Ten to Twenty

It was Friday and the beginning of another weekend. That fact alone made it so much easier to roll out of bed. It was something slightly beyond 530a. I was downstairs slipping into my exercise tennies minutes later while also glancing out the back door at the weather. The skies were partly clear. I completed calisthenics and spent a few minutes at the PC. It was 48 degrees at the time. The day's high was forecasted to climb into the mid to upper 60's. Unfortunately, the weekend ahead wasn't forecasted to be very warm or sunny.


I enjoyed a little coffee before heading off on a walk with Eiknarf. We walked out front, where and she took care of business somewhat assertively. We weren't back inside until 610a. I settled in for about ten minutes of meditation and then about five minutes of stretching. I then took the pug and coffee to Mindy, who was already well into the shower process.

I dressed in spring running attire (no gloves or ear covers). It was breezy and getting cloudier by the minute. I ran the full 4.1 miles without incident. During the run I thought mostly about work, retirement, and spring yard projects.

Back at home, I looked for Mindy's keys just inside the door but they weren't there. I asked if she wanted the Honda started. She did. She brought me the keys and I took care of the deed just ahead of settling in for breakfast. I enjoyed fried eggs and fruit. Bella ate chocolate frosted donut holes. Jacob had only chocolate milk. I reminded him that this was his final full day being 10. When his next (2nd) decade draws to a close he'll most likely be well into the college experience, have tried weed and alcohol, be driving his own car, and experienced having his heart broken a time or two by a couple hot little vixens. Mindy chimed in that at 530p tomorrow he'll be 11. She left for work about ten minutes early after reminding Bella to bus home as normal. I added that she wasn't to kiss any boys, either. She didn't care for the comment.

While Mindy headed out the door I ridded up my mess and then headed upstairs for a shower. At the time, I was unaware that I was well ahead of the clock. I found myself ready & downstairs even before 740a. I put together my lunch consisting of fruit, cheese, and a hunk of leftover filet mignon. Still had ten minutes before bus time. I played on my PC until then. As that time neared, I had to hurry Bella along. She was being her usual pokey self.

Kenny was at the bus stop with the girls again. Said he had the day off and planned to be fitted for a new driver at Golf Galaxy in the AM. Asked if I'd be interested in going in on renting a power edger one day soon. That would all but eliminate the need to edge the beds with a square shovel, a task that takes its toll on my body each spring. I agreed. The bus arrived at 804a.

As I walked back to the house I decided to drive the BM'er. The forecast promised early sun and temps now approaching 70, but with clouds and rain late afternoon and/or evening. It was a little dirty, having not been washed since September I'll bet, but figured what the hell. It couldn't have been more than 50 degrees as I drove off to work, but it was invigorating. The BM'er purred.

One of my guys walked in with me. Asked if the roadster was mine. Yep! He said he hated me. Told him I'd sell it to him. I was determined to have a good work day. The first thing I did was review Thursday's results. We did surprisingly well. That helped my morning considerably. Come 1p I left for lunch and drove to Golf Galaxy right up the road. This time I had my $10 off coupon and bought that cart golf bag I had my eye on last week. Only gone from the office for about 20 minutes, I still had enough time to run to my bank and deposit the check brother Tommy mailed. All totaled, I was out of pocket for about 45 minutes. I headed back to the office eager to finish the week on a high note.

The afternoon was a bit more challenging than the morning but all in all still quite manageable. I tried connecting with Ashley numerous times through the afternoon. I wanted to make arrangements to have Olivia Saturday night. We didn't talk until I was on my drive home. Made plans for Olivia to come over mid/late afternoon Saturday after they get back from seeing the movie, Hop. This was supposed to be a kidless weekend, but Jimaken asked if he could bring the kids back Saturday evening so he could get up early Sunday and run a 32 mile race. We agreed. Saturday is/was Jacob's actual birthday anyway. The neighbors are celebrating Easter this Saturday too, and planning an Easter egg hunt for all the kids.

I arrived home around 540p. By then the sunshine was all but gone. Looked like it might rain at any time. BM'er didn't get rained on at all. Not wanting to take a chance, I put the top up while it was parked outside at work, something I rarely do. Mindy & I chatted for a little while then took Frankie on a walk. She pooped and peed. Just as we walking up the driveway it started to rain. We hurried for the house. Big drops!

It must've been about 640p when we left for Barleys. I was very much looking forward to the weekend ahead. The lot was full, but someone was backing out of an up close spot as we pulled in. That's called living right. It was still spitting a little rain as we made our way inside. I spotted friend Steve W. sitting at the far end of the bar with a couple open seats next to him. I made my way around to sit with him while Mindy chatted with a few folks immediately inside the door.

I ordered a Centennial after sampling the Hoptopus on the firkin. Not much to my liking. First time seeing Katy since her marriage. She thanked Mindy & I for the card and cash. Two of Mindy's favorite school peeps were there, Kim and her husband Charlie, and Kerriane w/o husband. Charlie shared that he gave up beer for lint. One week to go. Mindy ordered a burger. I ordered nothing accept another beer. I think my second was a Centennial too. However, from that point forward I drank Brew Kettle's White Rajah. Doug H.'s co-worker and friend, Elija bellied up next to Steve and I at the bar.

Doug & Jamie (formerly known as Doomie) showed up I'm guessing around 830-9p. I had a good three beer buzz going by then. Doug, meanwhile, was on cloud nine announcing gleefully that he was now a divorced man. Cheers went up all around the bar, including one from me declaring their drinks on me for the entire evening. For some of us, divorce is like a second birthday.

Two of the Rick's were in, big and little. Big Rick showed off pics of his grandson and told of his recent southern states vacation.

For whatever the reason I was feelin' celebratory myself. I really let loose. Must've had 5 or 6 beers in total, and the last 3 or 4 Imperial IPAs. For the first time in a long while, we closed the place down. The tell-tale sign, chairs and stools placed atop the tables. And as a special treat to those who remained, I poured my heart out in song. :)

I paid the tab and Mindy drove us safely home. We checked to see if the neighbors were still up. Nope, the house completely dark. Just as well, I needed sleep, not more partying. I had the wherewithal to take four Advil before heading up to bed. We let Eiknarf join us in bed. She'd spent most of her day alone and wanted her people.