I slept in much like the day before, this a day of bereavement. Mindy was out the door even before I made it downstairs. It was 737a. The kids were already moving towards their school day while I completed my calisthenics. With a concerned look on her face, Bella asked if I planned to run. She looked even more concerned when I shared that I did. She then asked if I would somehow be back before bus time. I assured her that I didn't plan to run until she was on the bus. I could see instant relief in her eyes.
I enjoyed coffee while surfing the net. Jacob had already taken Frankie out. Bus time came around quick. We had Lillian so Chrissy could take Makayla early for choir practice. The kids, Frankie and I headed out at 755a. It was cold, but not as brutal as Wednesday. We were expecting temps in the upper 20s and then two days above freezing before plummeting again Sunday. That was music to my ears and eyes. We plan to ski Sunday, and possibly even Friday evening after the funeral.
After the kids were off on the bus, I walked Frankie leisurely out front. No joy. Hey, but at least she was given the opportunity. Unlike Wednesday, I took my dear old time ahead of my run. I didn't head out until 940a or so. By then it was a whopping 18 degrees. :) I ran the full 4.1 mile track feeling really good, strong, healthy.
During my run I thought about my aunt Linda and what her life meant to me. Although I hadn't seen or interacted with her for maybe 15 years, she made lasting, positive & negative impressions on my life beginning at an early age. When we were very young I remember my aunt Linda being perhaps the biggest Beatles fan alive. She introduced us to their music at a very young age, probably age 6 or 7. I remember her having all their records, magazines, and even a collection of drinking glasses with each band members face adorning the outside. She gave my brother Glenn and I lots of the old magazines which we used to decorate our bedroom.
She also introduced us, for better or worse, to diet pop. Prior to that, we had no idea that such a thing even existed. She was, shall we say 'big boned'. She seemed happy to me. Anyway, later in my life, after my parents split, Linda's home served as my refuge of sorts. I was 14-ish I think. She allowed me to be myself, vent, and even smoke cigarettes. I enjoyed her company as well as Uncle George. In turn for her graciousness, I babysat cousin Scotty while she worked.
Beyond that, however, perhaps the most lasting impression was an introduction to alternative religious belief and worship that wasn't grounded in puritan type thinking. I enjoyed that very much! We had real spiritual discussions in and after services that left me feeling far closer to God than anything prior. Together, we attended this church in German Village, of which the name now escapes me. I enjoyed the church, the people, and the minister. He never left one feeling inferior. It was through her that I was first exposed to ones aura. I found that fascinating.
Other memories include boating, skiing at Lake White, once again when we were very young. Her being heavy, I remember her struggling to get back in the boat, and my dad shouting at us to move to the other side of the boat to balance out the weight while he helped her back in. :)
Linda had her issues, and apparently from a very young age. Very insecure and very moody. This manifested itself in all of her relationships, and most notably with other family members. Sadly, my last meaningful interaction with Linda was not a pleasant one. It involved Xmas at my mom's. She and my mom got into an argument over the tone she used when speaking to my grandmother, who was old and hard of hearing. Long story short, Linda got angry and stormed off leaving grandma behind when she was supposed to be her transportation home (some 85 miles). This is where the line, "Can't we all just get along, It's Xmas" came from. This was uttered by her 2nd husband, Steve. Anyway, my ex Kelly and I had to take grandma home. I remember struggling to help her up the stairs. She had to be near 90.
The chasm only grew deeper when grandma passed away and both she and mom fought for control of grandma's house and belongings. From that point on, I only heard the details from my mom's point of view. I wanted no part of the dysfunction. I may have seen Linda a time or two after that but can't be certain.
God, take care of Linda! She had a big heart, this I know for sure.
My run concluded around 1015a. I learned from a conversation with my mom that arrangements for Linda's funeral were already set. She and brother Tommy were apparently there but only as silent witnesses. There would be no wake services. Instead, only a graveside service on Friday at Alton Cemetery, not even the cemetery (Sunset) that Linda requested. This alternative was apparently chosen to keep costs down, a decision made by her son Scotty and husband Steve.
