Cutting Two Lawns in the Dark

I was up at 530am after a fairly restful night of sleep. Thank God for Advil. I was still a smidge achy, but nothing that wouldn’t shake loose during my exercise and stretching. I had my morning kit on the small table by the front door. To that end, I was successful at not waking Frankie until necessary. She was a good dog again overnight – no accidents - and did a #1 & #2 as soon as I took her out. I was most pleased. In our brief week and a half, I’m aware of only one accident. Like a couple other days this week, I kept Frankie on my lap through meditation. She likes to lay quietly and it’s really no burden. It went well. I took the puppy and coffee up to Mindy who woke warmly to the presence of her dog. And just as she often does, she placated Frankie's enthusiasm by giving here one of her own black fuzzy slippers. Again, I’m convinced that she believes it her long-lost black sister, Camilla.  With the house all to myself, I did my stretch routine then dressed for a run. I ran only 3 miles thinking it plenty after the rigorous day of yard work Tuesday. Mindy had my eggs ready by the time I returned home. Jacob was outside with Frankie doing puppy patrol. Bella was just coming down for breakfast. Mindy prepared to depart for the day. As far as I knew, there was nothing unusual on tap either at work or at home. Mindy left at 730am. I headed up for a shower. I decided to wear a pink shirt with black Dockers. I looked good. I wear pink well. Just ask me. We were ready to depart for the bus stop at 755am. Jacob carried Frankie out ahead of me. Today was the first day we planned to leave her home alone. I promised Mindy I’d come home for lunch to let her out. Once again, they let her down in David and Becky’s driveway only a few feet from the street. I scolded Jacob for doing so and swooped her up. Not on my watch! I could tell he didn’t like being reprimanded. But then again, who would? Chrissy didn’t realize that we were keeping Frankie at home. I told her that we had to do it sooner or later. She understood. She said she’d be taking Woody to her mother-in-laws then for doggie day care. I thought about driving the BM’er but didn’t. Wasn’t sure what errands, if any, I might run at lunch time. I left for work at 815am. I dropped my Dad’s trailer off on my way, too. While there, I checked on the house and Archie. He was silent, simply watching me closely from the safety of his outdoor pen. I took the back way into work – up Old Dublin Rd to Davidson. Made good time. Work was crazy busy. I really wanted to visit Target & Home Depot during lunch but couldn’t get away at the planned time of 1pm. Instead, I was hammered with escalations needing my intervention. I wasn’t pleased. Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I still have no idea what to get for Mindy. Ugh!!!!!!!!! These holiday’s seem to come from nowhere. Not only did I work through lunch, but I ended up at the office late again, this time until 610pm. I called Mindy to let her know. I had her on speaker phone when my boss walked in to say good night. Commented that Mindy had a squeaky voice. I arrived home around 630pm after stopping for mower gas at Thornton’s first. Mindy shared that Jacob was ill, throwing up as soon as he was inside off the bus. He was all sprawled out on the sofa moaning and groaning. Mindy hasn’t been 100% all week either, but her symptoms different. She’s been battling a nasty cough. She'd already made arrangements to stay home on Thursday. Now it looked like Jacob would be home with her. Meanwhile, Bella and I were strong and healthy. Mindy made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Jacob was too sick to eat. It was good but lacked enough sauce. I couldn’t add more because Mindy mixed it all together. No biggie. I asked mindy if she’d do clean-up so I could get moving on the lawn. I really should’ve cut it Tuesday while home but ran out of time and steam. In addition, I agreed to cut Chrissy’s grass too since Kenny’s working out of town all week. I owe Kenny that much. He does so much for all of us. But it was already after 7pm. I worried that there wouldn’t be enough time to do both lawns thoroughly. I was a tad stressed to be sure, not to mention tired. I whacked, edged, and push mowed our yard first. That seemed to take a bit longer than usual. Before riding, I headed over to trim Kenny’s yard with the push mower. They have a lot more trees to mow around but no hills. By then, the sun was sinking fast. I hurried through a rough trim. Like our yard, it really needed whacked but there just wasn’t time for that and mowing. I fetched the Deere and finished our yard them moved to Kenny’s. I didn’t waste a singe second and got both yards fully cut. It was after 9pm once I had the mowers stowed and locked away and was inside for a much needed shower. Just as I was preparing to get in the shower Bella came in for the same cause (she is still using our shower). Not exactly sure why. I waited patiently. My shower took just a few minutes. I was downstairs in my flannel boxers by 930pm. I was gonna make a drink but opted not. Stuck to ice water instead. I did snack on some Lime Doritos though. They’re delicious! I stayed up with Frankie for about 20 minutes after Mindy headed for bed. I joined Mindy at 1020pm.