Blessed Weekend

I was up just ahead of 530am. I could see that it was gonna be another cloudy start to the day. I was able to complete my sit-ups and eye drops before freeing Frankie. That helps me get a jump on the day. She and I headed outside around 545am. I completed my push-ups from the deck’s lower level while waiting on Frankie to finish her business. We headed inside a few minutes later where I enjoyed a cup of coffee before starting meditation and stretching. After completing those two daily rituals, I took Frankie out for a second, more successful, back yard romp. While delivering the pug & coffee, Mindy reminded me that I wouldn’t see the kids after this morning for ten days – leaving for their beach vacation immediately after school. Noted. I walked by their rooms. Both were still soundly sleeping. I headed downstairs to prepare for my run. The sky was foggy and it was really warm, about 70 degrees. The sun was busting through the moist air making it about as humid as it could possibly be at that hour. I ran with a sleeveless shirt but peeled it off a mile or so into the run. It was sticky! I decided to roll my run back to three miles to facilitate a little more family time at home with the kids before school. Back at home, both kids were quiet and slow moving. According to Mindy, a byproduct of not enough sleep. I snapped a couple photos and tried my best to get them pumped for the last day of school. I told Jacob that I charged his iTouch overnight so it would be available for his trip. Next, and at Mindy's prompting, I measured their height. Jacob measured 59.25 inches while Bella measured 46.5 inches. While Mindy put the finishing touches on breakfast, I quickly went to my blog and pulled up their heights measured on the first day of school. While Jacob grew about an inch, Bella doubled that by growing a full two inches during the school year. Mindy left for school around 740am. Shared that she expected to be home by 1 or 2pm. And like any other day, the kids and I headed out for the bus stop at 757am. The year's last bus stop was on time. I gave both kids a big hug and told them to have fun on their beach vacation. See ya in ten days! I took Frankie home and out back for a third opportunity to relieve herself with me at the helm. I left for the office a few minutes later than optimum, about 820am. The morning turned completely sunny during my commute into work. Nice! Expected to reach into the low 80’s. We were busy, but no more than any other Friday. I made arrangements to take a lunch around 1pm. I drove to All Seasons Spas to buy a new filter for our hot tub. The existing filter was 6 or 7 years old and completely spent. Not only that, but it was severely damaged during winter’s freeze. A new filter set me back $80. Yikes! Next, I drove to the nearby Kroger to fetch a bottle of Jack Daniels. I ended up buying a half gallon. Barring a Jack attack, that should last quite a while.  I saw that they had some really fresh roses, but didn’t buy any. I worried that they’d die baking in the Trooper for the day’s duration. Sorry Princess! The afternoon was busy. I worked awfully hard. I couldn’t wait for the day to end and the weekend to finally be upon us. I made arrangements to leave the office at 5pm and actually managed to get out of there by 505pm. I called Mindy on my way home. She shared a few stories, the kids emotional departure for vacation, and one about her retiring principal Jane. I shared a conversation I had earlier with daughter Ashley, asking if we would keep Olivia Saturday morning so she could work OT. I told Mindy that I agreed to do it. Actually, she asked about overnight but I advised her that we had Friday night plans. I arrived home just before 530pm. Mindy was in an extremely good mood this being the actual last day of school. She and I sat on the deck with Frankie soaking up the early evening sun. Mindy made herself a rum drink. I sipped water. Kenny stopped over to invite us down later. Having some friends over. We planned to hit Barley’s but promised to stop over after. Mindy went for a shower while I went for my book and a nap from the deck’s chaise lounger. I fell asleep but not sure for how long. Mindy was all but ready to go as I headed inside. Before leaving, I changed into shorts and a fresh t-shirt. Crowded. We parked in the gravel lot. Mindy and I took stools separated by a couple of familiar faces. Consequently, carrying on separate conversations. To start, I sipped a Centennial while Mindy enjoyed a rum & Coke. Soon after my first beer was gone I ordered food, a Cuban with bacon, or as my friend Dan and I aptly renamed, the triple porker! Mindy ordered KC wings promising to share a few of them with me. Mindy presented one of our favorite servers, Beth with a graduation card that we stuffed with a little cash. She just completed her masters program at OSU. She’s a sweetie! Also serving on Friday was Katie, who I haven’t seen in their on a Friday night for several years. Tom C. showed up after we had been there for a good 90 minutes. We didn’t stay more than another hour. In fact, I believe we left even before 10pm. Mindy picked up the tab. Mindy asked if I wanted to hot tub or join the neighbors. I chose hanging with the neighbors. We headed down to Chrissy & Kenny's. I took a 22oz bottle of Brew Kettle IPA. Kenny and friends were sitting out on the deck. Commented that it was a quiet night in the subdivision. We didn’t stay longer than an hour. Mindy left after about 40 minutes, apparently agitated with the topic of our conversation. I was about 10-15 minutes behind her and left in charge of seeing Frankie home. Was in bed by 1105pm.