The hotel bed was very comfortable, the pillows, however, not so much. They were really small and I’m used to king-sized pillows. I got up around 715am, the noise generator still pulsing out ocean sounds. Nice! I slipped quickly into the bathroom then into my running clothes without disturbing Mindy. There was a door separating the bedroom from the rest of the suite. That was nice also.
Grabbed my door key then let Mindy know that I was heading out for a run. Beyond outdoors, I had no idea where I’d be running. I stopped in the lobby for a quick cup of coffee then popped in the small gym for a brief stretch. Right out of bed, I was still a little stiff. It was gorgeous outside: sunny, clear and in the low 60s.
Opted to run south only because it looked a little safer, more upscale that direction. Ran about a half mile before I happened upon an Akron city limit sign. The run quickly digresses into an older residential area, so being unfamiliar with the territory, I turned around and ran back the other way. Followed that for about a mile until I came upon the curve that lead us into the area the night before. To get my three miles in, I ran back passed the Akron sign again then back to the hotel. Was gone for approximately 30 minutes.
This time I poured two cups of coffee in the lobby. Complimentary breakfast was part of the deal. That was going on just through the door by the coffee. I planned to return with Mindy for breakfast before heading out. Back in the room Mindy was sound asleep. The bedroom was completely dark with the split suite door closed and the curtains drawn. After delivering her coffee I headed into the other room where I used my Kindle to locate nearby metro parks.
I watched some TV, a program called Survivorman, a realiy show about several folks surviving in the wilderness far removed from the rest of society.. Mindy was up around 830am. She showered first. Thinking it was near 9am when we headed for the hotels’ free buffet breakfast. Decent offerings. I had a scrambled egg with ham and cheese and a mini Danish. I didn’t eat that much since we planned to eat lunch at Hoppin’ Frog Tasting room after hiking.
We relied on navigation to guide us to Sand Run Metro Park. And just like getting to Blossom Music center from 271, lots of turns and never on one road for more than a mile or two. We drove through the park before turning around and finding a place ot park and then hike. About halfway through the park there’s what’s referred to as a ford – where a running stream crosses the roadway by design. Only a couple inches deep at the time, but imagine it gets pretty rapid and high during downpours. Neato!
We opted for one of a handful of 1 to 2 miles trails. And the one we took headed initially uphill. We had to stop two or three times to catch our breath. Took a while to adapt to the terrain as well as the psychological benefits of being one with nature- letting go of what ails ya! After cresting, we eventually found our way to an open meadow where we used the decent facilities. Supposing we were about halfway around the looping trail.
Standing out were the flora we don’t see in CMH. Very prolific was this plant that resembles rhubarb. Seems to thrive in shade. Also, on our way to the park and then after we noticed many homes sporting enormous rhododendrons – some as tall 10’ and bursting with color. I told Mindy that they must have naturally occurring acidic soil in the area. You simply don’t see ‘em like that at home.
Our hike was about 90 minutes long, though I didn’t time it that closely. I do know that it was noon when we got back to the car. I asked Mindy if she was up for another trail or lunch. She chose lunch. Sounded good to me. I was very much looking forward to visiting the Hoppin’ Frog tasting room.
And just like our trek from the hotel to the park, the route to Hoppin Frog, while only 9 miles, entailed many turns and many different roads. Took about 25-30 minutes, and routed us through a beautiful neighborhood in Akron passing by the Stan Hywet gardens mansion – a history mansion once owned the original founder of Goodyear Tires and the 6th largest private mansion in the US.. We mistakenly guessed it a golf course as we drove by.
The Hoppin’ Frog Tasting room is located right off rt 224 or what eventually merges into I-76 and it sits in a newer commercial warehouse complex. Looks like they’ve taken over many of the units, too. Initially we thought the navigation steered us wrong, just like when we visited Brew Kettle a couple years prior when it guided us to the brewery, not the brewpub. But no, the Tasting Room was right there by their World HQs.
Interesting, fresh and new but somewhat unassuming. Of course all the tap heads were frog heads, none any different from the next. I joked that I wanted the one from the frog head – there were about 15 options. Already about ten guests scattered around the bar and nearby tables. Our server was Stephanie. She was on the ball, giving us and overview of the beers as well as their decadent menu offerings. Yum!
I was tempted to try their new triple IPA but opted not for the sake of saving my palette. Instead, I went with their Gangster IPA, which has been out for about a year now but one I haven’t been able to find and try locally. Mindy opted for the BORIS – a Russian imperial stout. The Gangster IPA was an ideal choice and very much like Bodhi – a citrusy, unfiltered hefty IPA – 7.5%. Delicious! What I really appreciated was the fact that all of their pints come served in the 20oz (swollen) pint glasses so to ensure you get a real pint. Sadly, you don’t see that anywhere else. The concept wasn’t lost on me. In fact, it’s something I’ve called out many other brewpubs for – using 16oz glasses but filled with 12-14 oz of beer.
Food-wise, we opted to start with their meat and cheese plate, which is a hot appetizer in Ohio these days. Theirs, however, might be the best one yet. Three kinds of cheese and meats along with homemade mustard and mini toast. Yum! It was all really good. I went in planning to have two beers but after just one real pint I had a buzz and knew better than to order another, especially knowing that a 2+ hour drive home awaited.
They were featuring Greek entrees this given week, and Mindy selected #1, which came with four lamb kabobs which were spectacular. Before we left, we purchased three rockets to-go: a Gangster IPA, Heathen black IPA, and a BORIS. Mindy picked up the check.
Directions home were pretty straight forward – take 224 to 76W to 71S. About 20 miles from Hoppin’ Frog to 71S and then another 110 miles south to home. Gorgeous day – low 80s with low humidity. Mindy dosed off briefly a time or two on the long run south on 71. She asked that I stop at the next rest area so she could pee. Unfortunately, that ended up being about 50 miles later. All in all, the drive went pretty fast. She celled Jimaken at some point confirming arrangements to get the kids. Jimaken and Jacob were on their way home from a Cincy soccer tournament. Bella, on the other hand, was with Molly at Jimaken’s condo. Jim would be dropping Jacob at home after stopping first for lunch. We in turn, would stop by the condo to pick-up Bella.
Arrived at the condo around 415pm. I waited in the car while Mindy headed inside to get the peanut. By design, Bella brought Jacob’s suitcase out too. I loaded his in the trunk then reached for hers. However, rather than being a cooperator, Bella opted to pull it away sharing that she didn’t want hers in the trunk. Uh, that’s where it’s going. She resisted again, me finally needing to take it. Geesh, kid!
It only got worse. Not five minutes in the car she was talking back to Mindy and putting her feet up on the neck rest of Mindy’s seat. When told she could get a whack for that she matter of factly challenged us. Rather than a whack, I suggested that she earned herself a grounding just that quick. Mindy cited Jacob’s untimely back talk at a similar age. While true, I didn’t want to give any excuses for that kind of behavior. Mindy agreed.
Arrived home near 445pm. We’d barely gotten in the house when Jimaken and Jacob pulled up. Bella was already up in her room and had handed Mindy her screens. Mindy and I sat on the deck for a few taking in the sunshine. I wasn’t out there long, however. I was admittedly tired and cranky. Jacob worked out a deal for Mindy to take he and a host of friends, including a couple girls to the movies. The boys would then be spending the night. One of the boys, Joel, his mom agreed to bring them all home.
Just before she left, Paul Postle, the backflow water meter checker dude stopped by as promised to inspect our backflow meter. Left receipt on the front door. Very fast and efficient.
While Mindy was away shuttling the kids to the mall, I unpacked my overnight bag and cooler, and then unloaded the dishwasher. Also while she was away, I headed out to find/fix the three pop-up spray heads to the irrigation system along the east property line. Last I believe there were only two that wouldn’t pop up. I put on just a pair of running shorts and then my landscaping tennis shoes. In other words, I was prepared to get soaked since the work has to be done with the system running.
With the heads spraying, I first walked off 9 feet, which si the rough distance between each of the heads. I then put my ear to the ground listening for that familiar hissing sound, and then sought out any sight of water building up. Sure enough, I the first within a minute or two. The trick is to free the dirt from the head allowing it to pop-up. I sued my square shovel making sure to dig offline so not to hit and damage the head. I was within 6” and soon it popped up. Lather rinse repeat. Did the same thing for two more, all three in a row. Once I had them all up and free, I ran another test just for that zone. All good!
By the time Mindy was back, Bella was in a far better place and came downstairs to give both of us a hug. That was nice. She can be the sweetest kid in the world at times. We clarified her grounding , too, which we agreed would be a full 24 hours. Puttered around the house and yard for the next hour, me feeling a little nappy. Darwin sent both Mindy and me a text inviting us over for a bonfire. I was just telling Mindy that I hadn’t heard from him in a really long time. Even though we were tired from drinking beer smack dab midafternoon, we agreed to head over and spend some time with he and the family.
We opted to drive and insisted that Bella come along. She couldn’t do anything else so she was actually happy to get to join us. She asked if she could scooter over rather than drive. Why not? I packed a cooler with my two rockets of Hoppin’ Frog as well as what was left of our CBC growler – Hoof Hearted’s South of 11th DIPA. Passed Bella along the way. Waited for her at their door. Mindy was already inside somehow even though the front door was locked. I wasn’t paying attention. Perhaps she went through the garage. I decided to walk around back using the gate.
Darwin and brother-in-law Danny were sitting out by the fire. Jordan joined us out there too. He asked about boating/wake boarding this summer. Says he loves it. Sure, why not? Mindy headed inside looking for Connie while I hung out by the fire with the boys. Right away, Darwin swung over a bottle of Woodford Reserve that was icy cold. In fact, the bottle was covered in thick frost apparently having recently been pulled from the freezer. Was going to decline but opted to give a whirl. Yum! Icy cold bourbon!
Eventually the girls joined us around the fire. The mosquitoes were in rear form despite the dry spell. Darwin was prepared and passed around the OFF. As full darkness set in the mosquito attacks subsided. Mindy sent Jacob a text letting him know where we were. He and his pals eventually joined us, eager to hang out with crazy Lane. Haven’t seen much of Lane since our late March ski trip. And just like Jacob a year ago, appears that Lane’s going through a quick growth and adolescent-maturity spurt.
Talked with b-in-law Danny about old-time westsiders. He has the skinny on all of ‘em. Must’ve been about 1030pm when Mindy got a text from neighbor Pat sharing that he was ding-song ditched by Jacob and company. Mindy figured we needed to head home to save Jacob and friends from themselves. Mindy drove. All of the sudden, I had one heck of a buzz. I’ll chalk it up to the bourbon. At home the kids quickly blamed one of Lane’s friends for the ding-dong ditch, who wasn’t present. Hey, I know that tactic. “It’s not mine. I’m holding it for my friend.
The boys wanted pizza. Next thing I know I was bamboozled into paying for two extra-large Poppa John’s pizzas. Kiss $40 goodbye just like that. Mindy ordered it for them, and by the time it showed up it was after 11pm. She met the delivery guy at the door. He must’ve gotten just back to his car when I overheard her say wait a minute. Apparently something was amiss with the order. … or something amiss with my wife Turned out, she ordered Jossepi’s pizza instead of Poppa John’s. How in the world???
As she told it, she pulled pizza coupons from the pizza coupon drawer and didn’t even look at the logo, just the Sullivant Ave. address. Well, hey, I like Jossepi’s izza far more than Poppa John’s.
We all enjoyed some pizza, whipping out all of one and then 2/3s of the other before Mindy declared it bedtime. Meanwhile, I brought home a pint glass of the Hoppin’ Frog Gangster IPA from Darwin’s and was looking forward to sucking it down just before bed. However, when I went to grab it (had my pint glass buried in a can coozie), it was empty. Bella later admitted that she accidentally spilled it. Mindy and the boys found it hilarious. I wasn’t too thrilled.
Off to bed before midnight.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Ed & Jack @ Blossom
Up near 6am to another sunny and warm morning. After calisthenics I took a more leisurely approach to the start of my day. Enjoyed coffee and internet until 7am. Jacob left for school – his last one – at 650am. Somewhat a wasted day given that there wouldn’t be any learning. No book bags allowed.
Started working around 7am. Stayed busy until Mindy left and then even after. Headed out to walk the pug just ahead of Bella catching the bus for the final time. Bella had a number of gift cards for her bus driver and teachers. I watched Bella had one to Ms. Vanorder. Finished walking the pug then headed home for a brief meditation and a stretch. Recorded my BP too. Yikes, it was high 140/88 and that was after meditation. Headed out for a run near 835am. Because it was Friday, I planned to run only 3 miles which I completed successfully by 905am.
Mindy and I hoped to be on the road for Blossom Music center somewhere between 330-4pm. I’d be driving but working via my iPhone until 5pm or so. Even at 9am, I was beginning to feel the stress of needing to be prepared to leave before 4pm. Mindy expressed feeling stressed, too. To help reduce the stress I decided we would drive straight to Blossom and not check-in to our hotel until after the show. I figured that would save us about an hour.
In addition to taking care of my work responsibilities I needed to pack my overnight bag, ready a cooler with snacks, and mow the lawn at lunch. From a reactionary standpoint, work was calm. I opted to dive into another one of the training classes I have to complete. This one was a 3.5 hour class. I spent about 2.5 hours on it before taking a much needed break around 1230pm when I headed out to mow the lawn.
I planned only to mow, no trimming, edging, or blowing. Push mowed first. That took about 25 minutes. Finished up completely in just under an hour. Took a shower and finished throwing together my overnight bag. I had short pack list so not to forget anything important. Not only were we seeing the Edward Sharpe/Jack Johnson show, but we planned to hike Saturday morning and then visit the Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s tasting room for lunch.
Rejoined that training class. In between sections I packed two small coolers, one with liquids, the other with snacks. Dad was coming over to hang with the kids for a while, or until 5pm or so whenever Jimaken was set to arrive. He showed up around 3pm while I was actively engaged in my training class. The 3.5 hour class was more like 5 hours with all the little tests and review. Yikes! That was something I hadn’t planned on. Jacob was home from school around 250pm and quickly out the door to play with friends.
Mindy got home around 320pm. She greeted dad then rushed off to the shower. There wasn’t any chance of us leaving at 330pm, but since I planned to drive straight to the concert venue I wasn’t too concerned. I figured if we left by 415pm we’d have enough time. And from a work perspective, that felt better anyway. Since I was all ready to go, I stayed on my training class until the last minute, coming painfully close to completing the entire thing. Had only one section of about 12 left to complete. Figured I would jump back on that come Monday.
Apologized to dad for not having a lot of time to banter but Mindy and I needed to hit the road. We said goodbye to the kids and left near 405pm. I stopped at Thorton’s for gas. We were driving the Accord. I had directions to Blossom Music center programmed in my Navigation, but also 3 sets of printed directions: one directly to Blossom, another directly to our hotel, and then lastly from Blossom to our hotel. I was prepared.
Once on the freeway, Mindy shared a story. Her principal called an impromptu meeting after school to resign. But because she needed scurry immediately home after a day with her class at the Big Splash swimming park, she didn’t get to attend. Instead, she got the rumor through the grape vine. She was stressing over the thought of having to break in another new principal, the third or fourth in the nice years she and I have been together.
She ended up calling her principal on the drive around 270 to 71N. Apparently he didn’t plan on divulging his plans until the following week, but when a janitor for his new school and district showed up at the school to meet him, the word was suddenly out. He felt he better tell everyone that day to prevent them from hearing it elsewhere. He and Mindy have been pretty tight. She took the news OK. Wished him well. I reminded her how much she dreaded him taking over two years ago. Nice drive. Lovely weather. 115 miles to the 71N/271 interchange. And after 10 miles we followed navigation for Blossom Music center which is in the boonies big time. I’d later learn that it’s actually part of the Cuyahoga Falls National Forest. The last 8 miles or so was some serious country back roads but very ,very gorgeous scenery. We made good time pulling into the venue parking near 615pm. We were parked and enjoying a beer by 630pm.
There wasn’t any signage pointing to the main concert venue so we figured we’d simply follow the largest group of folks moving in one direction. As it was, there were folks were walking in all directions. The parking was well organized in a very large grassy, hilly area. We made sure to identify a couple landmarks for later when looking for our car. We spotted a #2 sign and then an oil or gas well.
