Skis Roses Chocolate & Stout

I got a decent night of sleep and was up on time. Hooray! It was Friday, something I was quite happy about. I brushed my teeth and gathered my running clothes then headed downstairs to get the day underway. I slipped into my running shoes then checked out the predawn sky – cloudy. I did my sit-ups then checked the weather online. It was a balmy 28 degrees. Expecting it to climb into the mid 30s by afternoon. I did push-ups next. Afterwards, I leashed up Frankie and headed outback. What’s become almost routine, she only pooped. We headed back inside near 6a. I made a cup of coffee then relaxed for a few more minutes in front of my PC. It was 610a by the time I got around to meditation, and then 625a when I did a stretch. Mindy was in the middle of her shower when I dropped off coffee and the pug. I asked that she try and get Frankie outside again soon. Dressing in the usual winter layers, I wondered if I might be too warm after Wednesday & Thursday’s arctic blast. All for not. I remained comfortable throughout. I guess that’s the beauty of wearing wicking attire. I ran the full 4.1 miles and was back home around 720a. I asked Mindy if anyone managed to get Frankie back out. They hadn’t yet, but she asked Jacob to do the deed as soon as he finished his breakfast. Before Mindy left, Jacob asked us again if he could snow board on Saturday. I suggested he ask Evan if they were planning to be at MRM on Saturday. For the time being, we left it up in the air depending on who else goes. If Jacob won’t have a boarding buddy, then in all likelihood, we won’t pay for the rental and lesson. At 730a Mindy left for school and I headed off to the shower. After a shower I put together a quick lunch. This time, instead of a salad, I packed some leftover tortellini. The kids and I headed out at 758a. Kenny was out with the kids. Sounded horrible with a cold, but still figured on heading to MRM on Saturday afternoon. I asked about Jake thinking of Jacob’s desire to snow board. Verdict was still out on Jake’s status. Frankie and I spent a few minutes out front before heading back inside. I threw my lunch in my back pack then headed off to work. It was roughly 815a. We had our routine Friday staff meeting that started 9a and then another meeting immediately after it that carried us up to noon. Those two meetings helped the morning fly by. At 1p I left the office to pick-up our skis at Aspen Ski & Board. Took care of me quickly. I was in and out of there in less than five minutes. They did a great job. The edges were as sharp as they’ve ever been. That made me really happy! I left there and headed to the Whole Foods on Lane Ave. There, I took care of Mindy’s Valentine’s Day. I bought her 20 red roses, some organic chocolates, a card, and two varieties of stout, her favorite beer. Still doing good on time, I decided to take it all home and set it up on the island for her late afternoon arrival home. The afternoon was sunny and seasonably warm, at least compared to earlier in the week. While home, I took Frankie out back for a quick walk. She did a lot of sniffing but nothing else. First time in a while that there was exposed grass. Gone now for almost 75 minutes, I hurried back to the office arriving sometime near 230p. The afternoon was crazy busy, but because it was Friday, I didn’t mind at all. I left the office for home at 530p. I missed a couple calls from Mindy late in the afternoon. I called her back on my way out of the building. She said she was excited and totally surprised to arrive home to find roses, chocolates and stout. We talked through most of my commute home. Discussed dinner options, too, but made no definitive plans. I arrived home around 540p. Taking my lead, Mindy had a Valentine’s gift on the island waiting my arrival. She and the kids insisted I open it. After emptying my backpack and rinsing my lunch dishes I opened my VD gift. Two tickets to see Todd Rundgren at the Southern Theatre, where he’ll be performing two albums cover to cover (Todd & Healing). Good seats, too, - row “A” in the lodge. Sweet! We discussed dinner options eventually deciding on Barley’s. The kids were uncharacteristically unenthused. Depending on the day, there are times when they literally beg to go there. Mindy said it was her call and that’s where we were going. Done deal. She also shared that she made reservations for V.D. dinner at the Big Fat. My dad will be joining us too, as will Jacob & Bella. We left for Barley’s at 630p. Happily, we got an up close parking spot, no doubt one that someone recently vacated because even the back 40 was chalked full of their overage. I let Mindy and the kids out before I backed in to avoid any possible door dings when the kids exited. I specifically asked Bella to not walk behind the Honda. She agreed, but immediately walked behind the Honda anyway! Good thing I was looking. Inside, the place was packed. Mindy put our names in for a table. Before heading into the bar area, we chatted with our old neighbors, Dave & Becky who were there with her brother Rick and his girlfriend Carol. David's mom was along too. Finally bellied up to the bar and ordered a beer, a CBC IPA. Mindy eventually got one too. Said she expected me to order hers when I got mine. I didn’t though because I didn’t know what she wanted. After about 20 minutes our table freed. Tina would be our server. Cool. We really like her. I wasn’t quite in weekend mode yet. I needed a beer and another 30 minutes to unwind. Plus, the kids were a little rowdy. They often need to be reminded of their restaurant manners, but usually come around in due time. Mindy ordered them a basket of fries as an appetizer. Getting some food in their bellies is always a good plan. We ordered dinner entrees after being there 45 minutes. Jacob ordered chicken tenders with gates of hell and blue cheese. Bella ordered mini cheese burgers and fries. And Mindy ordered the meatloaf sandwich. I ordered only a second beer, a Bitter Dan. I figured I’d snack off of everybody else’s food plate. The kids and Mindy rarely finish their entrees. The Bitter Dan was terrible (buttery). I decided to swap it out for another CBC. Tina was more than gracious. I ate just enough food to settle my stomach but not kill my buzz. I ended up having a 3rd CBC as dinner wound down. The kids often get antsy when I/we order another beer and their food is gone. They’re ready to go. We visited with some of our Barley peeps, including Bob & Carol, and then Darwin. Told him that we’d be up at MRM on Saturday. Like me, he guessed that it might be the last decent weekend with warm weather forecasted out as far as the eye can see. I took care of the tab and Mindy drove us home. Mindy texted the neighbors asking if they were up for company. Turns out, they weren’t home. They were out east to see a friend of theirs in a band. Just as well. We needed a mellow night at home. Mindy & Jacob were in bed before 10p. Bella and I stayed up playing on the laptops. I had two Jack & Cokes. We headed to bed at 11p.