I woke a few times during the night to the sound of Mindy getting up and out of bed. I knew that couldn't be good. I didn’t realize it at the time but apparently she was up getting sick. She knew going to bed that I planned on sleeping in. Come 630am I saw that she was still sleeping. I woke her asking if she was going to work. Said she was. I went back to sleep for a few more minutes but got up not ten minutes later. Mindy complained of feeling ill. Sounded horrible, but said it would be too difficult to miss work.
I headed downstairs and started my workout. I delivered Mindy some coffee too. It dawned on me while sipping coffee that I needed to hurry and do my run, otherwise, Bella and Jacob might be home alone. It was almost 7am and Mindy typically leaves for work at 730am. I rushed through a stretch and then dressed somewhat hurriedly, too. I wasn’t out the door until 710am. By then, Mindy was downstairs. She realized that the kids might be alone for a few minutes. I asked that she advise Bella that I was out running when she woke her to prevent her from freaking out. She agreed. We weren’t expecting Jimaken until 745am. She could be alone for a few minutes.
Out of necessity, I decided to trim my run to three miles, but even that I knew would be cutting it close. My knee felt a lot better but still barked a couple times. I got home around 740am. Jimaken’s car was in the drive, and Mindy already gone. Inside, both kids were up and playing with their daddy, Jacob dressed for a day at the office while Bella remained in her PJ’s. Jimaken and Jacob soon left. Bella shared that her momma told her I was out running. She said she wasn’t afraid and that Jimaken got there right after her momma left.
Bella was in good spirits and was anxious for Lillian and Makayla to be coming down. We expected them around 8am. In the meantime, I was already logged into work and somewhat busy dealing with the same issue keeping me at work late the past two days. Bella asked if I would make crescent rolls. Of course.
Unbeknownst to her, I put a "Jimmy" spin on the baking. For starters, I doubled them in size, making eight into just four. After baking, I painted them in butter then sprinkled sugar over top. They looked scrumptious! Bella agreed. It was now 830am but still no sign of Lilly & Makayla. They eventually arrived around 840am. They each enjoyed one of the special crescent rolls then headed outside to play jump rope. It was gorgeous, about 58 and sunny. I only asked that they not get dirty. After all, they were headed to school in a little over an hour.
While the kids played outside I worked from my laptop. I noticed Kenny out back with the kids. I went out to chat. Keith was him, his brother-in-law, over to give me an estimate for sanding my deck. It’s something I would never thought to do on my own, but something Kenny recommends and did to his. Makes for a very smooth surface. I figured I’d see how much before deciding if it makes sense. I already plan to power wash and stain it later this spring.
10am came quickly. I hollered out back for the girls to get ready for the bus stop five minutes prior. They were quick to respond and we headed for the bus stop at 1000am sharp.
Originally, I planned to already be showered, but I didn’t expect to be so fully engaged in work and so early. As it was, I was still in my running clothes after the school bus picked up the kids. I was quick back to the house and in the shower. I was ready to go by 1025am. Mindy phoned just before I left the house just to make sure all went well. Yes, of course. She sounded bad and said she planned on coming home at lunch time and going back to bed. I headed for work with my golf clubs and proper attire in tow.
The first half of the day flew by. It was noon seemingly in the blink of an eye, definitely a byproduct from working at home all morning. I worked straight through my day. Mindy called sometime just before noon to let me know that she was home and crawling in bed. She still planned on receiving our new puppy after the kids left with Jimaken later that evening. She wanted it to be a surprise when they arrived home. I reminded her that I’d most likely be golfing but didn’t have the details of where or with who just then.
I fired off an email to the Bob’s probably near 2pm. I heard back from Mr Imber in short order. He was out. Cited tendonitis in his arm. Plans to rest it. The other Bob didn’t show up for work. I called Tom C., Thursday being his day off. He was interested in golfing and agreed to call around for an opening. Called back a short time later to share that Dublin Golf Club could get us on at 430pm for 18 and a cart for $29. Wow, what deal! Haven’t played there but hear it’s a nice track. The only catch was that they would be teaming us up with another twosome unless we had a third or fourth.
That wasn’t a bad thing, because I thought Kenny might want to play. I called him to measure his ability/interest. He couldn’t get away, committed to getting the kids off the school bus. He mentioned that he was holding our new puppy during the call. Said he tried calling Mindy but was unsuccessful. I shared that she was ill but still planned on getting it, but only after the kids left with their dad.
I called Tom back to let him know that it would be just he & I. We both agreed the drive to Indian Springs would be worth the while – never a wait and a premium track.
Agreed to meet there by 5pm.