Because the venue is cut into the forest it wasn’t obvious even as we neared the main entrance. Very beautiful park. Could be Disneyland, only without the rides and visual stimuli. Wow, the pavilion is lovely too, and blends nicely with the natural setting. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. Simply gorgeous – clear skies and mid 70s. Before finding our seats, we stopped for a bathroom break and then grabbed a hot dog and beer. We opted for Great Lakes Brewing, me a Burning River, Mindy an Edmund Fitzgerald.
Our seats were in the back of the pavilion on plastic benches just right of center. There was just one more row behind us before the lawn seating area. Though I like both, I was way more pumped to see Edward Sharpe than I was to see Jack Johnson. In a perfect world, their roles would’ve been reversed. The day prior I got an informative email from the venue sharing details about parking, what I could and couldn’t bright in, as well as an alert that the show would begin at 7pm in lieu of the stated 730pm. Appreciated the head up. Still, Edward Sharpe didn’t come on until 730pm.
They didn’t disappoint. Fun, exciting, good. We noticed right away that Jade wasn’t on hand. Hmm? Sharpe played for just an hour. Must’ve played about 8 songs. Could tell a lot of folks in attendance hadn’t an ear for their music or simply hadn’t heard of them before. By the end the youth in the lawn seats, especially were up and dancing in harmony just as they were when we first saw them at the LC pavilion in Columbus last August. They gave me goose bumps, need I say more?
Going into the event, I knew they were the warm-up act, so my expectations were in check. Satisfied, we could have left for the hotel right then and I would’ve been fine, but we both like Jack Johnson’s music too.
I could see it coming like a freight train. The Jack Johnson crowd was shaping up to be more docile and way more female oriented. My one knock on JJ is that all his music sounds pretty much the same – slow, beachy acoustic love songs. I really like his music, but just because one likes certain music doesn’t mean it’s well suited for a live show.
Sure enough, four or five songs into his show, which started promptly at 9pm, I was ready to get out of there. In fact, far more entertaining that JJ himself was his keyboardist, Zach Gill. He’s very talented. We especially enjoyed him playing a melodica, which is a cross between a harmonica and a keyboard. I asked Mindy how long she wanted to stick around. We both agreed to hear one more song then beat the crowd out.
Wise move. Must’ve been 10pm as we made our way back to the car with few others, though we got a kick out of a group of 20 something girls, one of them particularly drunk and stumbling. Also along the way we saw a few guys who sadly got their car stuck in a deep mud puddle in the parking area. The car and the two guys attempting to push were completely, and I mean completely covered in sprayed mud head to toe. Bad day! We found our car with relative ease and were careful not to find a large mud puddle on our way out. And because we baled early, we had little concert traffic to contend with. Good plan. I asked Mindy to find the printed directions to the hotel. I also turned on the navi.
Like it did on the way there, the navi would tell us one thing then change it a time or two as we progressed. Not cool. Good thing we had the printed directions. Again, because the venue is in the forest lots of brief travel on several different roads. We went 5 miles before we saw a house. The hotel was only 9 miles from the concert venue. With just a small glitch in the directions, we arrived at the Country Inn & Suites near 1030pm.
I’d actually called earlier and talked with Amanda letting her know that we wouldn’t be checking in until after the show. She was still there. Said they expected a mad rush for their remaining rooms after the concert. We beat the crowd. We were in our room which was a two room suite by 1045pm. I cracked another beer then tuned to the end of the Miami Heat/Indiana Pacers playoff conference championship game. The heat were up by 30 points with 2 minutes remaining. Mindy quickly got into bed and fell asleep. After the game, I tuned to the Wedding Crashers and watched about 30 minutes of it before turning it off and going nighty-night.
Started working around 7am. Stayed busy until Mindy left and then even after. Headed out to walk the pug just ahead of Bella catching the bus for the final time. Bella had a number of gift cards for her bus driver and teachers. I watched Bella had one to Ms. Vanorder. Finished walking the pug then headed home for a brief meditation and a stretch. Recorded my BP too. Yikes, it was high 140/88 and that was after meditation. Headed out for a run near 835am. Because it was Friday, I planned to run only 3 miles which I completed successfully by 905am.
Mindy and I hoped to be on the road for Blossom Music center somewhere between 330-4pm. I’d be driving but working via my iPhone until 5pm or so. Even at 9am, I was beginning to feel the stress of needing to be prepared to leave before 4pm. Mindy expressed feeling stressed, too. To help reduce the stress I decided we would drive straight to Blossom and not check-in to our hotel until after the show. I figured that would save us about an hour.
In addition to taking care of my work responsibilities I needed to pack my overnight bag, ready a cooler with snacks, and mow the lawn at lunch. From a reactionary standpoint, work was calm. I opted to dive into another one of the training classes I have to complete. This one was a 3.5 hour class. I spent about 2.5 hours on it before taking a much needed break around 1230pm when I headed out to mow the lawn.
I planned only to mow, no trimming, edging, or blowing. Push mowed first. That took about 25 minutes. Finished up completely in just under an hour. Took a shower and finished throwing together my overnight bag. I had short pack list so not to forget anything important. Not only were we seeing the Edward Sharpe/Jack Johnson show, but we planned to hike Saturday morning and then visit the Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s tasting room for lunch.
Rejoined that training class. In between sections I packed two small coolers, one with liquids, the other with snacks. Dad was coming over to hang with the kids for a while, or until 5pm or so whenever Jimaken was set to arrive. He showed up around 3pm while I was actively engaged in my training class. The 3.5 hour class was more like 5 hours with all the little tests and review. Yikes! That was something I hadn’t planned on. Jacob was home from school around 250pm and quickly out the door to play with friends.
Mindy got home around 320pm. She greeted dad then rushed off to the shower. There wasn’t any chance of us leaving at 330pm, but since I planned to drive straight to the concert venue I wasn’t too concerned. I figured if we left by 415pm we’d have enough time. And from a work perspective, that felt better anyway. Since I was all ready to go, I stayed on my training class until the last minute, coming painfully close to completing the entire thing. Had only one section of about 12 left to complete. Figured I would jump back on that come Monday.
Apologized to dad for not having a lot of time to banter but Mindy and I needed to hit the road. We said goodbye to the kids and left near 405pm. I stopped at Thorton’s for gas. We were driving the Accord. I had directions to Blossom Music center programmed in my Navigation, but also 3 sets of printed directions: one directly to Blossom, another directly to our hotel, and then lastly from Blossom to our hotel. I was prepared.
Once on the freeway, Mindy shared a story. Her principal called an impromptu meeting after school to resign. But because she needed scurry immediately home after a day with her class at the Big Splash swimming park, she didn’t get to attend. Instead, she got the rumor through the grape vine. She was stressing over the thought of having to break in another new principal, the third or fourth in the nice years she and I have been together.
She ended up calling her principal on the drive around 270 to 71N. Apparently he didn’t plan on divulging his plans until the following week, but when a janitor for his new school and district showed up at the school to meet him, the word was suddenly out. He felt he better tell everyone that day to prevent them from hearing it elsewhere. He and Mindy have been pretty tight. She took the news OK. Wished him well. I reminded her how much she dreaded him taking over two years ago. Nice drive. Lovely weather. 115 miles to the 71N/271 interchange. And after 10 miles we followed navigation for Blossom Music center which is in the boonies big time. I’d later learn that it’s actually part of the Cuyahoga Falls National Forest. The last 8 miles or so was some serious country back roads but very ,very gorgeous scenery. We made good time pulling into the venue parking near 615pm. We were parked and enjoying a beer by 630pm.
There wasn’t any signage pointing to the main concert venue so we figured we’d simply follow the largest group of folks moving in one direction. As it was, there were folks were walking in all directions. The parking was well organized in a very large grassy, hilly area. We made sure to identify a couple landmarks for later when looking for our car. We spotted a #2 sign and then an oil or gas well.
Because the venue is cut into the forest it wasn’t obvious even as we neared the main entrance. Very beautiful park. Could be Disneyland, only without the rides and visual stimuli. Wow, the pavilion is lovely too, and blends nicely with the natural setting. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. Simply gorgeous – clear skies and mid 70s. Before finding our seats, we stopped for a bathroom break and then grabbed a hot dog and beer. We opted for Great Lakes Brewing, me a Burning River, Mindy an Edmund Fitzgerald.
Our seats were in the back of the pavilion on plastic benches just right of center. There was just one more row behind us before the lawn seating area. Though I like both, I was way more pumped to see Edward Sharpe than I was to see Jack Johnson. In a perfect world, their roles would’ve been reversed. The day prior I got an informative email from the venue sharing details about parking, what I could and couldn’t bright in, as well as an alert that the show would begin at 7pm in lieu of the stated 730pm. Appreciated the head up. Still, Edward Sharpe didn’t come on until 730pm.
They didn’t disappoint. Fun, exciting, good. We noticed right away that Jade wasn’t on hand. Hmm? Sharpe played for just an hour. Must’ve played about 8 songs. Could tell a lot of folks in attendance hadn’t an ear for their music or simply hadn’t heard of them before. By the end the youth in the lawn seats, especially were up and dancing in harmony just as they were when we first saw them at the LC pavilion in Columbus last August. They gave me goose bumps, need I say more?
Going into the event, I knew they were the warm-up act, so my expectations were in check. Satisfied, we could have left for the hotel right then and I would’ve been fine, but we both like Jack Johnson’s music too.
I could see it coming like a freight train. The Jack Johnson crowd was shaping up to be more docile and way more female oriented. My one knock on JJ is that all his music sounds pretty much the same – slow, beachy acoustic love songs. I really like his music, but just because one likes certain music doesn’t mean it’s well suited for a live show.
Sure enough, four or five songs into his show, which started promptly at 9pm, I was ready to get out of there. In fact, far more entertaining that JJ himself was his keyboardist, Zach Gill. He’s very talented. We especially enjoyed him playing a melodica, which is a cross between a harmonica and a keyboard. I asked Mindy how long she wanted to stick around. We both agreed to hear one more song then beat the crowd out.
Wise move. Must’ve been 10pm as we made our way back to the car with few others, though we got a kick out of a group of 20 something girls, one of them particularly drunk and stumbling. Also along the way we saw a few guys who sadly got their car stuck in a deep mud puddle in the parking area. The car and the two guys attempting to push were completely, and I mean completely covered in sprayed mud head to toe. Bad day! We found our car with relative ease and were careful not to find a large mud puddle on our way out. And because we baled early, we had little concert traffic to contend with. Good plan. I asked Mindy to find the printed directions to the hotel. I also turned on the navi.
Like it did on the way there, the navi would tell us one thing then change it a time or two as we progressed. Not cool. Good thing we had the printed directions. Again, because the venue is in the forest lots of brief travel on several different roads. We went 5 miles before we saw a house. The hotel was only 9 miles from the concert venue. With just a small glitch in the directions, we arrived at the Country Inn & Suites near 1030pm.
I’d actually called earlier and talked with Amanda letting her know that we wouldn’t be checking in until after the show. She was still there. Said they expected a mad rush for their remaining rooms after the concert. We beat the crowd. We were in our room which was a two room suite by 1045pm. I cracked another beer then tuned to the end of the Miami Heat/Indiana Pacers playoff conference championship game. The heat were up by 30 points with 2 minutes remaining. Mindy quickly got into bed and fell asleep. After the game, I tuned to the Wedding Crashers and watched about 30 minutes of it before turning it off and going nighty-night.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Honors
Up at 605am. Another nice hot, sunny day in the offing. As much as I like the summery weather, we could really use an inch or so of rain. Doesn’t look like we stands even a slight a chance until early next week. In the meantime, our irrigation system is getting a work out, but even that isn’t enough for the new sod. In addition to getting hit with the irrigation system, I am watering it manually every day too.
Woke Mindy ahead of 630am. Jacob was soon out the door for school wearing long pants, a shirt and tie. Unless I’m mistaken, this would the first time all school year that he didn’t wear shorts. The shirt and tie were really for the academic awards ceremony later that evening, but it was dress for success day at school, too.
I didn’t leave for a run until 715am. Let Mindy and Bella know that my return before bus time would be iffy. Ran the full 4.1 miles. Warm, but no problems. Made home in time to see Bella off to school. Felt much better about that. Felt great.
Mindy left cheesy scrambled eggs in the microwave. Walked the pug before enjoying them. Hustled through a shower and packing lunch. Left for the office near 845am arriving near 9am. Busy most of the day. Thought I would take lunch around 1pm but got invited to an important meeting for 130pm. Ended up bagging any plans for lunch and worked straight through the day.
Left work near 415pm. Arrived home around 440pm. Mindy brought home Canes chicken – Jacob’s request. The plan was to leave for Jacob’s academic awards ceremony around 615pm. We’d be meeting Jimaken and Molly there. Bella headed down to the neighbors since sibs weren’t welcome.
We left the house near 615pm in the Pilot. The academic awards ceremony was for all students with a 3.75 GPA or higher. Jacob’s was 3.9 something. The event was held in the HS auditorium. Expecting near a full house. We found 4 open seats together near the top. Filled up fast. Mindy shared that the event was slated to last 2 hours. Ugh!
The had an awful lot of 7th & 8th grade students to recognize, and there were four groups: 7th graders with 3.75 GPA or higher, same for 8th grade, then 7th grade 4.0 GPA, and lastly, 8th grade 4.0 GPA. Several of the 8th graders held a 4.0 GPA for two years in a row. The awards piece lasted only about 45-50 minutes. Without prior knowledge, we had no idea what they planned for the rest of the time.
The next phase was an 18 minute video made by 4.0 8th graders. After that it was a comedy/variety show put on by the teaching staff. Funny, entertaining. We enjoyed it. We wrapped up around 9pm and then after a couple photos we headed for home. I was really hungry. Enjoyed what remained of my Chipotle from Tuesday.
Before heading to bed, I set up my laptop for work from home Friday. In bed by 10pm.
Woke Mindy ahead of 630am. Jacob was soon out the door for school wearing long pants, a shirt and tie. Unless I’m mistaken, this would the first time all school year that he didn’t wear shorts. The shirt and tie were really for the academic awards ceremony later that evening, but it was dress for success day at school, too.
I didn’t leave for a run until 715am. Let Mindy and Bella know that my return before bus time would be iffy. Ran the full 4.1 miles. Warm, but no problems. Made home in time to see Bella off to school. Felt much better about that. Felt great.
Mindy left cheesy scrambled eggs in the microwave. Walked the pug before enjoying them. Hustled through a shower and packing lunch. Left for the office near 845am arriving near 9am. Busy most of the day. Thought I would take lunch around 1pm but got invited to an important meeting for 130pm. Ended up bagging any plans for lunch and worked straight through the day.
Left work near 415pm. Arrived home around 440pm. Mindy brought home Canes chicken – Jacob’s request. The plan was to leave for Jacob’s academic awards ceremony around 615pm. We’d be meeting Jimaken and Molly there. Bella headed down to the neighbors since sibs weren’t welcome.
We left the house near 615pm in the Pilot. The academic awards ceremony was for all students with a 3.75 GPA or higher. Jacob’s was 3.9 something. The event was held in the HS auditorium. Expecting near a full house. We found 4 open seats together near the top. Filled up fast. Mindy shared that the event was slated to last 2 hours. Ugh!
The had an awful lot of 7th & 8th grade students to recognize, and there were four groups: 7th graders with 3.75 GPA or higher, same for 8th grade, then 7th grade 4.0 GPA, and lastly, 8th grade 4.0 GPA. Several of the 8th graders held a 4.0 GPA for two years in a row. The awards piece lasted only about 45-50 minutes. Without prior knowledge, we had no idea what they planned for the rest of the time.
The next phase was an 18 minute video made by 4.0 8th graders. After that it was a comedy/variety show put on by the teaching staff. Funny, entertaining. We enjoyed it. We wrapped up around 9pm and then after a couple photos we headed for home. I was really hungry. Enjoyed what remained of my Chipotle from Tuesday.
Before heading to bed, I set up my laptop for work from home Friday. In bed by 10pm.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Gravel, Hose Connectors, and a New Cooler
Woken initially by the daylight coming in the windows near 530am, I was up for keeps a couple minutes ahead of 6am. Was downstairs for calisthenics a few minutes later, once again opting out of push-ups, which is an attempt to soothe aching muscles. Seems to be working.
