Toothy Experience

I was up a few minutes early again and felt pretty good – well rested and no bothersome aches or pains. Despite seeing a few flashes of lightning just before getting out of bed, the sky was mostly clear. That was certainly a welcome sight. I slipped into my exercise shoes then headed to the living room where I completed 55 sit-ups then checked the weather and headlines.

It was a balmy 64 degrees. All around us were severe storms, most of them south of central Ohio. The forecast called for partly sunny skies, scattered afternoon showers, and a high of 84 degrees - summer-like. Supposed to be in the 80’s for the next 3 days.

I headed to the family room where I whipped out 55 push-ups. As soon as I was done I headed out with Eiknarf, who was eager to head outside. There were a few sprinkles on the deck furniture and cars but clear skies overhead. I didn’t need a jacket either. Yeah! Eiknarf took care of business during our walk back towards the house.

Inside, I poured some coffee and returned to my PC for a few minutes. Checked the Reds final score from Tuesday. They won, I believe, 7-3. Were ahead 6-0 last I checked. Did meditation and stretching. Both went well. I finished up early. Headed upstairs with coffee and the pug at 622a. Mindy was about to get in the shower. After a brief hug I headed back downstairs to prepare for my run.

I wore shorts and a short sleeved wicking shirt for the first time all season. I headed out at 630a on the nose. The air felt awesome – thick and warm. I could smell summer. I ran the full 4.1 miles. The skyline was hazy and the sunrise a burnt orange. Really pretty. Because it was so humid, I worked up one heck of a sweat. I should've run barebacked. I’ve often heard people say that with the advent of wicking shirts there is no need to run without a shirt. Obviously these folks have never run in the heat and humidity. They don’t stop you from sweating at all. Instead, the wicking material only transfers the sweat to the outer edge for evaporation. Still feels like a jacket.

Good run. At home I stripped off my soaked wicking shirt and wiped the sweat from my face with a beach towel. Mindy asked how my run went. Well, dear. Mindy made scrambled eggs and said there were plenty left in the pan for Eiknarf, too. It was nice to have fresh fruit at the table, although the new cantaloupe had a peculiar flavor.

Mindy left at 730a. Told the kids to bus home as normal. I headed off to the shower a couple minutes later. I used my new hair clippers for a not so close shave, just the way I like it.  I was back downstairs preparing my lunch at 750a. I packed tuna, banana, cheese, and fruit medley. I remembered my 3p dental appointment. Doubted I’d eat before the appointment even though I carry floss, tooth paste, brush, and mouthwash in my day pack.

The kids and I headed out at 757a. The sky was again overcast somewhat dampening my desire to drive the BM’er. Chrissy was out with Makayla, this her last work day until June. She sounded celebratory. Don’t blame her one bit! Said her speech presentation went well. Classmates got a kick out of the audience (us).

Eiknarf and I walked out front for a couple more minutes. Not wasted time. She peed again. Inside, I made last minute preparations for work including a decision to drive the Trooper. Thought I might stop at Strader's on the way to my dental appointment later. The BM’er’s not conducive for hauling around plants.

For like the third day in a row, the Trooper’s transmission jerked into drive as I exited the subdivision. Not a good sign. Further warning that its end may be near. Once on I-270 I could see nothing but blue sky heading our way from the west. Made me wish I’d driven the BM’er. Maybe Thursday. Arrived at work on time.

The work day was busy, and my peer in a much better mood. The day got off to a healthy start. My boss being vacation, we canceled the weekly staff meeting.  Because I’d be leaving for my dental appointment at 2p, I didn’t even consider taking a lunch. I worked straight through. Without thinking I ate my banana. By the time 2p rolled around I was again super hungry. I didn’t bother eating my packed lunch so I wouldn’t have to fool with flossing and brushing yet again.

I left the office and headed to Strader’s before the dentist. There I bought flora for the two large deck pots. Looked at flowering shrubs too. Left there at 220p. Arrived at Dr March’s office at 235p, or 25 minutes early. Colleen eventually came to greet me, then a minute later Heather, my hygienist came calling.  While waiting for them, I read an article about Steven Tyler.

