Whiff of Summer

I slept in until 545am and was happy to find clear skies overhead. Furthermore, we slept with the window slightly cracked so I could hear birds chirping up a storm. Downstairs, I breezed through calisthenics then enjoyed coffee at my PC for about 15 minutes before heading upstairs to wake Mindy. Reds won again. That's four in a row.

Woke Mindy near 615am. Headed back downstairs where I spent a few more minutes online before moving onto meditation and stretching. Double-checked the weather. It was 60 degrees and expected to reach the low 80s later that afternoon, though a chance of thunderstorms pretty much all day. Got out the door for a run around 645am. I ran the full 4.1 miles. It was warm but also breezy. I didn't mind. Over the years I've learned t tune it out.

Mindy was still at home but just about to leave when I headed inside to leash up the pug. Gave her a quick hug and kiss and then she was off to work while the pug and I did our walk. Fried a couple eggs when I got back. Bella asked if I planned to shower before or after the bus. She hoped before. I took that as meaning that she's embarrassed to be out there with me in my running clothes. It was only 745am after finishing breakfast. I planned to shower before. I was pretty fast with my ready, and back downstairs by 803am. I quickly threw together a lunch consisting of the salad Mindy had waiting for me in the fridge, some cheese, nuts, fruit medley and a banana - a full on lunch. Mindy called shortly after she left for school. Shared that traffic was backed up northbound on ?Wilson all the way to I-70. Figured I might want to know and plan an alternative route to the office. Noted! Thanks dear.

Bella, the pug and I headed out at 810am. Nephew Joe pulled up at the same time. He walked down to the bus stop just say hello. Dominic's mom and Chrissy struck up a conversation. I didn't partake. As soon as the bus was there and gone I headed back home with the pug. I took a few minutes to scope out the Blue May salvia in both our front flower beds. For one reason or another, those in the western-most bed are up and thriving. Those in the east bed are looking dead. May not come back. I planted them a year apart and always believed them to be two different strains with those in the western bed always looking healthier, fuller. It won't hurt my feelings if I have to replace those in the eastern-most bed this year.

I told Joe that I would be out of there in a hurry. About then I noticed the geese congregating in the backyard again. I was going to go after them but the grass was wet and I didn't want to change shoes. Screw it. I gave them a rare reprieve. I left for work earlier than most days. Was out the door by 825am.

It was a lovely drive into the office and already in the mid 60s. In my office and settled by 845am. I felt a little rushed given that I needed to join a 9am call. Having an issue booting my new laptop when going from home to docking station. I have to start it before docking otherwise it seems to lock up. I didn't have time to fool around with a HD ticket. Instead, I dealt with it and used my self-discovered work around. Joined the 9am call. We took care of the primary purpose in short order. Spent a few more minutes talking about miscellaneous topics.

My re-fi mortgage agent called near 930am to confirm a few things. Told her that I planned to sign all the required documents that day and would then send them overnight. But shortly after our call I decided to sign and fax from the office. That would be way easier. I spent about 20 minutes reviewing/signing the necessary paperwork. I didn't fax them until just before I left for a lunch break.

It was sunny and 80 degrees. Looked like a fabulous day. Outside and heading to my car, I was surprised with how breezy it was. Still gorgeous, though. Just as I do every spring on a warm day in April, I headed to Straders just to do a walkabout. That always does the heart some good and serves as a passage from ski season to working in my yard - both passions of mine. While at Straders, I planned to look for and possibly buy some different cannas bulbs. Was hoping to find orange with bronze foliage and smaller in stature.

Inside their enormous greenhouse I was greeted not only by a splash of spring/summer color, but also the sweet, sweet smell of fresh flora. There I instantly feel alive and happy. I walked several aisles just looking, smelling, and getting ideas. I asked a watering attendant where I might find cannas bulbs. She happily pointed me to the far end of the building just south of the cashier. I took my time strolling that way.

