Witches, Punkts & Castles

I planned on working from home so I wasn't out of bed until just before 6am, and even that wasn't necessary. I was wide awake lying in bed thinking about my work day, so it didn't make any sense to remain there. I headed downstairs to exercise and enjoy coffee. It was Friday which meant it was a push-up day. They came easy on this occasion.

Before enjoying any coffee of my own, I took Mindy hers. She asked that I turn up the heat, but I already had. I headed back downstairs where I poured my own coffee then headed to my makeshift office and logged onto both my work laptop and home PC. I wasted little time getting busy with work, completing a recurring Friday report before 730am.

Mindy woke Bella well ahead of leaving for school. She asked for a hug before heading out the door. It was cold, and according to Yahoo only 28 degrees under crystal clear skies, easily the coldest morning so far this season. What Thursday morning's frost didn't kill, Friday's would likely finish the job. Bella did a better job preparing herself than she had the past two days. Her hair looked well managed. She opted to wear to two fleece jackets in lieu of her heavier winter coat. I was OK with that. She headed out at 755am. The pug and I followed shortly behind.

The bus showed up fairly early again. Couldn't have been much past 8am. Eikanrf headed across the street for our morning walk immediately after the bus pulled away. Was still plenty cold. Frost was scattered across all the lawns. It was just after 8am and the sun was just then beginning to pierce the horizon. Back at the house I made sure that work was in good shape before preparing for and leaving on a run.

Headed out the door near 840am. Wore hand and ear covers once again. Once the sun was above the roof lines it warmed quickly. I was comfortable throughout the entire run, and actually it was quite nice. Back at home near 910am. Enjoyed another cup of coffee while digging back into work.

Reflecting on the work week, it was difficult to believe how quickly it went. Had to ask myself if it was really already Friday. Yep, it was. Stayed busy up until 12 noon when I decided to take a break and head outside for a little bit of yard work. I didn't plan to cut the lawn, however. It still looked groomed from Monday's cutting. Instead, I used the time to trim back the ivy growing up the stucco on the side of the garage and then pulled the few weeds in the front flower beds. I might've spent 20 minutes outside - 30 minutes total by the time I was back inside, washed up, and back at my desk.

I thought about trying to reach the IRS to check on the status of my faxed documents but never got around to it. I stayed busy through midafternoon. I think it was near 3pm or just after Jacob arrived home when I headed out to blow the grass clippings off the drive and walk. I finally got around to a shower after that. Mindy was home earlier than normal - somewhere close to 330pm and well before Bella. She and Bella planned to head right back to her school around 5pm, though, to participate in a Halloween themed event.

Glenn was expected back in town with my Accord in time for another Friday evening at Barley's. Mindy & Bella planned to meet us there after the school event. Glenn showed up shortly after Mindy and Bella left. He & I didn't plan to leave for Barley's until 630pm or so. Jimaken & Molly showed up to pick-up Jacob around 610pm. This was supposed to be the last weekend of fall soccer - a tournament in Dayton - but Jacob said his team accepted an invitation to play in another tournament next weekend too. Introduced Glenn and Molly.

Exchanged a couple texts with Darwin where I invited him to join us, We left for Barley's around 640pm. Also sent one to Mindy checking her status. She responded that they weren't ready to leave just yet. .If they were I would've waited on them. Barley's was packed. We had to park in the back 40. There was a line of folks waiting for tables, but happily more than a few stools available at the bar. We snatched my favorite two, then, after a brief peruse of the beer menu, we ordered a couple Punkts.

Chatted with twins, Kurt & Kent. A couple folks asked of Mindy's whereabouts. Shared that she'd be in after a little while. Darwin and coworker Rick arrived about 20-25 minutes later. They're partners in some side carpentry work. Haven't seen Darwin for several weeks. I ordered some fries and buffalo sauce for dipping to get something of substance in my tummy.
Glenn and I both ordered a Barley's pale ale for our 2nd beers. I like it a lot, but rarely drink 'em anymore, but back in the early years, it was my staple beer.

Mindy & Bella showed up around 8pm. Bella sat with Glenn and I at the bar - too cute - while Mindy socialized with several familiar faces scattered about the place. I had a third beer, this time a Centennial. I think Glenn had another Punkt. Darwin & rick left around 9pm. The rest of us didn't stay that much longer, either. I think it was close to 930pm when me, Glenn, Bella and Mindy headed for home.

Glenn suggested a stop at White Castle on the way home. I called Mindy to see if they wanted anything. Bella mustered only an 'ewh'. Could hear her in the background. Mindy declined at first, but then changed her mind and suggested a chicken sandwich. Glenn ordered 10 Castles just for himself. I ordered five. I got Mindy 2 chicken sandwiches.

At home, Bella quickly changed her tune and took two of Glenn's Castles. Woofed down the tiny treats in a hurry. Darwin sent a text asking if we planned to be up for a while. Suggested he'd come by if we were gonna be up and partying. Sure - come on over. He showed up around 1015p with a six pack of beer.

Mindy hung with us for just another 15 minutes or so before heading off to bed .She and Bella needed to be up early for the gymnastics event in Bellefontaine. Glenn, Darwin and I hung out for another hour or so before Glenn called it a night. Darwin and I hung out for another 10-15 minutes before he headed home, which is just a 1/4 mile or so around the bend. By then I was incredibly sleepy and more than ready for bed. When I crawled into bed, Mindy appeared to already be fast asleep. Good night half moon!