Eggs, Tacos & Apples 2 Apples

After a decent night of sleep, I woke just after 530a then stumbled in to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Heading out the bedroom I remembered to grab my eye drops from my jean pocket. Eyes drops in, coffee maker on, it was time to start calisthenics. I grunted my way through 55 sit-ups then logged on to the internet to check the weather and catch up on the morning headlines. It was chilly – only 31 degrees – but once again under clear skies. I was a little surprised to see a slight chance for snow in the forecast for Thursday. Next up, 55 push-ups. After push-ups it was time for coffee. I opened Frankie’s pen before hand. She remained dormant until I headed towards the family room and out of direct sight. Works every time. We headed out in the chilly morning air where she took her dear old time going potty. After an extended opportunity, she finally went. Inside, I topped off Frankie’s food bowl then treated her to a Milkbone. I enjoyed a few more sips of coffee ahead of meditation and a stretch. Meditation went good enough, but definitely could’ve been better. Dealing with Frankie puts a crimp in my routine. Come 620a I moved directly to stretching. That went really well. Just ahead of 630a I headed upstairs with Frankie and coffee. Mindy was mid-shower. I sat the coffee on her dresser and announced its availability. Downstairs again, I grabbed freshly laundered running attire from the dryer. I wore my lightest winter weight shirt along with a pullover fleece. Last second I decided to use running gloves, and ended up using my new pair, which are almost twice as thick as my old ones. I can’t seem to remember where I put the old worn pair. The gloves were warm, and perhaps a tad too warm, but I left them on for the run’s entirety. Beyond a ballcap, I didn’t wear ear covers, but definitely should’ve. If it’s the same tomorrow, I will wear them. I ran the full 4.1 mile track. At the run’s completion I went straight for Mindy’s Honda keys. It was completely frosted over. At breakfast, Mindy reminded me about Bella’s school play at 215p. We both planned to make it for the show. Jimaken was supposed to try and make it in, too. I enjoyed my eggs and shared the last couple bites with Frankie. Mindy was gone at 730a. I ridded the table then headed up for a shower. Bella and the dog were on my heels. Despite repeated admonishment, Frankie continues to poke through the master bath trashcan at every opportunity. We even go as far as folding onside of the bag over top the other to try and curb the appeal. I guess we need to be even more assertive when she misbehaves. I was downstairs to pack my lunch by 752a. I told Mindy not to worry about packing me veggies. For some reason, they’re just not hitting the spot. But then again, I have been eating them everyday for almost ten years. I packed some good cheese, a banana, fruit medley, and a grilled skinless chicken strip. That would serve me well. The kids came down on their own at 755a and quickly prepared for departure. So I could start the Trooper in route to the bus stop, Bella took charge of Frankie. Chrissy was out with the girls. She shared that Kenny was out of town for two days. Asked what we were having for dinner.  I did my best to straighten up the kitchen before heading off for work. It wasn’t perfect, but rarely is. Almost for got to pen Frankie too. Oops! No trust there yet. I headed off at 820a. For the first time in months, the ABS light wasn’t on in the Trooper. Hmmm? I arrived at work just after 830a. I parked out front for a change of pace. My boss was out - working from home. My peer and I met for about an hour. It was a moderately busy day. I planned to take lunch just before 2p and make it Bella’s school play. As the time neared, I pinged my boss as a courtesy to let him know I’d be away for an hour. It didn’t take long at all to get to Bella’s school. I was there by 205p and spotted Mindy walking in. She waited in the hall just outside the gymnasium for me to catch up. Jimaken was already there too. The play was something about the diverse population of the USA. Bella had a singing solo, as well as a single line. Very cute! I got the highlights on video via my Droid X. Takes better video than still photos. I was pleasantly surprised. The play lasted maybe 20 minutes – not long. It was 240p when we exited the school. Mindy was heading home – no need to return to her own school. I wondered why she didn’t simply wait on the kids and drive them home. She shared that the wait would’ve been 45 minutes. Oh! Didn’t know for sure what time the kids’ school let out. Is that bad? Mindy said we’d be having tacos for dinner and that she planned to invite my dad. I headed back to the office arriving around 250p. The remainder of my afternoon went fairly quick. But like most days, it was my busiest, most productive time. In fact, I ended up at the office until 540p. I phoned Mindy once I was in my car and driving. By then it was already 550p. I arrived home just after 6p. By then the sun was already beginning its quick descent. Next week at this time it will already be set. Yikes! Inside the unmistakable smell of taco meat permeated the entire house. I greeted everyone including dad straight up. While going through my normal after work paces, we shared small talk. Amongst it, Dad shared how brother Bob’s Halloween party went. During dinner, Dad shared how he’d won $1500 at the river boat casino last week. He was obviously upbeat about it. I asked if he’s talked with Mom. Nope, hasn’t. I shared her most recent maladies. I also shared the content of Charles’ recent email where he shared that he has a cemetery plot for mom already. Who knew? Dinner was delicious. I ate 3 tacos. Clean-up took a while due to dirty pans. Mindy took her first crack a duplicating her mother’s fudge recipe. Try again dear! It didn’t turn out well. Jacob referred to it as cement or mortar. Heck, I don’t like it even when Gloria makes it. Never been a fan of peanut butter fudge. Nobody finished their helping, and the pan was a disaster. I had to use Copper Glow to scour away the mortar.  After dinner clean-up, we played two rounds of Apples to Apples, all five of us. Bella was a hoot. She struggles with some of the words and often adlibs, but she also generates tons of laughs! Surprisingly, she won the first round. I won the second match. It was almost 8p when we finished. Dad stayed much later than he usually does. After he departed, Mindy sent the kids up for showers. It’s nice not to have to change the shower head setting for the two. Everybody likes the middle pattern, Mindy & I included. That means no more getting soaked. While the kids showered, I updated my blog for the weekend with both text and pictures. I also watched a couple of the videos I took earlier in the day at Bella’s school play. Cute! Come 830p, we tuned into MNF. Once again, Bella seemed more excited than anyone. I think it’s the family time she likes most about it. Tonight’s game featured the Colts and Texans. Mindy sent the kids to bed at 9p. The score was 7-0 Colts. While I tucked the kids into bed, Mindy started putting away our Halloween decorations. Taking full advantage, Jacob asked my permission to come back downstairs to catch more of the game. Why not? I let him. He made a game out keeping his presence hidden from Mindy, who went back and forth between the basement and family room two or three times without noticing him. Finally, near 930p, and Mindy’s typically bedtime, it became apparent he was there when she came to kiss be goodnight before heading off to bed. I couldn’t help but chuckle when asked, I simply pointed at my feet, and where Jacob was nesting. Mindy laughed too and headed off to bed leaving Jacob to watch football with me. Jacob stayed up for maybe another 10-15 minutes before grabbing a snack and heading back to bed. He’s never one to stay up too late. I stayed up a little while longer, or until halftime. I had a quick bowl of Cheerios ahead of bed. I had been craving them all day for some reason.