Barley's By My Lonesome

I was up on time which felt pretty good after of over sleeping the past two days.  I was a little surprised to see clear skies and stars. I headed to the living room where I knocked out sit-ups then bounced up and into my PC chair. I played around online reading articles and checking the weather.  It was 57 degrees and expected to reach the low 60s.

It must’ve been around 615am when I finished both a stretch and  meditation and then prepared for a run. I didn’t take Mindy coffee because she wasn’t going to work. She’d been battling cold symptoms all week and decided to take a sick day. As for my run, I skipped wearing the pullover fleece, instead wearing only a wicking shirt, albeit a thick one. It was a nice run. I ran four miles. 

Even though Mindy wasn’t going to work, she was up starting breakfast for me and the kids. I stopped the process opting instead to for oatmeal. I whipped up two packets of maple and brown sugar topping it off with cold milk. It was a refreshing change of pace.

It had to be about 735am when I headed up for a shower. It didn’t take me long to get ready. I was back downstairs showered and ready by 755am. Lindsey showed up soon after I got back downstairs. Mindy was in the kitchen in her PJs and playing on her laptop. Lindsey and Mindy were chatting while I made last minute preparations.

Headed out to the bus stop at 810am. Lindsey was already out there chatting with Chrissy. After three days of late arrivals, we weren't sure when to expect the bus. She showed as early as she has all week - 815am. I went inside for just a few minutes. Said goodbye to Mindy then headed out.

Made good a time around 270 dropping Lindsey around 835am, the earliest all week. Arrived at the office around 845am. The first half of my day was a little rough. Too much to do with only a limited amount of time. My saving grace was being on vacation the following week. Because of that. I didn’t mind going 100 miles per hour all day long.

I kept at it all day long getting a ton of stuff done. I didn’t take a formal lunch break, choosing instead to eat while I worked. The day never really let up. In fact, the last couple hours of my day were as busy as the first couple. I set my out-of-office, both on email and phone and left for a week’s vacation at 540pm.

I called Ashley on my way home from work having missed a call from her earlier in the afternoon. She was wondering if we planned to make it to Olivia’s b-day party Saturday afternoon. Still weren’t sure with Bella’s gymnastics meet lasting most of Saturday morning and afternoon. Had to leave the invite open ended. Said we’d figure out a plan b if we couldn’t make the party.

Arrived home around 6pm. Mindy had dinner reheated - lasagna and chicken. I took that as a hint that she wasn’t up for Barley’s. Jimaken was coming to pick-up Jacob but wouldn’t be there until 7pm or so due to an out-of-town work day. Bella would be staying home with us since we needed to be at opposite ends of route 33 come Saturday morning - Bella a gymnastics meet in Bellefontaine and Jacob a soccer game in Athens.

Mindy wasn’t feeling well and definitely wasn’t her usual jovial self. Something seemed to be eating Gilbert Grape. Kicking off a week’s vacation, I planned to go to Barley’s a little later. It had to be around 7pm when Jimaken arrived to get Jacob. Soon after they departed I made clear my intentions. Mindy wasn’t going, but Bella suggested she and Makayla would. I discouraged their attendance knowing full well that I’d be having a couple beers. Bella seemed a little put out, but I knew my decision was a sound one.

I left around 730pm, unless I’m mistaken, my first trip to Barley’s alone in almost two years (Xmas 2009). Pretty good crowd but I managed to find a recently vacated parking spot fairly close. The bar was near full, but mostly an unfamiliar crowd. I quietly bellied up next to the bar ordering a Galaxy 500. As soon as stool opened, I nabbed it.  I sat there quietly for 10-15 minutes before a few familiars came in.  First to show was Wuffus. He and I talked beer for a while until Scott & Linda came in. A little later Bob an Carol showed up. Chatted some with them too. Asked Bob about his retirement. Almost forgot, having a retirement party in his honor at Barley’s Sunday evening and we’re invited.

Only planned to stay for two beers, and wasn’t sure about food. Never did order any. Around 10pm Darwin showed up. Haven’t had a beer with him in weeks. He bought me a birthday beer. Soon talk turned into singing. We had a fun time. Mindy called a couple times peeved that I wasn’t yet home. By then grandpa Tom and Steve were there hanging with us too. Atlanta Tim was in earlier as well. Don’t see much of him these days. Spent the last 45 minutes drinking water before taking off for home. Left at 1130pm. By the time I was home everybody was in bed.  Hungry, I reheated some lasagna. Ended up eating two slices and then getting comfy on the sofa. Fell asleep soon after the food settled in my stomach.