White Rajah

Like most days this week, I woke rested and before 530a. It was finally Friday, and for that I was most grateful. I was downstairs and well into my routine by 525a. I think it’s fair to say that the recent time change has made a positive impact on my mornings. It was clear and 30 degrees. I breezed through sit-ups and push-ups ahead of taking Frankie outside. And just like she did a couple other days this week, she only wanted to poop before heading back inside. I was insistent, however, that she stay out longer or until she peed. My stubbornness paid off. We headed back in the house after spending a solid 10 minutes outdoors. Because of my early start, I finished both meditation and stretching by 620a, and delivered the pug and coffee to Mindy immediately after. I headed out for my run ahead of 630a. Dressed warmly, I tackled the 4.1 mile run with no trouble. I felt good both mentally & physically. Hey, it was Friday! Mindy started her Honda, something I forgot to do. Breakfast consisted of the usual, fried eggs and fruit. Bella and I both shared the remnants of our eggs with Frankie. Man, does she ever love ‘em! I threw together my lunch before and after a shower. I was back downstairs again by 750a. The kids and I headed out to the bus stop at 757a. I handled Frankie even through starting the Trooper as we walked towards the bus stop. Kenny was out with the girls. The bus arrived on time – 805a. Frankie and I walked out front. She pooped again. I went to the deck to fetch the shovel in order to dispatch the doo. Once again, we were expecting a high temperature of 70 degrees with brilliant sunshine. I toyed with driving the BM’er but opted not in the end. At the time, it was still flirting with freezing. Off to work by 815a. The work day went a lot smoother than the day prior, yet still a little tense. The day began with our regular Friday staff meeting. It went OK. Beyond that, there were a number of issues requiring my intervention, some routine and urgent. I didn’t plan to take a formal lunch and even declined an invite to dine out. Once every blue moon, maybe, otherwise I would gain unnecessary weight. The work day moved along at a decent clip, but seemed to stall around 3pm. But just like usually happens, things really picked up after 4p, and I ended up quite busy until just before 530p. I left for the day about 5 minutes early, but ended up chatting with an ex peer outside for a while. I didn’t pull out of the lot until 535p. As I’ve written a couple of times already this week, it doesn’t take long for it to get dark. In fact, by the time I made it home it was already in effect dark. Mindy and the kids made a trip to the Lennox Barnes & Noble after school. Jacob was busy reading his new book when I arrived home. And according to Mindy, Bella was in her room pouting, apparently a little distraught after not being invited to the same sleepover that Makayla and Lillian were invited to. Both kids were chomping at the bit to leave for Barley’s. While I was looking forward to going, I didn’t want to head out too early. I suggested 630p instead, which was met with a long drawn out groan from Jacob. I wanted to take some time to decompress and work on my blog. The 30 minutes went fast. We were all ready to leave for Barley’s by 630p. During the short drive we did ‘math in the mind’, something we do fairly routinely with both kids. Helps sharpen their mind by teaching them to solve math problems with only their mind versus using paper, a computer, or calculator. Judging by the parking lot, Barley’s was packed. On tap, at least according to their webpage, was this year's Xmas Ale. I was looking forward to it. Mindy requested a barside booth for her and the kids. Had to wait a brief bit. I planned to stand and talk with my pals. I ordered a Xmas Ale straight up. Very good! I grabbed one of their Xmas/Thanksgiving dinner take-out menus, too. Thinking we may actually get one this year. Mindy and the kids ordered dinner. I did not. Instead, I planned only to enjoy a few beers. I talked with Steve W. for quite some time. A little later, little Bob and his wife Carol showed up. He’s always got a story. Tonight he told us about his quest to find Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Found a huge bounty at the new Market District. Far more than anywhere else. It sells fast and when it’s gone, it’s gone! Bob I. showed up, I’m guessing around 8pm. He was alone. M.A. still working. He talked with Mindy for a while and then spent a little time at the bar talking with Steve and I. I really enjoyed the White Rajah from Brew Kettle - a new IPA. Mindy paid the dinner tab. I paid the bar tab. Temporarily forgetting that we arrived an hour earlier than usual, I was quite surprised to discover that it was only 845p when we left for home. We walked down to the neighbors soon after arriving home, but visiting for only an hour or so. I plopped down on the sofa around 10p, and eventually fell asleep. I woke around 130a chilly. I put Frankie in her pen and then headed up to bed.