Rain & Noodles

Up on time and downstairs by 535am. I put drops in my eyes, slipped into my exercise shoes, and glanced out the back door. For the first time in a long, long time the sky was cloud covered, and unless I was mistaken, we had a good chance for rain. After sit-ups but before push-ups, I checked the day’s weather forecast along with a few headlines. It was a balmy 67 degrees but with rain moving in from the west. In fact, while sipping coffee and preparing to take Frankie out, it started to rain. She and I headed out into the light rain to take care of business. Frankie doesn’t like the rain at all. Tough! She took care of business then headed back inside in a hurry. It rained even harder during meditation and stretching. I could hear it pounding against the skylights. There were even a few flashes of lightning. Per request, I delivered Mindy’s coffee earlier than usual – at 605am. She needed to leave for school 15 minutes early to make it in time for a staff photo. I shared that I would bring the pug up later before my run. As I dressed for my run it started raining as hard or harder than it had all morning. That’s the way it works sometimes. I wasn’t worried as much about the rain as I was the lightning. There was a thin red line heading our way from the NW. I decided not to stall my run and headed out the door just after 630am. The rain let up to a light, but steady drizzle, and it remained that way through the duration of my run. Lightning flashed maybe 6 or 7 times but well off in the distance. Because of the rain, I shaved my run back to three miles. That, of course, got me home early. I was back by 700am. Mindy had a beach towel waiting just inside the front door. Because of the rain and cloud cover, it was still somewhat dark. I toweled off then stripped out of my wet running clothes and tossed them in the dryer. I put my wet running shoes on the heating/cooling vent in the eating area. Mindy made fried eggs. They were good. She bolted early as planned, but was scrambling around to get out of the door. Before she left, I asked if she had signed the card for Dan & Sandy. She had. She reminded Bella and Jacob that grandpa Glenn would be getting them off the bus. I headed off to the shower at 730am and was ready to go 15 minutes later. I don’t mess around! The kids and I headed off to the bus stop around 8am. Bella was dragging behind a little. Chrissy shared that Makayla was staying home from school ill – fever. Taking her to the in-laws. The bus arrived on time. I walked Frankie out back for one last shot to relieve herself. She didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. I left for work at 815am in the Trooper. I was on time. I spent the first half hour in my office but then walked down to chat with my boss. I spent about 90 minutes with him. He reminded me that he’d be off on Friday. Good for him! For no particular reason, I ended up skipping a formal lunch break. It wasn’t until mid afternoon that I realized I shouldn’t have. I wanted to get a card for Mindy commemorating the 5 year anniversary of the day we met, September 17th 2005. I decided I would stop on the way home to get one instead. That way I could get her some flowers, too. Mindy called during her commute home from school. Must’ve been around 5pm. Shared that she was driving through torrential rains and a tornado warning. I had no idea given that I hadn’t left my office in quite a while. I thought the rains were behind us. I left for home promptly at 530pm and drove to the Hilliard Kroger. It’s officially autumn when Kroger puts out there fall offerings, including the sale of pumpkins & apple cider. They were all there. Inside, I found a very healthy dozen of blush roses outlined with a thin line of red – pretty. Next, I headed over to the card aisle looking for one not so cheesy. I found the perfect ‘love’ related card. I headed to the candy aisle next where I bought some dark chocolate covered almonds made by Dove. She loves them. Home again home again, jiggity-jig. I arrived home just after 6pm. Dad’s minivan was in front of the house. I had temporarily forgotten that he was getting the kids off the bus. I carried in my gear and Mindy’s haul. She seemed dumbfounded and surprised with the flowers, card, and candy. I kidded dad that the flowers were actually for him. I could see that dinner was cooking, although I wasn’t immediately sure what it was. Mindy said I wouldn’t be happy. It was beef & noodles. Should’ve guessed it. Actually, though, it sounded good. I think her comment was in reference to my eating healthy lecture. Mindy served up our dinner in short order. I asked of Jacob’s whereabouts, forgetting that he was at soccer practice. During dinner someone (Mindy or Bella) commented about how quiet it was without Jacob there giving his dinner time commentary. She was right. I had a serving and one half of the noodles. They were really good, especially after salting the dickens out of them. I asked Mindy & dad if they knew what corn beef and pastrami actually was. I had researched it via Google earlier in the day. Neither knew for certain, and neither knew why it’s called “corned’ beef when there’s no corn in it at all. Turns out, the term ‘corn’ is used as a reference to grain, which refers to the coarse salts used to preserve or brine the beef. Pastrami, on the other hand, is simply corned beef with added spices. I managed dinner clean-up while talking with Dad and Mindy. Bella dashed off to play. Dad didn’t hang out too long after dinner. While he was still there I missed a call from Denise, my mom’s friend. She didn’t leave a VM. Dad asked if today was mom’s procedure. Don’t know, but will call. Dad wasn’t gone more than ten minutes before Jacob returned from soccer practice. While Mindy made him something to eat, I played on the PC. I thought about publishing in my blog. I haven’t posted since mid last week but am caught up writing-wise. I opted not to spend anymore time on the PC again tonight. Instead, I went to the family room and turned the TV to the Thursday night college football game – Cincinnati versus N.C. State. At the same time, Mindy had the kids getting their showers and PJ’s on. Actually, I started the shower for Bella. Jacob, once again, tried getting out of one asking his mother for a sniff test. I had to laugh. I got really sleepy watching football, often do. I woke to tuck the kids into bed around 910pm, but found my way right back to the sofa and my dosing ways. Mindy headed for bed around 930pm. I stayed up watching football until 11pm.