Build-up 2 Turkey Day

I was up and out of bed near 730am on yet another sunny day. I started a pot of coffee then headed to my PC. I decided to skip calisthenics. At first I felt like a shrew, but a break from sit-ups and push-ups every now and again is a good thing. I enjoyed coffee at the PC for almost two hours before heading out for a run. I spent most of that time writing in my blog. The temperature was somewhere just below 40 degrees with an expected high of 60 later that afternoon. Very nice for late November!

Mindy was up between 9-930am. After pouring herself some coffee, she started decorating for Xmas almost immediately by starting with the curio cabinet in the livingroom. To make room for the Xmas stuff, she puts the regular stuff in the Xmas tub. I left for my run around shortly after she got started. I ran only three miles and did so almost effortlessly. I was back home around 1000am.

The insurance claim adjuster was sitting out front in his car. Mindy said she'd already talked with him. He said he'd be back inside shortly. I hung in the kitchen to hear his spiel. His estimate was a little less than that given to us by Westway, but he agreed to make up the difference if Wayne found that he couldn’t repair the existing bumper. My only input was that we expected to be made whole, and nothing out of our own pocket. He agreed.

Shortly after the insurance adjuster left, I asked Mindy if she wanted me to take Jacob to Aspen Ski & Board to look for goggles and possibly even new ski pants and a jacket. She did. I hollered for Jacob to come with. Mindy gave me her credit card. And since ASBCO can be a bit pricey, she also gave me her Kohl’s card and a coupon just in case we wanted to stop there and check out their ski pants and jackets. Just before we left, I informed Jacob that we’d be making a quick stop at Giant Eagle’s Market District as well. I opted to remain in running clothes.

We arrived at ASBCO at 1057am. The sign on the door still read Closed but we checked the door anyway. It was unlocked. Their advertised hours were 11-6pm. We headed in and were immediately greeted and welcomed in. We went to looked at goggle first. They have at least 50 pair in a display case, but Jacob didn’t see any he liked. They’re so expensive, I insisted that he love whatever he chose. Not satisfied with any of their offerings, I suggested that we simply order online from Oakley. And actually, the pair he likes best online are half the price of those at ASBCO. The sales guy didn’t give up. Suggested we find what we liked online and call him for a price compare. Said he could order them in. Hmm? Maybe.

We looked at ski pants next. From our earlier discussions, I had a pretty good idea what he wanted – bright blue. Not my color but hey, he’s the one that has to love and wear them. I found a decent pair right away. They were men’s sizes. The smallest size in stock was a medium, which is what I wear. I didn't think they'd even be close. Jacob wanted to try them on anyway. Sure. While he headed to the fitting room I looked for a closely matching jacket.

Found a nice jacket made by the same manufacturer in the same color. I left it aside while I went to check on Jacob. After all, if we were going to spend the money on nice ski pants, I wanted to see the fit, keeping in mind the additional layers he’d be wearing with them. He gave me a little push back when I asked through the door to see him in them. But he complied. They fit pretty well while still allowing some growing room. Plus, he said he really wanted them. Perfect! The price was fair too.

I walked Jacob over to the matching jacket, which he instantly took a liking too. Once again, I suggested he try on the medium. It fit nice too. He wanted it. Together they were probably a little more than Mindy wanted to spend but we had a $50 off coupon we got from Mad River Mt. for buying a family pass. We bought both then headed for Market District just a couple miles down the road. I could tell that Jacob was very excited about his new stuff.

As one might expect the day before TG, Market District was crowded, but nothing like it was a couple years ago opening weekend when we could barely move our cart. Jacob and I were all over the store. First, I picked up two six packs of White Rajah. Then we found some Arborio rice and chicken broth for making risotto. Still not done, we headed to the cheese department where we picked up a chunk of fresh parmesan and a chunk of my favorite beemster 18 month aged cheddar. The women at the cheese counter offered Jacob and I a sample of the aged beemster with freshly baked almonds. It was good. Jacob liked it too. Lastly, we picked up two bags of Stacy’s pita chips along with two tubs of hummus. I knew we spent a lot. Heck, between the beer, cheese, and rice we spent more than $50. For everything, our total was close to $75. But you only live once!

We headed for home arriving around 1220pm. Jacob excitedly showed his mom his ski attire. She made it clear that it was his Xmas present from Santa. She stowed it in the basement and reminded him not to say anything about it to Bella, who still believes in Santa Claus. While we were out, Mindy got a lot more decorating done. She originally set aside Friday for decorating. She was feeling good about herself for being so far ahead of schedule.

Even though it was early afternoon, Jacob talked Mindy into making us an omelet. She filled it with avocado, tomato, and cheese. I asked that she omit the avocado from mine. I asked what time she planned to go after the peanut (you may recall, Bella spent the night with Gloria). It sounded like nephew Joe might bring her home later that afternoon. He was at Gloria’s house to help her prep for TG dinner. Bella was helping, too.

Jacob headed out to play while Mindy kept at the decorating all afternoon. It was ridiculously beautiful outside – low 60s and sunny. Didn’t feel anything like TG, let alone Xmas season. Opening the back door, we could hear mowers growling throughout the subdivision. Later, we made plans to have dinner at CBC.