Because I was up about 10 minutes earlier than usual, I had more time to enjoy coffee and internet. Felt like I had my fill already by 615am when I delivered Mindy's coffee. Back downstairs I enjoyed a little more coffee and internet before moving on to meditation, stretching and ultimately a run. It was near 7am when I headed out the door. It was already 70 degrees and really humid. Strong thunderstorms were forecasted, which I was happy about, but they were also forecasted for Tuesday but never materialized over top of us. I ran the full 4.1 miles and was home by 740am. Mindy was long gone and Bella already upstairs putting the finishing touches on her ready. I walked the pug before digging into the scrambled eggs Mindy left in the microwave. There were some for Eiknarf too.
We walked west for the first time in a really long time, at least for our morning walk. It's a path Ykraps and I must've taken thousands of times. Despite a fairly lengthy walk, she didn't poop. I even hovered out front of the house giving her a little extra time. Back home I woofed down my eggs then headed out to water a few of the flower pots on the deck. Suddenly we're finding ourselves in need of a soaking rain, having not had any for the last 10 or 11 days.
Time was starting to get away from me. I headed off to the shower around 840am. It took me about 20 minutes to ready. I was concerned about Debbie, the new cleaning lady showing up while I was still there. This would be her third time cleaning our house. I saw that Mindy scrawled out another note with a few pointers. I think it's fair to say that we're not too impressed with the results the previous two times. However, we both agreed that you have to share your expectations - give her time to acclimate.
I left the house around 910am taking 670 across town. Mostly sunny warm and steamy, already approaching 80 by the time I parked and walked in. Long walk but I didn't mind. Uneventful morning. I sought out a couple of the managers but none were around. I had plenty to do, however, including some online training and then a mandatory conference call at 230pm.Those two items alone accounted for half my day. Whipped out the training before taking a lunch break and driving to the nearby Home Depot. When I set out, the sky was mostly sunny but a lone storm cloud loomed just to the NE. By the time I got inside Home Depot the sky let loose. I could hear the rain pounding against the roof. I wished it were raining at our house but judging by the sky, it didn't appear as such. Looked bright and sunny far west.
While at Home Depot, I picked up some male and female hose repair connectors and then three bags of gravel, two bags of pond gravel that I planned to place between the larger boulders we have spilling into the pond and then a bag of pea gravel to add to the stone patio filler. Lastly, I picked up a new 45qt cooler to complement our one larger. The two other large coolers need to be pitched. This one should be perfect for the boat. I got a great price - $29 and it came with another small 10qt cooler inside.
Gone for about 40 minutes, I needed to hurry back in order to join that mandatory conference call at 230pm. I made it back with almost 20 minutes to spare. The call lasted a full hour wrapping up near 330pm. Not too big a deal. Spent another 45 minutes on campus before heading home. Left near 415pm. Sunny and hot, and while there were scattered storms cells around central Ohio, none immediately impacting us. Made it home somewhere close to 5pm.
It was a Jimaken night and Mindy and I talked about visiting Ken in Grove City. However, he hadn't yet responded to a text I sent asking if he was up for visitors.
Because I was up about 10 minutes earlier than usual, I had more time to enjoy coffee and internet. Felt like I had my fill already by 615am when I delivered Mindy's coffee. Back downstairs I enjoyed a little more coffee and internet before moving on to meditation, stretching and ultimately a run. It was near 7am when I headed out the door. It was already 70 degrees and really humid. Strong thunderstorms were forecasted, which I was happy about, but they were also forecasted for Tuesday but never materialized over top of us. I ran the full 4.1 miles and was home by 740am. Mindy was long gone and Bella already upstairs putting the finishing touches on her ready. I walked the pug before digging into the scrambled eggs Mindy left in the microwave. There were some for Eiknarf too.
We walked west for the first time in a really long time, at least for our morning walk. It's a path Ykraps and I must've taken thousands of times. Despite a fairly lengthy walk, she didn't poop. I even hovered out front of the house giving her a little extra time. Back home I woofed down my eggs then headed out to water a few of the flower pots on the deck. Suddenly we're finding ourselves in need of a soaking rain, having not had any for the last 10 or 11 days.
Time was starting to get away from me. I headed off to the shower around 840am. It took me about 20 minutes to ready. I was concerned about Debbie, the new cleaning lady showing up while I was still there. This would be her third time cleaning our house. I saw that Mindy scrawled out another note with a few pointers. I think it's fair to say that we're not too impressed with the results the previous two times. However, we both agreed that you have to share your expectations - give her time to acclimate.
I left the house around 910am taking 670 across town. Mostly sunny warm and steamy, already approaching 80 by the time I parked and walked in. Long walk but I didn't mind. Uneventful morning. I sought out a couple of the managers but none were around. I had plenty to do, however, including some online training and then a mandatory conference call at 230pm.Those two items alone accounted for half my day. Whipped out the training before taking a lunch break and driving to the nearby Home Depot. When I set out, the sky was mostly sunny but a lone storm cloud loomed just to the NE. By the time I got inside Home Depot the sky let loose. I could hear the rain pounding against the roof. I wished it were raining at our house but judging by the sky, it didn't appear as such. Looked bright and sunny far west.
While at Home Depot, I picked up some male and female hose repair connectors and then three bags of gravel, two bags of pond gravel that I planned to place between the larger boulders we have spilling into the pond and then a bag of pea gravel to add to the stone patio filler. Lastly, I picked up a new 45qt cooler to complement our one larger. The two other large coolers need to be pitched. This one should be perfect for the boat. I got a great price - $29 and it came with another small 10qt cooler inside.
Gone for about 40 minutes, I needed to hurry back in order to join that mandatory conference call at 230pm. I made it back with almost 20 minutes to spare. The call lasted a full hour wrapping up near 330pm. Not too big a deal. Spent another 45 minutes on campus before heading home. Left near 415pm. Sunny and hot, and while there were scattered storms cells around central Ohio, none immediately impacting us. Made it home somewhere close to 5pm.
It was a Jimaken night and Mindy and I talked about visiting Ken in Grove City. However, he hadn't yet responded to a text I sent asking if he was up for visitors.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Kohls & Chipotle
Based on the number of times I woke through the night, I didn’t sleep that well at all. Come 6am however, I popped right out of bed to begin my Tuesday. Downstairs, the coffee was already brewed, so after briefly stepping out onto the deck to get a feel for the weather, I whipped out calisthenics minus the curls. Planned to skip curls and push-ups for the rest of the week in an effort to give my hands, arms, and shoulders a break after some much yard work the past few weeks. Yes, I am in tune with my body.
I headed back upstairs to deliver Mindy’s coffee. I didn’t hear Jacob up, so I before heading back downstairs I popped in his room to check on him. Sure enough, sound asleep. I woke him with a whisper. Said his alarm must not have gone off. It was darn near 630am. He’d have to hurry through his routine, but I knew he could do it. After all, he’s the fastest shower taker in the world.
It felt like Monday but in fact it was Tuesday, which meant that I’d be working across town at a customer location. And just like most Tuesday’s, I didn’t plan on heading in until 11am or so. I would work from home for the first couple hours of the day and head out for a run after seeing Bella off to school.
Jacob was predictably fast with his ready and out the door at or new 650am to catch the bus. Mindy was downstairs a few minutes later. She reminded me of the evening plans, which included me taking Jacob shopping for a dress shirt and tie, and then picking Bella up from gym. Mindy was heading to a scholarship awards ceremony for a couple former students and then going to dinner afterwards. She didn’t expect to be home until 10pm or so.
She was off to school near 730am and Bella out the door 30 minutes later. I walked out at the same time with the pug and did our usual walk after the bus pulled away. It was after 830am by the time I was ready for a run. It was a very warm start, too – already in the 70s and humid. Expecting a high in the upper 80s. Ran the full 4.1 miles. Felt good. Finished strong – and sweaty!
At home I took the time to whip up some eggs for the pug and me. Afterwards, I headed out to water a few of the deck pots. And speaking of irrigation, I fired up the irrigation system on Sunday and manually ran it in two zones the day before. As a result, the full existing program ran early Monday. I could tell that two of the small pop-ups on the eastside yard didn’t pop-up. Other than that, it appears that all heads are working well. Those small pop-ups get trampled over the winter, and like last year, will likely need to be dug out a bit before they’ll pop-up automatically as designed. I likely won’t get to that until the weekend.
Took care of some work matters and then enjoyed a second cup of coffee before heading off to the shower. It was after 10am by the time I was showered dressed and ready. I packed some veggies, nuts and cheese then left the house around 1030am. Easy crosstown drive. Showed up just before 11am. Parked in the last row of the far lot. As usual, parking was at a premium.
Settled and busy through the start of our standing 1pm meeting. Less than half the usual attendees, only five of us. As such, the meeting was brief. Stuck around their campus until 230pm at which I left to finish my day from home. I stopped briefly at Target where I picked up two new pair of sunglasses (my favorite pair came up broken over the weekend) as well as a package of three sets of reading glasses – 1.25. I broke those last week, too. Hey, when it rains it pours.
Decided to chance taking 670 home and got their at 310pm. No sooner had I sat down at my desk and l logged onto my laptop, Mindy arrived home. She doesn’t typically get home that early. Talked briefly about our day and then how the evening would unfold. I reminded she and Bella that I would be joining a staff call at 415pm. I stayed busy with work until 515pm or so.
Mindy got a shower and then enjoyed a salad before she and Bella needed to depart. Mindy was dropping Bella at gymnastics and then heading to the scholarship awards banquet. She let me know that Jacob was currently out playing but sent him a text letting him know that I wanted him home by 545pm. Thought he and I would leave for Kohl’s by 6pm.
That’s what we did. Jacob and I left the house around 605pm for Kohl’s and Dick’s. Shopped Kohl’s first. My job was to make sure Jacob got in a dress shirt that fit well. I had him pegged pretty close. He wanted a black dress shirt, which made me proud. I figured him a 15.5 X 34/35”. Couldn’t find a 15.5” neck with the 34/35” sleeve but did find a 16” – 34/35” in black. Jacob quickly found a bright blue neck tie, too. I insisted he try on the dress shirt. Of course to do so we had to remove all the pins and packaging, which I view as a huge waste of materials. Hoped it fit, because I would’ve felt bad had we needed to open yet another. Turned out that it fit fine save for being a little big around neck. But this way he can begin to fill out and it will still fit. Before heading to check-out, he said he really needed a belt, too. OK, let’s go get one. He had no idea how to size a belt. A 32” belt, which was the smallest they had in the Men’s dept. fit OK, but on the 2nd to last hole.
Ran into a work peer there pretty much doing the same thing with her son, except he was picking a shirt, tie and belt for his H.S. graduation. Introduced Jacob. With the coupon Mindy sent me with along with the $10 Kohl’s cash, we saved almost $50.
By design, I parked so the walk was of equal distance between Kohl’s and Dick’s, but Jacob insisted on dropping his bag of clothes in the car before going in Dick’s. At Dick’s we picked up an eight pound medicine ball that Bella wanted (she gave me the money) as well as a large exercise ball for Mindy and me, one that we can arch our backs over. Finished up at Dick’s near 7pm.Agreed to do dinner at Chipotle, which was right there., but since we would be getting Bella’s dinner there too, Jacob suggested it might be wiser to stop at the one near the gym that way it wouldn’t be cold by the time we got home. Good reasoning, Jacob.
I thought we’d take the back roads to the gym perhaps taking a bit longer since we were early. But even taking the back roads (Fisher to Phillipi to Georgesville) was fast. Showed up at 710pm. Jacob stayed in the car in the AC while I headed inside. As usual, the gym was like a sauna. I sat patiently in the mini bleachers watching her do her stuff. Kelly wasn’t there, and as a result, the practice was a tad disorganized, though she did show up right at the end. I made sure to say hello.
We stopped at Chipotle which is right around the corner. All three of us headed in to order our food. I was impressed that both kids did their own orders, especially Jacob, who until just recently seemed to have a phobia about placing his own food order. As usual, Chipotle had a line but it moved fast. They have their model down to a science. And for the first time in a while, they put the right amount of meat on my burrito.
Got home near 8pm and quickly gathered around the table, the three of us. In addition to burritos (tacos for Bella) we got two bags of chips, salsa and guacamole. All excellent! Finished dinner around 830pm and dispatched Bella to the shower. While she showered, I read from my Kindle until I fell asleep. I woke to Bella sitting at my computer looking at old pictures. She was fascinated with her Guatemalan adoption photos. I later learned that Mindy didn’t even know that I had them. Yep!
Around 945pm I headed to bed, and insisted Bella do the same. I certainly wasn’t going to let her remain up and on my computer. Heck no! She could do all sorts of damage! I watched TV from bed eventually falling asleep watching Modern Family. I heard what sounded like footsteps just outside our bedroom door. Sure enough, it was Bella sneaking back downstairs. When I asked what she was doing she said she was waiting on Mindy to get home. I left her sit there on the bottom step with her new medicine ball. I heard Mindy join me in bed sometime around 11pm.
I headed back upstairs to deliver Mindy’s coffee. I didn’t hear Jacob up, so I before heading back downstairs I popped in his room to check on him. Sure enough, sound asleep. I woke him with a whisper. Said his alarm must not have gone off. It was darn near 630am. He’d have to hurry through his routine, but I knew he could do it. After all, he’s the fastest shower taker in the world.
It felt like Monday but in fact it was Tuesday, which meant that I’d be working across town at a customer location. And just like most Tuesday’s, I didn’t plan on heading in until 11am or so. I would work from home for the first couple hours of the day and head out for a run after seeing Bella off to school.
Jacob was predictably fast with his ready and out the door at or new 650am to catch the bus. Mindy was downstairs a few minutes later. She reminded me of the evening plans, which included me taking Jacob shopping for a dress shirt and tie, and then picking Bella up from gym. Mindy was heading to a scholarship awards ceremony for a couple former students and then going to dinner afterwards. She didn’t expect to be home until 10pm or so.
She was off to school near 730am and Bella out the door 30 minutes later. I walked out at the same time with the pug and did our usual walk after the bus pulled away. It was after 830am by the time I was ready for a run. It was a very warm start, too – already in the 70s and humid. Expecting a high in the upper 80s. Ran the full 4.1 miles. Felt good. Finished strong – and sweaty!
At home I took the time to whip up some eggs for the pug and me. Afterwards, I headed out to water a few of the deck pots. And speaking of irrigation, I fired up the irrigation system on Sunday and manually ran it in two zones the day before. As a result, the full existing program ran early Monday. I could tell that two of the small pop-ups on the eastside yard didn’t pop-up. Other than that, it appears that all heads are working well. Those small pop-ups get trampled over the winter, and like last year, will likely need to be dug out a bit before they’ll pop-up automatically as designed. I likely won’t get to that until the weekend.
Took care of some work matters and then enjoyed a second cup of coffee before heading off to the shower. It was after 10am by the time I was showered dressed and ready. I packed some veggies, nuts and cheese then left the house around 1030am. Easy crosstown drive. Showed up just before 11am. Parked in the last row of the far lot. As usual, parking was at a premium.
Settled and busy through the start of our standing 1pm meeting. Less than half the usual attendees, only five of us. As such, the meeting was brief. Stuck around their campus until 230pm at which I left to finish my day from home. I stopped briefly at Target where I picked up two new pair of sunglasses (my favorite pair came up broken over the weekend) as well as a package of three sets of reading glasses – 1.25. I broke those last week, too. Hey, when it rains it pours.
Decided to chance taking 670 home and got their at 310pm. No sooner had I sat down at my desk and l logged onto my laptop, Mindy arrived home. She doesn’t typically get home that early. Talked briefly about our day and then how the evening would unfold. I reminded she and Bella that I would be joining a staff call at 415pm. I stayed busy with work until 515pm or so.
Mindy got a shower and then enjoyed a salad before she and Bella needed to depart. Mindy was dropping Bella at gymnastics and then heading to the scholarship awards banquet. She let me know that Jacob was currently out playing but sent him a text letting him know that I wanted him home by 545pm. Thought he and I would leave for Kohl’s by 6pm.
That’s what we did. Jacob and I left the house around 605pm for Kohl’s and Dick’s. Shopped Kohl’s first. My job was to make sure Jacob got in a dress shirt that fit well. I had him pegged pretty close. He wanted a black dress shirt, which made me proud. I figured him a 15.5 X 34/35”. Couldn’t find a 15.5” neck with the 34/35” sleeve but did find a 16” – 34/35” in black. Jacob quickly found a bright blue neck tie, too. I insisted he try on the dress shirt. Of course to do so we had to remove all the pins and packaging, which I view as a huge waste of materials. Hoped it fit, because I would’ve felt bad had we needed to open yet another. Turned out that it fit fine save for being a little big around neck. But this way he can begin to fill out and it will still fit. Before heading to check-out, he said he really needed a belt, too. OK, let’s go get one. He had no idea how to size a belt. A 32” belt, which was the smallest they had in the Men’s dept. fit OK, but on the 2nd to last hole.