I finally got around to taking a shower at 1045a. After my shower I rolled out the hose in the basement up the stairs and out the window just above the kitchen sink to the hot tub. It took 20 minutes to bring the hot tub to its proper level. I rolled the hose up neatly on the hose caddy then headed out for more Xmas shopping.
I planned stops at Kohl's, Target, Kroger, and finally CVS to pick-up Mindy's prescription. I planned to visit Kohl's first. On my way I decided to stop in Wal-Mart too, to, among other things, get motor oil for the Trooper. It burns about a quart a month and is over due for a topping off. While in Wal-Mart, I picked up a couple folding chairs to complement the two we already have. We can always use more folding chairs. next, I went to the digital camera department to see if they had the new Canon S95. They didn't. however, they did have the newest model of my camera, the Canon PS SX30 IS ( I have the SX10 IS). It has a whopping 35X optical zoom! While tinkering with it on its security tether, I somehow set off a blaring alarm. A young sales clerk looked at me and said, uh-oh, you'll need to empty your pockets. At first glance, I thought she was serious. Here we go! Turns out, though, she was only joking.
I got the oil I wanted, too, a five quart jug of synthetic 10W-30, as well as a few other incidentals including receiving gloves for Jacob.
My next stop was Kohl's and Dick's, which are across the street and side by side. I looked at a number of items in Dick's but bought only one Xmas gift. next door at Kohl's, I wanted to get two more Xmas stockings, one with the letter "O" and one with a "K". They had every letter but "O". We already bought an "R" and "L". Because they didn't have an "O", I opted not to get the "K" either. We'll make do with what we already have. I left Kohl's buying nothing. Onto Kroger. It's a few miles from Kohl's to the Cemetery Rd Kroger. Along the way, I passed the Silverhorn Kroger, but I wanted to get booze, which they don't sell at the Silverhorn. Immediately in the door, I picked up some fresh roses for Mindy and then a bouquet for Linda's funeral/grave.
In the liquor department, I sought out the Jack Daniels and Vodka eventually settling on SKY vodka. Beside me was a woman talking about making bourbon balls to a guy who ended up being the liquor sales associate, although I didn't realize that at the time. Next thing I know she said " hello Jimmy". I had no idea who it was. She was attractive though. She quickly introduced herself as Patty Conrad. I haven't seen Patty since high school. We grew up together as neighbors on Westmoor Place. How she recognized me so readily, I have absolutely no idea. I wished her and the family well. She did the same. We parted ways.
One last stop, the Mill Run CVS for Mindy's prescription. It didn't take long. Had it ready and waiting. I was on my way home, again super hungry. It was about 130p and I hadn't yet eaten a thing.
At home I carried in the day's haul then prepared a roast beef and cheddar on pumpernickel sandwich. It was very satisfying. Because I hadn't eaten all day, it filled me quickly. Felt too full, in fact, so much so that I wanted a nap. Not one to deny myself what I crave, I slipped into the recliner, gathered up Frankie, and took a brief snooze. Felt great! I probably slept no more than ten minutes, but it was ten rewarding minutes.
It was roughly 3p when I got up and back on the computer. Did some blog writing over the next hour. Mindy and the kids got home at their usual times, right around 4p. Mindy asked if we were heading to Barleys on this a Jimaken evening for the kids. Yes. She also asked about my day. I shared some of the details. She helped Jacob with his math homework this time. From the other room, I could tell it was getting tense. She even sent him to his room during one altercation. Like he did with me, he hurried through his work making a number of mistakes. Not only did he make mistakes, but his penmanship was so poor it was hard to discern many of the numbers. I suggested a different type of pencil, perhaps a bigger one, which might be easier to control.
It was about 530p when Jimaken showed to get the kids. They weren't around long. Out the door by 540p. Soon after they left, we readied and left too. We weren't heading to Barley's though. Nope! Instead, I suggested we do CBC. Mindy warmed to the idea right away. Aside from the change of pace, I was eager to try their new December Hop Odyssey entry, 12 Hops of Christmas.
