Hummus Beer & Skis

I was up a little early again today, but only by a couple minutes. It was still raining. I could hear a gentle rain tapping ever so lightly against the family room skylights. I slipped into my exercise shoes, refilled my water cup, took a Dexilant, and started my sit-ups at 530a. After sit-ups, but ahead of push-ups, I checked the weather forecast and headlines. Supposed to rain through mid-morning with the high temp barely making 60. The Reds lost and the St Louis Cardinals won, so their magic number remained 1. Frankie didn’t seem in any hurry to vacate her pen. I left her alone while I enjoyed coffee and completed both meditation and stretching. But after delivering Mindy’s coffee and preparing to run, Frankie suddenly expressed interest in going outside. Briefly torn, I decided to take a few minutes to walk her out back in the light but steady rain. She was reluctant in the rain, but finally pee’d. She hurried faster than usual back up to the deck. I worried that she might poop in the house, but I didn’t want to re-pen her either. I delivered her to Mindy, who was already in the shower then I promptly left for my run. Because it was cool and rainy, I wore not only a winter wicking shirt and long running pants, but a pullover fleece too. That proved a tad warm a mile or two into the run, but all in all it still went rather well. I ran the full 4.1 miles. Mindy had a towel hanging on the banister waiting my return. Mindy shared that Frankie pooped in our room. Yeah, I was worried that she might. She’s gonna have to get used to taking care of her business in inclement weather. Mindy made scrambled eggs topped with cheddar cheese. They were good. Bella wanted some too so I shared mine. I enjoyed the fresh strawberries, watermelon, and pineapple. Mindy soon left for school after advising the kids to bus home with Noah. Mindy reminded me that I would most likely have some time at home alone while she takes Bella to gymnastics at 530p. Cool! I was out of the shower and ready to go by 753a. We headed out shortly thereafter, me and Bella with umbrellas in bloom. I did my best to provide Jacob some cover, too. Kenny was out with the girls. Said he planned to pour concrete at a job site later in the day. Was betting on the forecast being correct. Good luck! After the kids were on the bus, I walked Frankie in the back yard just in case she needed to go again. She didn’t take advantage, however. I left for work after making sure I had the ski keeps in my back pack. I hoped to pick ‘em up at lunch. I arrived to work on time. I spent the lion’s share of the morning in another meeting with a peer finalizing our holiday coverage schedules. It took us a while to get it all sorted out. Before taking off for ASBCO, I called the irrigation company to let them know that the instructions they gave me for repairing the water meter seemed to work. I also asked if they would be kind enough to send me written proof that I could give to the water company. I arrived at ASBCO at 120p. Our skis were there and ready. Looked good. Sharp edges and waxed bottoms. I tried on a new ski jacket but didn’t like the feel. I had to chuckle when she quoted me the same line they used ten days ago – everything in the store 20% off through tomorrow. Does tomorrow ever come? I headed back towards work but decided to make a brief pit stop at the nearby Giant Eagle for some good beer, tasty hummus and pita chips. Beer-wise, I ended up going with a six-pack of the tried and true CBC IPA and a 22oz bomber of Lagunita’s Hop Stoopid IPA. I also picked up a 4-pack of the Sam Adams Imperial Stout for Mindy. I found two types of hummus, Chipotle and a Cilantro Jalapeño. I grabbed one of each. I also found the pita chips, garlic and whole wheat. I bought one of each of those, too. I made my way back to work by 215p. The afternoon went smoothly. It was still cloud covered but the rain had finally ended. I was quite busy through the afternoon all the way up until my departure time of 530p. Mindy called me when I was less than a mile from home. She and the kids were just leaving for gymnastics. Mindy shared that she & Jacob planned to shop for Halloween costumes during Bella’s class. I arrived home just as Mindy & the kids were departing. Mindy asked that I tend to the pork chops she had baking in the oven in her absence. I carried in our snow skis then my haul from Giant Eagle. I also took care of my lunch dishes and then Wednesday morning’s coffee set-up. I used the quiet time to update my blog and play on the internet. Kenny stopped over at some point to get Jacob’s math planner so he could give Lillian her math assignment. She left hers at school apparently. As requested, I removed the foil covering the chops and turned them over at 645p. Mindy & the kids got home around 730p. She dished up dinner quickly. Jacob was anxious to show me his new costume – a horned monster with a guitar. Mindy bought me a Viking helmet. I ate meat only – no potatoes. The chops were delicious. We finished dinner later. Mindy had the kids readying for bed while I cleaned up the kitchen. Mindy took Frankie down to the neighbors for some play time. She might’ve played down there for 30 minutes. After dinner and clean-up we watched the Nation Geographic channel programming about the gulf oil spill – depressing. Periodically, I switched over to the Reds game. It was tied 2-2 after 7 innings. Win and we clinch a play-off berth. Mindy headed to bed around 915-930p. I stayed up to watch the rest of the game. Somewhere along the line, I fell asleep. I woke around 1030p and saw the Reds players celebrating with champagne, beer, and cigars. They won in dramatic fashion – a walk off homer bottom of the ninth.