Ran into a work peer there pretty much doing the same thing with her son, except he was picking a shirt, tie and belt for his H.S. graduation. Introduced Jacob. With the coupon Mindy sent me with along with the $10 Kohl’s cash, we saved almost $50.
By design, I parked so the walk was of equal distance between Kohl’s and Dick’s, but Jacob insisted on dropping his bag of clothes in the car before going in Dick’s. At Dick’s we picked up an eight pound medicine ball that Bella wanted (she gave me the money) as well as a large exercise ball for Mindy and me, one that we can arch our backs over. Finished up at Dick’s near 7pm.Agreed to do dinner at Chipotle, which was right there., but since we would be getting Bella’s dinner there too, Jacob suggested it might be wiser to stop at the one near the gym that way it wouldn’t be cold by the time we got home. Good reasoning, Jacob.
I thought we’d take the back roads to the gym perhaps taking a bit longer since we were early. But even taking the back roads (Fisher to Phillipi to Georgesville) was fast. Showed up at 710pm. Jacob stayed in the car in the AC while I headed inside. As usual, the gym was like a sauna. I sat patiently in the mini bleachers watching her do her stuff. Kelly wasn’t there, and as a result, the practice was a tad disorganized, though she did show up right at the end. I made sure to say hello.
We stopped at Chipotle which is right around the corner. All three of us headed in to order our food. I was impressed that both kids did their own orders, especially Jacob, who until just recently seemed to have a phobia about placing his own food order. As usual, Chipotle had a line but it moved fast. They have their model down to a science. And for the first time in a while, they put the right amount of meat on my burrito.
Got home near 8pm and quickly gathered around the table, the three of us. In addition to burritos (tacos for Bella) we got two bags of chips, salsa and guacamole. All excellent! Finished dinner around 830pm and dispatched Bella to the shower. While she showered, I read from my Kindle until I fell asleep. I woke to Bella sitting at my computer looking at old pictures. She was fascinated with her Guatemalan adoption photos. I later learned that Mindy didn’t even know that I had them. Yep!
Around 945pm I headed to bed, and insisted Bella do the same. I certainly wasn’t going to let her remain up and on my computer. Heck no! She could do all sorts of damage! I watched TV from bed eventually falling asleep watching Modern Family. I heard what sounded like footsteps just outside our bedroom door. Sure enough, it was Bella sneaking back downstairs. When I asked what she was doing she said she was waiting on Mindy to get home. I left her sit there on the bottom step with her new medicine ball. I heard Mindy join me in bed sometime around 11pm.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Tim's in the BM'er
I was up near 7am to another gorgeous summery morning. Hardly a cloud in the sky and temps already in the 60s. Because it was a holiday I opted to skip the usual Monday calisthenics. Of course I still planned to run, but not before enjoying coffee. I tried to be quiet, which isn’t really that hard, so not to wake any of the kids prematurely, especially Landon and Rocky. I might’ve had 40 minutes to myself before I was quietly joined downstairs by Landon. As he often does, he asked for a cup of coffee. I granted his wish though in reality only about ¼ coffee, the rest creamer and chocolate milk topped with the usual fixins: whipped cream and caramel topping.
Mindy was up ahead of 9am, at which time I headed out for a run. By then it was already 70 degrees. I ran only three miles, but it was a good run. Near the run’s end, I happened upon Landon walking Eiknarf. As I passed I shared that I would come back and walk with him once I passed the finish line – our driveway. The lovely weather had everybody out with their dogs. I warned Landon to hold Eiknarf’s leash tight, knowing that she’d try and pull away in an effort to get to the other nearby dogs.
Mindy was busy in the kitchen whipping up pancakes for all the kids. She asked me if I was going to wake Bella just as she requested. The plan was for me to take her to Tim Horton’s to get donuts. I woke her near 10am. Immediately she said that I was an hour late. I left her room asking her to be ready in 5 minutes.
She met me downstairs about 5 minutes later, and she and I left for Tim Horton’s in the BM’er, the first time driving since picking her up at gym perhaps as much as a month ago. Definitely haven’t driven it that much so far this year. Seems to be running great.
Just down the road, we arrived at Tim Horton’s a few minutes later. By the looks of the new set-up and menu, they’ve seem to be deemphasizing donuts/pastries anymore. There now off to the side in a small glass case rather directly behind them like a real donut shop. The majority of their menu is now dedicated to coffee and sandwiches. My guess is that there will soon be a resurgence of Ma and Pa donut shops. We got a dozen donuts and 20 Timbits, which is pretty much what we get every other visit. The selection isn’t that good anymore, either.
Home with donuts, Mindy had the pancakes ready. She asked that the kids finish their pancakes and bacon before having donuts. We haven’t had bacon for a really long time, perhaps as long as 6 months. It was good. I ate at least four pieces along with two fluffy pancakes. As soon as breakfast was over the kids asked if they could fish, and Bella was more than helpful in the garage locating the poles. We have two brand new poles that we’ve had for as much as three years, but also two older poles that are still functional. I suggested that they use those. I helped them get them set up with tackle while Mindy fetched them hot dogs to use as bait. They headed directly across the street to fish on Carl’s side of the creek for blue gills.
I emphasized the importance of looking for cars and being careful. Inside, Mindy asked if I wanted to take a nap. She wanted some snuggle time. No sooner did I muster an answer when the kids came a calling. Rocky had a fish on the line and needed help. Both boys seemed afraid to try and remove it. Insert Bella who ultimately was the one manning the fish, at least by the time I got to their aid. I brought with me a glove for the next time, which always makes it easier. This time, however, Bella managed to free the bluegill on her own. Great job, Bella!
Mindy asked the kids to play carefully while she and I took a short nap. By the way, Jacob was still sleeping. We took about a 30 minute nap before heading back outside to check on the kids. Still fishing but quickly boring of fishing from the bridge. Soon they were across the street and then in the backyard behind the shed and then back by the tree house. By noon it was already 80 degrees or warmer. The fish were no longer biting. We warned the kids as much but they had to figure it out on their own.
Todd & Missy were celebrating Mia and Sophie’s birthday’s later that afternoon, and according to Mindy, we needed to be there at 3pm. However, ahead of that, Mindy wanted to make a stop at her school to set up camp, just like we did the year before. All of us would be going along. We were showered and ready to go by 2pm. By then it was 86 degrees – very summery! Not only did we have the old some tent, but a few camp chairs too. We also loaded up the book case Mindy brought home from school a week or so prior. Don’t ask!
We had to reconfigure the rear seating for two and two. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long at all to get to Grove City and Mindy’s school from our house – 20 minutes tops. Guessing it’s all of about 13-15 miles. This marked my first visit to her school since Fall school year 2012 or about 19-20 months ago, which was pre any construction of the new building which is going up directly behind the existing building. Nice! The outside structure is almost complete and the school itself is supposed to be ready by the start of the new school year – day after Labor Day. However, according to Mindy, they’re running behind schedule.
The kids ran off to the gym while Mindy and set up the tent. Actually, Bella helped a little bit too, but quickly ran off to the pop machine once Mindy granted permission. Kerianne was in working in her classroom too, and walked down to visit for a while. I gave her a big hug. Don’t think that I’ve seen her since her birthday party in early March.
We weren’t at school long – 25 minutes tops. Left for Todd’s place at 240pm. Doesn’t take long to get there from Mindy’s school. From old town Grover City you simply head west on Grove City Rd. until you’re there. We pulled up at 258pm. Seemed a little strange that only her mother was there ahead of us. The family is usually very punctual. Todd, Gloria and the kids were hanging out in the garage. And maybe five minutes after we showed up it became evident that our wires were crossed relative to the start time. We were there 90 minutes early. Mindy checked the invite via her phone. Yep, 430pm. Oh boy!
No worries. It actually felt good to sit and relax while the kids played. Landon and Rocky seemed to be doing just fine playing with the girls and Jacob. Mindy and I eventually migrated to the back yard and the shaded wooden porch swing. Nice! We’re thinking about installing one below our treehouse. I sat there for quite a while even as others began to arrive.
And while it was mostly family, Todd & Missy’s neighbors were there, as were the girls’ school teachers. Always good eatin’ at their yard parties, and this time no exception. There was pizza and hot dogs, but also stuffed shells that were to-die-for delicious. It didn’t hurt that I was incredibly hungry. Over the next hour, I ate pizza, hot dogs, and stuffed shells along with some pasta salad and chips. I was officially stuffed.
Asked Craig about my prehypertension BP readings, and what I might do to combat it. Suggested reducing sodium, which is about the only thing I can reasonably do, but even that I’m afraid will be extremely hard. May try low dosages of BP meds and see where that takes me.
Cake and gift opening took place over the next hour. We readied to depart for home near 7pm. Rocky was determined to get home in time to head to the complex swimming pool. Not so sure that Lindsey was going to be party to that, but hey. Dropped them near 730pm. Lindsey came out however briefly to intercept the kids.
Thunder storms were in an around the central Ohio area but none directly impacting us. As soon as we got home Jacob and I got the trash and recycling cans out to the curb. Like most weeks, we had more recycling than the can could hold. I put the extra stuff in the regular trash. One again, the city should consider changing the routine to garbage every other week, recycling every week.
Did some reading for about an hour and eventually fell asleep in the recliner. I sensed what was coming, which was the inability to sleep once in bed. And that’s exactly what happened. After abruptly waking near 945pm, I headed directly to bed. I laid there becoming more awake with each passing minute. After about 30 minutes I headed back downstairs to my desk. Bella came down briefly too.
I ended up having two bowls of Life cereal and reading several Yahoo stories before heading back to bed around 1130pm.
Mindy was up ahead of 9am, at which time I headed out for a run. By then it was already 70 degrees. I ran only three miles, but it was a good run. Near the run’s end, I happened upon Landon walking Eiknarf. As I passed I shared that I would come back and walk with him once I passed the finish line – our driveway. The lovely weather had everybody out with their dogs. I warned Landon to hold Eiknarf’s leash tight, knowing that she’d try and pull away in an effort to get to the other nearby dogs.
Mindy was busy in the kitchen whipping up pancakes for all the kids. She asked me if I was going to wake Bella just as she requested. The plan was for me to take her to Tim Horton’s to get donuts. I woke her near 10am. Immediately she said that I was an hour late. I left her room asking her to be ready in 5 minutes.
She met me downstairs about 5 minutes later, and she and I left for Tim Horton’s in the BM’er, the first time driving since picking her up at gym perhaps as much as a month ago. Definitely haven’t driven it that much so far this year. Seems to be running great.
Just down the road, we arrived at Tim Horton’s a few minutes later. By the looks of the new set-up and menu, they’ve seem to be deemphasizing donuts/pastries anymore. There now off to the side in a small glass case rather directly behind them like a real donut shop. The majority of their menu is now dedicated to coffee and sandwiches. My guess is that there will soon be a resurgence of Ma and Pa donut shops. We got a dozen donuts and 20 Timbits, which is pretty much what we get every other visit. The selection isn’t that good anymore, either.
Home with donuts, Mindy had the pancakes ready. She asked that the kids finish their pancakes and bacon before having donuts. We haven’t had bacon for a really long time, perhaps as long as 6 months. It was good. I ate at least four pieces along with two fluffy pancakes. As soon as breakfast was over the kids asked if they could fish, and Bella was more than helpful in the garage locating the poles. We have two brand new poles that we’ve had for as much as three years, but also two older poles that are still functional. I suggested that they use those. I helped them get them set up with tackle while Mindy fetched them hot dogs to use as bait. They headed directly across the street to fish on Carl’s side of the creek for blue gills.
I emphasized the importance of looking for cars and being careful. Inside, Mindy asked if I wanted to take a nap. She wanted some snuggle time. No sooner did I muster an answer when the kids came a calling. Rocky had a fish on the line and needed help. Both boys seemed afraid to try and remove it. Insert Bella who ultimately was the one manning the fish, at least by the time I got to their aid. I brought with me a glove for the next time, which always makes it easier. This time, however, Bella managed to free the bluegill on her own. Great job, Bella!
Mindy asked the kids to play carefully while she and I took a short nap. By the way, Jacob was still sleeping. We took about a 30 minute nap before heading back outside to check on the kids. Still fishing but quickly boring of fishing from the bridge. Soon they were across the street and then in the backyard behind the shed and then back by the tree house. By noon it was already 80 degrees or warmer. The fish were no longer biting. We warned the kids as much but they had to figure it out on their own.
Todd & Missy were celebrating Mia and Sophie’s birthday’s later that afternoon, and according to Mindy, we needed to be there at 3pm. However, ahead of that, Mindy wanted to make a stop at her school to set up camp, just like we did the year before. All of us would be going along. We were showered and ready to go by 2pm. By then it was 86 degrees – very summery! Not only did we have the old some tent, but a few camp chairs too. We also loaded up the book case Mindy brought home from school a week or so prior. Don’t ask!
We had to reconfigure the rear seating for two and two. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long at all to get to Grove City and Mindy’s school from our house – 20 minutes tops. Guessing it’s all of about 13-15 miles. This marked my first visit to her school since Fall school year 2012 or about 19-20 months ago, which was pre any construction of the new building which is going up directly behind the existing building. Nice! The outside structure is almost complete and the school itself is supposed to be ready by the start of the new school year – day after Labor Day. However, according to Mindy, they’re running behind schedule.
The kids ran off to the gym while Mindy and set up the tent. Actually, Bella helped a little bit too, but quickly ran off to the pop machine once Mindy granted permission. Kerianne was in working in her classroom too, and walked down to visit for a while. I gave her a big hug. Don’t think that I’ve seen her since her birthday party in early March.
We weren’t at school long – 25 minutes tops. Left for Todd’s place at 240pm. Doesn’t take long to get there from Mindy’s school. From old town Grover City you simply head west on Grove City Rd. until you’re there. We pulled up at 258pm. Seemed a little strange that only her mother was there ahead of us. The family is usually very punctual. Todd, Gloria and the kids were hanging out in the garage. And maybe five minutes after we showed up it became evident that our wires were crossed relative to the start time. We were there 90 minutes early. Mindy checked the invite via her phone. Yep, 430pm. Oh boy!
No worries. It actually felt good to sit and relax while the kids played. Landon and Rocky seemed to be doing just fine playing with the girls and Jacob. Mindy and I eventually migrated to the back yard and the shaded wooden porch swing. Nice! We’re thinking about installing one below our treehouse. I sat there for quite a while even as others began to arrive.
And while it was mostly family, Todd & Missy’s neighbors were there, as were the girls’ school teachers. Always good eatin’ at their yard parties, and this time no exception. There was pizza and hot dogs, but also stuffed shells that were to-die-for delicious. It didn’t hurt that I was incredibly hungry. Over the next hour, I ate pizza, hot dogs, and stuffed shells along with some pasta salad and chips. I was officially stuffed.
Asked Craig about my prehypertension BP readings, and what I might do to combat it. Suggested reducing sodium, which is about the only thing I can reasonably do, but even that I’m afraid will be extremely hard. May try low dosages of BP meds and see where that takes me.
Cake and gift opening took place over the next hour. We readied to depart for home near 7pm. Rocky was determined to get home in time to head to the complex swimming pool. Not so sure that Lindsey was going to be party to that, but hey. Dropped them near 730pm. Lindsey came out however briefly to intercept the kids.
Thunder storms were in an around the central Ohio area but none directly impacting us. As soon as we got home Jacob and I got the trash and recycling cans out to the curb. Like most weeks, we had more recycling than the can could hold. I put the extra stuff in the regular trash. One again, the city should consider changing the routine to garbage every other week, recycling every week.
Did some reading for about an hour and eventually fell asleep in the recliner. I sensed what was coming, which was the inability to sleep once in bed. And that’s exactly what happened. After abruptly waking near 945pm, I headed directly to bed. I laid there becoming more awake with each passing minute. After about 30 minutes I headed back downstairs to my desk. Bella came down briefly too.
I ended up having two bowls of Life cereal and reading several Yahoo stories before heading back to bed around 1130pm.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Graduation Party then Grand Kids
Out of bed about an hour earlier than the morning prior. Felt better, too. Nothing like getting up on a sunny, warm, summer weekend. I started a pot of coffee then stepped out on the deck to drink in a little of the morning sunshine. Smelt like summer!
