Dinner Guest

I woke for work around 550am feeling well rested and ready to tackle a new work week. Downstairs I double-checked that the coffee brewed then stepped briefly out onto the deck to gaze skyward. Another lovely morning – clear skies and cool temps. Whipped out calisthenics next. And yes, it was a push-up morning. No problem.

Poured coffee and headed to my PC next. Spent 20 minutes online reading about Sunday’s NFL coverage and then a little bit about the government shutdown. Delivered Mindy’s coffee using my creamer. Hers was all gone. Downstairs again, I spent a few more minutes online before breaking off for meditation and stretching. Both went well. Dressed in brand new running pants, a short sleeved wicking shirt, and jacket for my run. Hit the streets around 742am. I was out the door well ahead of Jacob.

I ran the full 4.1 miles. Pretty much still dark even at the 3 mile marker now, but fully daybreak by the time I made it back home, which had to be close to 720am. Mindy and Bella were up and in the kitchen. I quickly leashed up the pug then headed out for our morning walk. Mindy didn’t leave until the pug and I were back.

My eggs & toast were waiting in the microwave. Bella was still playing around with her own breakfast. I pointed how lovely the fiery orange maples looked out back as the sun shine splashed against them. Made them stand out more so than usual. I snapped a photo or two. Bella appreciated the view.

Back inside, she headed off to finish her ready while I packed a lunch and then enjoyed more coffee and internet. I was kicking myself for not making arrangements to swap vehicles with Mindy and planning to take the boat into Paul’s both for a tune-up and winterization. I really need to get that done.

Bella and I headed out near 755am where we met all the others. The bus came along earlier than usual. It had to be around 8am. The pug and I scurried off back home and me off to the shower. I was downstairs and all but ready to go by 825am. Put the wraps on my morning at home then headed off to work near 835am.

Arrived at the office near 9am and was settled and logged in a few minutes later. I had a lot on my mental to-do list, so much so that I decided to write out a major to-do list for the entire week. I got busy tackling my list right away. My boss scheduled meeting for he and I at 1pm, which is the same time I take lunch most days if I am going to take one.

Visited with a work peep late morning, a guy I’ve worked with for 15+ years but hadn’t seen in person for 4 or 5 years. Our paths just don’t ‘cross that much anymore. We talked boats since he’s a boat owner too. Learned that he stores his at the same place as me. He and his family are on their 2nd boat.

Of course I decided to skip taking a lunch break all together. Met with my boss at 1pm. He simply needed my help with an Excel project. I really didn’t have much if any time to throw at the project but didn’t want to tell him no either. I asked that he send it to me and let me hack around a bit. Back in my office I pinged a peer of mine that is far better with Excel than I. I am decent but he’s a real expert. Said he’d stop down around 2pm. Cool.

Another friend stopped by around 145pm. We chatted until my Excel buddy stopped by. He immediately knew what we needed to do – run a VLookup function, which is something I am fairly well versed in but didn’t see that as the solution. Together we had the problem solved in less than 10 minutes. When I sent it back to my boss I gave the credit to my peer.

I spent the remainder of the afternoon on my own to-do list. I made some major headway on three major rocks, but completed only one. Mindy sent a text around 4-430pm asking about dinner: leftovers, Barley’s, or spaghetti. Wanted a response quickly. I only responded that I didn’t want to go out. My guess was that Jacob was pushing for it. We’ve created a monster. He’d eat at Barley’s almost daily if he could. Geesh, just wait until he gets a hankering for beer. I left for home around 510pm feeling good with all that I accomplished.

Called Mindy once I was on the road for home. She shared that she was fine with my text about dinner. Said we were having spaghetti. I only asked if that included meatballs. Yes, it did. Hooray! Was home by 540pm. I asked Mindy how she felt about inviting the boys for dinner. She was very agreeable. I tried phoning Lindsey but got her VM. I sent a follow-up text. She had Landon call us back a few minutes later. He was eager to join us. Wasn’t so sure about Rocky. Said he was on his way. Soon learned that Rocky didn’t want to come. I guess he was busy playing with friends.

We’d already started eating when Lindsey dropped Landon off. Mindy already had his plate on the table. She actually had on made for Rocky too. Again, though, he didn’t show. Landon was his usual shy self but all smiles. Bella and Jacob were both happy to see him, especially Bella. After the two of them finished their dinner they headed out to fish. Bella was more than happy to play the ‘big sister’ role with him.

While those two headed out to fish, Mindy and I cleaned up the kitchen. I asked Mindy if she’d given further consideration to the Ava Anderson venture after the kids pitched one when she shared that she was considering doing it the evening before. Both cited her lack of time now. Said she hadn’t wavered and was going to do it. Thinks it’ll be fun. I worry a little about the time management thing too, but if anyone can do it will be her. I supported her decision and added that she’s definitely got the people skills for such a role. Besides, she can quit anytime.

After kitchen clean-up I headed out to check on Bella and Landon fishing from the bridge. They were having a dandy time. I took a couple pictures then headed back inside. They came in around 715 and began playing Wii. I told Landon that I would run him home near 745pm. I sent Lindsey a text sharing as much around 735pm. We left the house at 750pm after giving Landon a couple snacks to take home.

Took just a few minutes to run Landon home and then get back to the house. Lindsey and Rocky were waiting outside for Landon, but neither said even a word as he exited the Pilot. Back at the house I asked Mindy about swapping cars on Tuesday so I could take the boat in for winterization and a tune-up. She agreed. Now 8pm, I poured a glass of ice water then quietly headed upstairs thinking I would watch at least some of the MNF game. As it was, Bella was watching Disney Channel crap in the family room.

Once I plopped into bed I decided that I didn’t really want to watch football and instead tuned the TV to, Through the Worm Hole. I might’ve watched that for 10-15 minutes before falling asleep. That was pretty much it for the night. I think I remember Mindy coming to bed but have no idea what time.