Earth's Tug

I was up near 745am and felt terrific. Mindy woke as I slipped out of the room asking me to bring coffee. I was purposefully quiet not wanting to wake Olivia. Downstairs I started coffee. I could already hear stirring upstairs. I was sure it was Olivia. Sure enough, I had just sat down at my PC when she came downstairs to see what was up. She was down for just a few seconds giggling then headed back up to Bella's room. I took Mindy some coffee then laid back down for 25 minutes.

I headed back downstairs around 845am and was once again joined by Olivia. She asked if we could walk Eiknarf together once she was up. Sure thing. Soon both Bella & Olivia were downstairs and eager to walk the pug. We headed out around 855am. I took my camera just in case I spotted a Kodak moment. Like most Sunday mornings, we had to dodge other dog walkers out for their morning prowl. Eiknarf isn't exactly pleasant to others with or without dogs. She's nonviolent but very aggressive and loud.

Back at home the girls asked about going for donuts. I suggested after my run. Both girls had some coffee but with as much creamer as actual coffee. I left for a run around 930am. By then Mindy was up and already working on laundry. I ran three miles in shorts. It was partly cloudy and warm - 61 degrees.

Mindy was hosting an Ava Anderson party mid afternoon. I planned to take Jacob and head to the movies to see Gravity in 3D and possibly in IMAX. Ashley was coming to Mindy's party so I didn't have to worry about getting Olivia home. Jacob had soccer practice scheduled for 1130am. Originally I was going to take him and then pick-up donuts for the girls on the way home. But Mindy suggested she would take him and then stop for some addition food items she needed for her party.

Much to our surprise, Jacob insisted that he didn't want to go to soccer practice. Said his legs/feet still ached from Saturday's game. He rarely if ever misses. We supported his decision. Mindy left to go run her errands. I still planned to take Bella and Olivia to get donuts despite the morning hours slipping away. Around 1130am I gave then the choice of a donut run or Wendy's/McDs. They opted instead for McDs.

We headed to the McDs just down the road where we got Olivia a Happy Meal despite Bella insisting that they are a rip off. Olivia didn't' care, That's what she wanted. What 6/7 year old doesn't? Bella ordered a regular cheese burger and large fries along with a medium soft drink, Hi-C I think. We picked up a 20 pc McNugget for Jacob and a 2nd large fries. As we headed for home we passed Mindy just exiting the freeway and pulling into McDs. We honked several times but apparently didn't get her attention.

I had Bella cell her as it appeared she was headed to McDs to pick-up some food for the kids too. We never even discussed it. She seemed confused when Bella shared that she shouldn't stop for food. Sure enough, she thought she'd pick-up McNuggets and fries for all the kids to share on her way home. Too funny!

Back at the house, we got the kids settled with their McDs then Mindy warmed the leftovers from Dragon Palace for she and I. After lunch Jacob vacillated about going to the movies. Not me. I was determined and looking forward to it. I was going with or without him. By then I had decided to simplify and see the movie at the Lennox in 3D, skipping the IMAX experience at Easton. The timing of the Lennox was far better with a showing at 210pm which was just about perfect. As I prepared to leave, Jacob decided that he did want to go. He definitely didn't want to be at the house for the Ava Anderson party.

He and I left around 120pm knowing full well that we'd get there early. Early we arrived. No line for tickets either. $11 per ticket. I didn't care. Once inside the lobby area, I was really surprised to learn that they have a bar and serve alcoholic beverages including microbrews. Who knew? I didn't want one then but who knows, I might be back sooner rather than later. I asked Jacob if he wanted something to eat. He did. He opted for a Gatorade and Junior Mints. That was another $10. Off to theatre #2.
There were just two others in the theatre as the credits ran for the previous showing. We climb to near the top of the theatre then took two middle seats about four rows down from the very top. Ideal, really. We sat through advertisements and previews, me also checking the Viking/Panthers score via ESPN Live. It wasn't looking good for the horned ones. They were behind 14-0 when I decided to leave it alone.

Soon enough the movie was ready to begin. Just as Jacob shared, they told us when to put on our glasses. The movie began. My first 3-D movie ever. Right away the 3D elements were apparent. Frankly, I was blown away with the effects. Hard to imagine how it works. At times I felt that I could reach out and grab items in the movie.

As for the movie, Gravity, Excellent thriller. I won't even try to describe or tell all. Go see it. A few parts farfetched but nonetheless very entertaining.

The movie ended near 4pm. I saw Mindy sent a text about 15 minutes prior asking for the WIFI code. I called as we made our way to the car. She said they were able to access what they needed via her laptop. No longer needed the WIFI code. Got a little twisted backwards while winding through Arlington even though I've driven that route maybe a 100 times before. However, in my defense, Waltham was closed for a couple blocks in between so that'll be my excuse. Got home around 420pm.

Most of Mindy's party guests and host were still at the house. Jacob said he didn't want to go inside and begged off to find friends without even going inside. Inside, mawmaw asked where Jacob was. In retrospect perhaps I should been more covert, but I simply shared his exact words, that there were too many woman inside.

The party was just wrapping up and guests leaving. The host, however, stuck back to talk with Mindy about her opportunity to become an Ava Anderson sales person/host. They talked on and on. So after a few snacks I headed upstairs to our bedroom and tuned into late game NFL action. I watched football and napped for the next hour or so.

Not sure what time it was when I headed back downstairs, but Mindy wasn't immediately around. I think she was out walking the pug. When she got back she started making dinner, steak fajitas. I really wasn't that hungry but planned to try at least one. We ate relatively late. I had just one beef fajita. I'm pretty sure that it was dark by the time dinner was over. Must've been close to 7pm.

Read headlines surround the pounding my Vikings took at the hands of the Panthers, who prior to this game, were struggling themselves. We made them look like super bowl contenders. We lost 35-10. What a mess! David sent a text sharing how bad they are. I'm guessing that the game was televised in his region, which is a mere 50 miles or so from the Panthers home field. The smartest thing i did was go to the movies and avoid the early games.

Watched the SNF game on NBC - Cowboys/Redskins. Watched into the 3rd quarter then to bed.