Wateree Stool

It was Friday and because I'd be working from home I didn't bother getting up and out of bed until almost 630am. I felt nice sleeping that extra hour. By the time I finished calisthenics it was 715am. Bella asked why I made grunting sounds while doing push-ups. I logged onto work shortly thereafter all the while enjoying coffee.

Bus time came around quickly. Headed out at 755am. Surprisingly, the bus showed up pretty much on schedule, or real close to 757am. All the parents parted ways soon after. Not long after the bus was gone, i headed out on my Friday run. It was sunny and 70 something. It was definitely going to be a hot one. Ran only three miles.

Back at the house I checked in with work then headed out on the deck to water flowers. Back inside near 915am, I took care of a weekly report as well as a couple other work matters. I didn't plan to work much if at all past noon. Been given clear orders not to log any OT.

David & Anita were on their way. Got a text from David around 810am revealing that they were on the road. He sent updates through the morning and afternoon, or whenever they crossed into a new state (NC, VA, WVA, OH). Had a pretty easy work day. Unlike lots of other Friday's, I made sure to take care of my administrative tasks early on so not to extend my day any longer than necessary.

With the Edward Sharpe convert still fresh in my head, I downloaded all three of their CDs including their new, self-titled CD. Headed out to cut the lawn shortly after 12noon. It was hot & sunny. Did the tractor first and was able to cut more of the lawn than ever thanks in no small part to the recent dry weather. Finished all the mowing in record time - less than an hour - though I didn't stop there. No sir! Without the benefit of a break, I went ahead and pushed through trimming, edging and blowing.

Now about 130pm, I checked in with work finding nothing pressing. I didn't plan to do any more work unless absolutely necessary. I soon found my way to the shower and then off to Targehetto & Kroghetto to pick-up a few things for our weekend. At Targhetto, I picked up birthday cards for David and Anita (Sept 2 & August 29 respectively), rechargeable AA batteries, and chewing gum for work. At Kroghetto I picked up some Corona, CBC IPA, orange juice, and ice. Back at home by 230pm. Jacob was home from school a few minutes after my return.

Let my new ES&MZs music whirl in the background. All of it sounds good. Loaded up our deck cooler with Corona & CBC. Threw in a few Budweiser strawberryarita things too. Took care of all the chores Mindy asked that I try and accomplish before she got home. And speaking of Mindy, she was home near 3pm. She asked to leave a little early to help get the house ready for our guests. Because I took care of most of the prep chores already, Mindy spent her time preparing a plate of crackers and cheese.

Mindy kept saying she was heading up to get a shower, but with each passing minute she found something else needing/wanting done. Finally, around 4pm she said she would just wait until after David & Anita arrived. David called Mindy's cell around 350 to let us know that they were about 20 minutes out. They actually arrived near 420pm. After some hugs and greetings we spent the next couple hours catching up on the last 6 weeks or so. Jimaken picked the kids up around 5pm.

Our plan all along was to pay a visit to Barley's - David & Anita's maiden voyage. Mindy got a shower squeezed in there somewhere. And I think we left for Barley's somewhere close to 630pm. We drove the Lexus SUV. David suggested that Anita could be our DD. later since she doesn't drink but only minuscule. Made since to everyone, including Anita, bless her heart! :)

Mindy requested we sit at a community table and we did. Right away said hello to a few regulars sitting at the bar, including long time regulars Steve W., Banker Dan, and Paul. I opted for a firkin to start, which was a special hopped Centennial. It was good. Ordered David a Red Molly. He shared his displeasure with their not having any Corona. Despite going through a home brew phase, he doesn't care for anything other than a Corona. He tried the firkin but hated it. Grapefruity! After my finishing my firkin, I talked David into getting two flights of Barley's beer and trying them all. Of his taste buds were already tainted by two different IPAs so to use his words, it all tasted like grapefruit. In my world that's never a bad thing. However, in David's, that's not so good.

Brother Tommy showed up an hour or so into our visit. Mike and Colleen, John and Carolyn showed up too. As the evening would down we were blessed with the presence of Grandpa Tom and Steve. They're always fun. John & Carolynn were celebrating their 40th anniversary. Said they were leaving bright and early for a northern destination, though they weren't really sure just where. Turned David and Anita on to their first sauerkraut balls ever. They were a big hit. We also shared a bowl of muscles. David & Anita shared a turkey club too. I opted for hops!!!

Invited Tommy to join us at Fox Fire for 18 holes the following day. He accepting completed our foursome (me, David, Tom C, and Tommy). We hung at Barley's until 10pm or so. Without question, I had one heck of a buzz. The four of us walked the pug as soon as we got home. Then, during our walk, David and I planned on lighting off one measly little firework once back at home. But when we went to get it, they were gone - hidden from our access. Mindy & Anita headed off to bed without sharing their whereabouts. Probably not a bad thing. They're definitely noisy. By 11pm David and I declared it bedtime, too.