I was up just after 7am. My first order of business was getting coffee started then sit-ups and push-ups. From that point forward, I was busy with work related matters in one form or another, details omitted.
It was sunny but the temperature only in the 20’s. The day’s high promised to reach into the mid 40s. I decided to let Mindy sleep as late as she wanted without being disturbed. Taking a break from work, I left for my run around 930am and ran four miles. During my run I was reminded how worn out my running shoes have become. I was determined to replace them sometime that afternoon.
It looked like Mindy was up when I returned from my run but she wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I eventually spotted her sitting on the deck steps, something we haven’t been able to do for several months. Even though it was chilly, the bright March sunshine was incredibly warm.
I returned to my desk where I worked most of the morning and early afternoon. Mindy planned to grocery shop later. We also discussed our intentions to have the grandkids over to celebrate three birthdays – Mindy’s, Ashley’s, and Landon’s. We figured to have them over around 430-500pm.
Our kids were expected home around noon. I shared with Mindy my plans to replace my running shoes and also get an overdue haircut. She suggested I take Jacob along too. Sounded good. They were due home any minute. Breaking the news about a haircut to Jacob was Mindy’s job. He’s over the top ridiculous about it every time. As expected, he threw a mini-fit and stormed out onto the deck. We both decided that we weren’t gonna take too much push back.
Like a lot of kids, he wants his hair long but he doesn’t groom it at all. I understand somewhat, and always make sure he gets a cut that doesn’t ‘dork’ him out. Mindy had to threaten bodily harm to get him to comply with my departure plan. I shared that we’d be stopping at Front Runner for shoes first, then Saturday’s at Lane Ave. Mall, and then lunch – his choice.
Front Runner was packed, many patrons there registering for a Sunday run. Not sure for what cause. I tried on a pair of Nikes and a pair of Asics. Running for over thirteen years, I’ve never run in anything but Nikes ,but fell in love with the Asics. They were ultra light and allowed my feet to move more freely. Wow! I paid a little more than I wanted, but my daily comfort was worth the extra bucks.
While there, we ran into Jerry, nephew Joe’s partner, standing in line registering for the Sunday run. We chatted briefly with Jacob trying to bum $5 from him. Inside joke, I guess. We talked just briefly before Jacob and I checked out. We’ll see Jerry next Friday at our family euchre tournament. Onto Saturday’s.
Lane Ave Mall is just a few blocks west of Front Runner. It was difficult to find a parking spot but we eventually did. Jacob was quite pleasant. There was no wait at Saturday’s. Both Jacob and I got our hair cut at the same time. This store is kind of tucked away more than their others. I haven’t been to this Saturday’s for about 2.5 years. And come to think of it, I’ve only been there a total of three or four other times. Having my haircut there is how I met Sparky.
I gave explicit instructions to the girl cutting Jacob’s hair, and specifically requested she leave his bangs long, but not in his eyes. I could see that Jacob appreciated my specifity.
The young woman cutting my hair was very animated, overtly so. She’s from New Orleans and still sports a strong Louisiana accent. She talks non-stop. Come to think of it, she cut my hair the last time I was in. Told me she’s been there for nine years. She asked who butchered me prior. – Great Clips, I replied.
Jacob and I were done in less than 15 minutes. I bought a new tube of hair gel - Tea Tree. Very pricey stuff, but it works great. Two haircuts, gel, and tip - $50. We stopped in Buckeye Corner on our way out. I thought Jacob might ask for a collectible but he didn’t. We were both hungry and settled on El Vaquero as we found our way back to the Trooper.
We arrived at the Vaq a few minutes later. Our trip was very efficient, nothing was out of the way – all in one line. We were seated in a booth and quickly greeted with chips and salsa as expected. Jacob panicked when he couldn’t find his usual entrĂ©e on the menu. He couldn’t remember the exact name either. He had me peruse it for something close. I found one and bounced it off him first. He agreed. Basically, it was chicken and beef enchiladas, rice, and beans smothered in a green sauce. Mindy called while we ate our lunch. She and Bella were just leaving Wendy’s and heading to Wal-Mart.
At home, I got back to work and stayed busy into the afternoon. Jacob ran off to neighbor Jake’s. Mindy & Bella returned from the grocery about an hour later. It must’ve about 3pm. She bought a boat load of groceries having not been fully stocked for a few weeks due to our ski trip.
Ex-Kelly dropped Lindsey & the boys a little early – about 345pm. We agreed to get Lindsey home. The boys were staying the night. We were expecting Ashley & Olivia, too, but they were still at the mall shopping. We planned to order pizzas for dinner whenever they arrived.
Mindy decided to order the pizzas before Ash & Olivia arrived. We ordered 4 Domino’s medium pies. Ashley & Olivia arrived along with Steven. Wasn’t sure if he was coming or not. Steven’s proud of himself for completing his GED and starting at Ohio State barber college. He’s a natural at cutting hair. We’re just happy that he’s finally growing up, or so it seems. Ashley loves him, we know that for sure, and so does Olivia.
The pizza arrived a short time later. Everybody enjoyed it. Good thing we bought four. Not a lot of leftovers. After pizza, we lit the cake Mindy bought three times, once for each birthday celebrant. We sang the birthday song three times too. It was fun!
Afterwards, we gave Landon and Ashley gifts. Landon got some clothes and an electronic learning toy that Bella picked out. Unlike most young boys, Landon loves to get clothes. Hmmm? He’s very sweet and always gracious.
Ashley & Steven didn’t stay too long after cake and gift time. They kindly agreed to drop Lindsey at home saving us the trouble. Soon after they departed we ushered the wee ones upstairs for baths. Olivia loves to take baths. She and Landon took one together. Sad to say, but Landon and Rocky both reeked of cat piss. Every time they come over my eyes itch.
After baths and PJ’s we all settled in the familyroom for movie time. Mindy picked up a new DVD, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Cute - interesting animated movie. I popped popcorn at the kids’ request. They made quite a mess with it, but they were having fun. After the movie, Mindy got all of the kids to bed save for Landon, who fell asleep on the sofa. I fell asleep too. Mindy came down and carried Landon up after waking and asking me.
I had to get involved with work yet again before bed. Everybody's wanting a piece of me. I got to bed around 11pm.
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