It was chilly, only 45 degrees. Not exactly the kind of temps I had in mind for staining the deck. However, the temperature was expected to reach into the low 60s under partly cloudy skies, which would be ideal - not too hot and not too cool.
Mindy soon left for work and the kids went on about their business before school. I played around online ahead of getting the kids on the bus and before my run. Time moved swiftly. Soon it was time to head out. I changed into my running clothes before heading out to the bus stop, that way I would be motivated to take off on my run as soon as the kids were off to school. The bus came at 815am. Could darn near set your watch to it. I wished the kids a happy Friday then headed back home with Eiknarf.
I let her walk out front and up to the fire hydrant and back. I was eager to get my run behind me so I could get back and started on the deck. I put Eiknarf inside then headed off on my run. I ran just three miles treating my 1st day of 4 off much like a weekend day. It was a good run and over in about 30 minutes, or somewhere close to 9am.
The sky transitioned numerous times between sunshine and clouds while I cleared the deck of all the flower pots, chairs, benches, and Mindy's fountain. That took a while. I then headed inside where I organized my deck staining materials, including the paint tarp, brushes, tray , stain, and rags. I set my iPod and Bose dock up in the bay window so I could enjoy tunes too. I was ready to get started around 10am. Through the large trees to the west, I could see what looked like dark storm clouds. I wasn't too pleased. I hurried inside and surfed to weather.com. No rain, just clouds. Wanting to get the staining done for two years, I wouldn't have been happy at all had it rained. After all, when I scheduled the day off, the forecast called for 75 and sunny for 4 to 5 days in a row.
I got started on the railing at the west end of the deck by the new surround benches. I decided to use the stain leftover from the last go round first, which was also in a 5 gallon paint pail. It was really thick since it was the last gallon of the five, and that was even after stirring vigorously for ten minutes. I decided to thin it a little after pouring about a quart into an old one gallon pail. The new 2" staining brush I bought the day before worked nicely on the railing and pickets. Still, I can't think of a better word than tedious to describe the mind numbing job, especially just getting started. It seems like it will never end.
I opted to listen to some old Pink Floyd while working. And before long I was making some real progress. After finishing the first 4' section deckside, I headed down to ground level so I could get its back side. That required me doing a belly crawl through the mulch and then contorting my body up through the A/C unit bracket mounted on the back of the house. Not only that, but I had to contend with all the flowers too. Believe me, it was no easy task. After doing both sides of 8' of rail I decided I needed some sustenance, so I headed inside to make a sandwich. I made a roast beef wrap. It was delicious.
Next, I did the 8' section of rail overlooking the backyard that is also surrounded by a large rose bush as well as other mature plants. There are often bumble and honey bees galore hanging in those flowers. I'd feel home free once I got past that difficult section. After 2.5 hours I had completed only 16' foot of railing. You'd think it would go faster than that but it doesn't. Again, the work is tedious, but the results impressive. It made the 16 year old railing look almost new again.
Like it did earlier in the day, the sky transitioned between periods of clouds and sunshine all afternoon. Through my toil, I listened to three different Pink Floyd albums: Final Cut, Animals, and the Division Bell. It's funny that it's taken me all these years to realize how stuck on war Roger Waters was both with the Wall and then with the Final Cut. I love the music and the story but also understand why David Gilmour needed to break away to express his own creative energy.
Mindy asked that I let her know if I would be home to intercept the kids off the bus. Around 130pm, I sent her a text that I would. I made it around to the eastern-most railing just about the time the kids got home from school. Yeah, it took that long. Where had the day gone? They ran off to play in a hurry.
I completed the entire railing still using what was left of the stain from the last time, which by the way, was the fall of 2006, I think. In fact, I still had a little bit left after completing the railing. After a very brief break, I started on the pergola, which is also a pain. I had to stand on the rail holding on with one hand while staining with the other to get the most outward facing boards. I could use the step ladder for the rest.
Mindy got home around 445pm. She came out to check on me and complimented my work. Asked if I still wanted to visit Aspen Ski & Board. I did. She willingly agreed to get our skis, as well as the kids poles and boots loaded into the Honda while I kept staining. I planned to keep going on the pergola until the old stain was gone. I might've had about a pint remaining. The last hour I listened to some old Edgar Winter, and never did it sound better. About half the pergola was done when I ran out of stain. It was close to 530pm. I already knew that Aspen Ski & Board closed at 7pm. I spent the next 15-20 minutes cleaning up my tools and mess and then headed inside for a quick shower while Mindy corralled the children.
I was ready in quick order. We left for ASBCO around 6pm. Mindy suggested we stop and visit my dad after ABSCO. Again, he's rehabbing less than a half mile from their Arlington store. We also planned to get dinner after that. In fact, both kids crabbed about being hungry on our way up.
Eric was working the counter at ABSCO, the same guy that's been there for the last few years. There was a queue of folks dropping off or picking up skis that needed or had already been tuned. We waited patiently. It's good to see them so busy. Eric took care of the paper work for mine and Mindy's tune-up first. Again, the preseason special is only $10 - what a deal! He then turned his attention to the kids, whose equipment we planned to trade in. He sized their skies first, and said they both were still fine. We quickly countered that Jacob wanted to trade in his skis and boots for a snow board package and that Bella would almost certainly need new boots.
