The New Menu

Come 530am, I was still really tired but pulled myself from bed anyhow. Like a zombie, I headed downstairs, started coffee, and completed my exercise regimen. I let Frankie out soon after push-ups. I was quite pleased that she went out and took care of business quickly. It was dark, warm and steamy, about 70 degrees. I enjoyed coffee in front of the PC reading about the Reds, Bengals, and Vikings. Determined to get my morning schedule back on track school-time, I left the PC behind at 605am to meditate, stretch, and run. I was ready for a run by 635am and immediately out the door. I ran four miles, of course, and with no trouble. I felt really good. I am happy to report no major aches or pains. I was back at home by 715am preparing my lunch and breakfast. Mindy had veggies ready like normal. I threw the rest together quickly. Soon I was frying my eggs and toasting an English muffin. For the first time in a while, I was off to the shower before 740am and ready to go shortly after 8am. Mindy & I shared few words. I was still a little torched about leaving C & J’s 45 minutes later than desired. Even though Mindy did, at the time, I didn’t want to discuss it. I arrived at work by 825am. The day started well. We didn’t seem as busy as we’ve been for most of the summer. Perhaps we’re finally slowing down some. That would be more than welcome. My buddy, Jay stopped by to share that he and his family were off to Norris Lake bright and early the following morning. Sounds nice and relaxing. He also shared that they visited a previously unheard of canoe livery Saturday in Urbana. Said it was spring fed, cool water, and much, much nicer than Trapper John’s. Hmm? Birch something or other. I worked through lunch eating at my desk some time near pm. I saw that Mindy phoned a couple of times and she even sent an email. I wasn’t feeling up to taking personal calls or responding. I got out of the office around 530pm and headed for home. We had talked about doing dinner at Barley’s, this being the official rollout of their new menu. Mindy and the kids seemed in fairly good spirits. Bella or Jacob asked if we were still doing Barley’s. Yes. Everyone readied for our departure. I drove. The lot was a bit more crowded than I expected, although I figured the new menu would cause quite a stir. Per Bella’s request, we asked for a booth. Mindy remembered to bring Bella’s sweater as she frequently complains of being too cold inside. Outside, however, it was sizzlin’! No surprise, I ordered an IPA, and Mindy a Russian stout. Jacob & Bella ordered soda. We ordered their new hummus plate as an appetizer along with a basket of fried for the kids while we decided on our menu selections. I ended up going with the new Cuban, a more authentic version. But honestly, it would be hard to beat the old – my all-time favorite sandwich in the entire world. Mindy ordered the meatloaf sandwich. Jacob ordered Gates, of Hell wings and onion straws, while Bella ordered grilled cheese off the kiddie menu. The hummus itself was good, but I do have some suggestions that I chose not to share with the management team even though they circled out table asking for feedback a time or two. Another time. The hummus was cool, which I assume was by design, but I’d prefer it a tad warm. Secondly, the pita wedges were dry and cool too. I’d prefer them brushed with a light coating of olive oil and warmed in the oven. Lastly, the veggies weren’t very attractive – baby carrots were dry and powdery. My new Cuban was tasty, but again, nothing like their original, non-authentic version. The bread was too much like white toast. Mindy’s meatloaf sandwich looked to be the bomb! The kids liked their food. All the while eating our dinner, we watched the beginning of the much anticipated Reds and Cardinals three game series. Honestly can’t recall if I stuck to one beer but believe I did. Mindy too. Our new friend Jill was there, always is.  Bella went up to say hello. She ended up buying both Jacob & Bella dessert – a bowl of their new Chocolate stout mousse and a chocolate chip ice cream sandwich. Both were awesome. Thanks Jill! The ball game was 0-0 when we left for home. Mindy picked up the tab. It was between 730-800ppm when we arrived home. After being outside with Frankie I plopped down on the sofa to watch some Science Channel, reruns of the Morgan Freeman’s Through the Worm Hole. I watched and dosed for the duration of the evening. I woke around 11pm and headed for bed.