The end of Wednesday Golf ... Hello Barley's!

I woke two or three times through the night surprised I had so much more sleeping time ahead of me. But come 5:30am and after almost 10.5 hours of sleep, I wanted to remain in bed even longer. I expected that though, and forced myself to get up and get moving. I felt excellent after only a couple minutes on my feet. I did my sit-ups and push-ups before heading out with Ykraps. He and I walked to the east for the first time in a long while. It was his choice. I had a few minutes to enjoy my own coffee before delivering Mindy’s. I spent a few more minutes on the computer before moving on to meditation and stretching. Stretching went really well, and I can’t help but think the extra sleep made a big difference. I was hopeful that my knee would feel equally better during my run. It was cloudy this morning but also a tad warmer – about 53 degrees. I skipped the fleece pullover but wore two wicking shirts instead. I wore running gloves too. I was quite comfortable. Once again, my stride was severely hampered by my knee issue. It took a while to get it working right, but it started cooperating sooner than the two previous mornings, and my legs didn’t cramp up as much either. It still gave me some problems. I ran just three miles. Mindy was upstairs battling with Jacob about getting up and ready for school when I returned home. It wasn’t a pleasant exchange either. Once she returned downstairs, I carefully asked her reasoning for being so insistent he go to school after being sent home ill the day before, and if it might have more to do with her not wanting to miss. She agreed that that was pretty much the case. She needed to be at school and also recognized I couldn’t take another day off. I suggested that she’d most likely get a call from the school to come pick him up anyhow. With that she agreed, and eventually decided to call Jane, her principal and discuss staying home. Jane was all for it. However, because it was so late, Mindy wanted to head into school for an hour to get her sub plans underway. I agreed to stay home until 8:15am while she rushed off to school for an hour. In addition, to help out, I fried our eggs. Mindy headed out at 7:15am. Jacob stayed in bed. After eating my eggs I headed off to the shower like always. Bella and I walked to the bus stop at 7:55am. I took Ykraps along on his leash, too. After the bus swooped up Bella and Makayla I headed back home to make final preparations for work and to check on Jacob. Jacob was upstairs playing video games and actually looked and felt fine. I asked if he felt better and if he wanted me to run him to school. He said no. I headed back downstairs. Mindy phoned. I could tell by the noises that she was still at school. I really wanted/needed to be heading out. I stuck around home until 8:28am. I called Mindy. She was on her way. I let Jacob know that I was leaving and that his mother would be home shortly. I reminded him where the spare phone was and left. As planned, I stopped at Tim Horton’s at the corner of Roberts Rd and Wilson to pick-up 3 dozen donuts. That marked my first stop there ever. They were quick and efficient. I arrived at work around 8:55am. The wind was gusting as I walked towards the door with the donuts. I narrowly avoided a donut disaster when the top box flew open in a strong gust of wind. I caught it with my chin and kept it braced against the 3 boxes until I got inside out of the wind and could rearrange my haul. After getting settled in my office, I snagged a chocolate frosted cream-filled then took the donuts down to my center for the team. Truth is, I was really supposed to bring the donuts in on Monday but I couldn’t because I was off. So, I brought them today on potluck day instead. Everyone seemed to appreciate the delectable sweets. This would normally have been a two-meeting day – both team and staff. I canceled my team meeting and my boss canceled our staff meeting. Oh no! I called my ophthalmologist’s office to check on the status of my new sunglasses. They were expected in on Monday. J.P. was off spending time with his wife who just had a baby. Nancy checked on my glasses. Nope – not in. She had to call me back to confirm. Said they should be in by Friday. OK – I won’t hold my breath, however. I got busy with work related matters mid-afternoon. Finally, around 1:30pm I was able to break away and head down to my center to enjoy the Mexican/Italian themed potluck. I ate way too much, but there were just so many good things begging to be sampled. Mindy sent me an email mid afternoon asking about golf. Crap! I’d forgotten all about it this AM and once again didn’t have my clubs. But honestly, I didn’t really feel like golfing and hadn’t heard a peep from the Bobs or Tom. I decided not to be the pursuer. I called Mindy an hour later to let her know my thoughts. I didn’t really plan to golf. Instead, she and I made plans to do our out of golf season Wednesday routine – a mid-week visit to Barley’s. I headed for home around 5:10pm. Mindy was walking Ykraps as I entered the subdivision. Meanwhile, inside the house, I couldn’t help but notice how quiet and clean. I was impressed. All remnants of Bella’s party were gone. It brought a much needed sense of calm over me. As I started prepping Thursday morning’s coffee I noticed a Columbus police officer milling around in our back yard by the tree swings. Just as I was gonna rush out to see what was up, I spotted Kenny doing the same. Not wanting to bombard the poor guy, I decided to wait for an update from Kenny. I finished the coffee and put my lunch containers in the dishwasher. Wow – it was emptied too. Suddenly, it dawned on me that Mindy was home all day. I guess I had temporarily forgotten that. That explains how the house got so clean. I went out back to check the status of the Columbus police officer. He was gone but Mindy & Kenny were there talking. Apparently the cranky old man that frequently hassles kids who wander in the woods called the cops after his attempts to scare them away with idol threats were thwarted. I guessed it the same old man that thinks he owns the pond. Mindy finally came inside. She freshened up a little before we left for Barley’s. We talked about our relationship the entire way. Mindy’s not one to hold anything back. J The parking lot was only scantly populated – certainly less cars than I expected. Janet was in working the bar. We bellied up near Calvin, who was sitting against the wall having a beer quietly. Janet brought me a Centennial without prompting. Good girl! Mindy is too unpredictable. Janet knew better than to pick one for her. She ordered one of those Founder’s Breakfast Stouts, and minutes later a cheeseburger. I didn’t order any food. I was still full from the work potluck. Just beer for me! We talked to Calvin at length about a number of things including: God, the old testament and new, money, kids, and retirement. Very engaging conversation. We definitely left knowing a bit more about each others personal lives. And speaking of leaving, we didn’t head out until nearly 8pm. Mindy was worried that the kids would be waiting at the house. They were. Jacob phoned just as we were turning into the subdivision. No worries. As soon as we got in the house, Mindy sent the kids upstairs to shower and ready for bed. I checked email and spent a little time on the computer. She asked me to tuck in the kids at 8:45pm. Bella had me checking her Mozart CD that kept stopping on track #4. After careful inspection, it looked like a CD issue – not her new player. Mindy said the CD is as old as Bella, and it looks every bit of it. I stretched out on the living room floor in an attempt to remove a sudden kink in my left shoulder and neck. Mindy & I headed up to bed before 9:30pm. Even after last night’s 10.5 hours, I was still plenty tired.