Family Dinner

I woke completely rested even earlier than I did on Saturday. It was only 640am. It wasn’t quite daylight but it was coming on fast . It was supposed to be a stellar day, and judging by the current conditions - clear and 50 degrees – we were well on our way. I logged onto my laptop to take a quick peek at work, but soon turned my attention to Ykraps who seemed eager to head out for a walk. Because it was Sunday, I wasn’t planning to do sit-ups or push-ups – just a run. But before that, I wanted to enjoy a hot cup of Starbucks in front of the PC. Once again, work required my intervention on a handful of hot issues. I had them at least somewhat under control by 830am, and that’s when I headed out for my run. It was nice enough to skip a jacket. And because it was so bright and sunny I wore my prescription sunglasses. Since I ran only three miles on Saturday, I ran four today. It felt great. The excellent weather didn’t hurt either. Mindy and the kids were up by the time I made my way back home. Like the morning before, I picked Bella up and carried her out on to the deck knowing that the sunshine would help elevate her so-so mood. It worked as planned. She giggled the entire time. We soaked up the sunshine then headed back inside. Bella got started on her Xmas list while perusing the recently acquired Target toy catalog. That kept her busy. In the mean time, Mindy was prepping breakfast, thick maple bacon and French toast. Jacob was busy playing with his Star Wars toys from several Xmas’ back. I fetched an old orange plastic planter base from the deck, scrubbed it clean, then took it out back to spray paint it black to match the hibiscus flower pot we brought inside last week. By design, the pot doesn’t have a plug in the bottom. If we intend to keep it inside, I’m gonna need to water it, thus requiring a base to catch the run-off. Breakfast was ready some time just before 10am. The bacon was cooked (baked) to perfection. For some reason, the kids didn’t exactly care for it, or at least as much as they like the other brand. But the way I saw it, that meant more for me! J The thick French toast was good too. I had two pieces. After breakfast, Bella and I went out and sprayed another coat of paint on the flower pot base. That didn’t take too long. I let her spray a little but she found the nozzle too difficult to depress. Inside, Mindy was about to head up for a shower in preparation for a trip to Target and a baby shower later. We polled the kids to see if either wanted to join me at Home Depot. Both wanted to go with Mindy. Darn! I stayed in my running clothes and headed off to Home Depot to get drywall, drywall screws, and a couple pieces of new trim to match those ruined by water. At Home Depot I sought out the drywall first. I could buy a full 4’X8’ piece for $4.95, or three 2’X2’ pieces for $3.95 each. My dilemma was transporting a full piece home in the Trooper. I asked a sales associate if he would cut a piece for me. And actually, I brought a razor knife just in case I needed to buy it full and cut it outside. I would’ve. The sales dude at first declined stating policy says no drywall cuts. I see this guy at least once a week. Not sure, but guess it must’ve been my puppy dog stare that made him change his mind. He offered to make one cut. I asked that he rip it down the center. We never confirmed 4’X4’ or 2’X8’, but since my opening was 73”X`17”, I preferred the latter. He cut it into two 4X4’ pieces before I could stop him. I felt bad knowing that he’d already gone above and beyond. No problem. I simply asked that he rip that one in half leaving me two 2’X4’ pieces. He agreed. Great! I left the other 4’X4’ piece there. I knew I had drywall nails and screws somewhere at home but didn’t want to risk not finding them, so I bought a $6 box of new drywall screws, too. I found a six foot poplar 1”X2” to match exactly the piece of vertical trim running up the side of the brick fireplace. As for the horizontal base molding, glad I brought my measuring tape along. What they had for sale was a full half inch shorter than what M/I homes used. I checked high and low. Nope – didn’t have it. Crap! I also picked up some 3M drywall sanding sheets, a tube of construction adhesive, and a tube of roof and chimney caulk. Grand total - $33. I stopped at Lowe’s on my drive home to see if they might have the trim in the dimensions