Paskha

It was Easter morning and I was up around 755am. Once again, there were clear blue skies over head and relatively mild temps. Because it was Sunday, I didn’t plan on doing any sit-ups or push-ups. Instead, I made coffee and went immediately to my two computers, aptly named work and pleasure. I decided Saturday to stop using the antibiotic and steroid eye drops and rely solely on the lubricating drops. I doused my eyes accordingly then poured a cup of coffee. I wasn’t up too long before I heard the kids scampering about. They were excited to get downstairs to nab their Easter bounty. Soon, Mindy and the kids were downstairs. And just like we have every year for the past five, we had an inside egg hunt. Honestly, though, I think they’re both getting a little big for an indoor – one room egg hunt. Mindy made them each a nice Easter basket too, that contained traditional candy along with a couple small gifts. They seemed appreciative. Mindy planned on attending Easter service at Cross Roads United Methodist Church. Some time around 930am I shared that I wasn’t planning to join her. I simply had no desire, but fully understood her wanting to. She didn’t act to surprised or bothered like I worried she might. She and the kids left around 1015am. Soon after they were gone I readied for my Sunday run. It was about 55 and sunny, ideal for running. I ran just three miles hoping to get back on track with my usual routine of 4 miles Mon –Sat. Once back home, I woofed down some cheese chunks and poured a second cup of coffee. I then gathered everything I’d need to install our new track light over the fireplace. Of course the first thing I did was take down the old, outdated track light. It was originally white but yellowed over time. After taking it down I remembered what was so challenging about putting it up. When we had the house built we had the builder (M/I Homes) rough in light box. Instead of using a standard junction box, they used a light switch box. Most lighting fixtures don’t match up to the two holes provided on a switch box. I had to improvise then and would have to once again. The directions supplied ith the new track light were somewhat cryptic. I read them completely before starting the reinstall. I must’ve made ten trips up and down the ladder for one reason or another. I got frustrated more than once and did my share of swearing. I had to alter the suggested install process a bit to accommodate for having only two hands.  After wiring & securing the new track, all that was left was to install the four light fixtures. And because there were four, I had the luxury of highlighting some of our art pieces. I am embarrassed to point out that I wasn’t sure how to move the tracks once snapped into place. I damn near broke one of the heads trying to move it. It wasn’t until I’d all but given up that I figured it out. Mindy & the kids returned from church just as I was finishing up the clean-up. Mindy really liked the light. I knew she would. It was about 1230pm and the temperature was warming up nicely. It was 70 and sunny. Mindy made all of us lunch, grilled cheese sandwiches. After devouring my sandwich, I headed out for some yard work. I planned to do backyard flower bed prep, which included cutting back the ornamental grasses and the other assorted perennials then raking out the beds and loading it all onto my trusty tarp. I worked in the yard for about two hours. It always takes longer than one might expect. I’d have to do the front yard another day, but it’s still early in the season. Mindy suggested we leave for her mother’s sometime after 330pm. To that end, I headed in for a shower. This would be just our second Sunday dinner this year. We were ready to go by 345pm. Mindy & I headed off in the Trooper, arriving just before 4pm. The kids, I failed to mention, were having Easter dinner with Jimaken’s family. Jimaken planned to drop them off at Gloria’s later. We spent the first hour or so visiting, sharing stories and waiting on others to arrive. Dinner was served somewhere between 5-530pm. There was ham, roast beef, stuffing, and macaroni salad. I had a little of everything, but consciously avoided over stuffing myself. After dinner many went on a neighborhood walk. I did not. We hung out for another hour before dessert was served. The kids arrived shortly before dessert time. Dessert consisted of “icebox cookies” and lemon cheese cake. I had some of each. We didn’t stick around too long after dessert. It was approaching 8pm and it was a work/school night. We loaded into the Trooper and headed for home. It was such a lovely evening I wished we had gotten home sooner so we could’ve taken advantage of the nice weather. As it was, we needed to get the kids ready for bed. I quickly tuned the TV to Life, already underway, not wanting to miss it this week. Mindy let the kids stay up longer than usual watching. It must’ve been 915pm when she forced the issue. Mindy & I watched the rest of Life before heading to bed.