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 830am. It was shortly after that that I stretched then headed out on a run. And while it was in the mid 50’s during the overnight, it was warming up quickly and 66 degrees when I headed out the door just before 9am. Like almost every other Sunday, I ran three miles. Run was easy.
Mindy was up and out on the deck by the time I got back. Enjoyed coffee and sunshine from the deck for about an hour before getting busy.
Mindy planned to grocery shop during the early afternoon and then both of us were going to Hailey’s H.S. graduation party around 3pm. Hailey is neighbor Chrissy’s older sister’s eldest kid. While Mindy was away, I did more planting, finally sinking the new pampas grass in the Sparky flower bed. I was surprised when about 4 or 5” below ground level I happened upon more of the old weeping willow tree root system. I had to use a spud bar to chop the old wood out of the potting hole. The roots were as big as 4” in diameter but also fairly soft and rotting. Once I was satisfied with the prep, I sunk the two pampas grass plants. I should also share that the carpenter ant treatment I watered in the day before seemed to be working really well. Saturday the ants were going wild crawling all over me and biting. A day later they were still there but far fewer and much less active. I might’ve brushed three or four off the entire time. Worked up a good sweat.
Fetched an old grapevine hanging basket from the shed along with a couple extension chains. I used one of the chains to lower the hummingbird feeder and the other with the basket. The old basket was old required a little rework to make it functional. I potted all but three of the remaining flowers, hanging the newest from the lowest bows of the largest backyard red maples. I was very happy with the results.
Mindy left for the grocery just as I finished hanging that basket in the tree. After she left, I put the glass panels back into the deck table frame after repainting it the day before. I had Pandora playing through my phone and Bose dock, too, by the way. Took a break after that, hitting golf balls out back for about 30-40 minutes. Felt good to swing my clubs. Took a while to get my timing back, but sure enough, it returned. After hitting golf balls I made a sandwich then headed out to wash my car. It was hideously filthy mostly due to tree pollen.
Spent a good hour or more cleaning inside and out. The sky was clear and the sun bright. As a result, I had to keep soaking the car with the hose ahead of using a chamois to dry it clean. Thinking it was near 145pm when I headed inside and upstairs for a shower. I was careful to hurry so not to leave Mindy stuck carrying in all the groceries upon her return. I was out of the shower and in shorts when I heard her pull up. I hustled downstairs to help out.
I must’ve carried in 20 bags of groceries. Ugh! Mindy was already unloading and putting away while I carried stuff in. Said she forgot to get the ice I asked that she pick-up. No biggie. There was enough ice in the freezer to feed our small beer cooler that I planned to take to the graduation party.
It was 3pm by the time we left the house for the party in Johnstown. I made sure that my Google navigation was working well before we left. The directions were fairly straight forward – 670 t o161 to Johnstown Rd. Once on Johnstown Rd. we headed north for about 10 miles to Duncan Plains Rd. and then quickly north again on Clover Valley Rd.
Lots of cars but good parking management. Guy & Missy have quite the spread complete with a couple out buildings – one a barn – and then a pond. Has a professional tent company supply the shelter and then a catering company roasting a hog and grillin’ chicken as well as supplying all the sides. We ate immediately after greeting the grad and family.
Lots of folks on hand, at least 100 guests. I sat by Kenny sharing our plans to have a concrete extension and walk installed off our driveway. Asked Kenny if he wanted the work before I seal the deal with one of the three contractors. When I shared the cost he told me to jump on the deal. Said he couldn’t touch the price. In the same breathe he encouraged me to make sure of the finish and sealing. Though I was pretty sure that wording was already in the bid.
After dinner Mindy and I walked out back to the pond, which they have nicely appointed with a center fountain, dock, and landscaping. A handful of kids were out there fishing, including neighbors Evan and Emily. We sat in the sun on the dock for maybe 30 minutes. We socialized for another hour but left to pick-up the kids at 6pm. Said goodbye to Hailey and family then hit the road. Mindy celled Jimaken to let him know that we were on our way. She gave an ETA of 30 minutes.
We opted to take 270 t o315S to Bethel. By far, that was the easiest. Mindy’s ETA turned out to be just about right. Pulled up at Jimaken’s near 630pm. Inside, we visited with Jimaken and Molly for a few before heading home. The boys were coming over to spend the night and Mindy asked Lindsey to bring them at 8pm. That left us about an hour to relax before they showed up. Mindy and I kicked back on the deck for a while. Meanwhile, both kids crabbed that they were hungry. I guess they didn’t eat dinner. They wanted to go out or get pizza, but Mindy quickly answered, “no way. Just spent a ton of money at the grocery store”.
Jacob soon offered that he would foot the bill for pizza. Soon the boys arrived and immediately came around back. Lindsey came too since we sent her a text asking as much. After cleaning out Jacob’s closet, we had two bags of clothes for the boys.
The kids played Lacrosse for a while, but then Rocky asked me to toss the baseball with him. We only have one lefty glove, so I had to wear a righty backwards. Talk about awkward! While Rocky and I tossed the baseball, Landon played Lacrosse with Jacob. It was just our kids since all the island kids were gone for the day. Mindy helped Jacob place his pizza order. Thinking it was near 9pm when it arrived. By then I was sipping on a Jack & Coke. Jacob bought two pizzas, and everybody but me had some. I resisted the temptation. Wasn’t in the mood and wasn’t that hungry. Later, however, after the kids all headed to bed, I enjoyed popcorn. I should clarify that all the kids were in bed fairly early save for Bella, who remained up and downstairs with Mindy and I. She drafted a letter to me asking me to wake her Sunday morning, take to get donuts, and then take her to Dick’s to get a medicine ball. Yeah, that’s right. She wants her own medicine ball.
Thinking it was near 1030pm when Mindy and I headed for bed.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 830am. It was shortly after that that I stretched then headed out on a run. And while it was in the mid 50’s during the overnight, it was warming up quickly and 66 degrees when I headed out the door just before 9am. Like almost every other Sunday, I ran three miles. Run was easy.
Mindy was up and out on the deck by the time I got back. Enjoyed coffee and sunshine from the deck for about an hour before getting busy.
Mindy planned to grocery shop during the early afternoon and then both of us were going to Hailey’s H.S. graduation party around 3pm. Hailey is neighbor Chrissy’s older sister’s eldest kid. While Mindy was away, I did more planting, finally sinking the new pampas grass in the Sparky flower bed. I was surprised when about 4 or 5” below ground level I happened upon more of the old weeping willow tree root system. I had to use a spud bar to chop the old wood out of the potting hole. The roots were as big as 4” in diameter but also fairly soft and rotting. Once I was satisfied with the prep, I sunk the two pampas grass plants. I should also share that the carpenter ant treatment I watered in the day before seemed to be working really well. Saturday the ants were going wild crawling all over me and biting. A day later they were still there but far fewer and much less active. I might’ve brushed three or four off the entire time. Worked up a good sweat.
Fetched an old grapevine hanging basket from the shed along with a couple extension chains. I used one of the chains to lower the hummingbird feeder and the other with the basket. The old basket was old required a little rework to make it functional. I potted all but three of the remaining flowers, hanging the newest from the lowest bows of the largest backyard red maples. I was very happy with the results.
Mindy left for the grocery just as I finished hanging that basket in the tree. After she left, I put the glass panels back into the deck table frame after repainting it the day before. I had Pandora playing through my phone and Bose dock, too, by the way. Took a break after that, hitting golf balls out back for about 30-40 minutes. Felt good to swing my clubs. Took a while to get my timing back, but sure enough, it returned. After hitting golf balls I made a sandwich then headed out to wash my car. It was hideously filthy mostly due to tree pollen.
Spent a good hour or more cleaning inside and out. The sky was clear and the sun bright. As a result, I had to keep soaking the car with the hose ahead of using a chamois to dry it clean. Thinking it was near 145pm when I headed inside and upstairs for a shower. I was careful to hurry so not to leave Mindy stuck carrying in all the groceries upon her return. I was out of the shower and in shorts when I heard her pull up. I hustled downstairs to help out.
I must’ve carried in 20 bags of groceries. Ugh! Mindy was already unloading and putting away while I carried stuff in. Said she forgot to get the ice I asked that she pick-up. No biggie. There was enough ice in the freezer to feed our small beer cooler that I planned to take to the graduation party.
It was 3pm by the time we left the house for the party in Johnstown. I made sure that my Google navigation was working well before we left. The directions were fairly straight forward – 670 t o161 to Johnstown Rd. Once on Johnstown Rd. we headed north for about 10 miles to Duncan Plains Rd. and then quickly north again on Clover Valley Rd.
Lots of cars but good parking management. Guy & Missy have quite the spread complete with a couple out buildings – one a barn – and then a pond. Has a professional tent company supply the shelter and then a catering company roasting a hog and grillin’ chicken as well as supplying all the sides. We ate immediately after greeting the grad and family.
Lots of folks on hand, at least 100 guests. I sat by Kenny sharing our plans to have a concrete extension and walk installed off our driveway. Asked Kenny if he wanted the work before I seal the deal with one of the three contractors. When I shared the cost he told me to jump on the deal. Said he couldn’t touch the price. In the same breathe he encouraged me to make sure of the finish and sealing. Though I was pretty sure that wording was already in the bid.
After dinner Mindy and I walked out back to the pond, which they have nicely appointed with a center fountain, dock, and landscaping. A handful of kids were out there fishing, including neighbors Evan and Emily. We sat in the sun on the dock for maybe 30 minutes. We socialized for another hour but left to pick-up the kids at 6pm. Said goodbye to Hailey and family then hit the road. Mindy celled Jimaken to let him know that we were on our way. She gave an ETA of 30 minutes.
We opted to take 270 t o315S to Bethel. By far, that was the easiest. Mindy’s ETA turned out to be just about right. Pulled up at Jimaken’s near 630pm. Inside, we visited with Jimaken and Molly for a few before heading home. The boys were coming over to spend the night and Mindy asked Lindsey to bring them at 8pm. That left us about an hour to relax before they showed up. Mindy and I kicked back on the deck for a while. Meanwhile, both kids crabbed that they were hungry. I guess they didn’t eat dinner. They wanted to go out or get pizza, but Mindy quickly answered, “no way. Just spent a ton of money at the grocery store”.
Jacob soon offered that he would foot the bill for pizza. Soon the boys arrived and immediately came around back. Lindsey came too since we sent her a text asking as much. After cleaning out Jacob’s closet, we had two bags of clothes for the boys.
The kids played Lacrosse for a while, but then Rocky asked me to toss the baseball with him. We only have one lefty glove, so I had to wear a righty backwards. Talk about awkward! While Rocky and I tossed the baseball, Landon played Lacrosse with Jacob. It was just our kids since all the island kids were gone for the day. Mindy helped Jacob place his pizza order. Thinking it was near 9pm when it arrived. By then I was sipping on a Jack & Coke. Jacob bought two pizzas, and everybody but me had some. I resisted the temptation. Wasn’t in the mood and wasn’t that hungry. Later, however, after the kids all headed to bed, I enjoyed popcorn. I should clarify that all the kids were in bed fairly early save for Bella, who remained up and downstairs with Mindy and I. She drafted a letter to me asking me to wake her Sunday morning, take to get donuts, and then take her to Dick’s to get a medicine ball. Yeah, that’s right. She wants her own medicine ball.
Thinking it was near 1030pm when Mindy and I headed for bed.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Winning the Oscar
Slept in until almost 8am after waking around 6am and popping two Advil to help ward off a mild but bothersome headache. Was happy to see blue skies and sunshine out the bathroom and bedroom windows. Downstairs I started coffee then stepped briefly out onto the deck. My headache was gone but felt a little off – not hung over. Heck, I had just three beers the night before.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 9am. Headed out for a run a few minutes later, or after a stretch. It was gorgeous. Ran three miles. Mindy was up and out on the deck when I got back. The pug was out there with her too. After toweling off, sipping some water, and refilling my coffee, I headed out to join her.
We hung out for 30-40 minutes, me eventually brushing the pug. At some point we hooked up with Chrissy who shared that the Russian neighbors called the cops on her dogs again the evening before. Their house sold so they won’t be around too much longer.
While Mindy got ready to head into school to work in her classroom, I readied for a day of yard work. I hooked up my Bose docking speaker on the deck so I could pipe music out into the yard. The first thing I did was plant a new purple hydrangea where once stood a everblooming rose bush that died over the winter. Outside of knockout roses, I just can’t keep rose bushes alive. But then again, I don’t know of anybody’s roses that fared well this past winter.
Through later morning and early afternoon I planted plants and flowers, sanded and repainted purple flamingos, spray painted the deck table, watered the sod. Did countless other small but important tasks too.
By midafternoon, I was famished. To satisfy my hunger I made a roast beef and cheese sandwich that really hit the spot. Yum! I’m thinking that it was near 530pm when Mindy finally got home. I showed her all the work I’d completed. It must’ve been around 6pm when neighbor Pat and grandson, Oscar stopped over for a visit. All of the sudden Oscar isn’t a baby any longer. Time flies. He’s two now and talking up a storm. Hell on wheels too. Mindy fetched a bubble wand which he was fascinated with. Snapped a handful of photos. Pat invited to stop over later. Said friends Joe & Peggy were coming by too.
We both still needed showers. I took one first, leaving it run for Mindy. Once we were cleaned up we took the pug on a longer than usual walk. Talked to a guy I see most morning’s out with his dog. I’m thinking that it was 8pm or possibly even a little later when we walked over to see Pat & Lisa. I took my growler of Hoof Hearted’s South of 11th. Mindy drank just the one glass of wine she poured before we left the house, though that might’ve been her second.
By the time we showed up, Joe & Peggy had already left. Pat said Joe was tired after spending all day in the sun. Pat & Lisa were keeping grandson Oscar overnight. He was still full of energy when we arrived but within the first 30-40 minutes, Lisa whisked him off to bed. While visiting, I enjoyed 2.5 pints from my growler. Oh boy is it ever good! Told some stories. Pat sharing some details from their trip out to AZ to visit his folks. Arizona sounds like a fun place to visit.
Not sure the time when we finally headed home but I’m guessing that it was close to 1030pm. Like most nights these days, we were quick to bed and then asleep.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 9am. Headed out for a run a few minutes later, or after a stretch. It was gorgeous. Ran three miles. Mindy was up and out on the deck when I got back. The pug was out there with her too. After toweling off, sipping some water, and refilling my coffee, I headed out to join her.
We hung out for 30-40 minutes, me eventually brushing the pug. At some point we hooked up with Chrissy who shared that the Russian neighbors called the cops on her dogs again the evening before. Their house sold so they won’t be around too much longer.
While Mindy got ready to head into school to work in her classroom, I readied for a day of yard work. I hooked up my Bose docking speaker on the deck so I could pipe music out into the yard. The first thing I did was plant a new purple hydrangea where once stood a everblooming rose bush that died over the winter. Outside of knockout roses, I just can’t keep rose bushes alive. But then again, I don’t know of anybody’s roses that fared well this past winter.
Through later morning and early afternoon I planted plants and flowers, sanded and repainted purple flamingos, spray painted the deck table, watered the sod. Did countless other small but important tasks too.
By midafternoon, I was famished. To satisfy my hunger I made a roast beef and cheese sandwich that really hit the spot. Yum! I’m thinking that it was near 530pm when Mindy finally got home. I showed her all the work I’d completed. It must’ve been around 6pm when neighbor Pat and grandson, Oscar stopped over for a visit. All of the sudden Oscar isn’t a baby any longer. Time flies. He’s two now and talking up a storm. Hell on wheels too. Mindy fetched a bubble wand which he was fascinated with. Snapped a handful of photos. Pat invited to stop over later. Said friends Joe & Peggy were coming by too.
We both still needed showers. I took one first, leaving it run for Mindy. Once we were cleaned up we took the pug on a longer than usual walk. Talked to a guy I see most morning’s out with his dog. I’m thinking that it was 8pm or possibly even a little later when we walked over to see Pat & Lisa. I took my growler of Hoof Hearted’s South of 11th. Mindy drank just the one glass of wine she poured before we left the house, though that might’ve been her second.
