David & Anita Visit Jimindy

I was up near 530am and quickly at my routine. I wisely prepped coffee the evening before so I was able to dive right into calisthenics. I finished sit-ups and curls then headed to the PC with a cup of coffee. It was going to be another warm day, already alarming warm at 72 degrees, with an expected high reaching into the low 90's. Unfortunately, I read how the Red's lost to the Indians for the 3rd game, meaning they were swept in a 3-game series. Damn!

I did a meditation and stretch then left for a run. I was out the door late again, somewhere near 650am. Already warm and sunny, and the air wet and close. The trash truck was just pulling away as I stepped out the door to stretch the hammies from the porch. Carl was already up retrieving his emptied can from our side of the street. I ran the full 4.1 miles working up a healthy sweat but enjoying every second.
Back at the house I pulled our trash can back to its resting spot then headed inside to start my breakfast. After enjoying two eggs but ahead of a shower I walked the pug. Mindy was up before I had a chance to deliver her coffee, though I had it poured by the time she made it to the kitchen. Now nearing 8am, I was quickly off to the shower.

It didn't take me long to shower & ready. And since it was effectively my Friday, I wore blue jeans and a pink polo. I thought I might drive the BM'er but ultimately scrapped that notion. Saving Mindy the trouble, around 820am I headed outback to water flowers. She was having a house full of friends over later that morning. I knew she'd appreciate having one less thing to consider beforehand. Instead of enjoying coffee outside on the deck before leaving, we spent a few minutes together in the kitchen before I bolted for work.

I hoped to have a relatively easy, predictable day at the office. I was settled in and busy by 9am. I got a text from David sharing that they were on their way just before 9am. My boss stopped in to chat shortly after my morning was off and running. There were rampant rumors of more layoffs happening that day. I didn't ask him if they were true but shared that I heard rumors of impending layoffs. He only confirmed that I was safe. And while I never worry about such things since it's out of my control, it was good to hear that I wasn't impacted. Lord knows I have enough things to worry about that I can control.

I took care of two or three major to-do's on my daily list ahead of lunchtime. Sometime near noon I made calls to Gentiles, Whole Foods, then Market District asking if they had any White Rajah in stock. Both Whole Foods and Gentiles shared they had one six-pack each. Market District, who I called last, said they had 3 six-packs. I left the office at 1245pm planning to make at least two stops, and maybe three. My first stop was Home Depot to return the defective color changing solar landscape fixture I bought in New Albany the day before. The exchanged it without questions. From there I headed to the Market District in the Kingsdale Center. Instead of 3 s-x-packs, it looked more like 3 cases. Wahoo! I carted a full case of White Rajah. Felt like I hit a home run. :)

Before heading back to the office, I figured to make one more stop at the Kroger on Cemetery Rd hoping to pick-up sparklers for the kids. They often have them in a cardboard kiosk this time of year. I wasn't disappointed, and picked up a whole handful of multi-packs. I was headed back to the office after being out for just about an hour.

The afternoon was quiet and calm. I was able to complete of all my necessary to-do's by 430pm. We were expecting David and Anita to arrive around 6pm, so I hoped to get out of the office by 5pm. I would be on-call over the weekend and as a consequence would have Friday off as a comp day. It still felt as though I was leaving or a three-day weekend.

I arrived home around 525pm. Mindy had the house neat and tidy even after her teacher shindig earlier in the day. There were still a few snacks and appetizers sitting out, which she planned to leave out for the arrival of our house guests, David & Anita. David texted around 550pm to let us know that they were near. They arrived just a few minutes after 6pm, but had to call for more precise directions after turning the wrong direction off of a nearby cross street. Mindy headed outside to greet them at the curb. I followed right behind. We greeted both with a hug and then headed inside. David & Anita gifted us plenty. There was fruit, nuts, and drink, Jack Daniels for me, and wine for Mindy. Thanks David!

After a few minutes of settling down we shared a couple weekend house rules. One, make yourself at home. Two, let us know if there is anything you need. And three, have fun! Mindy planned to grill chicken and did so around 630pm. She didn't make a lot of sides, but we had lots of sweet snacks out from Mindy's gig earlier in the day. The chicken was good. After dinner we hung out on the deck sipping beers. I think both David and Anita drank Bailey's on ice. Mindy called and invited my dad over to see David. He accepted and showed about 30 minutes later. Dad mentioned thinking he would be seeing Sean M. but quickly recognized David. He really hasn't changed much physically, though a bit taller (late growth spurt) and perhaps a tad heavier.

We talked old times, both from our extreme youth and then our days living in Florida after turning 18. We laughed hard! Dad headed home around 930-10pm. I'm thinking the rest of us hung out on the deck until about 1030-11pm. During that time David perused Facebook via his iPad showing me pictures and profiles from many West High school compadres as well as our circle of girl friends from elementary school (I.E. Linda Clemons, Debbie Lombard, Debbie Marcum, Jodi Shore, etc). There seemed to be a dramatic story with each. I was a bit taken back with a few of them.

Mindy made sure our guests had what they needed to get settled in the guest room then we all headed for bed. Good night moon.