Silly Bands

The forecasters were correct. The lovely weather we enjoyed Thursday was gone as quickly as it arrived. We were right back where we’d been for most of the last 7 or 8 days – gray skies with the expectation of significant rain with temperatures struggling to reach 68. I was up at 530am and quickly had my routine underway. Frankie and I carried on with the morning like most others. After two trips outside, exercise, coffee, stretching and meditation, I took Frankie to Mindy so I could head out for my run. Meanwhile, I was so thankful that it was Friday. I needed a weekend like never before. I ran four miles like usual, finding myself back at home near 715am. Mindy had my eggs already prepared and waiting. Even thought the temperature was in the mid 50’s it felt warmer due to high humidity. The kids were wearing shorts I noticed. Mindy must’ve relaxed her short wearing policy. :) Mindy left for work at 730am. I took Frankie upstairs while I showered. I wore the new purple t-shirt mindy bought me a couple weeks ago. It looked good – soft and snug! I was determined to do everything within my power to help Friday become a good day at the office. To aide in that effort, I packed my iTouch. It was raining come bus time. Jacob and I shared an umbrella. Bella had her own. I took Frankie out back for one last romp before heading off to work. Work was busy, but I was hell bent on not allowing it to overrun me. To that end, I planned a hair cut for lunch time and left the office around 1pm. I decided on Saturday’s. My wait was next to none. She already knew the drill: clippers sides and back. She asked how much length off the top. About an inch, I replied. By the time she was finished, my hair was as short as it’s been in a couple of years. I didn’t say anything. It always grows back. In fact, I still tipped her well. No additional stops. Straight back to work. It rained on and off through the afternoon. Work got a little crazy here and there but once again I did my best to keep it at bay. After a crazy week, I asked my boss about leaving a little early, but only like 30 minutes. He was cool with it. I didn’t bother calling and telling Mindy. I left the office at 505pm. It’s sad that that felt early, but that’s how it’s been lately. Looked like Dena’s minivan parked in front of the house. Yep, she and Noah were over for a visit. Mindy and Dena were sitting in the living room chatting quietly as I entered. After a brief meet & greet I headed on into the kitchen/familyroom. There sat Noah and Jacob but not making any eye contact or conversation. It dawned on me that the two of them were at odds with one another. I casually made my way back into the living room where Dena asked if the boys were talking. No, I shared. Noah, looked sad but willing. On the other hand, Jacob was doing what he often does to me, looking the other way and not speaking. Unable to endure the chilly silence, I asked the boys if they wanted to throw the football. Too wet, Jacob replied. Noah, of course, said yes. Hmm? How about cards? I took a deck cards out of drawer and into the family room and asked if either of them knew how to play 52 pick-up. Nope? Well, let’s play then. They both said yes. The result got a chuckle out of them both. I picked up the cards and said I’d teach them how to play Black Jack/21. Both were willing. Soon we were engaged in cards and having fun. I knew the girls would appreciate me helping to break the ice. What I didn’t know was that that was the sole purpose of the visit. They purposefully left the boys in the room together insisting they work out their differences. After about 30 minutes of Black Jack the boys wanted to stop, and so did I. I stretched out on the familyroom floor flat on my back. I eventually drifted off to sleep. When I woke, Noah and Dena were gone. Hmm? Must’ve slept a little deeper than I thought. Of all things, Mindy and Bella left to go find silly bands, a new fad for kids that are little more that colored plastic rubber bands in various shapes and worn as bracelets. I heard they’re selling packs of 25 for $5! Mindy said earlier that we’d be getting pizza with the neighbors, but I thought she said she’d order them when they got home. I played the guitar for about 30 minutes, something I haven’t done much of at all lately.  Funny how that happens. Frankie seems drawn to my strumming. I found her coiled up next to my feet while I played. Meanwhile, it was raining at a good clip, and probably more so than any other point during the day. Any hopes I had of it clearing out earlier than predicted were dashed. Mindy & Bella returned with silly bands and pizza, I’m guessing it was around 7pm. The neighbors were supposed to join us, but weren’t yet over. I was hungry and quickly dug into the pizza. Kenny & Chrissy showed up with the girls about 20 minutes later. To help lighten the mood for everyone, I put in the first Austin Powers movie. Forgot how funny it is. Still amazes me that Mindy hasn’t seen any of the Austin Powers movies. Around 8pm Kapil and Poebena came over with Isha. While we yucked it up inside, there was one heck of a thunderstorm rumbling away outside. I took the pugs out, both Woody & Frankie, right in the middle of a heavy downpour. Lightning and thunder was flashing and clapping too. Scary! With all the rain we’ve had, this is the first major thunderstorm in quite a while, and only the second all season. Our guests headed home around 10pm. I checked the Reds/Indians score before bed. Reds won. Cool!