By the time we showed up, Joe & Peggy had already left. Pat said Joe was tired after spending all day in the sun. Pat & Lisa were keeping grandson Oscar overnight. He was still full of energy when we arrived but within the first 30-40 minutes, Lisa whisked him off to bed. While visiting, I enjoyed 2.5 pints from my growler. Oh boy is it ever good! Told some stories. Pat sharing some details from their trip out to AZ to visit his folks. Arizona sounds like a fun place to visit.
Not sure the time when we finally headed home but I’m guessing that it was close to 1030pm. Like most nights these days, we were quick to bed and then asleep.
Friday, May 23, 2014
South of 11
Was up at my standard time of 6am and then downstairs a few minutes later engaged in calisthenics. It was a sunny, warm start to the Memorial Day weekend with the promise of more sun and warmer temps through Monday. In Columbus we often hold our collective breath when the Memorial Day weekend forecast is revealed. We’ve had many gloomy, cool and gray Memorial Day’s over the years.
Woke Mindy near 620am. Jacob was downstairs and out the door within the next 20 minutes. I played around online until 705am but then logged into work. Like most Friday’s, I planned to work from home and as a consequence, I didn’t plan to run until after Bella was safely off to school.
The next hour or so flew by. Soon it was time for Bella to head out. I was off walking the dog about the time the bus pulled up. Briefly chatted with all the kids and other bus stop parents. Headed back home for a meditation and stretch ahead of a run. Didn’t get out the door until almost 835am. Like most Friday’s I ran just three miles. And it was a good, easy run. No problems whatsoever.
Back home, I headed out to water the two small areas of sod before getting back to work. Took no more than five minutes. I’ve been hitting them with water twice a day for the past week. And it’s been so sunny and dry that’s it sucking it all up really fast. I hoped to get to the irrigation system fired up over the weekend. Will likely need to water the sod separately for at least another week. In fact, the one small piece I used out front has already all but died after missing just one day of watering.
Stayed busy with work for the next hour or two. Mid-morning I took a break and stepped out on the front stoop to see how easily the dead ivy would come away from the stucco wall. I spent about 10-15 minutes pulling it away. I’d still need to go over the area with a small putty knife to pry loose the smallish dead branches and then most likely power wash those sticky little fingers away. I also remained mindful of the lovely hosta located in the bed just below. I didn’t want to damage it by foot or with falling debris. For the time being, I left the mess in the driveway while I headed back inside to work.
Worked for a couple more hours knocking out all sorts of to-dos, making some really progress on a couple fronts. Instead of getting back on the ivy, I decided to dedicate my lunch hour to taking care of the lawn. Just felt better getting it done and out of the way first. Headed out around 1230pm and spent the full hour mowing, trimming and edging.
Back to work for a few more hours. Took care of a few more to-do’s as well as a couple administrative tasks, and pretty much wrapped up my day around 430pm, though I would stay connected and periodically check in through the evening hours. At 430pm I headed out to fire up the power washer for the first time all season and see how well it would do at removing the English ivy fingers. Started fairly easily and did a real nice job on the stucco but not so much on the wood trim, but that was OK. I have plenty of trim paint which will hide whatever remains, and once can hardly notice it afterwards since the trim’s finish is rough sawn. Didn’t take but maybe 30 minutes to power wash the wall, but I also did the concrete stoop and walk from the driveway. Because it gets next to no sun from October through April, it tends to turn mossy green.
Was finishing up when Mindy arrived home. Having stared at the bare, dead ivy branches for the past month, she was most impressed with how nice it looked. The kids were spending the weekend with Jimaken. It’s the first time he’s taken the kids for a full weekend since before our Oregon ski trip. Jimaken showed up around 530pm or just as I was shutting down the power washer and cleaning up. Mindy made sure that Bella took Eiknarf on a walk before they left. As she and the pug walked by I sprayed her ever so lightly with the not running power washer, which spits out a stream no more than a little squirt gun. For some reason, Bella was in one of those ugly moods. In kind, she curtly advised that she’d be breaking my phone if I sprayed her again. On her way back to the house I couldn’t resist and shot a little water her way. It couldn’t have been even a half ounce. She gave an evil stare as she walked by and into the house. She, Jacob, and Jimaken left within the next 5 minutes. I was still outside. She offered no hug or goodbye, only another evil stare. I could muster only a chuckle at her angry stare.
We planned on going to CBC but not before a shower. And speaking of a shower, Mindy needed one too, since she spent the afternoon in a sweaty class room. By the time we were both ready it was about 7pm. Showed up near the end of their busy time and as a result there were two stools available. Already there were John & Carolyn Rich just a couple stools over. Mindy shared that we’d be meeting them there.
They didn’t have Bodhi on tap but they did have a good selection of guest drafts. Mindy and I both started with a PsycHOPathy. Vince was working the bar, and so was Kevin. Like he does most visits, he brought bread and risotto balls without us needing to place the order. They were delicious.
I had three beers in total over a 3+ hour span. My 2nd and 3rd were Hoof Hearted’s, South of Eleven DIPA. It’s really good, and really powerful – higher than 10% abv. Comes served in smaller glass. Spent the evening chatting with John and Carolyn. Had a nice time. We ordered dinner probably closer to 9pm. Mindy ordered their salmon while I went with tried and true wings well done and extra wet. Yum! I all but one. Before leaving for home we had a growler filled with South of 11th DIPA.
Pretty sure that it was close to 1115pm when we arrived for home. We weren’t up for too long at all.
Woke Mindy near 620am. Jacob was downstairs and out the door within the next 20 minutes. I played around online until 705am but then logged into work. Like most Friday’s, I planned to work from home and as a consequence, I didn’t plan to run until after Bella was safely off to school.
The next hour or so flew by. Soon it was time for Bella to head out. I was off walking the dog about the time the bus pulled up. Briefly chatted with all the kids and other bus stop parents. Headed back home for a meditation and stretch ahead of a run. Didn’t get out the door until almost 835am. Like most Friday’s I ran just three miles. And it was a good, easy run. No problems whatsoever.
Back home, I headed out to water the two small areas of sod before getting back to work. Took no more than five minutes. I’ve been hitting them with water twice a day for the past week. And it’s been so sunny and dry that’s it sucking it all up really fast. I hoped to get to the irrigation system fired up over the weekend. Will likely need to water the sod separately for at least another week. In fact, the one small piece I used out front has already all but died after missing just one day of watering.
Stayed busy with work for the next hour or two. Mid-morning I took a break and stepped out on the front stoop to see how easily the dead ivy would come away from the stucco wall. I spent about 10-15 minutes pulling it away. I’d still need to go over the area with a small putty knife to pry loose the smallish dead branches and then most likely power wash those sticky little fingers away. I also remained mindful of the lovely hosta located in the bed just below. I didn’t want to damage it by foot or with falling debris. For the time being, I left the mess in the driveway while I headed back inside to work.
Worked for a couple more hours knocking out all sorts of to-dos, making some really progress on a couple fronts. Instead of getting back on the ivy, I decided to dedicate my lunch hour to taking care of the lawn. Just felt better getting it done and out of the way first. Headed out around 1230pm and spent the full hour mowing, trimming and edging.
Back to work for a few more hours. Took care of a few more to-do’s as well as a couple administrative tasks, and pretty much wrapped up my day around 430pm, though I would stay connected and periodically check in through the evening hours. At 430pm I headed out to fire up the power washer for the first time all season and see how well it would do at removing the English ivy fingers. Started fairly easily and did a real nice job on the stucco but not so much on the wood trim, but that was OK. I have plenty of trim paint which will hide whatever remains, and once can hardly notice it afterwards since the trim’s finish is rough sawn. Didn’t take but maybe 30 minutes to power wash the wall, but I also did the concrete stoop and walk from the driveway. Because it gets next to no sun from October through April, it tends to turn mossy green.
Was finishing up when Mindy arrived home. Having stared at the bare, dead ivy branches for the past month, she was most impressed with how nice it looked. The kids were spending the weekend with Jimaken. It’s the first time he’s taken the kids for a full weekend since before our Oregon ski trip. Jimaken showed up around 530pm or just as I was shutting down the power washer and cleaning up. Mindy made sure that Bella took Eiknarf on a walk before they left. As she and the pug walked by I sprayed her ever so lightly with the not running power washer, which spits out a stream no more than a little squirt gun. For some reason, Bella was in one of those ugly moods. In kind, she curtly advised that she’d be breaking my phone if I sprayed her again. On her way back to the house I couldn’t resist and shot a little water her way. It couldn’t have been even a half ounce. She gave an evil stare as she walked by and into the house. She, Jacob, and Jimaken left within the next 5 minutes. I was still outside. She offered no hug or goodbye, only another evil stare. I could muster only a chuckle at her angry stare.
We planned on going to CBC but not before a shower. And speaking of a shower, Mindy needed one too, since she spent the afternoon in a sweaty class room. By the time we were both ready it was about 7pm. Showed up near the end of their busy time and as a result there were two stools available. Already there were John & Carolyn Rich just a couple stools over. Mindy shared that we’d be meeting them there.
They didn’t have Bodhi on tap but they did have a good selection of guest drafts. Mindy and I both started with a PsycHOPathy. Vince was working the bar, and so was Kevin. Like he does most visits, he brought bread and risotto balls without us needing to place the order. They were delicious.
I had three beers in total over a 3+ hour span. My 2nd and 3rd were Hoof Hearted’s, South of Eleven DIPA. It’s really good, and really powerful – higher than 10% abv. Comes served in smaller glass. Spent the evening chatting with John and Carolyn. Had a nice time. We ordered dinner probably closer to 9pm. Mindy ordered their salmon while I went with tried and true wings well done and extra wet. Yum! I all but one. Before leaving for home we had a growler filled with South of 11th DIPA.
Pretty sure that it was close to 1115pm when we arrived for home. We weren’t up for too long at all.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Not a BM'er Day
Was up and downstairs by 610am to a partly cloudy sky but little if any chance for rain. I was looking forward to the work day and a promising weather forecast that offered sunshine and warm temps all the way through the Memorial Day weekend. Couple calisthenics then delivered Mindy's coffee. And by the time I was back downstairs to enjoy some for myself it was already near 630am.
My plan was to run ahead of Bella's bus pick-up and then work at the main office, and possibly even make yet another Strader's run at lunch. To that end, I fooled around on the internet a little longer than perhaps I should've. It was 710am by the time I finished playing around, meditation and stretching. Because of the time, I briefly considered moving my run until after bus pick-up, but in the end I pressed forward, heading upstairs to say goodbye to Mindy and then sharing with Bella that I might not be back in time to see her off to school. She told me that she would be fine and knew exactly what she needed to do.
Off I went near 720am running the full 4.1 miles in about 38 minutes. All the kids were at the bus stop by the time I got back. I felt a lot better about seeing Bella get on the bus. Once they were gone I went back home to take the pug on a walk. Mindy didn't make my breakfast before she left. We chatted about it even before my run, so I knew not to expect it. I enjoyed a 2nd cup of coffee and ate a few pieces of fruit before heading off to the shower. Was downstairs preparing to depart for work by 838am.
Briefly toyed with driving the BM'er but didn't. Despite a lovely forecast, clouds moved in taking most of my incentive to drive it away. Arrived at the office just ahead of 9am. Not very many folks in the office, perhaps the fewest yet. No mind. My boss was there, so he and I chatted for awhile. Talked with a few others I hadn't seen in while too. A couple guys stopped over to ask about Ken. Sadly I didn't have much of an update having not seen him for a while, though I did have a missed call from him on my personal cell from the day before. I planned to call him back later that day.
Took care of several tasks on my to-do list leading up to about 1245pm when I decided it was time for a break. As planned, I drove to Strader's on Riverside. A little surprised at the crowd on a Thursday afternoon. Hardly a parking spot to be had. My mission was to get a few get some tomato and pepper plants, mostly for Bella since she enjoys planting and then caring for them. I also wanted to get a couple herbs, perhaps basil and chives. Not only was Strader's crowded, but their inventory was heavier than it was just ahead of Mother's Day, which was a big shocker. I guess it's a later than usual planting season in CMH, and it's not that the weather has been afoul, instead it's just that most people don't get out to but their plants unless the conditions are ideal.
I got everything I wanted and even picked up another asparagus fern basket filler. I was gone for about 40 minutes. Looked like my boss headed home while I was out. He was online though and working the rest of the day presumably from home. It was a quiet afternoon in the office. I was there until about 430pm. Talked with Mindy on my drive. I stopped at Play it Again Sports on the way home to look at Lacrosse sticks, Jacob's latest sport kick. He was looking at ridiculously expensive sticks online, upwards of $100. I discouraged such a purchase until he gets a bit more familiar with the sport. Told him we could likely get a really good stick or two at Play it Again. He seemed skeptical.
Jacob is becoming very materialistic, and moreover very much swayed by items of high cost, particularly when it comes to shoes and houses, or even sporting goods. Over the last 6 months he's asked Mindy several times why we don't get a nicer house over by his school. A lot of his friends live in $500K homes. Seems a little ashamed of where we live. Ego is a funny thing.
As I hoped, they had a decent selection of Lacrosse sticks, some used and plenty new. I opted for two new sticks for less than I could get them from Amazon. Paid $30 each. I also picked up a couple balls too. Homeward.
Jacob barely had a minute to see the Lacrosse sticks before his dad showed up to take him to soccer practice. After they departed Mindy and I headed out back to sit by the pond. It was a gorgeous evening for it. She poured a glass of wine, I poured a Centennial, still from the same growler we brought home last Friday. Still tasty and fresh. Ahhhhhh! We sat there for quite awhile, long enough for me to have three pints. During those couple hours neighbor Chrissy came by to chat for a while where we shared kids stories, all true of course. :)
Headed inside near 8pm, or just before Jacob got back from soccer practice. Once home, he immediately headed out back to find Evan so they could try out his new Lacrosse sticks. They played for a while. I eventually headed out to toss with some Jacob, too. I launched one deep enough that Jacob said he saw water splash in the drain culvert that ultimately empties into the pond. We looked for a while unsuccessfully. That's $3 down the tubes in a hurry! Noticed dog shit dumped right where the culvert empties into a stream feeding the pond. Ugh! I made it a point to tell Mindy that I needed to talk to Kenny about it. I think Jake's been dumping it there unaware of the possible problems that might cause, namely E-coli. Jacob and I headed in near sunset. By then any buzz I had from the beers earlier that evening was pretty much gone.
Nothing much else going on. Off to bed before 10pm.
My plan was to run ahead of Bella's bus pick-up and then work at the main office, and possibly even make yet another Strader's run at lunch. To that end, I fooled around on the internet a little longer than perhaps I should've. It was 710am by the time I finished playing around, meditation and stretching. Because of the time, I briefly considered moving my run until after bus pick-up, but in the end I pressed forward, heading upstairs to say goodbye to Mindy and then sharing with Bella that I might not be back in time to see her off to school. She told me that she would be fine and knew exactly what she needed to do.
Off I went near 720am running the full 4.1 miles in about 38 minutes. All the kids were at the bus stop by the time I got back. I felt a lot better about seeing Bella get on the bus. Once they were gone I went back home to take the pug on a walk. Mindy didn't make my breakfast before she left. We chatted about it even before my run, so I knew not to expect it. I enjoyed a 2nd cup of coffee and ate a few pieces of fruit before heading off to the shower. Was downstairs preparing to depart for work by 838am.
Briefly toyed with driving the BM'er but didn't. Despite a lovely forecast, clouds moved in taking most of my incentive to drive it away. Arrived at the office just ahead of 9am. Not very many folks in the office, perhaps the fewest yet. No mind. My boss was there, so he and I chatted for awhile. Talked with a few others I hadn't seen in while too. A couple guys stopped over to ask about Ken. Sadly I didn't have much of an update having not seen him for a while, though I did have a missed call from him on my personal cell from the day before. I planned to call him back later that day.
Took care of several tasks on my to-do list leading up to about 1245pm when I decided it was time for a break. As planned, I drove to Strader's on Riverside. A little surprised at the crowd on a Thursday afternoon. Hardly a parking spot to be had. My mission was to get a few get some tomato and pepper plants, mostly for Bella since she enjoys planting and then caring for them. I also wanted to get a couple herbs, perhaps basil and chives. Not only was Strader's crowded, but their inventory was heavier than it was just ahead of Mother's Day, which was a big shocker. I guess it's a later than usual planting season in CMH, and it's not that the weather has been afoul, instead it's just that most people don't get out to but their plants unless the conditions are ideal.
