Goodbye Ground Hog & Hello Crocus

I woke feeling well slept and somewhere north of 530a. All through the night there were severe thunderstorms rolling through, and some rivaling those that we get midsummer. Can’t recall ever seeing/hearing storms like that in February before. In kind, we had both kids on our bed a couple of times, though it didn’t bother me in the least. Again, I slept well. The rain, wind lightning and thunder continued all through my calisthenics and coffee. I checked the weather online. It was a sultry 63 degrees. Happily, the last of the red storm was finally moving past us. I waited until 600a to take Frankie out. By then, the rain had stopped and the lightning was well to our east. However, I could still hear faint rumbles of thunder off in the distance. The back yard was a big puddle. I walked Frankie out front. That proved fruitful. She did both. Back inside I did meditation and a stretch. Both went well. I think my sprained shoulder is all but healed. The four straight days of scheduled Ibuprofen seems to have done the trick. Even still, I decided to take three more ahead of my run just to be safe. I delivered the pug and coffee to Mindy who was just about to enter the shower. I headed out for my run at 635a. There might’ve been a light sprinkle and a stiff breeze but that was nothing compared to the weather earlier. I ran the full 4.1 miles without any issues. I was got really warm during the early part of my run, so much so that about the 2 mile mark I started to remove my pullover fleece. But once it was off I realized that the temperature had dropped significantly. I quickly pulled it back on. Back at home I started Mindy’s Honda. She and the kids were already gathered at the breakfast table. After being asked, I shared how my run went then scooted off to the familyroom to check the temperature again. Just as I suspected, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was already down to 47 degrees. That's a 16 degree drop in just two short hours. According to the forecast, it was expected to keep dropping through the day, too, all the way down to a nighttime low of 25. Mindy left for work at her usual time and I headed off to the shower. I needed a shave. I used both the electric and manual razor and cream. I was ready and downstairs by 750a. Still with a few minutes, I packed my lunch. The kids were downstairs and ready by 755a. We headed out the door a few minutes later. It was still relatively warm but only in the 40's. We had the kids wear their winter coats knowing that the temperature was expected to keep dropping throughout the day. Kenny was at the bus stop with Lillian and Makayla. The bus showed up at 804a. I walked Frankie out front before heading inside. She only peed. I left for work at 810a determined to be in my office before 830a so I could join a conference call that started promptly at 830a. I was in the office with time to spare and joined the scheduled call. The call didn't go well at all. Too much jockeying for position and not enough teamwork. You'll have that, I suppose. The work day went fast. There was a lot going on. I didn’t get out of the office until 545p. Long day. I called Mindy as soon as I had the Trooper pointing the proper direction. Said dinner was just about ready. We were having pork chops, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. Sounded good. I was really hungry. Must have arrived home a little after 6p. Everyone was already at the dinner table eating their salads. I quickly emptied my work back pack, washed my hands and joined the others already at the dinner table. Everything was really good. The cornbread was exceptional, thicker richer than the Jiffy mix Mindy typically makes. The kids liked their dinner too. Clean up took a while. Lots of stove top clean-up (pots, pans, and mess). After dinner I spent time at the PC, but then retreated to the family room with Mindy & Bella where we watched How It’s Made and then a show about the formation of the universe. Seen it before but still found it fascinating. Jacob was a little PO’d at the rest of us. Found the programs boring. He loves to cite his boredom. It was a lazy evening. We all headed to bed before 10p. Good night moon. Good bye February!