Ashley's Flat

I slept well and was up on time. It wasn’t long before I was organized and head long into my calisthenics. And by the way, it was another clear morning but with the season’s chilliest temperature so far, only 34 degrees. While Frankie and I were outside, I stared off into space looking for Orionid meteorites. This week is prime viewing. Unlike past years, I didn’t see any. Back inside I did meditation and stretching. Both were behind me come 630a. I ran a cup of coffee and the pug to Mindy, who was already mid-shower. I headed off on my run a few minutes later wearing the same garb I’ve worn for the past few days. I was comfortable, though chilly enough to turtle my hands up in my sleeves for the first mile or so. A welcome change of pace, Mindy made scrambled eggs. They were quite tasty. I saved a little of mine for Frankie. She likes ‘em too. Mindy said she felt much better after getting a good night’s sleep. Reminded the kids to bus home with Noah. I had her Honda already warming after seeing it covered in a light frost after my run. I was showered and ready to go by 750am. I took a few minutes to get the kitchen back in order before calling on the kids. I also scribbled a check for Kenny to cover the cost of the tree house materials. We headed out at our usual time. Chrissy was out with the girls. I gave her the check. After the kids boarded the bus I walked back to her place to get Ben & Ryan’s phone number. We plan to invite them to the Roger Waters show this coming Friday. I left for work at 815a driving the Trooper. The work day plodded right along. I wanted to pick-up my Dexilant prescription from Target at lunch. I didn’t get a chance to head out, though, until almost 230p due to a customer conference call. I remembered putting my wallet in my backpack just as I was turning in the Target lot and didn’t have it with me. Crap, a wasted trip. I headed back to the office. I thought I might stop again on my drive home instead. The afternoon went as smoothly as the day’s first half. Mindy called after school to remind me that she would be taking Bella to dance and that Jacob would be staying home with me. Wanted me to get there as soon as possible. I shared my desire to stop at Target first. She understood. I left work at 520p to give myself enough time to stop at Target before heaing home. I called Kelly while in route to get an update on Lindsey. Kelly wasn’t in the best of spirits, shared that Ashley had just called wanting help with a flat tire on Three-C highway. Asked if I could help. I said I would. While talking, I saw that Ashley was beeping in. I let it roll to VM while we finished our conversation. Sounds like plenty more Lindsey drama to come. I called Ashley back while walking into Target. She was panicking and really didn’t give me time to explain why it would take me near an hour to come to her rescue. She wasn’t too kind. Basically, I shared that I had to pick-up my prescription then had to stop home to pick-up Jacob, but would then head her way. She apparently didn’t like that idea and hung up. Hmmm? One thing all my daughters lack is good problem solving skills, or the ability to manage adversity. I picked up my Dexilant in a hurry. Still no co-pay. Great! I called Mindy on my walk back to the Trooper and asked if she could take Jacob with her to Bella’s dance therefore enabling me to head directly to Ashley’s aid. She agreed. I tried calling Ashley back but she wouldn’t answer. I headed that way anyhow. She mentioned being on Rt 62 near Brown Rd. I took I-270 around to Rt 62 then headed north. Lot’s of road improvements taking place along Rt 62 between Grove City and Central Point. I arrived on the scene somewhere near 550p, and it looked like Stephen was already there changing her tire. Good! Ashley said he couldn’t help because the brakes were out on his car, but Stephen said that he just got them replaced and hurried over. I was happy to see that he knew exactly what he was doing. He needs to take care of Ashley. We chatted briefly before I headed towards home. I took Rt 62 (Central Ave) all the way to West Broad St. where I picked up I-70W. I called Mindy to give her status. She shared that they would be stopping at Chipotle for dinner. Asked if I wanted a burrito. Yes, why not? I arrived home minutes later. I was home barely long enough to rinse my lunch containers and prep Wednesday’s coffee before Mindy & Jacob returned home. I ate only about a third of my burrito but plenty chips and salsa. Mindy left to fetch Bella 15 minutes later. Her class lasts only an hour. I kept reminding myself that I’d be off work on Wednesday. That felt great. I planned to have the boat winterized at 1140a and then most likely rake leaves and possibly cut the lawn. Fun, fun. Mindy talked with my ex Kelly at some point during the evening, once again offering our help with the boys if necessary. Still not sure how this is all going to play out, but Kelly, I know, plans to evict Lindsey. The kids headed to bed around 9pm. Meanwhile, I lounged leisurely on the sofa while watching the Science Channel catching a couple episodes of How It’s Made. Mindy headed to bed a while before me.