It was mostly sunny again, and something that brought me great joy. I started coffee and then took a couple Advil. I had just a slight hint of a headache. Because it was Sunday I didn’t plan on doing calisthenics. Of course I did plan to run. While sipping coffee and playing around on the internet I remembered that the 9-11 memorial programming was slated to begin at 8am. I went to the family room and tuned the TV to NBC. It was 830am.
Both Obama and Bush gave brief speeches before the WTC memorial gates were opened to the surviving families. It was a touching moment at the memorial but with probably too much coverage, honestly. The memorial waterfalls are beautiful and the park-like setting nicer than I expected. Can’t wait to see it in person.
Mindy had been talking all week about how much she was looking forward to seeing the WTC memorial ceremonies. So against my better judgment I took her coffee around 9am and turned on the bedroom TV so she could catch some of it. Wasn’t sure if she was feeling OK or not. She wasn’t 100% but still appreciative of the both the coffee and the reminder of the WTC ceremonies.
I headed back downstairs with Eiknarf and then out the door for a walk. After our walk, I watched the ceremonies for perhaps another 15-20 minutes before deciding it time to do my run. It was plenty warm – mid 60’s. I decided to run in shorts.
It was a lovely run and the sky only brightened more as the run went along. I took a moment or two to cast a gaze skyward when I heard the roar of jet engines passing by. Brought back memories of my birthday ten years prior and where I was and what I was doing.
Unlike Saturday, Mindy was up when I got back home. Asked how my run went. Fine dear. She wished me happy birthday again and then asked if I had a good time the night before. Yep! Lindsey phoned a couple of times to make sure that I would be picking her and the boys up sometime after church. Yes. In lieu of going out to dinner, we made plans to have the kids and g-kids over to celebrate my 52nd b-day. The sacrifices we make! J
Mindy planned on grocery shopping while I went after the kids. Before any of that, however, I planned to give the Accord a much needed bath. And why not? It was supposed to be nice for the next few days, or so I assumed. Just before heading out I made a roast beef, cheese, and salsa wrap. Oh my gosh, was it ever good!
It was just a little after 11am when I headed out to get busy on the Accord. I moved the Pilot to the curb to make room. While I started on the Accord, Mindy headed for the shower. Probably spent a good 45 minutes washing/polishing the Accord. She was looking good when I was done. I helped Mindy carry the recycling to the Pilot before she left for the grocery. Now about noon, I was feeling like I needed a nap. After talking with Lindsey earlier, I knew that they were walking over to Kelly’s after church, which ended around noon. I figured to have at least 30 minutes. I snuggled up on the sofa and tuned the TV to NFL pregame programming. It felt terrific!
Lindsey must have phoned around 1235pm to let me know that they had just arrived at Kelly’s. I told her I would be there around 1pm after taking a brief nap. She was good with that. I lounged lazily as long as I could. I left to fetch Lindsey and the boys around 1250pm. I tuned my XM radio to NFL pregame. Just as I neared Kelly’s, the lone dark could in the entire sky (blue everywhere else) dumped a load of rain on my freshly scrubbed Accord. I wasn’t pleased, but also laughed at my predicament. And it was raining hard, too. But again, sunny all around us, just like the last time I washed it.
The g-kids seemed good and were eager to get back to the house. They asked about playing Wii and airsoft, but unfortunately for them, there wouldn’t much if any Wii since this was opening Sunday for the NFL. Of course the rain ended (hadn’t rained at all north of
Broad St
Broad St
The kids, including Lindsey, went immediately for our chocolate stash. Landon wanted to swing and Rocky wanted to play airsoft or ride bikes. I told Landon that his mommy could take him out to swing. As for Rocky, I nixed the airsoft thing until Jacob got home later. Both decided they wanted to ride bikes. Lindsey?
I insisted that Lindsey walk the bikes down the driveway to the sidewalk, one, as a safety measure, and two, to avoid any mishap with my car. I watched from the garage while Lindsey wheeled the first bike, Bella’s, down the drive for Landon. She handed it off halfway and then let him get on it and ride down the hill. I gave her the dickens insisting that she follow my advice. Our driveway is just too steep and our street too busy to allow unalert children to roll down the drive towards the street.
While Lindsey tended to Landon, I helped Rocky with Jacob’s old bike. I started walking it down the drive myself, but then Rocky took over saying he’d do it. No sooner had I handed it over did her jump right on and start to ride down the hill, too. I was furious. Nope! I pulled him off the bike and sent him inside for a timeout. Lindsey immediately questioned my response. Fact is, these boys simply don’t listen and don’t follow direction. As I see it, all of this is on Lindsey.
Lindsey hung out front with Landon while he road Bella’s bike. Who knew? This was the first I knew he could ride a two wheeler. He does it well, too. I headed inside to have a quiet chat with Rocky. It took a while to find him. In fact, for a minute I thought he might’ve defied me and simply headed right back out the front door when I came in through the garage. Instead, he was hiding under the dining room table.