To that end, I made plans to leave the office at 410pm. But as often happens, my afternoon got incredibly busy. I felt under the gun, and for a moment thought I might have to call Tom back and cancel. Thankfully, though, I got things under enough control that I could comfortably bolt at 415pm. I called Mindy to let her know that golf was a go and to also check on her well being. She’d just woken up and reported feeling considerably better. Planned to run out to get puppy supplies once the kids were off with their daddy. She asked me if I wanted to discuss my concerns about having a new dog- the rules, etc.. No, not now. Later.
I hate long drives. It’s the impatience in me. But I made a conscientious effort to try and enjoy the peace, scenery, and lovely weather. I must’ve been about 70 degrees. It’s a 27 mile drive to Indian Springs, most of it (20 miles) straight out Rt 161, a two lane highway.
I arrived at 455pm. Tom was already there waiting on me for a change. Had our cart and green fees covered. Cool! Load ‘em up and go! Unfortunately, there was another twosome just teeing off, but no other golfers in sight. We opted to play the back nine first rather than wait.
Hole #10, I hit a premo drive about 250 yards straight down the middle with a slight draw. I was happy. I was sitting at 155 yards. No time like now to get out the 6-iron and prove my demons behind me and finally display on the course what I fixed on the range. Unfortunately, I topped my 2nd shot slightly resulting in a weak line drive netting only about 90-100 yards. It went straight though. I wasn’t too worried. I still had work to do, however. I got out my trusty new 60 degree wedge and wacked it. Crap – weak left slice. What? NOOOOOOO! All I could do was shake my head. There’s no doubt that I felt uncomfortable over the ball. For some reason, my comfort on the range hasn’t yet translated to the course.
Had a difficult shot to get it up and down already lying in three. I left myself a 15’ putt. Two putt for a double. Dang it!
Next hole is a 150 yard par 3 over a giant frog pond. I hit two bad shots in the drink. Internally, I was beside myself. I had to hit number 5 from the drop zone. Ended up with 7. I know, horrible!
The next hole is a fave of ours. To use Tom’s words, we both nutted our drives straight and long – right down the middle. I was pleased, Sadly, I hit my 3-wood poorly and ended up with a bogey. I joked that the bogey is my new par.
We ended up playing 15 or 16 holes before giving way to the sinking sun. My driving was good, but my iron play and putting, very poor. You might guess that I’d be deflated, but I wasn’t. I know that I’ll get it back on track here soon. It’s apparently just gonna take a little longer than I had hoped. The one positive was that I had a handful of decent iron shots mixed in with the bad. I couldn’t say that last week.
We didn’t finish until something like 810pm. And I tried phoning Mindy before driving off but she didn’t answer. Last time we played Indian Springs it was a week after my LASIK. I struggled driving against the oncoming headlights that evening. Thursday was a different story. My eyesight was far, far better. I was very happy about that.
It turned out being 31 miles from the lot to my driveway, and it took about 38 minutes.
Bella greeted me in the foyer eager to introduce me to our new puppy, Daisy? Oh no, this is the very name I absolutely refused to accept for any dog living in my house. Mindy & I already had that discussion. I was a little disappointed that she went ahead and shared that moniker with the kids.
More importantly, I was ravenously hungry, and went for something that I could eat right now. I grabbed the potato chips & dip and began snacking away. Not sure what it is about golf that makes me so doggone hungry for carbs but it happens every time. After devouring nearly the entire bag of chips, I decided I needed something of greater substance. I nuked a hot dog. It was good, but I was still hungry. Next up, a bowl of Fruit Loops. They hit the spot, too.
I reminded Jacob that the NFL draft was underway. He turned the TV on and to ESPN. The kids were very excited to have their new puppy. Bella pulled me aside and shared that we could give it back if it didn’t work out. I found her sincerity very endearing. I hadn’t spent anytime with her yet, the puppy that is. And by the way, she’s even smaller than Woody. Mindy bought a new bed, bowls, food, and a collar. The bed is very small, but then again, so is the puppy.
The kids got to stay up until about 930pm or the 22nd pick in the draft. The Vikings weren’t slated to pick until #30, a byproduct of a season that ended seconds from a Super Bowl birth. Ouch! Still hurts a little.
After tucking in the kids I iced my knee and sat on the family room floor watching more of the draft and determined to stay up for the Vikings pick. Mindy headed for bed around 1015pm after putting the puppy, along with its bed, in Sparky’s old pen. It didn’t take long for her to start whining and crying. After all, this is all new to her. After ten minutes, I caved and got her out and placed on my lap. She played some but seemed more interested in sleep.
Her crying, by the way, sounds more like two dogs instead of one. It’s hard to describe other than saying I can hear two distinct noises being produced simultaneously. Freaky!
So, getting back to the draft and the Vikings, after the long wait – until 1045pm – they traded their pick to the Lion’s. I was disappointed only because I stayed up waiting. However, I thought trading was a sound move. After seeing the Colts pick at #31, I put the puppy back in the pen and headed for bed. Good night moon.
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