Eric measured Bella's foot and agreed that she needed bigger boots. You're telling me, I'm the one that had to get the old ones on her everyday last season. They were tight even then. Bella wasn't at all disappointed that she wasn't getting new skis. She loves her pink K2s. Eric put her in some new white Techna ski boots. Bella really liked those, too. Bella now out of the way, Eric turned his attention to Jacob.
Because he's grown so much, Eric said he's already a tweener (between kids and adult equipment). He asked what my preference was. I suggested we go with adult equipment. Eric agreed and said while more expensive, it would perform much better and last longer. Gave Jacob the choice of several boards, boots, and bindings. Jacob chose a colorful board but its primary color black - a boy after my own heart. We upgraded the boots and bindings too, all of which were at least 40% off the list price. While Eric was taking care of Jacob, Mindy was busy trying on new ski pants. Eric showed her a few options there too and pointed out that all their apparel was 20% off, which is part of their preseason offering every year. Meanwhile, Bella befriended a 4 year old in with her daddy. I think her name was Avery. Reminded us very much of Olivia. Too cute!
Jacob's stuff was pricey - about $380 after taking into account the sale price - but we also got a $100 trade-in credit for his old stuff. Picking out his new gear, he was as excited as I've seen him. Plus, if he goes out and has a blast boarding then it's well worth the cash. Because Bella needed only boots, her upgrade was only an additional $50 or so. Mindy found a new pair of ski pants she liked. We got those too. We also had to pay for three ski tune-ups. Said all of our gear, new and old, would be ready for pick-up on the 20th. I paid the tab.
Both kids shared their eagerness for dinner as we left ASBCO. We reminded them that we planned a brief stop at Arlington Ct. to see dad. There might've been a little complaining but both agreed that we should make the stop. As we pulled in, Mindy said it was the same place Jimaken's grandpa spent the last year or two of his life before passing. She'd been there a few times visiting him.
We signed in around 7pm and then headed back to dad's room. His door was pulled closed. I gave it a knock. I could just barely hear him saying something. I opened the door and announced my family's presence. He seemed genuinely happy to see us. Both kids gave him a hug. So did Mindy. If all went as planned, he'd be checking out Saturday morning and heading for home. He was already thinking he might miss all the attention and care. He's progressing well, and getting around without any complications whatsoever. The wound still looks darn near fresh, however. I'm sure it'll take some time to heal. We didn't stay too long, maybe 20 minutes.
Dad even walked us out. Even as we loaded into the Pilot and headed out of the lot we were still unsettled on our dinner destination. After some back and forth we agreed on the Big Fat. Everybody likes it and it was convenient and close. We pulled in the lot five minutes later. Even Bella, who has an extraordinary sense of direction was baffled at how quickly we got there having taken the back way through Arlington.
Johnny was working. We hadn't seen him in maybe a year. He's been spending most of his time at the new place, Fisherman's Wharf at Polaris. Said Maria (his sister) was there that night and married to the place. At first we thought he said married. Maria is a very attractive single Greek woman.
Alexsandra was our server. Drinks were first. Mindy ordered only water. Both kids ordered Dr Pepper, and I ordered a Jack & Coke. Jacob must've thanked me two or three times for his snow board stuff while we perused the menu. He must've felt bad because he insisted his mother pay for dinner. :)
Jacob ordered a gyro platter. Bella ordered pasta with parmesan (no sauce). Mindy ordered sea scallops, and I ordered the King crab legs, but only one pound. Mindy and I each ordered small Greek salad's too. I ordered a 2nd Jack & Coke just before our dinner arrived. We knew and expected because Johnny was in the house that the food would be exceptional and it was. The crab legs were delicious. I tried one of Mindy's scallops. They were really good too. The kids wanted dessert, so Mindy ordered two slices of cake (lemon raspberry and chocolate) to go. Mindy picked up the check.
It was chilly, only 55 degrees as we made our way to the car. Bella asked if we could hang with the neighbors who were said to be having a fire on their patio back at home. Mindy wasn't sure. Once at home, Mindy let the kids head down to hang with the neighbors. I waited to see if Mindy was going to go. She came down in her PJs. I had a Jack & Coke already poured and ready for transport. Despite being in her PJs, Mindy agreed to walk down.
The neighbors didn't bat an eye at her attire. It was Chrissy, Kenny & Teri. Mike was on duty. The kids were playing outside. Seemingly out of nowhere, Teri declared that she was flatulent after starting a new diet. Advised everyone to beware. We were all in stitches. While hanging out, we watched the Boise State vs. Toledo game. Boise State didn't have nearly the trouble we did with them.
Speaking of football, the neighbors invited us to watch the OSU game at their place Saturday night. Sounded good to us. I headed home to make a 2nd Jack & Coke at some point. Offered to bring Mindy the rest of her beer, which she refused. She later went for it herself. We hung out until the football game hit the 3rd quarter. I'm thinking it was near 11pm when we all walked home and headed for bed. I stayed up a few minutes longer than the others snacking on some chips.
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