I got everything I wanted and even picked up another asparagus fern basket filler. I was gone for about 40 minutes. Looked like my boss headed home while I was out. He was online though and working the rest of the day presumably from home. It was a quiet afternoon in the office. I was there until about 430pm. Talked with Mindy on my drive. I stopped at Play it Again Sports on the way home to look at Lacrosse sticks, Jacob's latest sport kick. He was looking at ridiculously expensive sticks online, upwards of $100. I discouraged such a purchase until he gets a bit more familiar with the sport. Told him we could likely get a really good stick or two at Play it Again. He seemed skeptical.
Jacob is becoming very materialistic, and moreover very much swayed by items of high cost, particularly when it comes to shoes and houses, or even sporting goods. Over the last 6 months he's asked Mindy several times why we don't get a nicer house over by his school. A lot of his friends live in $500K homes. Seems a little ashamed of where we live. Ego is a funny thing.
As I hoped, they had a decent selection of Lacrosse sticks, some used and plenty new. I opted for two new sticks for less than I could get them from Amazon. Paid $30 each. I also picked up a couple balls too. Homeward.
Jacob barely had a minute to see the Lacrosse sticks before his dad showed up to take him to soccer practice. After they departed Mindy and I headed out back to sit by the pond. It was a gorgeous evening for it. She poured a glass of wine, I poured a Centennial, still from the same growler we brought home last Friday. Still tasty and fresh. Ahhhhhh! We sat there for quite awhile, long enough for me to have three pints. During those couple hours neighbor Chrissy came by to chat for a while where we shared kids stories, all true of course. :)
Headed inside near 8pm, or just before Jacob got back from soccer practice. Once home, he immediately headed out back to find Evan so they could try out his new Lacrosse sticks. They played for a while. I eventually headed out to toss with some Jacob, too. I launched one deep enough that Jacob said he saw water splash in the drain culvert that ultimately empties into the pond. We looked for a while unsuccessfully. That's $3 down the tubes in a hurry! Noticed dog shit dumped right where the culvert empties into a stream feeding the pond. Ugh! I made it a point to tell Mindy that I needed to talk to Kenny about it. I think Jake's been dumping it there unaware of the possible problems that might cause, namely E-coli. Jacob and I headed in near sunset. By then any buzz I had from the beers earlier that evening was pretty much gone.
Nothing much else going on. Off to bed before 10pm.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Contrast of Cloudy Gray, Milky White and Orange
After waking up twice before midnight, I slept soundly through the rest of the night and was up around 605am. I could see from the master bath window that it was cloudy. Supposed to be warm though. Downstairs, I could smell freshly brewed coffee. Unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy any until my calisthenics were complete. However, before doing them, I noticed three geese in our back yard. I chased them away by clapping from the deck. I’ve got them trained to scatter simply by employing the clapper technology.
Sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups were wrapped up over the next few minutes. I poured coffee then delivered Mindy’s bedside. Already 625am, I felt a little self-inflicted pressure to get a move on. There’s no doubt I like having more time to lollygag than my new rise time affords me. I guess I need to do a cost/benefit analysis of the extra sleep versus the rush to run. Perhaps I can find a compromise, something like getting up at 555am. We’ll see.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 640am. At that point I plopped down on the floor, first for a brief meditation but then ending with some healthy stretching. Headed out for my run somewhere close to 7am. Headed upstairs to bid Mindy farewell just before. And since it was cloudy, I checked the radar beforehand, too. No rain anywhere close. By the way, it was 64 and humid.
Ran the full 4.1 miles and felt pretty good throughout. Nice and sweaty by the run’s end. Inside, Bella must’ve been upstairs. I leashed up the pug and headed right back out. Mindful of the bitter neighbor lady’s request to not let our dog walk in her yard, I walked her past her house anyway. Turned out, she pooped and peed elsewhere. Once again, I made sure to keep a huge smile about my face just in case she was peering out the window.
Back home, Bella informed me that she’d already fed the pug and that my eggs were waiting. She didn’t cook ‘em, though Mindy did. Bella was out the door at her usual time, or while I was finishing my breakfast. Before dashing off to the shower, I packed a lunch and enjoyed a 2nd cup of coffee. I clapped the geese away again too. Relentless rats with wings.
Out of the shower, dressed and ready to go by 830am. Took my time making sure that I was fully ready for departure. Hit the road near 840am. It was a smooth drive across town and up 270N. Arrived just after 9am.
Because it was monthly service review day, I expected my boss and a peer or two to show up sometime early on, too. They both showed up around 1020am or just 10 minutes before I was set to present. The review went well, lasting longer than most (over an hour). My boss and peer bolted immediately after. I worked for another 45 minutes or so but then left for a lunch break.
Since the day before, I planned on making a trip back to the New Albany Oakland Nursery. Of them all, it’s my favorite. As luck would have it, the sky darkened on my drive there, which is only about 4 miles from the office. And by the time I parked the sky broke loose. I waited in the car for the downpour to lessen. The heavy stuff came down for no more than 5 minutes. After, it was reduced to little more than a light sprinkle, and certainly not enough to change my plans.
My plan was to buy another hydrangea for our backyard landscape, and hoped to find one in purple. Of course they had many sizes, types and colors. I settled on a medium-sized endless summer bloomer (one that shows flowers on new wood and flowers until frost). And I found one in purple though it’s still considered blue.
I looked at all sorts of other stuff, too, but the only other thing I bought was another orange Rieger begonia. My plan is to use it inside as a house plant in our “Lola” pot.
I wasn’t gone from the office much longer than about 45 minutes. I was content with my break, and really that’s all that matters. I spent most of the afternoon making some changes to the service review data. That took some doing. Decided to wrap up my day a little earlier than usual, wrapping up and heading home near 410pm. Didn’t bother celling Mindy since she was attending a retirement party after school. In fact, I figured I would ask the kids what and where they wanted for dinner. I was leaning towards the Skyward Grill again.
Got home around 450pm. Traffic was briefly a little tight just north of Hilliard. At home Bella was kicked back in the family room watching her kiddie soaps. Ugh! Hate ‘em. Jacob was up in his room. I’d just gotten settled when Mindy phoned sharing that she was already on her way home from the retirement party. Caught me off guard. She said the crowd had already died down. Oh, OK. Change of plans.
She arrived home a few minutes later. It was about then that I moved over into one of the recliners with my Kindle. I read and napped for maybe the next 30-45 minutes. I wasn’t hungry for dinner, but did snack on peanuts, too many probably. Mindy got busy with dinner despite my not being hungry. I had no idea what she planned to make. She hollered out asking what if any kind of cheese I wanted on my chicken shortly after I woke. Any! We had boneless chicken topped with cheese and rice. It was good and also fairly light.
After dinner, Mindy shared that Jacob needed to be at basketball at 730pm. She asked if I wanted to take, pick-up, or both. I offered that I would do dinner clean-up and pick-up. She jumped at it, and quickly got started on school report cards while I finished clean-up. She’s been stressing for the last week or so with so many deadlines and things coming to end in the coming week. I suggested that many would trade for what lies just beyond, namely an entire summer off work.
She left with Jacob around 715pm. While she was away I got out of my work clothes and into comfy summer lounging attire, which I also sleep in. Strummed my guitar a little and then settled back for more reading. Read for about an hour, or until it was near time to go after Jacob. Open gym was over at 9pm. I left the house at 840pm. The sky looked amazing, a contrast of cloudy gray, milky white and orange.
Arrived at the school with plenty of time to spare. While waiting for Jacob to come out I pulled out my Accord owner’s manual looking for a solution to the USB not recognized prompt on my stereo whenever I plug in my Galaxy3. In those few short minutes, I couldn’t find a solution. I’d Google it another time. Jacob came out around 905pm. By then it was near dark, though a glow remained in the sky for the duration of the drive home. Largely silent, the only spoken words were how warm it was in the gym, and how hot it would be once summer really kicks in. Apparently they don’t run the AC in the summer for lack of efficiency.
Got home around 920pm. Mindy was in good spirits having put the wraps on report cards save for a couple loose ends. She said she was really tired and was heading to bed. I planned to enjoy some popcorn and TV until about 10pm. While enjoying popcorn and a root beer, I watched Big Bang, a very funny episode I hadn’t yet seen.
At 10pm I turned off to the TV and headed upstairs for bed, but not before topping off my water glass. Bella followed me into our room carrying the pug. She must’ve put her down in her bed twice, but each time Eiknarf would scurry off to her room again. Mindy and I found it hilarious. We watched another episode of Big Bang before I fell asleep. Lights out before 1030pm.
Sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups were wrapped up over the next few minutes. I poured coffee then delivered Mindy’s bedside. Already 625am, I felt a little self-inflicted pressure to get a move on. There’s no doubt I like having more time to lollygag than my new rise time affords me. I guess I need to do a cost/benefit analysis of the extra sleep versus the rush to run. Perhaps I can find a compromise, something like getting up at 555am. We’ll see.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until 640am. At that point I plopped down on the floor, first for a brief meditation but then ending with some healthy stretching. Headed out for my run somewhere close to 7am. Headed upstairs to bid Mindy farewell just before. And since it was cloudy, I checked the radar beforehand, too. No rain anywhere close. By the way, it was 64 and humid.
Ran the full 4.1 miles and felt pretty good throughout. Nice and sweaty by the run’s end. Inside, Bella must’ve been upstairs. I leashed up the pug and headed right back out. Mindful of the bitter neighbor lady’s request to not let our dog walk in her yard, I walked her past her house anyway. Turned out, she pooped and peed elsewhere. Once again, I made sure to keep a huge smile about my face just in case she was peering out the window.
Back home, Bella informed me that she’d already fed the pug and that my eggs were waiting. She didn’t cook ‘em, though Mindy did. Bella was out the door at her usual time, or while I was finishing my breakfast. Before dashing off to the shower, I packed a lunch and enjoyed a 2nd cup of coffee. I clapped the geese away again too. Relentless rats with wings.
Out of the shower, dressed and ready to go by 830am. Took my time making sure that I was fully ready for departure. Hit the road near 840am. It was a smooth drive across town and up 270N. Arrived just after 9am.
Because it was monthly service review day, I expected my boss and a peer or two to show up sometime early on, too. They both showed up around 1020am or just 10 minutes before I was set to present. The review went well, lasting longer than most (over an hour). My boss and peer bolted immediately after. I worked for another 45 minutes or so but then left for a lunch break.
Since the day before, I planned on making a trip back to the New Albany Oakland Nursery. Of them all, it’s my favorite. As luck would have it, the sky darkened on my drive there, which is only about 4 miles from the office. And by the time I parked the sky broke loose. I waited in the car for the downpour to lessen. The heavy stuff came down for no more than 5 minutes. After, it was reduced to little more than a light sprinkle, and certainly not enough to change my plans.
My plan was to buy another hydrangea for our backyard landscape, and hoped to find one in purple. Of course they had many sizes, types and colors. I settled on a medium-sized endless summer bloomer (one that shows flowers on new wood and flowers until frost). And I found one in purple though it’s still considered blue.
I looked at all sorts of other stuff, too, but the only other thing I bought was another orange Rieger begonia. My plan is to use it inside as a house plant in our “Lola” pot.
I wasn’t gone from the office much longer than about 45 minutes. I was content with my break, and really that’s all that matters. I spent most of the afternoon making some changes to the service review data. That took some doing. Decided to wrap up my day a little earlier than usual, wrapping up and heading home near 410pm. Didn’t bother celling Mindy since she was attending a retirement party after school. In fact, I figured I would ask the kids what and where they wanted for dinner. I was leaning towards the Skyward Grill again.
Got home around 450pm. Traffic was briefly a little tight just north of Hilliard. At home Bella was kicked back in the family room watching her kiddie soaps. Ugh! Hate ‘em. Jacob was up in his room. I’d just gotten settled when Mindy phoned sharing that she was already on her way home from the retirement party. Caught me off guard. She said the crowd had already died down. Oh, OK. Change of plans.
She arrived home a few minutes later. It was about then that I moved over into one of the recliners with my Kindle. I read and napped for maybe the next 30-45 minutes. I wasn’t hungry for dinner, but did snack on peanuts, too many probably. Mindy got busy with dinner despite my not being hungry. I had no idea what she planned to make. She hollered out asking what if any kind of cheese I wanted on my chicken shortly after I woke. Any! We had boneless chicken topped with cheese and rice. It was good and also fairly light.
After dinner, Mindy shared that Jacob needed to be at basketball at 730pm. She asked if I wanted to take, pick-up, or both. I offered that I would do dinner clean-up and pick-up. She jumped at it, and quickly got started on school report cards while I finished clean-up. She’s been stressing for the last week or so with so many deadlines and things coming to end in the coming week. I suggested that many would trade for what lies just beyond, namely an entire summer off work.
She left with Jacob around 715pm. While she was away I got out of my work clothes and into comfy summer lounging attire, which I also sleep in. Strummed my guitar a little and then settled back for more reading. Read for about an hour, or until it was near time to go after Jacob. Open gym was over at 9pm. I left the house at 840pm. The sky looked amazing, a contrast of cloudy gray, milky white and orange.
Arrived at the school with plenty of time to spare. While waiting for Jacob to come out I pulled out my Accord owner’s manual looking for a solution to the USB not recognized prompt on my stereo whenever I plug in my Galaxy3. In those few short minutes, I couldn’t find a solution. I’d Google it another time. Jacob came out around 905pm. By then it was near dark, though a glow remained in the sky for the duration of the drive home. Largely silent, the only spoken words were how warm it was in the gym, and how hot it would be once summer really kicks in. Apparently they don’t run the AC in the summer for lack of efficiency.
Got home around 920pm. Mindy was in good spirits having put the wraps on report cards save for a couple loose ends. She said she was really tired and was heading to bed. I planned to enjoy some popcorn and TV until about 10pm. While enjoying popcorn and a root beer, I watched Big Bang, a very funny episode I hadn’t yet seen.
At 10pm I turned off to the TV and headed upstairs for bed, but not before topping off my water glass. Bella followed me into our room carrying the pug. She must’ve put her down in her bed twice, but each time Eiknarf would scurry off to her room again. Mindy and I found it hilarious. We watched another episode of Big Bang before I fell asleep. Lights out before 1030pm.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Double Up
Was awake and then out of bed by 605am. It was cloudy but warm, a balmy 60 degrees. Expecting it to remain mostly cloudy with a high around 80 and only a moderate chance of rain. I was just happy to see the low 60s go bye-bye. I did exercises then headed upstairs to wake Mindy with coffee in hand. It was 625am by the time I was sitting at my PC with coffee in hand. It was one of those mornings that I just couldn’t fully shake the sleepies. If I laid down I felt as though I could sleep for another couple hours. No idea why. I slept reasonably well and for about 8 hours.
I enjoyed coffee and internet until just after 7am when I pulled out my laptop and logged on. Like many Tuesday’s, I planned to work from home until 10am or so and then head across town to work from my customer’s campus. Jacob was already off to school and Mindy just about to depart. I had to laugh when Bella hollered down asking for the day’s high. When Mindy shared near 80, Bella then asked for the high now. Mindy clarified and corrected her. You mean the current temp. Yes! At the time it was 62 degrees.
Shortly after Mindy left for school I moved from my desk to the floor for meditation and then immediately after, stretching. Bella was out the door for the bus stop before I’d even had a chance to walk the pug. I took care of that shortly after the bus pulled away, and then shortly after that I headed off for a run.
Initially tired, I ran the full 4.1 miles feeling more awake with each passing mile. By the time I was finished, the sleepies were all but gone. Inside, I whipped up scrambled eggs for the pug and I. By then it was nearing 930am. I headed out back to water the flowers and sod, spending a solid ten minutes. Back inside I rushed off to the shower.
Was near ready by 10am, but still hadn’t packed my lunch. I took another 5-10 minutes to do that, as well as pour and enjoy another cup of coffee. I took my BP, too. It was in the 135/82 range. Near 1030am when I set the alarm and left. Had to head back in through the garage and grab something, just what I can’t recall. Reset the alarm and left for good this time. Arrived across town near 11am. Had to park in the furthest reaches of the parking lot. I didn’t mind. It was a lovely walk in.
What remained of the morning went by fast. I had four meetings on my afternoon calendar. I was booked solid from 1pm until almost 5pm. Again, I didn’t mind, It helped the work day fly by. At least one of the meetings was one I wasn’t really looking forward. Not too big a deal, but one that took me out of my comfort zone. I survived. Mindy called my personal cell while I was in one of the later meetings. I sent her a text when the opportunity presented itself sharing that I was booked solid. She sent a response sharing that the Orkin guy was there and gone and sprayed outside and in. By the way, we haven’t seen but one piss ant since the guy was at our house in mid-April.