I need. Just like HD, only in the 3” & 4.5” heights. I was a tad frustrated. Along my drive home I brain stormed for possible alternatives. I could always buy the taller piece and rip a full inch off the bottom. Hmm? At home, Mindy and the kids were still gone. I had enough time to get my drywall cut to size and screwed into place before they arrived home. I forgot to mention that Mindy stopped and picked up Lindsey and the boys on her way home. Lindsey needed/wanted to use our computer. Mindy wasted little time at the house. She left me with the kids and headed off for the baby shower at the Bethel Rd Bravo. I did my best to keep the boys occupied so that Lindsey could work on her paper. Like the week before, it took a while for Landon to warm to me, but he eventually did. I taped then applied the first coat of mud to the drywall repair. Looking good! I watched football and played with the kids while the mud dried. Mindy was back around 330pm. The four kids were a handful – not bad, just needy. I begged off-duty so I could shower. I didn’t take long. I was ready by 3:50pm. I even had time to put on another coat of mud. We left the house a little after 4pm to drop Lindsey & the boys and then head to Mindy’s mom’s place for Sunday dinner, an event we haven’t attended for one reason or another since August. The drop was eventful, but then again, when isn’t a trip to Kelly’s house eventful. Courtney was there, but seemed to be avoiding us as we pulled up. We haven’t seen or talked with her since early October. Kelly was out front mowing the lawn. I secretly snapped a photo. Off to Sunday dinner. As we passed Courtney’s minivan (Mindy’s old Nissan) parked along the street, we folded in the driver’s side mirror to protect it from a side swipe. Courtney must’ve seen us doing so and told Lindsey we hit her car. She had Lindsey call us immediately and ask. Are you kidding me? Too funny. Yeah – hit and run! We arrived at Gloria’s place around 430pm. Most were already there but not all. After a quick greeting to all, Jacob and I headed out front to toss the football. Bella joined us too. We tossed the ball for a good 20 minutes. It was fun. We headed in just before 5pm and spent time chatting/catching up with family members. Around 5:30pm dinner was served – lasagna. The food was terrific. I enjoyed it mucho. I had two helpings of lasagna. After dinner I retired to the lower level to catch up on the day’s NFL action. The little ones’ were down there playing too. Todd came down and shared the details surrounding the leak repair and ultimate rehab of Mindy’s old lower-level bedroom. We went back to check out the work. Looks great! Someone did some darn good work. It must’ve been near 630pm when dessert was served – chocolate pie. I was very excited to see that! It’s been a while. I just knew that Gloria made it especially for me. She offered up a second piece. I wanted it but used better judgment and denied myself the pleasure. I would’ve been stuffed. Mindy gathered our things around 7pm. She was eager to get the kids home and get ready for the upcoming work week. We said our goodbyes and left for home. I asked Mindy if we could stop by Ashley’s on our way home so that I could see my GD Olivia. Mindy was tired but agreed. Thanks dear! It’s not far at all from Gloria’s house. Bella suggested we call first. After a chuckle I did just that. Ashley answered and OK’d our impromptu visit. I could hear Olivia echoing excitement. That warmed my heart. Olivia ran out onto the front porch to greet us. She really makes you feel loved. She let an equally loud shrill for Mindy (Mimi). One inside she fetched all of us some Halloween candy – suckers. She showed us her new playroom tent too. She’s so cute. Ashley shared that her heat’s been out for a couple weeks on and off, but that her landlord was replacing the furnace for her on Monday. Cool! We didn’t stay long, just long enough to say hello and share some hugs. We left for home by 740pm. Jacob joined me walking Ykraps as soon as we got home. It was still fairly warm – 62 degrees. Already after 8pm, everyone got into their PJ’s and ready for bed. Bella asked me to pop popcorn but Mindy was insistent not. Truth is I didn’t want any. I was still quite full from dinner. We snuggled up on the sofa and watched SNF until almost 9pm. The kids headed to bed first, and we followed a little later at halftime.