Trading away Friday at Barley's for Bella and Minelli's

I felt pretty good directly out of bed. I was up on time and quickly downstairs engaged in calisthenics. After push-ups, I headed out with Frankie. It was incredibly warm and clear, July-like, and already 73 degrees. I did my meditation and stretching between 605a-and 625a, and then delivered the pug and coffee shortly thereafter. Because it was so warm, I opted to run shirtless, which will almost certainly be the last time this year. The forecast for the next ten days looks more seasonable with highs only approaching 70 and low’s near 40. I ran the usual 4.1 mile track and was back at the house for breakfast by 715a. During breakfast, I asked Mindy if she still planned to do the teacher outing after school. She did, but clarified that it wouldn’t be until 730p. In other words, she’d be coming home first after school. Jacob, meanwhile, would be going to a Blue Jackets preseason game with his daddy. Sounded like it would be Bella and I hanging at home. I was off to the shower soon after Mindy left for school. The kids and I met downstairs around 755a and headed out for the bus stop a few minutes later. I was hoping that Kenny would be at the bus stop with the girls but it was Chrissy. I wanted to measure his interest in Saturday golf. I mentioned it to Chrissy, but shared that I would call Kenny later. She was OK with it. She said that Mindy invited her to go out with her teacher pals, but that she’d most likely pass and instead get her nails done. Hey, me too! I tinkered with the idea of driving the BM’er but the forecast called for a chance of rain late in the afternoon or early evening . I drove the Trooper instead. I had a few things on my agenda aside from work. Included amongst them, resolving my $550 water bill and broken water meter, and then picking up our snow skis from ASBCO. I arrived at work on time. The morning went rather quick and rather well. My boss asked about doing our birthday lunch, but both of us found reasons not to. He wasn’t feeling well and neither was I. Suddenly, I felt tired and a slight bit dizzy. I hoped I wasn’t getting the cold many others have been stricken with recently. Happily, I felt better after eating the apple I packed for my mid-day snack. I called the water company mid-morning in an attempt to resolve/discuss our huge water bill. The young lady that took my call was quite pleasant, and after listening to my situation and then reviewing my historic usage she agreed that something had to be amiss. However, she was quick to clarify that homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of auxiliary water meters. This I had already assumed. She wasn’t sure about a credit, although agreed that one was likely due. She said it would have to be approved by a manager, and then put me on hold. She returned a couple minutes later to share that a credit would most likely be applied, but only after I have an approved contractor repair/replace the bad meter. They would then re-inspect the auxiliary meter and then, depending on what was found to be the culprit, they would decide the amount. Fair enough. She asked that I call back once it is fixed. I called Nationwide Irrigation next, the folks that installed my auxiliary water meter. I had to leave a VM, and judging from past experience I figured I would have to call back more than once to get a response. But good fortune shined down on me. Meghan called me back minutes later and seemed very empathetic to my cause. She confirmed the facts then said she’d advise Chris, her husband and owner of the company, call me back. She did say that they’ve never had one of those meters fail. Chris called me back minutes later. He was most pleasant, and also wanted to confirm the facts. Shared that he hasn’t had one of those Badger meters fail before, but was more than willing to send a guy out as early as next week. Said it would cost me $200 installed. He also shared a couple things I could do prior, which included taking the meter apart and looking for some obstructions. After listening to his instructions on taking it apart I stopped him and advised that while it sounded good, I wouldn’t be attempting it. I shared that I envisioned myself with the meter apart and uttering, “what the hell was I thinking!” We both laughed about it. He then shared that I could simply try tapping on it with a small hammer while running the water. That I would/could try. Before we terminated the call I asked about the possibility of replacing my original primary meter, the one that sounds like a freight train when the irrigation system runs. Said he could do it. I know that would make Mindy happy. After our call, I felt ten times better about the dilemma, and certainly less hopeless. My afternoon got kind of busy. I decided to skip making a trip to ABSCO to pick-up our skis. I figured I would do it next week sometime. I received an email from Bob B. asking about Saturday golf. Said he booked a 9a tee-time at Split Rock. So far it was just him. Before responding back, I called Kenny. He was a go. I let Bob B know that we were in. Should be fun. The forecast was calling for sunshine and 70 on Saturday. Perfect! I ate my lunch at my desk like I usually do. Mindy called mid-afternoon to share that she was already on her way home. We reviewed evening plans as well as my Saturday golf plans. Figured to be leaving the office at my usual time – 530p. To that end, I took care of a bunch of administrative tasks during the late afternoon, and then readied to depart for home at 520p. By the time I arrived home, Jacob was already gone for the hockey game. Bella, meanwhile, wasn’t in too pleasant a mood. She was sulking over Makayla backing out of coming down to play after Kenny & Chrissy insisted she go with them to Lillian’s soccer practice. Bella then repeatedly asked what she and I would be doing after her momma left. I suggested we get a pizza. She was afraid that I would play on the internet the entire time. I promised that I would not. Mindy prepared to leave around 7p. Bella whined and pouted as Mindy left for her teacher outing. I felt bad for her, but also a little put out. Mindy wasn’t gone five minutes when her mood improved. We played cards – trash, I believe. It was fun. We played three hands. Bella won twice, me once. We ordered two pizzas a little after 8pm from Minelli’s. We left to fetch ‘em 15 minutes later. Once again, I wasn’t feeling 100%. I felt tired and a bit squeamish. I didn’t eat that much pizza despite buying a large and extra-large. In fact, Bella might’ve eaten more than me. After pizza, we played/laid on the family room floor while watching a college football game. Jacob must’ve gotten home around 10p. Said the Blue Jackets were losing when they left. Mindy still wasn’t home. I wasn’t really sure when she would be. I fell asleep on the floor while watching TV. I remember hearing Mindy come in and getting the kids ready for bed, but have no idea what time it was. I remained sleeping on the floor. It felt terrific. I woke again around 2am and headed up to bed.