Bella was home from Maw-maws somewhere near 2pm. She spent the afternoon helping Mindy decorate. Her friends weren’t yet home from the Justin Bieber concert. Around 330pm Bella headed out for a bike ride. She was back after just 5 minutes to ask if Mindy and I wanted to join her. I agreed. Suggested she ask her mom. Mindy wanted to go too. After all, it would be shame to let the lovely late autumn weather pass without getting out in it.

While Mindy changed into attire suitable for a bike ride, Bella and I waited out front. While waiting, Chrissy and the entire ‘Bieber’ crew passed by honking the horn. It was almost 4pm as we peddled away from the house. We made a brief stop at the O’Connell’s where Mike was out playing basketball with the boys. I talked with Teri & Chrissy for a minute or two as well. Asked about the concert. Asked Mike for help moving the AC condenser line. Said we’ll do it in the next week or two. Cool!

We headed off on our bikes. Bella was lagging a little behind. I decided to stop and wait for her. She gave us an earful for peddling so far ahead. Mindy pulled up in Darwin’s driveway and headed up to the door. I was maybe just a little surprised that she stopped and knocked. Before I could even get off my bike she was inside. I soon followed. Just as I headed inside Bella shared that she was going on without us. Didn’t want to stay and visit.

Arriving just before us was Darwin’s cousin, Beth. She’s down visiting from Michigan for TG. She had her young son with her. She seems very nice, friendly. First we’ve seen Darwin since he got in trouble. He shared the story with us again – an OMVI. Very unusual circumstances. To make matters worse, the attorney he hired hasn’t made himself available to him at all. In fact, didn’t’ even show up for his plea hearing. Sent his admin.

You know Mindy, she wasn’t about to let it go. She suggested that she would call her attorney friend Sam S. I know Sam too, from back in my early Time Warner days when he was still in law school. Mindy insisted that Darwin get a new attorney. As it was, Darwin said there won’t be any skiing for him this coming winter. Ugh! We visited for about 30 minutes. Wished the family well then peddled off.

Mindy and I took a quick lap around the subdivision – shorter than most bike rides – then diverted back to the house. As the sun sunk, it was getting a little chilly. When we got back home Bella gave us both an earful for abandoning her. She can be very dramatic!

Determined not to let the Darwin issue rest, Mindy immediately tried reaching attorney friend Sam. After trying a couple numbers she left him a VM. A few minutes later he called back. She headed upstairs to talk, presumably explaining the situation – both the OMVI and the absentee attorney. His opinion of Darwin’s current attorney was quite humorous. Told Mindy to give Darwin his cell number and have him call on Friday. To close the loop, Mindy called Darwin and passed on the information. We both agreed that he’s going to spend some money getting out of this either way. He needs to go with a reputable attorney that will do him justice. Hopefully Darwin will follow through on Friday. I think he will.

Mindy showered first. And then after about 45 minutes, I headed up to shower. We were ready to leave for dinner around 6pm. Bella asked if she could take the iPhone. We agreed. That made her happy. The funny thing is, she uses it for everything but a phone. As usual, traffic snarled near the Front St exit. CBC had nearly a full house. We got lucky, and got one of the few remaining tables in the restaurant near the back. We’ve dined at a table only one other time in the last two years.

Ally was our server. She looked familiar but I wasn’t immediately sure why. Mindy and I both ordered Bodhi’s, while the kids ordered soft drinks. It soon became clear where we knew Ally from. She transferred over from 229. She was our server there one evening late spring. I gave her a hard way to go when they didn’t’ have any CBC IPA of pale ale. However, just as she was sharing the bad news, they found a new keg of IPA. She was off the hook. 

Mindy predictably ordered the salmon. Jacob ordered the nachos, and Bella ordered the pepperoni pizza from the kids menu. I ordered two items I hadn’t had in an awfully long time – French onion soup & the Italian Hoagie. Mindy asked for some bread too. Jacob ate almost an entire loaf of bread to himself. I credit the bread as the reason he couldn’t finish his gigantic plate of nachos. I could eat only half of my order too, though. Mindy, on the other hand, was a clean platter. Bella barely touched her pizza. Said it didn’t taste right.

Mindy & I each had the one beer. And while the place was packed when we arrived, the crowd thinned dramatically just before we left. We couldn’t have been there for more than an hour. We headed home determined to watch a movie together. I suggested Christmas Story 2. Saw the previews the night before. Bella didn’t sound too enthused. The rest of us were game, though. Once at home we all changed into our PJs then I poured a fresh White Rajah. Mindy jokingly wrestled Bella to the sofa insisting that she watch the movie with us. She eventually scurried away. Mindy let her.

The movie was good, and right up the same vein as the prequel. It lasted something less than 90 minutes. Mindy headed to bed shortly after the movie. She asked Bella to get a good night’s rest. But that often means something different to Bella. She was in her room but making all sorts of racket well into the night. At one point, I dosed off on the sofa only to wake and find Bella woofing down powdered sugar donuts at the table. I’m thinking that was between 10-1030pm. I woke again around 11pm and she was gone. This time I headed up to bed.