Heating Up

I was up just past 530a after an extra dreamy night of sleep. It took me a little longer than usual to shake the cob webs but eventually did. I checked the weather after sit-ups, it was a chilly 45 degrees and clear with sunshine and 78 forecasted for the day ahead. After push-ups I headed out with Frankie under a star-filled sky. Nice! Inside for coffee and internet. I fooled around on my PC until 605a. I finished meditation and stretching just ahead of 630a then took the pug and coffee up to Mindy, who was just getting in the shower. I left for a run around 635a, once again reminded that I really need to wash my running fleece. Stinks to high heaven! I ran the full 4.1 mile track, and was back at home around 715a. Mindy had eggs ready and waiting. Frankie was excited. Must think that the eggs are hers.  Mindy reminded the children to bus home as normal then left for school. I dashed off for a shower and was back downstairs ready to go by 750a. Kenny was at the bus stop with his girls and Woody. Said he hoped to get out for golf sometime during the day. I was envious. I planned to drive the BM’er to work. Supposed to be a lovely day, and I know there won’t be too many like it left this season. I left the house around 815a arriving at work about 20 minutes later. The morning plodded along. It was nice to have a somewhat quiet Friday. That doesn’t happen too often. Having nothing I absolutely needed to accomplish, I decided to take a lunch time drive to Immke Honda on Sawmill to look at the new 2011 Honda Accord. It was difficult to find a parking spot at the dealership, at least one close to the showroom, but I eventually managed. I walked unbothered through the showroom only to discover no Accord’s out for viewing. I ended up finding one parked outside amongst their remaining inventory of 2010’s, which were plentiful. I eventually made my way back to my BM’er and drove around to the back of their lot hoping they might have more 2011's stashed back there. I was right. They did, and they even had a couple in the package & color combo I was most interested in – black/black EX-L V6. Looks really nice. I just wish there was a way to get one for free.  I made my trek back to the office taking I-270S, or the same way I came up. I’d been gone approximately 40 minutes. I decided to make a quick stop in the Dublin Wal-Mart to get oil and a filter for the Trooper. It needs an oil change and I don’t trust or like going to Jiffy Lube any longer. Besides, I can change the Trooper’s oil without having to jack it up. It’s very simple. For the second time, I went with fully synthetic motor oil. The Trooper burns oil (about a quart a month) although it doesn’t smoke or drip. Not sure where it goes. Back to work just after 2pm. The afternoon was fairly calm too, just like the AM. For that I was most pleased. I talked with Mindy sometime after 4pm. Among other things, she shared that she called my dad to ask if her could get the kids off the school bus affording her the ability to stay after school to get caught up on a few things. He agreed to help out. She was on her way home around 430p. We made tentative plans to do dinner at Barley’s with the kids. Things well under control, I left work for home around 515p. Like most Friday’s, it felt incredible to walk out the door with the fresh weekend ahead. I love Friday’s! It was well into the 70’s and sunny, a perfect day to drive the BM’er, even if it was dirty. I arrived home around 535p. The kids were off playing with their friends. I shared my day with Mindy, including my trip to Immke Honda. She asked if I was serious about buying a new car. I’ve been looking for over a year. I don’t know that I am any more serious now than any time past. In a perfect world, I’d never need a new car. I’d simply keep the one I have. I joked that I didn’t know if she’d be able to afford the payment for my new one. At 6pm I snuggled into the livingroom recliner with my book hoping to read and possibly even steal a little nap. I read for about 15-20 minutes tops, and might’ve gotten about 5 minutes of sleep, definitely not more. The whole family readied for a trip to Barley’s just ahead of 7p. We pulled out of the drive a few minutes later. The parking lot was fuller than ever. We had to park way out in the adjacent lot directly to the north. Not sure what the occasion, but perhaps a large private party. Inside, the place was packed to the walls in both the restaurant and bar area – standing room only. Mindy nabbed a booth mainly for the kids. I didn’t feel like sitting at all. I wanted to stand. In fact, I stood and chatted with some of my Barley peeps for most of the evening. Ben & Ryan stopped in and eventually shared the booth Mindy procured earlier. I bounced back and forth between the booth and the bar. Mindy and the kids ordered food right away. I eventually ordered their special – a chili cheese burger. Through the evening, I drank three beers, two Centennials and a Harpoon IPA, although Mindy rushing me through the latter for wanting to head home. While there, Mindy confirmed what we had previously speculated as a joke, Beth announcing her engagement via facebook. It wasn't a joke. It’s true. Mindy paid our tab and drove us home. We were home for only five minutes when we collectively decided to pay a visit to Kenny & Chrissy. Kenny was outside grillin’ burgers when we arrived. I took two CBC IPA’s and Frankie. We hung out with the neighbors for about an hour. By then Mindy was ready to head home and to bed. I hurried along behind, although Mindy did not insist I join her like most other times. We headed to bed after I confirmed the final score of the Reds game. They lost 7-4 after leading 4-0.