They had about 6 varieties, but only 3 that interested me. I bought 4 orange with bronze foliage, 2 orange with green foliage, and 2 red with bronze foliage. In two years I'll have enough to supply the subdivision. :) I left Straders then headed up and around the corner to the Giant Eagle at Sawmill and Bethel thinking I would check and see if they had any White Rajah in stock. It's been super hard to find, but I was feeling lucky (think fortuitous). Sure enough, they had some. I wasn't a hog. I bought only two six-packs. I left at least two for another fan - my good deed for the day. :) Feeling whole, I headed back to the office.

Back at work near 2pm, I ate my packed lunch and knocked a few more to-dos off my list. Felt good about all I accomplished. Wrapped up at the office near 430pm hoping to enjoy some of the lovely summer-like weather at home. In fact, I thought there might be a chance that I would mow the lawn when I got home.

Called Mindy on my drive home. She asked how long it took for me to get to work. 15-20 minutes. She said it took her more than an hour. Apparently had 270 closed temporarily both directions due to a semi fire on 270 & Gerorgesville. She was prepping dinner. She wasn't any more specific. The only thing going on at home that evening was getting Bella to and from gymnastics.

Mindy was busy pounding chicken when I got home. Said we wouldn't be eating for some time. I quickly changed into a pair of shorts and old beater tennis shoes then headed out to mow the lawn for the first official shearing of the season. I was concerned about whether the Toro would start after having so much trouble with it dating back to the end of last season. But that was all for not. Started on the first pull. Hasn't done that for two/three seasons. All my hard work paid off.

It should also be noted that not only was this the first cut, but also the earliest that the entire lawn has needed cut. More often than not, the first cut is nothing more than one to even out the spotty growing lawn. This time it was thick, lush, and long. Of course some areas were more so than others but it's like that all the time. I cut the entire front lawn with the Toro. It wasn't Toro I needed to worry about. When I went to start the John Deere the battery was dead. Dang it! Well, that does it. The battery needs replaced. For the time being, I went to the garage and fetched my 12v jumper, which had turned out being a very wise purchase.

While I continued with the lawn chores, Mindy ran Bella to gymnastics. Even though it was mid April, I had sweat rolling off my face and into my eyes. I was almost out of breath too. The push mowing takes its toll, though I know it's another good way to get a workout. I really needed a towel and some water but instead I kept going until done. Next, I trimmed with the whacker. The only thing I didn't do was edge and blow. Was happy to finish and head inside where dinner was almost ready.

It was 615pm. I hurried upstairs for a quick shower. And let me tell ya, a shower never felt better. By the time that I was downstairs again it was time to eat. Mindy grilled chicken breast and pan seared perogies. She heated peas too. Dinner was delicious. I had just one helping of everything.

During dinner, Mindy shared that Connie agreed to bring Bella home when dropping Lane. That was awesome news! After dinner clean-up, I poured a White Rajah. Man, that stuff is delicious!

It wasn't too long after dinner that it began to cool off a little. There was a storm front to our west and south that stretched all the way from Canada all the way down to Texas. It looked to be only about 100 miles wide. Behind it, temperatures were expected to drop significantly. As it was, it was tracking northeast but west of us by about 50 miles. Friday's high's are expected to top out in the low 60s. That's April.

Played around online and on Pandora. Kept a close eye on work email too. Had to take care of a couple work issues, but was careful not to allow it to dominate my evening. Mindy and Bella watched part of American Idol. Down to four contestants - all four women. I haven't watched at all this season.

Mindy bagged it and headed for bed at 905pm, about the same time that Bella popped a bag of popcorn. She and I shared it. Mindy asked that I come to bed at a reasonable time. I tuned the TV to How It's Made. I didn't see but a few minutes of it before I dosed off after finishing my 2nd White Rajah. I woke at 10pm only to find Bella in the fridge snacking on strawberries. I only asked that she not leave them out all night and that she turn off the kitchen light before heading back to bed. Good night moon!