Taking the Elevator to CBC

I was up at 530am after a good night of sleep. I could see that it was going to be a clear morning glancing out the bathroom window. Once downstairs, I whipped through my sit-ups before even considering opening Frankie’s pen door. In fact, I checked the weather from the PC beforehand, too. It was very cool for June – only 52 degrees. I grabbed my fleece before heading out back with the dog. We must’ve been out back for about ten minutes. Frankie was taking her dear old time. Finally back inside, I almost forgot that I hadn’t yet completed my push-ups. Before enjoying any coffee, I stopped and whipped out 55 of them. Frankie and I played in the familyroom while I enjoyed coffee. I tried to calm her so I could do my morning meditation. Then, after a thorough stretch, I took Frankie out for the second time and just ahead of my run. Frankie went to her pen during my run. I ran my four miles in long running attire. I was comfortable. It’s probably worth mentioning that I haven’t had any trouble whatsoever from my right knee for a few weeks now. That’s great news. And aside from an occasional spasm, my neck and shoulders have been pain free too. Again, great news! Before heading inside to start my breakfast, I checked the small patch of grass seed I planted between the sidewalk and curb last week in a spot that I believe was damaged by dog piss. It’s sprouting like crazy. That makes me happy. Inside I moved swiftly through organizing my lunch and preparing my eggs. I freed Frankie from her pen, too. After eating my delicious fried eggs, the two of us headed out back again. I took the pug and coffee to Mindy at 740am. Time for a shower. Mindy rolled out of bed just as I was heading downstairs to make my final preparations for departure. We sat on the deck again, soaking up the morning sunshine while enjoying some coffee. I drove the Trooper thinking I might head to the driving range at lunch. Beyond the present moment, I wasn’t sure what the weather was supposed to do. I left for work at 820am. It was a glorious drive in under clear blue skies and temps in low 60’s – just a perfect day. I disappeared into my work for the entire morning. It was another tough day. Despite a full plate, I managed to sneak away for a lunch and headed to the driving range just as I had planned. It was sunny when I arrived but clouded over while I practiced. I practiced with my irons only and hit them well, at least through the first 50-60 balls. I must admit, however, after that my sharpness and accuracy went south in a hurry. I attribute that to atrophy. I think I’ll stick to a smaller bucket moving forward. It was 210pm by the time I was back at work. By then the temperature was much cooler and the cloud cover thick. Our sunny morning was a thing of the past. From that point forward I lost contact with the external conditions as I completed the rest of my busy work day. I left the office for the day somewhere near 510pm. Mindy wanted to go out for dinner – not Barley’s. I arrived home around 530pm. Mindy was outside with Frankie. During the day she had done more painting and did the grocery shopping. I was happy to see that she bought me more eye drops as well as several other items I had on my wish list. We decided to visit the Elevator Brewing Co. for dinner. I freshened up a little before we headed out. It was cloudy and only in the mid 60s when we left the house. We parked in the lot adjacent to the Elevator. Mindy paid the $5 fee. I had no cash. Our first thought was a table on their patio, but quickly changed our minds and opted for seats at the bar instead. Mindy thought t she’d be too chilly outside. I agreed. Reviewing their beer menu, I chose their Three Frogs IPA, although I already knew it wasn’t that good. Mindy tried two beers but eventually settled on a glass of wine. They could definitely do a better job with their brewing. We ordered food at the same time, a hummus plate and the crab stuffed sea scallops. We’ve had both before. They’re really good! I really enjoyed the food but could drink only one beer. I found myself longing for CBC. To that end, we settled up our tab and made a beeline for CBC at the opposite end of downtown - the Brewery District. CBC was only sparsely populated as expected. Kate was tending bar. She's been a fixture there for at least five years, maybe longer. I ordered an IPA while Mindy went with their Porter. Kate tried tempting us with food but we declined. We joked with our server friend, Jamie, niece Katie's old friend. We didn't stay long, no more than 45 minutes. After one beer we headed for home. It was another cloudy evening and threatening more rain.