Working for the Weekend

I wasn’t too surprised when I woke and found it to be 550a. I did wake earlier, close to 515a, thinking I would sneak in a few more winks. That didn’t work out so well did it? I scurried off to brush my teeth and then headed downstairs to start my exercises. Outside, it was snowing albeit lightly. There might’ve been about a half inch of snow on the ground and solid surfaces. It was 605a by the time I finished both sit-ups and push-ups. Coffee was next, and it really hit the spot. I took Frankie out back around 610a. Lucky for me, she was quick to take care of business. We weren’t out there more than five minutes. Good doggie! Treat? Inside, I did a quick meditation then a stretch. It was well after 630a when I finally delivered coffee and the pug to Mindy, who was already out of the shower and more than half dressed, a sure sign that I was behind schedule. I dressed and left for my run around 645a. I was determined not to let the late start impact my psyche. Despite the late start, I treated it as any other morning and ran the full 4.1 loop. I had to be careful working my way down the driveway for the first time all season due to the snow. The run went well. The streets were dry. It was cold, though, only about 25 degrees. I was comfortable enough, however. At my run’s completion, I was prepared to head in to get Mindy’s keys, but her Honda was already running and warm. I did, however, take a minute to scrape the snow off the driver and passenger windows. It was past 720a. My eggs were already waiting and I was hungry. They were delicious. I shared that the snow parks were all making snow as the forecast for the next 10 days shows lows in the low 20s. All we need now is a little help from mother nature. I wasn’t sure the opening date for Mad River. Shared that it might be this coming weekend. I later learned that not to be the case. Looking like it will be Dec 11 weather permitting. That reminded me that I needed to call MRM to learn how we’re to go about getting our photo ID passes. Just before Mindy left, Chrissy phoned asking if she could send Lillian down and if I could/would see her onto the bus. Yes, of course. She needed to run Makayla to school early for choir. Mindy left at 730a. The kids would be busing home as normal. I left my paper plate for Frankie to lick clean then headed up for a shower. I was back downstairs near 750a. I spent the next few minutes pulling together a light lunch (cheese, fruit, nuts). I called the kids down at 755a. Once again, I was extra careful making my way down the drive with Frankie and towards the bus stop even though there was minimal snow on the driveway. Still, there were those unexpected slick spots that could ruin a knee in a jiffy. I started the Trooper before making it all the way to the bus stop. I already had Lillian with me. Of course, Kenny & Chrissy weren’t out. The bus arrived on time. I walked Frankie a bit more out front. Good thing I did. She did both. I was actually looking forward to heading into work having not been there since last Tuesday. I arrived around 830a and sticking to what’s becoming my preference, I parked out front. It took a few minutes to get situated and logged on. I took my food to the fridge then went for a pitcher of ice water. I had over 2000 emails to work through. Not something I look forward to after being out, but who would? Aside from that, the day went well. Among everything else, I spent a while with my boss catching up on things. Although I could’ve gotten away, I skipped a formal lunch. Some things never change. I was very pleased to see that the recent slump in the stock market came to an end. Two consecutive days of positive momentum. Wahoo! The day done, I left the office around 520p and headed straight home. The kids were off to spend the evening with Jimaken, and wouldn't be back until 745p or so. Mindy & I planned a visit to Barley's. I wasn't home long at all before we left for Barley's in the Honda. I believe we reviewed our Xmas list status during the brief drive. Still not sure what to get the grandsons. We worry too much. Honestly, most little kids would be happy to open empty boxes. :) We arrived at Barley's before 630p. The lot was about half full. Janet was tending bar and at the time was very busy. It was a few minutes before she freed up enough to bring me a pint of Centennial. Mindy ordered a Russian. Our friend Calvin was sitting at the bar, but planned to leave soon. He offered up his spot so we hovered by him until then. Once at the bar, it wasn't long before we placed food orders. Mindy ordered a brisket quesadilla and I the daily special, a smoked reuben. A young guy just down the way had one and it looked delicious. By the time my food was ready, I needed a second beer. The Centennial was going down easy. Yikes! Mindy and I discussed our winter ski trip options. Aside from MRM, we have nothing booked. I threw out several options that have been whirling in my brain. I worry about taking the kids somewhere like Oregon where it's not ski in - ski out. I asked what we would do when one of them inevitably gets cold, tired or frustrated and wants to go back to the room. I want to show then the ski world but wonder if we might be pushing it a little. On the other hand, Holiday Valley with all of its amenities works well for them. Mindy suggested we steer our conversation from winter ski plans back towards our relationship, which is what we spent the rest of our time there and at home talking about. As we prepared to depart, Kurt or Kevin, one of the twins we bought beers for a week or so ago, stopped by to say that he returned the favor. Thanks Kurt/Kevin! I paid the tab. It wasn't that much. I drove home too. Mindy claimed having a big buzz. We weren't home but five minutes before the kids returned. At the time, we were still talking about us. I am such the good husband! There wasn't anything of value on TV. I watched some Science Channel program about how things are made. Right now, however, I can't recall just what. Mindy headed to be about 30 minutes ahead of me. I secured the house and joined her around 1030p.