Got Your Number!

White SUV plows into my tree and yard.

I was up a couple minutes late but it was time I could easily regain by hurrying a bit here and there. It was cloudy but the new snow predicted overnight was a no show. Hmm? I slipped into my exercise shoes then retreated to the living room where I pressed through 55 sit-ups. After sit-ups I checked headlines and weather. Still expecting the snow and set to begin anytime. They were calling for an inch. It was a sweltering 18 degrees. I did push-ups before freeing Frankie. It started to snow albeit only lightly at about the same time. Frankie was happy to be free, but after yesterday’s carpet cookie, I was more aware of her whereabouts until we headed out. The 4” of existing snow out back was so trampled and packed from the kids playing that I decided to head out in my tennis shoes. Frankie was quick to relieve herself. I suppose she’s getting used to the snow pack some. We were outside no more than five minutes and soon back inside, her having a treat, and me enjoying more coffee. I started meditation at 613a and did so for ten minutes. I moved to stretching next, and finished that just ahead of 630a. Frankie was almost too excited when she saw me pouring Mindy’s coffee, which is her trigger for heading upstairs. She darn near tripped me as we scurried up. Mindy was already mid-shower. After a quick smooch I was back downstairs donning my running attire. The snow, meanwhile, was coming down a bit harder. Already, a fresh coating was covering the walks and drive. I didn’t get out the door until 640a. I ran the full 4.1 miles mostly from the road, and once again enjoying the cushion the new fallen snow offered. It kept snowing throughout the entire run. Mindy had her keys waiting by the door. I started the Honda then headed inside. For the time being, I chose not to shovel with only a half inch of new stuff, and with more on the way. The kids were excited. It was snowing and they only had two days of school remaining before Xmas break. Wow, time flies! Mindy made scrambled eggs topped with cheddar cheese. They were good. She said there were plenty left in the pan too. I shared a good portion of mine with Frankie, who as I’ve shared past, absolutely loves them. Mindy soon departed reminding the kids to bus home as normal. Bella & I exchanged some banter before I headed up for a shower. This time I heard her toss Frankie in my room while I was shaving. She went immediately for the trashcan. Despite us buying a new chrome can with a lid and step, she still manages to get in it almost every day. She loves chewing used tissues. Yuck! The kids and I regrouped in the kitchen near 755a. As usual, Jacob was low maintenance and out the door in a hurry. Bella took her dear old time.  The kids had a gift for Mrs. Vanorder (bus driver) in Jacob’s backpack. Jacob acted embarrassed to have it and tried offing it on Bella until he heard me say, OK, but who ever gets on her nerves most would probably be best served by handing her the gift. He rethought passing it off to Bella and held on to it until the bus door opened and he handed it off to Mrs. Vanorder. Cute! Chrissy and I chatted for a few then parted ways. As usual, I gave Frankie a second opportunity to relieve herself, and she took full advantage by taking a dump. Inside, I gathered my lunch and then fooled with a few other things until it was 820a. It was still snowing as I headed off to work. Traffic was at a crawl but continuously moving. I guess the new snow was causing a fuss. I didn’t get to work until almost 840a. No biggie. I made it in safely. The day wasn’t too bad, but I didn’t expect it to be either. We were still busy though. The morning moved along swiftly. I decided to take lunch and make a rare trip home. I left the office at 125p and was home by 140p. Carl was across the street snow blowing the walks and drives. Looks like we got about two inches. Inside, I ate a couple pieces of leftover ham and cheese then took my new Deepak book to the recliner and cracked it open and read the introduction. And just like I planned, I fell asleep in a snap, sleeping for about 15 minutes. Felt great. Unfortunately, I was awakened by my saxophone falling over. Odd. Linda? Jim F? I left the house at 210p and returned to the office. I was back by 230p. The first thing I did was enjoy my packed cheese. Then, while working, my Droid rang. It was neighbor Pat S. calling. Said someone ran off the road and hit one of my curb maples and then plowed into the wood beams on the bridge over the steam. Said her car was damaged significantly and was still in my yard. Gave me her information (license number, make, model). I asked if he would return and take photos, worried that she may have damaged my lawn and tree beyond repair and I didn’t want to chance her skipping out. Pat reluctantly agreed, but found her already gone upon his return. He reminded me that Mindy would be home soon. Good point. At about the same time Mindy dialed in. I dropped my call with Pat and took Mindy’s call. Among other things, I shared the accident story and asked her to take photos as soon as she arrived home. I forgot to call Pat back. Mindy and I agreed that we wanted to have dinner at Barley’s, this being a Jimaken night for the kids. I hoped to leave work 10-15 minutes early. Leaving early didn’t happen. Instead, and like happens a lot of times, I got involved in a couple ugly issues that needed some Jimmy TLC before heading out. I had to make sure they were squared away before departing. I didn’t leave the office until 545p. On my way home I left VMs for both Ashley and Courtney sharing the details for our Xmas Eve family gathering. Hope they all can come. I also shared the news about aunt Linda and Jim F. passing. I arrived home just after 6p. Before heading in, I inspected the damage to my curb tree and yard. However, it was dark so a full assessment wasn’t possible, It would have to wait until morning. At a glance, it didn’t appear that there was any significant damage to the surrounding lawn, but the tree was hacked up pretty good where it appears she glanced off of it with the side of her SUV– hunks of bark removed. Inside, Mindy was at her laptop. We chatted about one another’s day then prepared to depart for dinner. Left the house at 620p. Still some slick in our subdivision but the main roads were just a little wet. The Barley’s lot was packed all the way back into the neighboring furniture store lot. Must be hosting a couple after work Xmas gatherings, we surmised. The bar area was packed with humanity. We hovered patiently until a couple folks left and we nabbed their vacated barstools. Janet and Diedra were both tending bar. I ordered a Centennial after confirming they didn’t have the CBC December Hop Odyssey 12 Hops. Mindy ordered a Russian Nitro. We chatted with Calvin and eventually Mark. Mark and his girlfriend Trudy were at our party Saturday. Mark had a very interesting story involving a run in with Columbus’ finest. Long, captivating story. At some point during our visit, Diedra shared news of Wes’ passing. Said he overdosed after being clean for a really long time. Wes used to be a server at Barley’s, and one we really enjoyed. Daughter Courtney knew Wes, too. Diedra said he had no one to arrange a funeral – parents both deceased. Very sad. Wasn’t sure what came of his remains. Mindy almost cried. Wes, we appreciate how you went out of your way to make our kids smile and enjoy their meal. You are free! On a much lighter note, Diedra shared that she had a blind date set up for later that night with a guy she met online. Seemed a little nervous but also excited. We ordered food. I went with the special – the smoked Reuben again. And Mindy went with a Barley burger and cheesy fries. I ordered a second Centennial. The first one was delicious. Our food was slow to arrive, but still very good once there. It was already 730p. At Mindy’s prompting, we packed what was left of our food in to-go boxes and then settled our tab. I picked up the check. It was 740p when we departed. We were home for a good 10 minutes ahead of the children. They got home near 8p. I finished my Reuben as soon as the kids got home then took to the computer where I updated my blog and surfed the net for a bit. Just ahead of 9p I went to the family room to relax on the sofa. At the same time, the kids were heading to bed. I was planning to head up and tuck them in but fell asleep. Oops! I woke around 10p and headed for bed.