Purple Sage

I was up at 530am without any trouble. Before starting my exercises I refilled my water glass, took my Prevacid, and doused my eyes with lubricating drops. On the PC I checked the weather. It was only 34 degrees under clear skies. I took notice and planned to dress accordingly for my run later. By the time I had finished my push-ups and a half cup of coffee it was 605am. I decided to go ahead and meditate before waking Mindy all while knowing that would put me about five minutes in front of her typical wake time. I rationalized it by saying that she often lays there at least another five minutes anyway. I headed up to wake Mindy at 615am with coffee in hand. As expected, she didn’t fret one bit. Back downstairs I had only to stretch then dress for my run. I wore a thick winter wicking shirt, fleece, hand and ear covers. Attire more suited for 20 degrees or below, but considering that I am no longer used to winter-type chill, I didn’t want to risk being too cold. And as it turned out, I was perfectly comfortable for the run’s duration. I ran four miles with just an occasional twinge in my right knee, but nothing too concerning. Mindy was preparing breakfast at reentry. I fetched her keys and went to warm the frosted-over Honda. Haven’t had to do that in quite a while. Mindy shared that she was making scrambled eggs and wanted to know if I still wanted an English muffin. Yes. Bella woke tired and crabby. Whined at the breakfast table about everything. Mindy assured both kids that they’d be going to bed early Monday night. Mindy barked at me for teasing Bella. What can I say, low hanging fruit! Mindy scooted off to work at 730am and after remind the kids to ride Noah’s bus home. As usual, the kids were less needy after Mindy departed. It must have something to do with the roles we play. I quickly headed off to the shower. I floss everyday, but for the last couple of years, not under my retainer. But I have a dental appointment coming up in a couple of weeks and I want to avoid being chastised for not doing so. So, for the last four or five days, I’ve been taking the time to do it. Felt good. It was 755am on the nose when I made my way downstairs. Jacob was just heading out. As always, Bella waited for me. Chrissy and the girls were already at the bus stop and had Woody in tow, too. Kenny’s taking him in for his first shots late in the morning. Ouch! Off to work after some kitchen clean-up. Work wasn’t too bad at all. Had an impromptu meeting with my boss and peer that lasted about an hour, otherwise, it was business as usual. I headed to Home Depot and Lowe’s during lunch. I was hoping to find some healthy looking Midnight Purple sage. I saw some at Lowes last week. Home Depot didn’t have any. I didn’t hang out long, although I did buy two 18v replacement bulbs for my rechargeable flashlight. You knmow, the one I dropped Saturday during the dryer vent cleaning project. They were pricier than I expected – two for $10. I headed down the road a mile to Lowes. Overall, I’d say Lowe’s nursery stock is generally superior to HD both in quantity and quality. They had about a dozen mid-sized purple sage plants. I picked the three nicest, fullest. While there, I also picked up two Dianthus. They were all $5.99 each. I was back to work by 220pm. The afternoon sunshine left it feeling warmer than it really was. It was only 66 degrees, but gorgeous. The rest of the work day went by swiftly. It was soon time to head home. I called Mindy just before leaving work. She was browning ground beef for tacos, although started out believing she’d be making stuffed peppers. She shared that my dad would be joining us for dinner. I passed dad on my way home. He pulled up at the house right behind me. Dad spent his day at Buckeye lake test driving his boat with its new motor – one more suited to his age (requires much less manual intervention). Said it was chilly but nice out on the water. Liked the boats performance. While chatting, I replaced the bulb in my flashlight. Bulbs fit/worked. Good. Soon dinner was served. Everyone made their own burrito/tacos. I made two, a regular taco and burrito. I was stuffed after eating both. Mindy insisted we have some of Jacob’s ice cream birthday cake after dinner. She twisted my arm. It was good. I suggested both Mindy & dad follow me outdoors where I intended to plant the five perennials I bought earlier. I didn’t really have the energy initially but the fatigue quickly faded and I got all five planted. Dad left for home around 730pm while I was in the middle of the planting, which I might add, might be the earliest planting I’ve done. I watered them in before heading inside. I tinkered with the idea of firing up the irrigation system but once again didn’t. I was tired and ready to relax. Inside, I helped get the kids ready for showers. Bella was insulted by her mother, for what I can’t readily recall. She wanted only me to assist with the shower. Once I had her shower underway I headed back downstairs where I started icing my knee. Mindy had Bella do her daily reading with me prior to tuck in. The reading went fast. After tuck in I iced my knee until bedtime. I fell asleep on the sofa with the ice pack tied loosely to my knee. I woke around 940pm to go to bed.