Return the Back-Out

I was up about ten minutes early. It was still raining, and fairly hard, too. Lord have mercy, will it ever stop? I completed calisthenics then enjoyed a cup of coffee before even considering taking Frankie out. My hope was that the rain would subside, if not before our walk, then before my run. The radar looked to be in my favor. The brunt of the rain was moving out of the picture. Frankie and I headed out around 6a. I took the umbrella. We walked out front. She was quick to relieve herself. The rain was heavy enough that despite the brief walk, she was wet from head to toe. By the time I’d finished meditation and stretching, the rain had been reduced to a sprinkle. That pleased me much. Still early – only 620a - I took Mindy some coffee and the pug. She was awake but still making the bed in the dark. I helped then headed downstairs to ready for my run. The only modification to my attire was leaving the fleece toboggan at home. I still wore ear muffs and a ball cap. I skipped wearing my new running shoes, not wanting to subject them to the rain so soon. I ran the full track and felt good throughout. I managed to avoid anything beyond a light sprinkle. Living right! Started Mindy’s Honda simply because she had the keys ready and waiting. It was almost 40 degrees, kind of a waste of energy in my world. My wife is spoiled, however. She did, however, have my eggs ready and waiting. We could see a pond forming in the middle of our backyard. The ground is completely saturated, and has been for about a week or more. We didn’t need anymore rain. Soon Mindy departed for work. Reminded the kids that it was a “daddy” night. Being ill, I wasn’t sure if we’d do anything special (go to dinner). I had a few minutes. I packed most of my lunch before heading up to the shower. The kids and I were ready for the bus stop at 755a. We headed out a couple minutes later. Chrissy was out with the girls. Woody didn’t get to come out. I guess he was being punished for pooping on their wood floors. Frankie was devastated. Looked confused when they emerged without him. Frankie and I walked out front with me under the cover of an umbrella. After all that fun, we headed back inside where I penned Frankie and gathered all my work gear. I took a pseudoephedrine just before leaving for work.. I was on the road by 815a. The Jim Tressel story continues to dominate the headlines and radio talk shows. Not looking good. At work before 830a, I no sooner got settled into my office then joined our weekly staff call. The call went fairly well, at least I thought so. A few new team members were on. The morning was a busy one. I took lunch at 1p and headed to Home Depot to return the back-out kit I bough he day prior. I was ready for a debate but got no resistance whatsoever. They were very accommodating. After my return, I spent a good 30 minutes browsing their lawn furniture offerings (we need replacement cushions) as well some spring yard work tools. It is getting to be that time of year. It was 2pm when I got back to the office. The afternoon was busy, and I was there late again. Called Mindy on my drive home. She didn’t answer. Called me back a few minutes later to share that she’d just spoken with Rocky & Landon as well as their stand in step-mom, Ashley (not my daughter Ashley), who has them indefinitely now that Lindsey is seeking the help she so sorely needs. Judging from the initial conversation, Mindy feels the kids are much better off with their dad and step mom. Sounds like they have a plan and some structure, which is something they sadly lacked with Lindsey. The kids seemed calm and happy, too. No chaos. We both agreed that this just might be what’s best long term. And this way we can be the grandparents – not the parents, which has been a shared conviction of ours all along. Mindy emphasized that on the call. At home, I looked over the mail. The house was quiet. The kids already gone with their dad, Mindy made cream of chicken over rice for the two of us. It hit the spot, and was very filling. After dinner we chatted and relaxed from the sofa. The kids arrived home just before 8p. We tuned into American Idol as a family, though Bella eventually disappeared to her room. It was a two hour show. Of the 13, I was impressed with 10. Dianna Ross, Rod Stewart, and the Latino girl were as good as done in my world. The kids got to watch most of the show. Up late. We all headed to bed after the program, or shortly after 10p.