Careless UPS Drivers

I heard the irrigation system kick on at 5am sharp. It was hardly detectible, but I knew what to listen for. It’s certainly not as loud as it used to be before we had the primary water meter replaced. I didn’t get up for good until 545am. By then the irrigation system was in the middle backyard. Good to see it going through its paces. The coffee had just finished its brew cycle as I slipped into my exercise shoes. I whipped out sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups.

Headed to my PC with coffee and remained there until 615am when I headed upstairs to wake Mindy. Back downstairs I immediately transitioned to meditation and stretching. And once again, both went extremely well. I finished both by 628am and without hesitation dressed and left for a run getting out the door by 635am.

Sun had only recently cracked the horizon and was quickly rising between houses. I absolutely love that time of day - stunningly long shadows and dappled sunlight kissing all the landscapes. Our front walk was nearly dry after it’s the season’s maiden full irrigation cycle. I ran the full 4.1 miles without any issues. The trash truck was by while I was away. Our can was lying on its side. I picked it up and rolled it back to its resting place before heading inside.

Asked for help getting the pug since I had grass clippings dangling from my wet shoes. Mindy went up after the pug, who sat looking for atop the stairs. We headed out for our usual 8 minute walk. Mindy was still inside getting ready to depart when we got back. Mindy left near 725a.

I quickly started breakfast and packed my lunch. Mindy had a tub of fresh veggies already setting on the island counter. I added fruit, nuts, and cheese. Decided to make a plain omelet. It was good for a change. I was off to the shower even before 745am. I had a dental appointment at 9am, so I was a little more deliberate with my flossing, though I do so every work day anyhow. I was downstairs ready to go by 803am. As soon as Bella was on the bus, I planned to leave the house.

The bus was a few minutes early.In fact, so early that the nw family had to run to make the bus. I asked Mrs. Vanorder if she planned to drive again next school year. Said she would be driving but was unsure of her route since they’re apparently closing the Roberts Rd & 270 bridge for quite a while. Yikes! That was news to me.

I left for my dental appointment at 832am and planned to take Trabue to Riverside to Fishinger. However, the turn lane from Trabue to Riverside was backed up for about a quarter mile. I opted to go straight through Arlington taking Cambridge all the way to Tremont then north. That proved wise. I arrived by 845am.

While waiting to be called back, I perused a Home Decorating magazine geared to the greater Columbus metro area and highlighting the upcoming parade of homes. Neat stuff! Called me back just before 9am. First thing, Heather, my regular hygienist, asked me about the broken molar. I shared what happened. Before beginning the cleaning, she took a look. Her opinion was that it would need crowned since the lingual corner broke off. Said no filling would hold against biting, chewing. I figured as much. In the end, she said Dr March was the expert and would take a look after my cleaning. They actually had me down for chair time to begin whatever repair would be necessary. I shared that as concerned as I was with the issue, I wasn’t in any pain and really needed to be across town for work by 1030am. She understood.

The cleaning went well. I asked Heather about their Zoom whitening treatment on daughter Ashley’s behalf. She reviewed the whole process, including the in chair process as well as the take home touch up kit. She also added that she’ll need to stop smoking for at least 48 after otherwise the treatment will fail. Really, she emphasized that she needs to stop permanently. Duh, for sure! She also shared that the new swabbing products being marketed on XM radio simply do not work as advertised. Lastly, she recommended a thorough cleaning before any bleaching, especially since she just had her braces removed. It all made sense to me.

She finished up in all of about 30 minutes and then sent me over to see Dr. March and Lora, his assistant. Lora and I chatted about kids and vacations before Dr. March joined us. One look at my broken molar both were adamant that it will need crowned. Dr March was ready to start. Also said he spotted a tiny cavity in an existing filling he thought we should fix. I shared my lack of time, so we scheduled another appointment for next Thursday at 1pm. It was just after 10am and I was on my way.

Outside and to my car, it smelt and felt like mid-summer – warm, steamy, with a handful of landscapers taking care of the grounds. I wasn’t real sure the best way to get to new Albany from mid-Arlington but quickly opted to take Tremont to Kenny to Henderson and then to 315 and 270. Bam! I arrived in New Albany at 1027am, pretty much on par with the expectations I set with the customer the night before.

What was left of the morning went by quickly. I left for lunch near 1pm and headed to the nearest Home Depot. I wanted to look at their canned lighting options. Turns out, H.D's. lighting department is far more organized than Lowes. Got a much better understanding of the options available. I'm now leaning more towards 4" cans. I learned ,too, how the eyeball style works in the same base can, which until then remained a mystery. Essentially there's a supplemental piveting socket that comes with the eyeball trim. I'm thinking we may use those near the walls and then over the island. Walked away with some good ideas.

Did a little browsing afterwards. Somewhat impulsively, I picked up three very colorful deck (outdoor) pillows. Figured if Mindy didn't like them then I could easily return them. We've been wanting to add several more to our horseshoe benches. Out for nearly an hour, I headed back to the office near 2pm.

Stayed busy through the afternoon which in kind help ensure it moved swiftly. Soon it was after 5pm and time to head for home. Like most commutes across town, I tried calling Mindy once I was safely merged onto 270. I knew Jacob had a soccer game but wasn't exactly sure where and what time. No answer.
Traffic was intermittently heavy in the prone zones but never too bad. Never did hear from Mindy so I opted to head for home. Because of all the freeway work taking place on 270 near Roberts and 70, as well as the Roberts Rd bridge itself, traffic on Roberts and then north on Wilson has been an absolute nightmare. And word has it that it's only going to get worse before getting better as they close the Roberts Rd. 270 bridge. Traffic on Wilson Rd N was backed up and at a standstill all the way from Roberts down to I-70. Glad I was going the opposite direction.

Just an observation, UPS has long held a reputation for safe drivers unwilling to take unnecessary chances in traffic, and typically very courteous drivers. And given that there's a terminal on Trabue near Wal-Mart I get to see lots and lots of their trucks in rush hour traffic. I've noticed much more aggressive driving style in the past year or so. That's something - if I were UPS brass - that I'd want to pay close attention to and would go to great lengths to restore/protect.

As expected, Mindy's Pilot was missing from the driveway. Home was all mine. Inside, I did my usual after work chores then snacked on nuts while checking email. I played a little guitar then headed out on the deck with my book and a glass of ice water. Although it was summerlike steamy, the chaise lounge looked like an incredibly inviting spot under the shade of the nearby maple.. I was out there for a while reading and napping.

Mindy and the kids were finally home around 745pm. I soon headed inside. Mindy was already off to the shower while Bella was in the kitchen eating. Who had Applebees? After her shower, Mindy was briefly downstairs where she greeted me as sleepy head. I asked about dinner. Looked to me that their hunger had already been satiated. I was on my own. Thanks!

It was an early evening and bedtime for all. Mindy and the kids were in bed shortly after 9pm. I had a bowl of cereal or two and stayed up watching How It's Made until just after 10pm.