After the obligatory small talk Heather got started on my teeth. Made comment that she only recently got her braces off. Oh yeah? Let me see? Nice smile! That made her happy. She used the electronic/sonic cleaner tool around my retainer. Used the manual tools elsewhere. Seemed to work faster than usual. She was done after about 20 minutes. I chose mint over cinnamon polish. Dr March came in to check me out too. Said everything looked great. Haven’t had a cavity in years. Made my next 6 month appointment on my way out – November 15^th 3p.

It was around 330p. I didn’t plan on returning to work. Didn’t expect to get out of there until 4p or later. I headed home instead. Pulled up still ahead of 4p. Kids weren’t even off the bus yet. Mindy was home though. Said she was surprised I was home so fast. Had to kick the mailman out the back door, I guess. Mindy helped me tote the Strader’s flowers around to the deck.

Kids were home a couple minutes later. Both were in good spirits. We asked Bella about her field trip. I think they visited the Indian Caverns?? Not exactly sure. I know they planned on doing some ‘creeking’, which is right up Bella’s alley. And the weather was ideal, which at the time was 86 degrees, sunny, and with summer-like humidity.

I changed my shoes then headed out on the deck to pot the flowers I’d just purchased. Not at all used to heat and humidity, I worked up a drippy sweat in a hurry. In no time at all, my jeans and black t-shirt were damp with sweat. I kept at it, though, until I was completely finished. After transplanting the flowers I watered them in well then watered the new grass seed.

Some time during my outdoor toil, Mindy asked if we could grill, and if so, what. Agreed on burgers. She then asked about inviting my dad. Why not? He agreed to come over. Mindy  shared that we’d be eating a little early, however, since I’d be taking Jacob to soccer practice at 610p. I started the grill a little after 5p.

Dad arrived shortly after I started the grill. Joined me on the deck. It was mighty warm grilling the meat in the heat. Grilled 4 burgers, 1 chicken breast, and 3 or 4 chicken strips.  Mindy made salads and oven baked French fries, too. Apparently, I put the colby jack cheese on the wrong burger. One of the burgers was not as good as the rest (Bella’s). That’s OK. I volunteered to eat that one. It was good.

We used paper plates for the burgers but regular bowls for the salad. Clean-up was simple. Not long after I finished cleaning up it was time to take Jacob to soccer practice. Mindy reiterated her thankfulness for me taking him. I figured I could walk over to Darby Creek Nursery (right across the street) just to browse while he practiced.

We arrived at practice at 631p. The sun was hot. As planned, I walked over to the nursery. I browsed their perennials then walked the back lot checking out their trees and large shrubs. Have some very healthy knock-out rose bushes on sale for $20 each. Nice size too.  Spent nearly 30 minutes there. I walked back to the Honda, where I sat with the AC on listening to a sports talk show from Cincinnati, where they were talking about the Reds. I bored with it quickly and turned it and the car off. I put the windows down, the seat back, and took a nap. I slept until Jacob grabbed a hold of the passenger door. Cool!

We headed home arriving around 745p. To our surprise, dad was still there and out on the deck chatting with Mindy. I was still very tired and wasn’t in the mood to sit in the heat. Instead, I plopped down on the sofa in the AC. Does that mean that I’m old? Dad and Mindy came in a couple minutes later. Dad shared some of the story topics they covered in my absence. He left around 755p.

Mindy, the kids and I tuned the TV to FOX for American Idol. I changed into my PJs just before it began. Didn’t think I was away more than a minute, but by the time I was back in front of the TV, James had already done his first song. Haley was next. Admittedly, she sang a song unfamiliar to most, and one I wouldn’t have picked for her, but she still rocked it. The judges were tough on her. Can’t understand why they nitpick her to death, but then let two others slide without criticism. She blew everyone away with her 2^nd song (I Who Have Nothng). Awesome!

If I could send someone home it would be Scottie. Aside from his extra deep country register he can’t sing any better than somebody at a local karaoke bar. Mindy sent the kids to bed immediately after Idol. Mindy and I watched Breaking In. I battled a case of the sleepies through out but managed to stay awake for the brief 30 minute program. We headed to bed afterwards. Mindy pointed out the bright moon beams shining in our bedroom window. Good night moon!