Day of Vindication

I woke two or three times in advance of 5:30am but managed to sneak in a little more shut eye. At 530am, I was up on queue. I felt well rested and eager to begin a new day despite the realization that my 5-day break was over. I remembered instantly the Orionid meteor shower that was scheduled to occur. I hurried through my exercise routine and headed out to see if I could spot any meteors. There was a clear sky but some wispy moisture scattered here and there. But there were enough clear pockets to leave and unbridled view into the heavens. I watched intently for the duration of our walk not seeing a single meteor. Undaunted, I planned to enjoy my coffee from the deck once back at home. I did just that. Back at home I poured some coffee then went to the deck. Out back provided a much clearer view into the heavens since there were no street lights to polute an otherwise clear dark sky. Still no joy, I decided to do a 10 second countdown before heading in somewhat disappointed. “Five-four-three” - there went one! Wahoo! Awesome. I went inside glad I was able to see part of Haley’s comet’s remnants. I delivered Mindy’s coffee. I can’t recall if I shared the stellar experience with her or not, but don’t think I did. I was quick returning to my usual morning ritual of PC time, meditation, and stretching. That part of each work day morning is priceless. I headed out on my run around 6:35am. I felt really good, too. My knee seems to be getting stronger by the day. Mindy and the kids were up preparing for a typical school day. Mindy had my lunch ready for the go and our eggs cooking on the stove. I poured juice for Bella and me. I kidded everyone about taking another day off. The weather was supposed to superb – 75 & sunny. Instead, I planned to drive the BM’er for the first time since mid-September. I was looking forward to it. After getting the kids onto the bus I loaded my gear into the BM’er and drove off to work. As you might expect, I was careful proceeding through the roundabout. The work day seemed a little over whelming after begin off for five days. I felt like I was behind on everything. Checking my VM, I had a message from my ophthalmologist’s office indicating that my sunglasses were in. I couldn’t make it in today, however. Instead, I used my lunch period to drive home for lunch. I left my access badge at home and wanted to get it. Felt naked without it. While there, I wrote in my blog. I spent just under an hour at home. It was very relaxing and good to get away from the office. Around 330pm, officer O’Connor finally returned my call from Monday. He explained that he simply needed a tad more clarification as to my car’s whereabouts when the actual collision occurred. He then went on to share that my ticket had been rescinded and that a new accident report would be forthcoming showing the other driver at fault. He apologized. I thanked him for his patience, honesty, and time. He said that the new report would be available online in about a day or two. Cool! I was very pleased with that news! Shortly thereafter my insurance company called to discuss the claim. They informed me that the other driver had already tried to file a claim against my insurance but that they declined it. She asked that I forward the new accident report once it became available. I agreed to do so promptly. I also talked with Mindy, who expressed a strong desire to go out for dinner. She and the kids wanted Barley’s. I caved. It took me a while to get out of work. I didn’t leave until 540pm, and it was 605pm before I arrived home. I was very excited to share the news about my ticket being rescinded. That’s a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Mindy had already walked Ykraps making our escape to Barley’s that much easier. We loaded into the Honda and left the house at 6:30pm. Mindy asked for our favorite table just south of the bar. She & Jacob played paper football while waiting on our food. I sipped a Bitter Dan IPA and Mindy sipped a Founder’s. The kids enjoyed pink lemonade. Mindy ordered her favorite southwestern salad. The kid ordered wings, onion straws, and fries. I ordered a Cuban with a cup cheese burger soup. Yummy! We weren’t at Barley’s that long. Guessing, but believe we were on our way home by 7:30pm. The kids were quickly ushered to the shower and tub. While the kids bathed, Kenny and I carried the two old hot water tanks up from the basement and placed them in the garage. I planned to set them out at the curb Thursday night. I threw a pillow on the floor, and the rest as they say is history. I was all but gone for the night. I don’t believe that Mindy even tried to wake me. Can’t recall. That’s how tired I was.