking shirt to help combat the chilly temps (54 degrees). Like always, I stretched the hammies from the front stoop before taking off. It was another lovely September morning run. Just gorgeous! I finished my run near 7:15am. As expected, Mindy and Bella were in the kitchen. Jacob was already done with his breakfast and was upstairs in his room. Bella showed me her toe – still causing her some pain. Mindy helped her with her socks then left for school. I headed up for a shower. The four of us (Ykraps included) headed out to the bus stop at 7:55am. The bus pulled up at 8:00am. Getting on the bus went a bit smoother for Bella & her ailing toe. After the kids were safely on the bus, I chatted with Kenny about his Wednesday golf outing/scramble at Riviera C.C. Said his team won. He also shared a little about this coming Saturday’s trip up to Cleveland Browns stadium to see the Buckeyes play Toledo. Sounds like it’ll be fun. Off to work. Work went well. Around 1:10pm I left the office and drove towards the Hilliard Kroger to buy Mindy some roses and a card to commemorate the 4 year anniversary of the day we met – September 17, 2005. Afterwards, I drove home, placed them in a vase, and left them on the island with along with a card. Before heading back to the office, I relaxed for 20 minutes or so reading a few more pages from Jim Tressel’s, Winner’s Manual. I like the way he thinks - holistically. I headed back to the office after my brief getaway. It was already 2:30pm. The rest of the afternoon went quickly. Last I knew, we were expecting nephew Joe and Camilla for dinner, for which Mindy planned to grill burgers. I talked with Mindy sometime after 4pm. She thanked me for the flowers but also asked if I would stop at CVS on my trip home to pick-up a prescription (antibiotics). Apparently, she’s developed a sinus infection. I agreed to do so. I left work just after 530pm and stopped at CVS as promised. I went through the drive-thru, which didn’t take much time at all. I took the back way home, cutting through Mill Run and the Glen. I was home by 6pm. Mindy walked Ykraps along with me before starting the grill. She received a call from Joe confirming their plans to join us for dinner. It wasn’t too long before our guests were amongst us. While the burgers grilled, we snacked from the crackers and cheese, veggie and fruit trays. Dinner was ready near 6:30pm. I didn’t realize until then that Camilla doesn’t eat meat. Mindy apparently knew. She ate only veggies and fruit. The burgers were heavily seasoned and especially good. I could have eaten more than one. I think we had green beans too. After dinner we sat on the deck as the sun set. It was quite lovely. With darkness setting in, we lit the Tiki torches and citronella candles as much for atmosphere as anything else (mosquitoes). Joe sipped a couple of beers. I made rum, Fresca, and grape fruit drinks for Camilla and I. We didn’t stay out their too late, however. Camilla expressed being over tired after getting up at 830am and working on the wedding preparations all day in the sunshine. Just as well, both Mindy & I had to be at work early Friday. Joe & Camilla left before 8:30pm. After they departed, I tucked in the kids then tuned into the Thursday night college football game on ESPN – Miami, Fla vs. Georgia Tech. It was an exciting game to watch, although I didn’t see much of it. Mindy headed up to bed before 930pm, and I eventually fell asleep on the sofa after enjoying some popcorn.