Their lot was surprisingly packed, especially for a Thursday and still near 6p. No doubt a holiday party of sorts. Inside, the restaurant area was almost barren, but the bar area packed. We stood around the bar until a couple stools freed. Jamie was working bar along with a couple other unfamiliar faces. We were served quickly. As planned, I went with the Hop Odyssey 12 Hops of Christmas. Mindy selected their Winter Warmer. Mine came served in a tulip glass. In the beer world, an indicator of high alcohol content.
Mindy expressed how hungry she was and proceeded to order a full dinner entree. Me, I wasn't that hungry and only wanted appetizer-type food. I ordered the spinach artichoke dip. Mindy ordered their special, two petite filets wrapped in bacon topped with a shrimp and scallops sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.
Per usual, the food was outstanding. I eventually ordered a second 12 Hop - very good, Hop Slam like, but maybe even better. We brought an empty Barley jug just in case we wanted some beer to take home, although we weren't really sure of their policy on jugs. Did it have to be one of theirs? Mindy asked Jamie. No, they'll fill any jug. Mindy also asked about the Hop Odyssey. It was a whopping $28! We opted for a regular IPA instead. That was only $8.95. Not bad at all! While wrapping up our brief visit, the friendly bar staff comp'd us an order of their wings. I ate a couple then had the rest boxed for home. Mindy agreed to get the tab. We left for home around 730p.
We weren't home long before Jimaken and the kids returned. Jacob and I watched the last couple minutes of the 1st half of the Buckeye basketball game and then the entire 2nd half. Looked sluggish until roughly 12 minutes to go when Sullinger took over eventually scoring 40 points. We trailed by as many as 9 points in the 2nd half but won by 11.
The kids were up later than normal, 930p to be exact. I tuned the TV to one of the knowledge channels, but there wasn't much on. I must've fallen asleep rather quickly. I woke around 1130p. It was just me and Frankie. I secured the home, tucked in Frankie, then headed for bed.
I slept in much like the day before, this a day of bereavement. Mindy was out the door even before I made it downstairs. It was 737a. The kids were already moving towards their school day while I completed my calisthenics. With a concerned look on her face, Bella asked if I planned to run. She looked even more concerned when I shared that I did. She then asked if I would somehow be back before bus time. I assured her that I didn't plan to run until she was on the bus. I could see instant relief in her eyes.
I enjoyed coffee while surfing the net. Jacob had already taken Frankie out. Bus time came around quick. We had Lillian so Chrissy could take Makayla early for choir practice. The kids, Frankie and I headed out at 755a. It was cold, but not as brutal as Wednesday. We were expecting temps in the upper 20s and then two days above freezing before plummeting again Sunday. That was music to my ears and eyes. We plan to ski Sunday, and possibly even Friday evening after the funeral.
After the kids were off on the bus, I walked Frankie leisurely out front. No joy. Hey, but at least she was given the opportunity. Unlike Wednesday, I took my dear old time ahead of my run. I didn't head out until 940a or so. By then it was a whopping 18 degrees. :) I ran the full 4.1 mile track feeling really good, strong, healthy.
During my run I thought about my aunt Linda and what her life meant to me. Although I hadn't seen or interacted with her for maybe 15 years, she made lasting, positive & negative impressions on my life beginning at an early age. When we were very young I remember my aunt Linda being perhaps the biggest Beatles fan alive. She introduced us to their music at a very young age, probably age 6 or 7. I remember her having all their records, magazines, and even a collection of drinking glasses with each band members face adorning the outside. She gave my brother Glenn and I lots of the old magazines which we used to decorate our bedroom.
She also introduced us, for better or worse, to diet pop. Prior to that, we had no idea that such a thing even existed. She was, shall we say 'big boned'. She seemed happy to me. Anyway, later in my life, after my parents split, Linda's home served as my refuge of sorts. I was 14-ish I think. She allowed me to be myself, vent, and even smoke cigarettes. I enjoyed her company as well as Uncle George. In turn for her graciousness, I babysat cousin Scotty while she worked.
