Cold & Snow

Was up and out of bed by 615am. Mindy asked that I make sure that Jacob was up. He was. Downstairs I completed calisthenics then poured coffee for Mindy & me. As for the weather, it was back to winter and only 12 degrees. And as for the 3-5" of snow forecasted for Wednesday night, we got no more than a very light dusting. The day's cold temps weren't expected to stick around for too long. They're calling for a quick return to early spring-like warmth on Friday and Saturday with temps in the 50s and 60s.

Early on, my plan was to work from the main office. However, I still needed to do my run, which didn't happen until shortly after Bella got on her school bus. Headed out the door around 815am or shortly my return from walking the pug. Because it was so cold, I went back to my winter running garb, which included a full base layer, hand and ear covers and an additional fleece. Again, it was cold - about 13 degrees - but the sun was brilliant. About halfway through the run I had to unzip the fleece to get a little cool air in around my upper body. Otherwise, I was fine and ran the full 4.1 miles.

No sooner was I in the door from my run when I got an escalation. Within a matter of a few minutes I was fully engaged in work. Next thing I knew it was after 10am. By then I figured it made more sense to keep plowing away from home rather than breaking, showering, and heading into the office. Stayed busy all morning and afternoon long. Finally got a shower near 2pm when the opportunity presented itself.

Day flew by. Next thing I knew, Jacob was home from school around 245pm. I talked with Mindy on her drive home. Suggested we go visit Ken together. She was good with the idea, but reminded me that Bella had gymnastics. She also shared that Bella left her completed homework at Jimaken's house on Wednesday evening, which her teacher gave her a free pass as long as she turned it in on Friday morning. Well, the problem with that was the same packet contained Thursday's homework assignment too. Oops! Mindy and Bella concocted a plan. Bella ran down to Makayla's and got her completed homework packet. Mindy would then blank out the answers and make copies for our home printer. Mindy suggested Bella needed to do her double homework assignment in lieu of going to gymnastics.

Mindy was home around 430pm and spent a good deal of time working with Bella to get her homework situation squared away. While they did that, I wrapped up my work day. It was near 530pm when Mindy and I left for Riverside hospital. We took the back way, up Riverside Dr to Lane Ave to Kenny to North Broadway. Didn't take too long at all. Brisk and chilly walk to the entrance.

Ken's in-laws were standing just outside his private room while the curtain was drawn around his bed. As I suspected, the nurse was having Ken use a bed pan. He needed some privacy. Having met his in-laws for the first time Monday evening, we stood and chatted with the two of them for quite a while, first in the hallway then later in the waiting room. Ken was apparently having trouble going or feel asleep while trying. :) Word was, it was a very good day for Ken, achieved a lot of firsts. Was able to sit up and was also able to drink liquids. As official visiting hours neared there end the in-laws insisted we head on in. The cute little nurse gave us the nod. Ken was conscious and seemed happy to see us.

Said he was thirsty, and when Mindy asked if he wanted coffee he shook his head no and instead said he wanted apple juice. There was a small cup of setting on a tray just out of reach. Mindy fetched it and gave it to him through a straw. Obviously thirsty, it was gone in no time flat. Ken made reference or two about his hair and scar saying that it looks like something from Star Trek. He also said he was ready to do some lifting. Before we left, Ken's father-in-;aw suggested we pray together. We all joined hands while Pat verbalized a prayer.

Once again we walked out of the hospital feeling good with Ken's progress. We were home by 7pm. The kids were outside playing at the neighbors but home a few minutes later. While at the hospital, I got involved with a work issue via my iPhone. I spent the next couple hours making sure that was taken care of before 9pm.