We talked briefly about being a good listener. He then apologized. I asked if he was ready to try it again. Nope, changed his mind. Mindy got home a couple minutes later. I headed out to help carry in the groceries. I shared that while Lindsey and the boys had been there only10 minutes, I was already stressed. J
It was closing in on 2pm. Mindy shared that Jacob & Bella weren’t expected home until sometime between 230 & 3pm. Not sure what the boys did in the interim, but I got cozy on the sofa watching the Browns and Bengals game. The Bengals took an early 13-0 lead and looked like they might just dominate the Browns on their own field. But the tide quickly turned. Just like that the Browns were ahead 14-13.
The kids were home around 245pm. And much to Rocky’s liking, Jacob and he headed off to find Evan and then to have an airsoft battle out back in the woods. Landon wanted to go along too, but Mindy & I insisted that he stay in the house with us. Too little; too young. However, I did ask Jacob to teach him how to shoot the airsoft from the deck. Jacob was patient and kind, showing him the ropes.
We were expecting Ashley and Olivia too, but not until 430pm. They had a couple other birthday parties to attend that day. Mindy mentioned that our friend Stella, a server at CBC, and her young daughter, Olivia might be coming over, too.
Stella showed up sometime after 5pm, or when Mindy was about to go after the Minelli’s pizzas she ordered. I suggested that she stay back and hang with Stella while I ran after the pizzas. Mindy gave me her card to use. After all, it was my birthday dinner. I enjoyed the quiet of Minelli’s. Chatted with Cathy while waiting on our pies. Labor Day was her 52nd birthday. Happy b-day, Cathy!
While waiting on the three pizzas, I kept a loose eye on the in-store TVs watching for NFL scores, and more pointedly, the Vikings score. They were holding on to a 17-7 lead over the Chargers in San Diego
I was back at home with the pizzas in short order. While Mindy got the kids squared away, I watched halftime highlights. Not only did the Vikings run the opening kick-off back for a TD (a positive), the Chargers intercepted Donavon McNabb’s first pass as a Viking and returned it for a TD (negative). Bang, bang!
The pizza was good. The house was a bit chaotic. Chrissy came down and joined us for pizza while Kenny stayed home. Their kids were down too, as were Evan and Emily. We had a house full of kids to be sure. Add to that, the two pugs were going at it like they always do.
Ashley & Olivia hung out long enough for me to open all my birthday cards, which I let accumulate since last Thursday. Mindy’s family is very good about remembering birthday’s and sending cards. I appreciate that. Only recently have my girls brought me cards: made, bought, recycled, or stolen. J Lindsey commented on the obvious theme amongst almost all my cards – beer! Asked if I was an alcoholic. I could only laugh at her black & white outlook.
Jacob & Bella gifted me an assortment of IPA’s. Very cute! Thanks kids. How did you know?
Ashley and Olivia were the first to beg out. Said they still had weekend chores to complete: (I.E. grocery store and laundry). Olivia didn’t want to leave. I thought about offering that we would see her home later, but decided against it for not wanting to place an undue burden on myself or Mindy. After all, we already knew we’d be taking Lindsey and the boys back home.
I kept an eye out for the Vikings’ final score as all the 2nd games concluded. Damn it! The Vikings squandered their lead and lost 24-17 – not scoring even a field goal in the 2nd half. What’s worse, I’d later learn that they gained only 26 total yards in the entire 2nd half, and McNabb threw for just 39 yards for the entire game. What? Hell, I could do that!
Around 715pm Lindsey and the boys readied to leave. It started to rain again, too. So much for all the work I’d done earlier to get my car clean (twice). Lindsey and the boys marveled at the rainbow hovering in the eastern sky as we headed that way. It was awfully pretty with dark clouds and rain overhead and to our east, but brilliant sunshine in the west. Rocky was sure that he’d find a pot of gold at the rainbow’s base. Wanted to know where exactly the base was located. Good logic!
Landon fell asleep on our quick drive out east. Again, it’s all freeway and goes quite fast. We were there shortly after 730pm. Rocky woke Landon abruptly. And with the car still moving, Landon started to open the door and undue his seatbelt. Made my heart drop. I had to ask that he never, ever do that. Always wait until your mommy gets out and opens your door. Oh boy!
It was a quick drive back home. I listened to ESPN on XM for the duration. After just one game they were saying that McNabb was through. I’ll give him more than one game. Mindy had the house back in ship-shape by the time I got home. She marveled at how quickly I was back. Bella was down at the neighbors helping clean their rooms since she helped mess them up.
Jacob was upstairs doing some homework. We all planned to watch the Sunday night NFL match-up, the Cowboys vs. Jets. While awaiting its start, I got online to review the Vikings box score. Not pretty.
It was a work night, which typically means no beer. However, it was my birthday. I decided to pour myself a Southern Tier XXIPA. It was good, too.
I enjoyed my beer while watching the start of the SNF game. Mindy and the kids peeled off to bed fairly soon, and near 9pm. I figured to stay up until halftime, or possibly even longer. With the full moon rising in the sky on my birthday, I didn’t want to let the moment go undocumented. I went for my camera and headed out onto the deck to get a couple photos. Not one turned out too well, however. I’ve got to practice such shots.
I wasn’t settled again inside too long before sleep befell me. I woke right at halftime and headed up for bed. Can’t recall the exact score but know the Cowboys were ahead. The Jets looked inept. Good night full moon!
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