Beyond that, however, perhaps the most lasting impression was an introduction to alternative religious belief and worship that wasn't grounded in puritan type thinking. I enjoyed that very much! We had real spiritual discussions in and after services that left me feeling far closer to God than anything prior. Together, we attended this church in German Village, of which the name now escapes me. I enjoyed the church, the people, and the minister. He never left one feeling inferior. It was through her that I was first exposed to ones aura. I found that fascinating.
Other memories include boating, skiing at Lake White, once again when we were very young. Her being heavy, I remember her struggling to get back in the boat, and my dad shouting at us to move to the other side of the boat to balance out the weight while he helped her back in. :)
Linda had her issues, and apparently from a very young age. Very insecure and very moody. This manifested itself in all of her relationships, and most notably with other family members. Sadly, my last meaningful interaction with Linda was not a pleasant one. It involved Xmas at my mom's. She and my mom got into an argument over the tone she used when speaking to my grandmother, who was old and hard of hearing. Long story short, Linda got angry and stormed off leaving grandma behind when she was supposed to be her transportation home (some 85 miles). This is where the line, "Can't we all just get along, It's Xmas" came from. This was uttered by her 2nd husband, Steve. Anyway, my ex Kelly and I had to take grandma home. I remember struggling to help her up the stairs. She had to be near 90.
The chasm only grew deeper when grandma passed away and both she and mom fought for control of grandma's house and belongings. From that point on, I only heard the details from my mom's point of view. I wanted no part of the dysfunction. I may have seen Linda a time or two after that but can't be certain.
God, take care of Linda! She had a big heart, this I know for sure.
My run concluded around 1015a. I learned from a conversation with my mom that arrangements for Linda's funeral were already set. She and brother Tommy were apparently there but only as silent witnesses. There would be no wake services. Instead, only a graveside service on Friday at Alton Cemetery, not even the cemetery (Sunset) that Linda requested. This alternative was apparently chosen to keep costs down, a decision made by her son Scotty and husband Steve.
I finally got around to taking a shower at 1045a. After my shower I rolled out the hose in the basement up the stairs and out the window just above the kitchen sink to the hot tub. It took 20 minutes to bring the hot tub to its proper level. I rolled the hose up neatly on the hose caddy then headed out for more Xmas shopping.
I planned stops at Kohl's, Target, Kroger, and finally CVS to pick-up Mindy's prescription. I planned to visit Kohl's first. On my way I decided to stop in Wal-Mart too, to, among other things, get motor oil for the Trooper. It burns about a quart a month and is over due for a topping off. While in Wal-Mart, I picked up a couple folding chairs to complement the two we already have. We can always use more folding chairs. next, I went to the digital camera department to see if they had the new Canon S95. They didn't. however, they did have the newest model of my camera, the Canon PS SX30 IS ( I have the SX10 IS). It has a whopping 35X optical zoom! While tinkering with it on its security tether, I somehow set off a blaring alarm. A young sales clerk looked at me and said, uh-oh, you'll need to empty your pockets. At first glance, I thought she was serious. Here we go! Turns out, though, she was only joking.
I got the oil I wanted, too, a five quart jug of synthetic 10W-30, as well as a few other incidentals including receiving gloves for Jacob.
My next stop was Kohl's and Dick's, which are across the street and side by side. I looked at a number of items in Dick's but bought only one Xmas gift. next door at Kohl's, I wanted to get two more Xmas stockings, one with the letter "O" and one with a "K". They had every letter but "O". We already bought an "R" and "L". Because they didn't have an "O", I opted not to get the "K" either. We'll make do with what we already have. I left Kohl's buying nothing. Onto Kroger. It's a few miles from Kohl's to the Cemetery Rd Kroger. Along the way, I passed the Silverhorn Kroger, but I wanted to get booze, which they don't sell at the Silverhorn. Immediately in the door, I picked up some fresh roses for Mindy and then a bouquet for Linda's funeral/grave.
