Drinking Early!

 

Was up near 8am and quickly started coffee and completed calisthenics. It snowed overnight, but only about half an inch. To go along with the magic Xmas snow, it was really cold again, too, at the time, only 11 degrees. It was expected to hover in the 20s all day with a mix of sun and clouds. Because the boys slept downstairs, they were up and in my face early. Landon did sit-ups and push-ups right alongside me. Cute!

I was soon engaged in work, even though it remained incredibly quiet for most of the day. I didn't leave for a run until almost 930am. Even then, Mindy still wasn't up. I dressed warmly but didn't over do it. I was comfortable throughout the three mile run. That's right, clipped the run to just three miles, which would likely be the case for the remainder of the week leading up to my vacation. Footing was a little tricky with a super thin coating of ice just below the half inch or so of new fallen snow. To that point, as cold as it was, there hadn't been any meltage.

Home near 1030am, I shoveled the light snow coverage from the drive and walk and then headed inside to get busy with work again. Still peaceful. I needed to pick-up a whole brisket from Barley's which we ordered last Friday. I also needed to pick-up a last minute Xmas present from Target for Mindy - a 2014 calendar I had made with family photos. It was ready and waiting since Sunday.

Even though I smelt a little ripe, I decided to remain in my running attire. I brushed my teeth and sprayed a little Axe about my body. That was I could smell like perfumed sweat. :) I left the house near 1115am. First stop the Mill Run Target. It was crowded, lots of last minute shoppers. I was in and out. The photo counter is located at the customer service desk right up front. Very efficient.

Onto Barley's. I cut through Hilliard/Arlington - Fishinger Rd all the way to Riverside then south to Barley's. Arrived at Barley's near 1140am. Katy & Daniel were working the bar. I was a little surprised at the size of the crowd. At least 40 cars in the lot. Holy smokehouse! Katy was aware of my order, asked if I paid in advance. uhhhh - no. I took an empty growler too. She quickly asked what was my pleasure. Hmmm? I really wanted the St Nick's nitro, but also knew that that was a no-no. As expected, she shared that they can't - not allowed, but more due to the fact that it would take half an hour to pour/fill. I opted instead for the regular St Nick's. I left Katy a nice tip, especially considering that it was a to-go order.

Arrived home near noon. Mindy had already carried up the warming tray for the brisket. It was my job to slice it up and get it in there while Mindy left to run an errand. To do what, I can't exactly recall. Meanwhile, the boys were doing their best to get on my nerves. It didn't matter what they were doing: Wii, watching TV, or eating, they were in constant conflict and both were guilty of various transgressions. At one point I snapped and yelled at Landon, which is rare. He immediately cowered. I felt bad, but he needed an adjustment.

I'd never sliced a brisket before, thus was about 3/4s done when I realized that it probably made more sense to slice perpendicular to the grain as opposed to with it. Oh well. By the time I was finished, both trays were heaping with meat, which I guess it should for $80. :) Mindy wasn't gone too long, no more than an hour. I think it was 130p. We were expecting family to start showing up as early as 2pm, though our original time was 3pm. Ash, Steven & Olivia were coming early since they had to be elsewhere that evening. The same held true for Kaileigh, Shelly, and crew.

For whatever the reason, I was feeling a little extra stressed/grouchy. Not entirely sure why. I poured my first beer around 230pm. That helped! :) By 3pm, and just as it was planned, we had a house full including my mom, dad, brother Tom & Wally, Ash, Olivia & Steven, Rocky, Landon, Kaileigh, Shelly, Trip and Sienna. Later, Lindsey, niece Jaucqie and her two kids, Zoey and Bradley. Also making a rare appearance was nephew Chris, his wife, Joe and their three kids.

Gift opening took place near 4pm, in part so Ashley and company could leave for their next party. We had a house full until 7pm or so. Oh, we kept the boys' Kindles until I could get them properly established under Lindsey instead of me. We sent Addison & Averie's gifts first with Ashley, but she forgot them. In fact, dad & Tommy forgot to take their gifts too. Jacob & Bella got home around 7pm after 4 days with Jimaken - the longest stretch of time that he's had them short of their annual summer trip to the Outer Banks. Bella was very excited to share the gift she received from her dad - a Surface. Dropped it on the floor twice in the first 30 minutes she was home. Oh boy!

It must've been around 8-830pm when Me, Mindy, mom & dad settled in the family room and watched It's a Wonderful Life. Love that movie. Neither of the kids were interested in watching the movie. They were off to bed fairly early, at least for them. Dad left soon after the movie ended, and Mom soon headed off to bed. Shortly thereafter, Mindy and I did the Santa thing. We only did the kids. I figured I would place Mindy's packages around the tree early AM. With few exceptions, me being the first one up is a given.

Finished up around 11pm. Mindy was soon off to bed. I stayed up a while longer finishing a beer and watching part of the Vatican Xmas - an annual tradition. I soon joined Mindy in bed where we watched it together. I fell asleep maybe 45 minutes in. Good thing I DVR'd it. Merry Xmas!