Sarah Melissa & Butterfly

Work day two of our return to eastern standard time. I was up at 525a and without any problems whatsoever. I breezed through morning calisthenics then poured a tasty cup of coffee. I sipped coffee while sitting at the dinner table, something I rarely get a chance to do. I eventually checked the temperature. It was cold, only 26 degrees. I took Frankie out at 550a, several minutes earlier than what’s she’s used to. That worked out pretty well. She took care of business and we were back inside still before 6a. I did a meditation and stretch, completing both by 620a. Next up, coffee delivery. Mindy was just getting in the shower. I hustled off in an attempt to get out the door for my run before 630a. I dressed warmly, wearing a thick wicking shirt, pullover fleece, hand and ear covers. I headed out the door at 630a sharp. Daybreak was again immediately apparent, although I realize it's waning. Won’t be long before my entire run is once again shrouded in total darkness. Without looking, I’m guessing by TG weekend. At any rate, I’ll enjoy the brief reprieve while it lasts. I ran the full 4.1 miles and was back home by 707a. Without begin asked, I started Mindy’s Honda. Inside, Mindy had my eggs ready and waiting. During breakfast, we briefly discussed the plans surrounding the Sarah Mclachlan concert set for 730p that night. Mindy plans to take Bella to gymnastics but have Kara pick her up after. That way, we can leave for the show around 630p. Mindy left for school at her usual time. I carved up some cheese then headed up for a shower. I wore a pair of my new jeans and new shoes. Felt kind of like the first day of school.  The kids and I headed out at our usual time. I had Frankie on her leash, but handed her off temporarily to Bella while I started the Trooper. Chatted with Chrissy at the bus stop. The bus arrived on time. Then, after a few minutes at home, I was off to work. Work went rather well. Nothing too out of the ordinary. The day went fast despite not taking a formal lunch break. Of course, I paused often enjoying most of my packed lunch, including a can of yellow fin tuna swimming in a lemon dill concoction. It was just OK. As the day's end drew close, I let some Sarah Mclachlan tunes whirl in my office via my iTouch. I talked with Mindy late in the day after missing her call around 4p. Discussed the evening's logistics. I left for home right at 530p. Mindy left to take Bella to gymnastics minutes after I arrived home. According to Mindy, we weren't expecting Kara until sometime after 6p, and closer to 630p. Jacob answered a call from Mindy just minutes after she left. Wanted to know if we wanted anything from Wendy's. Not me. She picked up food for both kids. She was back at home just after 6p. Jacob dug into his Wendy's right away. She put Bella's off to the side, and then poured herself a glass of wine. I readied a beer for the road, but certainly not to drink along the way. Instead, I planned to drink it once we got parked in the Palace garage. Kara arrived at roughly 630p. Mindy's instructions were brief. Kara pretty much knows the drill. She sits for us often, and as recent as the Roger Waters show. This time, however, there was an extra wrinkle. She needed to fetch Bella after gymnastics. And finding the turn off of Roberts Rd isn't easy in the dark. Trust me, I know! Mindy wrote out directions and promised to call a little after 7p to make sure she found it OK. We left the house a couple minutes later. We took I-70E to the West Broad St exit, and then took Broad St all the way to Front St. where we turned left and then immediately into the Palace parking garage. It was only $5 to park - not bad considering the hockey games are as much as $20. We parked on level 3, I think. It was 645p. I cracked open my beer while we sat and talked. Mindy rushed me through my beer. It went down easy, especially after my already stressful work week. But I'd be off on Wednesday. I was feeling mighty good about that. Mindy phoned her sister, who we knew was there but with seats somewhere on the main floor. Mindy invited them to join us at Barley's afterwards. We headed inside the venue around 7p. Low level security. We stopped at one of the many small bars set up just inside the door for a drink. Mindy ordered a red wine. I ordered a Jack & Coke. $13. I expected it to be more. My drink was very strong. Mindy headed to the ladies room while I soaked up the ornate decor and art work on display. The Palace and Ohio Theatre are both prize venues, but in my opinion, the Ohio wins hands down. I snapped some photos and did some people watching, too. For whatever the reason, Sarah Mclachlan draws quite a large lesbian contingent. Not entirely sure why. Just an observation. Around 720p we made our way to our seats in the mezzanine. Excellent view! Couldn't really ask for better. And unless I'm mistaken, we'll be in the same area for the Mannheim show next month. The show started around 740p, and much to my liking, Sarah displayed a bit more of a rough and tumble image than what I anticipated. She was dressed in tight, all-black attire. And she probably played guitar more than the piano. She has one hell of an impressive voice. A unique spin to the evening's show, she had two guest performers that often serve as warm-up acts playing with her. They did a handful of their own songs too. Todd Rundgren's done that same thing a few times. The two artists were Melissa McClelland & Butterfly Boucher. They were both talented, but for my money McClelland was the better of the two. The show lasted almost three hours, well beyond my expectations, although they did take about a 20 minute intermission. Sarah played a lot of good tunes old and new. The only song I was certain she'd play but didn't was, I Love You, perhaps my favorite Sarah song. Jodi called Mindy once we were back in the Honda. They canceled the Barley's thing for it being so late. We did too. I figured we'd be out of there by 945p at the latest. We headed straight home where I immediately headed out with Frankie while Mindy settled up with Kara. I thought I might have a beer but I was crazy tired and also hungry. I ate about 4 pieces of leftover pizza. It was good! I joined Mindy in bed around 1115-1130p.