In the liquor department, I sought out the Jack Daniels and Vodka eventually settling on SKY vodka. Beside me was a woman talking about making bourbon balls to a guy who ended up being the liquor sales associate, although I didn't realize that at the time. Next thing I know she said " hello Jimmy". I had no idea who it was. She was attractive though. She quickly introduced herself as Patty Conrad. I haven't seen Patty since high school. We grew up together as neighbors on Westmoor Place. How she recognized me so readily, I have absolutely no idea. I wished her and the family well. She did the same. We parted ways.
One last stop, the Mill Run CVS for Mindy's prescription. It didn't take long. Had it ready and waiting. I was on my way home, again super hungry. It was about 130p and I hadn't yet eaten a thing.
At home I carried in the day's haul then prepared a roast beef and cheddar on pumpernickel sandwich. It was very satisfying. Because I hadn't eaten all day, it filled me quickly. Felt too full, in fact, so much so that I wanted a nap. Not one to deny myself what I crave, I slipped into the recliner, gathered up Frankie, and took a brief snooze. Felt great! I probably slept no more than ten minutes, but it was ten rewarding minutes.
It was roughly 3p when I got up and back on the computer. Did some blog writing over the next hour. Mindy and the kids got home at their usual times, right around 4p. Mindy asked if we were heading to Barleys on this a Jimaken evening for the kids. Yes. She also asked about my day. I shared some of the details. She helped Jacob with his math homework this time. From the other room, I could tell it was getting tense. She even sent him to his room during one altercation. Like he did with me, he hurried through his work making a number of mistakes. Not only did he make mistakes, but his penmanship was so poor it was hard to discern many of the numbers. I suggested a different type of pencil, perhaps a bigger one, which might be easier to control.
It was about 530p when Jimaken showed to get the kids. They weren't around long. Out the door by 540p. Soon after they left, we readied and left too. We weren't heading to Barley's though. Nope! Instead, I suggested we do CBC. Mindy warmed to the idea right away. Aside from the change of pace, I was eager to try their new December Hop Odyssey entry, 12 Hops of Christmas.
Their lot was surprisingly packed, especially for a Thursday and still near 6p. No doubt a holiday party of sorts. Inside, the restaurant area was almost barren, but the bar area packed. We stood around the bar until a couple stools freed. Jamie was working bar along with a couple other unfamiliar faces. We were served quickly. As planned, I went with the Hop Odyssey 12 Hops of Christmas. Mindy selected their Winter Warmer. Mine came served in a tulip glass. In the beer world, an indicator of high alcohol content.
Mindy expressed how hungry she was and proceeded to order a full dinner entree. Me, I wasn't that hungry and only wanted appetizer-type food. I ordered the spinach artichoke dip. Mindy ordered their special, two petite filets wrapped in bacon topped with a shrimp and scallops sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.
Per usual, the food was outstanding. I eventually ordered a second 12 Hop - very good, Hop Slam like, but maybe even better. We brought an empty Barley jug just in case we wanted some beer to take home, although we weren't really sure of their policy on jugs. Did it have to be one of theirs? Mindy asked Jamie. No, they'll fill any jug. Mindy also asked about the Hop Odyssey. It was a whopping $28! We opted for a regular IPA instead. That was only $8.95. Not bad at all! While wrapping up our brief visit, the friendly bar staff comp'd us an order of their wings. I ate a couple then had the rest boxed for home. Mindy agreed to get the tab. We left for home around 730p.
We weren't home long before Jimaken and the kids returned. Jacob and I watched the last couple minutes of the 1st half of the Buckeye basketball game and then the entire 2nd half. Looked sluggish until roughly 12 minutes to go when Sullinger took over eventually scoring 40 points. We trailed by as many as 9 points in the 2nd half but won by 11.
The kids were up later than normal, 930p to be exact. I tuned the TV to one of the knowledge channels, but there wasn't much on. I must've fallen asleep rather quickly. I woke around 1130p. It was just me and Frankie. I secured the home, tucked in Frankie, then headed for bed.
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