Range, Brats & Lawn

I was up on time and downstairs before 535am. Frankie immediately detected my presence and started crying for attention. Drats! I was disappointed in myself for not taking the time the night before to place all of my morning routine essentials somewhere out of her sight and convenient for me (I.E. my exercise shoes, eye drops, Prevacid). As a consequence, I had to endure her whining while I completed my sit-ups and push-ups. I’ve had to cut my PC time to almost nothing. Instead, I’m using that time to take Frankie outside a couple of times not wanting to risk an accident. I’m learning that she likes to frolic around and offer up some lovin’ for a few minutes before doing anything else. As I said, I took her twice. The first time she did nothing, the second time she pee’d. I had to balance coffee time & play time with Frankie. She needs the interaction. I’m repeatedly telling myself to be patient and help her establish a routine that both she and I can live with early mornings. I told Mindy the evening before that one solution is to put her pen in the basement. She didn’t seem to care too much for that idea. I delivered Mindy’s coffee as well as Frankie at 610am. They were delighted to see one another. I headed downstairs to peace and quiet where I somewhat hurriedly did a meditation and stretch routine. I dressed and left for a run at 635am. It was quite chilly. In fact, a coating of frost covered Mindy’s windshield. I wore hand covers but skipped the ears. I was fine. I ran four miles without as much as a peep from my knee. Fantastic! While running, I contemplated how I wanted my day to unfold. I planned to visit the driving range for lunch, then cut the lawn later that evening. All of that in addition to a good day at the office, of course.  I started Mindy’s Honda without being asked. We enjoyed breakfast as a family. Mindy bolted just after 730am and I headed to the shower. The kids and I headed for the bus stop with Frankie in tow. Once again, Kenny was staying home and happily agreed to keep her with Woody. Says it makes it easier with them both. We appreciate his kindness. Sooner or later, though, Frankie’s gonna have to go it alone. After the kids were off I headed back home for some last minute prep. Everything a go, I bolted for work. It was still quite chilly – only in the 40’s but under brilliant sunshine. The workday went about as well as one could expect. I left for the driving range around 115pm after getting stuck on a conference call prior. I decided to hit off the grass tees, thinking that would better simulate real golf conditions. Too, I planned to hit a lot of iron shots with crappy lies - out of divots if possible, again to simulate real golf conditions. It was pleasant enough – about 63 degrees and sunny. I got a jumbo bucket for a $1 more, once again figuring I’d leave what I couldn’t hit for someone else to enjoy. I mis-hit my first two swings but made solid contact with every club thereafter, and that included my 3 and 4 irons. I was happy. I took my time between shots too, trying to simulate a real golf shot versus practice drills. The end goal is transferring range results to the course. Part of golf is as much about good game management – club selection, proper alignment, address, and follow through. I hit many of my clubs as well as I ever have. I didn’t get out my 6-iron until I was warm. I hit most of those high, straight and long. Again, I was encouraged. I left about 20 balls for the guy next to me. Before leaving, I practiced putting. I was back at the office by 230pm. I ate my packed lunch, veggies and tuna. It was after 3pm when I finished my food. Where had the day gone? I talked with Mindy around 4pm. She was grilling brats for dinner after confirming that I didn’t feel like dining out. I shared my desire to cut the lawn. The grass is long and I’m on-call this coming weekend. The way I saw it, it was now or who knows when. She said she already assumed I might want to do that. I left work a few minutes early at 520pm, and was home by 540pm. The puppy was sound asleep in her pen/bed, apparently worn out from her day with brother Woody and Kenny. Too cute! Dinner was ready in a hurry. Again, we were having brats and potato salad. I ate two brats. One on a bun, the other without. I asked Mindy if she'd mind finishing clean-up duty so I could head out and start on the lawn. She agreed, but said afterwards she and Bella were taking Frankie to visit her mom. Gloria hadn’t yet met Frankie. Over the next 1.5 hours, I whacked, edged, mowed, and blowed. The lawn, especially the front, looked awesome when completed. I expected Mindy home sooner. I was able to get a shower and putter around the house some before she, Bella, and Frankie returned. They apparently stopped and Jodi & Larry’s house, too, introducing Frankie to her cousins. Somehow, Jacob talked his mom out of making him take a shower. The rest of the evening was spent readying for bed. Frankie and I napped on the sofa before Mindy woke us around 930pm to head up to bed.