Bella's 'Gotcha Day' & Remembering Challenger 28 years Removed

 

                              -17 Degrees!

 

 

I slept in until almost 7am. While prepping a pot of coffee I was joined downstairs by both boys. Before even a hello, good morning, or any type of greeting, Landon asked if he could have a cup of coffee. Of course I didn't refuse but told him that I needed a little time to reflect/relax first. Once the coffee was finished brewing, I enjoyed a little coffee, internet and work for the next 15 minutes. I then made the boys a cup of coffee, chocolate milk, whipped cream, caramel and chocolate sauce.

It was cold alright, -17 at 725am, and that was before taking into account any windchill. I waited until almost 9am before heading out for a run. By then, everybody else was up minus Bella. Landon volunteered to walk the pug in the cold. Mindy helped him get bundled up. He and I headed out at about the same time. As I ran by, Eiknarf tried to follow in her miniature gallop. I reminded Landon to pull back on the leash so not to allow her to run or pull him.

After my warm-up lap, and once I was running due west directly into the brutally cold air, the chilly wind briefly stole the breath from my lungs. However, it didn't take too long at all for my face to thaw, not even a half mile. By then I was completely comfortable. I can't say enough about the advancement in running clothes technology. Her it was -17 and I was plenty comfortable. I ran the full 4.1 miles. And really, with all the sunshine, it was a gorgeous morning. By the time I got back to the house, all the perspiration wicking through my gear to the open air formed a thick coat of white frost, especially on my shoulders.

Back at the house, I promptly got out of my running clothes and back into my PJs. Like most mornings, once my run was out of the way, I felt a little more at peace with the world. It was mid-morning when Mindy made plans with her mom and sister to meet for lunch at Minelli's to celebrate Bella's adoption day. I was invited to join them too, but I still needed to work, and more specifically, join our ever important 1pm Tuesday call. She and all four kids left near 1230pm, and just like the that the house was completely quiet.

I joined my call as planned. Went just short of the allotted hour, which suited me just fine. Mindy and the kids were home again at what had to be close to 2pm. The kids played better (quieter) during the afternoon. The work day breezed by. Soon it was early evening. Lindsey came to get the boys near 430pm.

Not happy with just one, the kids and Mindy were pining for yet another snow day on Wednesday. Uncharacteristically, Columbus City schools called off classes around 540-6pm. Surely all the others would soon follow. Mindy boiled down the rotisserie chicken for chicken and noodles, the dinner dish she was preparing for Bella's adoption day supper. Jimaken and Molly were planning to join us. We got a fire going around 6pm. The house was soon warm and cozy.

Molly & Jimaken showed up just after 6pm. In hand, Molly had a cake made especially for Bella. We sat for dinner near 630pm. Nice time. Molly is so very pleasant. The chicken & noodles and mashed potatoes were scrumptious as always. I had two helpings. Molly offered to help with kitchen clean-up, but I would nothing of it. It's my therapy. Shortly after all the dishes were cleaned up we cut into Molly's banana, vanilla, coconut three-layer cake. I'm pretty sure she made it from scratch, the whole thing, including the chocolate frosting. Great job!

After dinner and dessert, we chatted from the family room along with the warmth of the still fresh fire, the whole time Mindy and Molly perusing Bella's baby photo albums. Thinking Jimaken & Molly left near 8pm. I still wasn't feeling that well and went to bed pretty early. Watched a little TV from bed, which always helps me fall asleep. Mindy joined me a short while later.