Anybody Seen Fran?

 

Slept in until almost 8am. It took a few minutes to remember that we had a house full of kids sleeping just down the hallway. I could hear a few of them up and watching TV in the bedrooms as I quietly slipped down the stairs and started some coffee. It didn't take too long for Olivia & Landon to discover that I was up and downstairs. I had just enough time to start coffee and read a couple college football stories.

They both asked if they could have some coffee, a monster I created some time ago. No they always ask for some. I'm cool with it. The two of them asked if they could walk the pug together. Too cute! Why not. I let them take her out reminding them to hold the leash tight.

They were gone for no more than two minutes. Odd! I asked how she did to which they both replied that she didn't have to go. :) One thing's for sure, the sun will come up tomorrow and Eiknarf will always have to potty come morning. I suggested we head out again, only this time with me in the control of the leash. They gleefully followed.

We didn't get one house down before she peed. And I think we went two more before she pooped. I made sure we held hands crossing the streets. They're both very distractible. Back at the house I hooked the two of them up with a cup of kiddie coffee (roughly 20% coffee, chocolate milk, whipped cream and caramel topping). They love it! The two of them played on Jacob's Kindle and/or the laptop. Rocky joined us downstairs a few minutes later. He wanted some coffee too. I obliged his request.

It wasn't long before Mindy was up and I was heading out for my run shortly thereafter. Of course Olivia and Landon both wanted to tag along. :) I ran the usual three miles. Felt terrific. Upon my return, Mindy was busy making eggs and bacon for all the kids, including Kaileigh & Bella who were finally up and downstairs with the others. Smelt yummy.

Apparently Jacob was still in bed with a fever and Mindy was waiting on him hand and foot. And while he was sick, he apparently hadn't lost his appetite. He ordered a loaded omelet. I ate the other half of the omelet. It contained bacon, cheese, fresh spinach, and peppers. It was yummy. Checked the NFL TV line-up. Surprised to find that the Viking game was going to be televised. The game was slated to kick-off at 1pm, or the same time as my b-day party.

Tommy, Wally, dad, Ashley and Steven arrived near 1pm. Tommy & Wally were in their Vikings jerseys. What the heck, decided to don one of mine too - the newest, the Tarkenton jersey that David gifted me. Mindy laid out a rather simple but filling spread - subs, crackers, cheese, chips, and soda. More than enough for those in attendance.

The Vikings game was soon underway. The Lions drove down the field but didn't score, not because anything the Vikings defense threw at 'em. To the contrary, instead. They self destructed time after time. The Vikings took over the ball at the 22 yard line after a botched field goal by the Lions. The first Viking play from scrimmage was a Peterson run up the middle that went for a 78 yard touchdown. Sweet!

The Lions drove the ball up and down the field several times during the first half. But each time they would find a way to self destruct. Was almost comical. The Vikings built a 14-3 lead shortly before the half. But unfortunately, the Vikings weren't without their own debauchery. Ponder apparently wanted in on the Lion's act and threw a horribly stupid pass that was intercepted just before the half allowing the Lions to finally score a TD. In truth, they should've been ahead something like 28-14 at the half. AS it was they still trailed but seemed to capture/steal the momentum.
Shellie, Sienna and Trippie showed shortly before halftime. We teased them all for wearing Dallas Cowboy stuff. Mindy waited until halftime to candle my cookie cake and sing happy birthday. The family loves me so much that they sang the birthday song twice. Ashley, Olivia and Steven gifted me as did brother Tommy and Wally. Lindsey sent an enormous birthday card and gift with the boys. Frankly, I was a little surprised. The chocolate chip cookie cake was decorated by all the grandkids in a tie-dye effect. Pretty cool idea! It was also tasty!!

I knew it was just a matter of time before the bottom fell out of the football game. Sure enough. It didn't take long for the Vikings to surrender the lead. The Lions soon took the lead for good, though they seemed to try. The Vikings lost 34-24. Just a few highlights: Jerome Simpson, Adrian Peterson, and Harrison Smith. Aside from those three, the rest of the Vikings, including our offensive and defensive lines were manhandled. A shameful performance to be sure.

As the afternoon was winding down, Ashley and Steven gathered up the kids and left for home. They took responsibility for seeing that the boys got home. About then it occurred to me that Lindsey failed once again to follow through on her word from earlier in the week when she said she would send her delinquent insurance money. If not all of it, then some. I tried calling to inquire but of course she didn't answer. I then crafted a text calling her out. Sure enough, she responded to the text sharing that she didn't have the money she owes us. Same old song and dance. We volleyed textual jabs back and forth, the crux of mine being that her words were worthless. Once again, if it smells like a turd, looks like a turd, it's a turd!

Watched the exciting Green Bay Packers / San Francisco 49ers game late afternoon and evening. Fun game to watch. Made me realize all the more just how bad my team is. :) As evening turned into night, I had to start thinking about getting to bed. I know that sounds crazy, but I needed to be across town at a customer's campus by 1230am for a DR test. I headed up to bed around 815pm where I watched the rest of the Simpsons and then the beginning of the SNF game. I set the alarm on my Galaxy III for 1145pm. And once Mindy joined me in bed, I had her set her alarm for 1145pm too. I must've fallen asleep near 9pm. I slept soundly for about 90 minutes but woke near 1030pm and couldn't return to sleep. I ended up getting up and heading downstairs where I played on the computer and then watched the rest of the Cowboys/Giants game. I got up from the sofa at 1130pm and started getting ready for work. I poured a cup of leftover Sunday morning coffee to help wake me up even more so.