I talked with a peer just before heading out. Headed to my car around 510pm. The weather was better than I expected, partly cloudy and 80 degrees, a bit humid too. Phoned Mindy once I was safely merged onto 270W. We talked for a while. She had both kids in tow, dropping Jacob at soccer then Bella at gymnastics, and then heading to Sam’s Club & Giant Eagle before returning to get Jacob from his soccer game. She confirmed that I was still planning to pick-up the peanut. Yes. Before hanging up, she asked if I wanted to wait and have dinner when she got back, which wouldn’t be until near 8pm. Uh, no.
I thought I might have enough energy to head outside and plant the new pink pampas grass, but that never happened. Instead, I played on the PC, read, and took a brief nap. As for food, I snacked on cheese and nuts, choosing not to eat anything substantial. I wasn’t really that hungry. I stayed in my work clothes since I was obligated to going after Bella. Around 630pm I checked my work email and all of the sudden got myself involved in a hot issue that required me to log in via my laptop. As often happens, I lost total track of the time. It was 720pm the next time I looked at the clock. Oops! I needed to bolt after Bella.
Despite leaving the house a few minutes later than usual, I still made it to the gym with a few minutes to spare. Bella was doing her trampoline routine. No sign of Kelly. Figured maybe she was off on a date. Bella didn’t say a thing about a stop for food or ice cream. Frankly, I was a little surprised. I didn’t bring it up either. As good as DQ sounded, I figured it best to employ the will power against it.
Home in short order. Mindy and Jacob were back already, too. Mindy shared all the goodies she picked up at Sam’s and Giant Eagle. Once it was all put away she and I made some dinner. She pulled out an entire steak (filet mignon) which she planned on slicing for a wrap. I pulled out the leftover rice and veggies. I begged for a few of the steak strips to put over top the rice. She used only about half. In fact, there was still some left for Bella. Bella is a lot like Mindy in that she loves steak.
Instead of adding soy sauce, I added the thick Worcestershire sauce, instead. Wow, that made it even better. Once done eating, I cleaned up the kitchen and prepped Wednesday’s coffee. I then went to my PC where I read a couple articles about the Vikings. One had only recently posted, announcing that Minneapolis was chosen to host the Super Bowl LII (52) in Feb of 2018. Sweet! By the way, no team has ever played in and won a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Could the Vikings possibly pull off such a feat in 2018? One can only wish and hope.
Now just after 830pm, I strummed my guitar for a few and then kicked back for a little reading. After about 10 minutes, I checked my BP. Aside from last week when I checked it from bed just before falling asleep, it was the lowest reading yet, 129/70. And I felt about as calm as I ever get. Declared it my bed time around 930pm. Turned the TV to the Cosmos, a repeat of Sunday’s FOX broadcast where I only caught the very end. This time I got to see the last 25 minutes. Made more sense.
Mindy joined me not even ten minutes later. Unlike the night before, I fella sleep pretty quickly, though I didn’t remain that way. Instead, I woke around 11pm to pee but then couldn’t fall back asleep. I had all sorts of negative work thoughts going through my head. I laid there for maybe 10-15 minutes before giving up, getting up, and heading back downstairs. Despite not being able to sleep I was still quite sleepy. I checked a few baseball and basketball scores before stumbling back up the stairs for bed.
Once again, I couldn’t fall asleep. Dang it! I laid there for perhaps another 10 minutes before getting up a second time. This time I felt more awake than the last. I sat at my PC enjoying a bowl and a half of Fruit Loops. Now around 1230am, I headed back to bed for good. This time I took control of my thought pattern, insisting only on positive thoughts. It worked. Bam, asleep just like that!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Pink Pampas
I woke near 6am to a bedroom already full of daylight. As such, I could see dim blue skies out the half-moon window. And the fact that the sky was clear helped motivate me out of bed. Downstairs the coffee had already brewed, so after slipping into my house shoes I completed calisthenics which included sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups. My arms, wrist and hands all a tad stiff after so much activity over the past few weeks, but nothing to be concerned about.
It was 620am when I headed upstairs to wake Mindy with coffee. Downstairs in front of my PC with coffee a few minutes later. I spent no more than 10-15 minutes online before moving on to meditation, stretching, and a run. My preference would’ve been to wait, but I wanted to be at the office by 9am. And to make that happen I knew I needed to leave for a run by 7am.
Jacob was out the door by 650am. I was out the door for my run less than 10 minutes later. Knowing she’d be gone upon my return, I headed upstairs to bid Mindy farewell. It was chilly, clear and sunny, the temperature in the mid 40’s. I ran the full 4.1 miles and felt good and strong throughout. For the last couple months since the end of ski season, I’ve noticed my legs, namely my hamstrings tired at the halfway point. That wasn’t so much the case Monday. Perhaps we’re moving beyond it. I finished my run strong. Felt good as home was once again in my sights.
After catching a few breaths from the foot of the driveway I headed inside to leash up the pug. I glanced at the clock. It was 738am. She and I headed out and across the street but avoiding the side yard of the woman who scolded me on Friday for allowing Eiknarf to walk in her yard. However, in case she was peering out her windows, I kept an exaggerated smile about my face the entire time. As we all know, sometimes happy irritates the angry.
Back home I zapped my eggs for a few seconds and put my toast back in the toaster for a minute or so. I enjoyed my breakfast then headed upstairs to get a shower. Bella passed me on her way out, gave me a hug and told me she loved me. How sweet! I heard the bus whiz by while I was flossing my teeth. In and out of the shower by 820am. Enjoyed another quick cup of coffee while also packing a lunch. Was out the door for the office by 845am.
Nice day, nice drive into the office. Parking lot was as full as it’s been in more than 10 years. Had to park far removed from the building’s entrance. Not to mind, it was a pleasurable walk through the lot. Took a little time to get settled, first day back in the office since the Monday prior. Soon engaged in preparing a presentation. Worked on that through about 1245pm when I left for a Home Depot/Lowes run.
Looking at ornamental grasses, I stopped at Home Depot first, but they had a miniscule selection. Again, it’s almost like they’re not trying to compete for the nursery business this year. I know that other local Home Depots have a far more reaching inventory. Onto Lowes. Lowes had a far better selection, but even they didn’t have as much as they have years past. I need to replace our tall pampas grass, yet another casualty of this year’s winter.
I never paid too much attention to the hardiness zone of the ornamental grasses in the past. Just assumed most of it fit for our zone, but most of the ornamental grasses are rated for zone 5 and below. We reside in zone 6, but our recent winter was more like a zone 4. Moreover, I noticed that most of the pampas grass was rated for zone 7. I went ahead and bought two small containers of pink pampas, which if they survive our winters will grow to 12’, which is similar to our old stuff. The difference being this stuff has pink flower heads versus brown. We’ll see how it turns out. Back to work.
I spent the afternoon on my monthly report and then a team call. Headed for home around 440pm. It was lovely, sunny and 71 degrees. Nice drive home. Got sleepy on the short drive home. All of the sudden felt as though I needed a nap. Greeted Mindy, who quickly shared that my dad would be joining us for dinner. The plan was to grill steaks. She also shared that there was plenty of time for me to get a quick nap. Great!
After putting away all of my work stuff I kicked back in one of the two living room recliners for a nap. But knowing that nothing puts me to sleep like reading, I grabbed my Kindle too. I started reading my latest book for the sole purpose of dosing off. Bam, out like a light. Slept for 10 minutes tops, but it was a very effective nap. I heard Mindy whispering my name, presumably to come grill the steaks, which is something I agreed to upfront.
I was slow getting to the kitchen and still a little groggy. Mindy must’ve given up hope of me living up to my end of the bargain and was out on the deck with the grill fired up and the steaks ready to grill. I took over so she could finish inside. While grilling the steaks I gave myself a little self-love by admiring my landscaping.
Dad showed up a few minutes into the grilling. He joined me outdoors soon after. We chatted while the steaks grilled. Two of the four were really thick –about 2.5” thick. Took the two thinner steaks (though still nice and thick by most standards) off the grill 5 minutes before the other two. Steaks looked very appealing. And from my perspective at least, cooked to perfection.
Mindy dished up everybody’s plate. I often eat only half a steak, but holy smoke, she gave me less that even Bella! I didn’t complain, but a couple minutes later got up and cut myself a bit more. Along with the yummy steaks, we had baked potatoes, green beans, macaroni & cheese, salad and rolls. All really good.
As we wrapped up dinner Mindy shared that she and Jacob were running off to the Flower Factory where she hoped to find a couple retirement gifts. Jacob, I learned, was on Mindy ot take him shoe shopping. His recent obsession with expensive tennis shoes is annoying to me, never mind the fact that he’d offered to buy the with his own money. I think it’s a wasteful use of his resources. After all, since Xmas, he’s got no less than three other new pairs. At fourteen, I think it’s important for a kid to be a good steward with their money – save some, spend some. Buy somebody a gift - mom, dad, etc.
After Mindy left, Bella headed off to her room while Dad and I sat around chit chatting. I shared how helpful Bella’s been around the house with the annual landscaping, including learning how to operate the tractor, mulching, and planting. I also shared that she was eager to help in the basement too. I went to the basement to fetch one of the can light fixtures so he could see what we were installing. And shortly before he left for home, I shared our plan to have a concrete walk poured this summer. It was 750pm when dad decided to head for home. I walked out with him. Before he pulled away he glanced at the service walk dilemma the concrete guy presented, basically that it would appear raised on one side to keep it level with the existing garage side-access door pad. He recommended the possibility of having the existing pad wrecked out and re-poured only a bit lower. I don’t see it being much of an issue, however. And once we looked at the area in question against the natural slope of the yard I think dad agreed.
Mindy and Jacob were gone until at least 830pm, maybe even later. When they got home I was busy reading in the living room. I took my BP in there somewhere too. It was something like 134/78, which after tracking it for the past 10 days or so that seems to be the about average.
Not only did Mindy find a couple neat retirement gifts for her teacher pal, she also picked up a few things for out deck including 3 colorful pinwheels. Nice! I read until about 930pm then abruptly declared it time for bed. I was tired and eager for a good night’s rest.
It was 620am when I headed upstairs to wake Mindy with coffee. Downstairs in front of my PC with coffee a few minutes later. I spent no more than 10-15 minutes online before moving on to meditation, stretching, and a run. My preference would’ve been to wait, but I wanted to be at the office by 9am. And to make that happen I knew I needed to leave for a run by 7am.
Jacob was out the door by 650am. I was out the door for my run less than 10 minutes later. Knowing she’d be gone upon my return, I headed upstairs to bid Mindy farewell. It was chilly, clear and sunny, the temperature in the mid 40’s. I ran the full 4.1 miles and felt good and strong throughout. For the last couple months since the end of ski season, I’ve noticed my legs, namely my hamstrings tired at the halfway point. That wasn’t so much the case Monday. Perhaps we’re moving beyond it. I finished my run strong. Felt good as home was once again in my sights.
After catching a few breaths from the foot of the driveway I headed inside to leash up the pug. I glanced at the clock. It was 738am. She and I headed out and across the street but avoiding the side yard of the woman who scolded me on Friday for allowing Eiknarf to walk in her yard. However, in case she was peering out her windows, I kept an exaggerated smile about my face the entire time. As we all know, sometimes happy irritates the angry.
Back home I zapped my eggs for a few seconds and put my toast back in the toaster for a minute or so. I enjoyed my breakfast then headed upstairs to get a shower. Bella passed me on her way out, gave me a hug and told me she loved me. How sweet! I heard the bus whiz by while I was flossing my teeth. In and out of the shower by 820am. Enjoyed another quick cup of coffee while also packing a lunch. Was out the door for the office by 845am.
Nice day, nice drive into the office. Parking lot was as full as it’s been in more than 10 years. Had to park far removed from the building’s entrance. Not to mind, it was a pleasurable walk through the lot. Took a little time to get settled, first day back in the office since the Monday prior. Soon engaged in preparing a presentation. Worked on that through about 1245pm when I left for a Home Depot/Lowes run.
Looking at ornamental grasses, I stopped at Home Depot first, but they had a miniscule selection. Again, it’s almost like they’re not trying to compete for the nursery business this year. I know that other local Home Depots have a far more reaching inventory. Onto Lowes. Lowes had a far better selection, but even they didn’t have as much as they have years past. I need to replace our tall pampas grass, yet another casualty of this year’s winter.
I never paid too much attention to the hardiness zone of the ornamental grasses in the past. Just assumed most of it fit for our zone, but most of the ornamental grasses are rated for zone 5 and below. We reside in zone 6, but our recent winter was more like a zone 4. Moreover, I noticed that most of the pampas grass was rated for zone 7. I went ahead and bought two small containers of pink pampas, which if they survive our winters will grow to 12’, which is similar to our old stuff. The difference being this stuff has pink flower heads versus brown. We’ll see how it turns out. Back to work.
I spent the afternoon on my monthly report and then a team call. Headed for home around 440pm. It was lovely, sunny and 71 degrees. Nice drive home. Got sleepy on the short drive home. All of the sudden felt as though I needed a nap. Greeted Mindy, who quickly shared that my dad would be joining us for dinner. The plan was to grill steaks. She also shared that there was plenty of time for me to get a quick nap. Great!
After putting away all of my work stuff I kicked back in one of the two living room recliners for a nap. But knowing that nothing puts me to sleep like reading, I grabbed my Kindle too. I started reading my latest book for the sole purpose of dosing off. Bam, out like a light. Slept for 10 minutes tops, but it was a very effective nap. I heard Mindy whispering my name, presumably to come grill the steaks, which is something I agreed to upfront.
I was slow getting to the kitchen and still a little groggy. Mindy must’ve given up hope of me living up to my end of the bargain and was out on the deck with the grill fired up and the steaks ready to grill. I took over so she could finish inside. While grilling the steaks I gave myself a little self-love by admiring my landscaping.
Dad showed up a few minutes into the grilling. He joined me outdoors soon after. We chatted while the steaks grilled. Two of the four were really thick –about 2.5” thick. Took the two thinner steaks (though still nice and thick by most standards) off the grill 5 minutes before the other two. Steaks looked very appealing. And from my perspective at least, cooked to perfection.
Mindy dished up everybody’s plate. I often eat only half a steak, but holy smoke, she gave me less that even Bella! I didn’t complain, but a couple minutes later got up and cut myself a bit more. Along with the yummy steaks, we had baked potatoes, green beans, macaroni & cheese, salad and rolls. All really good.
As we wrapped up dinner Mindy shared that she and Jacob were running off to the Flower Factory where she hoped to find a couple retirement gifts. Jacob, I learned, was on Mindy ot take him shoe shopping. His recent obsession with expensive tennis shoes is annoying to me, never mind the fact that he’d offered to buy the with his own money. I think it’s a wasteful use of his resources. After all, since Xmas, he’s got no less than three other new pairs. At fourteen, I think it’s important for a kid to be a good steward with their money – save some, spend some. Buy somebody a gift - mom, dad, etc.
After Mindy left, Bella headed off to her room while Dad and I sat around chit chatting. I shared how helpful Bella’s been around the house with the annual landscaping, including learning how to operate the tractor, mulching, and planting. I also shared that she was eager to help in the basement too. I went to the basement to fetch one of the can light fixtures so he could see what we were installing. And shortly before he left for home, I shared our plan to have a concrete walk poured this summer. It was 750pm when dad decided to head for home. I walked out with him. Before he pulled away he glanced at the service walk dilemma the concrete guy presented, basically that it would appear raised on one side to keep it level with the existing garage side-access door pad. He recommended the possibility of having the existing pad wrecked out and re-poured only a bit lower. I don’t see it being much of an issue, however. And once we looked at the area in question against the natural slope of the yard I think dad agreed.
Mindy and Jacob were gone until at least 830pm, maybe even later. When they got home I was busy reading in the living room. I took my BP in there somewhere too. It was something like 134/78, which after tracking it for the past 10 days or so that seems to be the about average.
Not only did Mindy find a couple neat retirement gifts for her teacher pal, she also picked up a few things for out deck including 3 colorful pinwheels. Nice! I read until about 930pm then abruptly declared it time for bed. I was tired and eager for a good night’s rest.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Hosing off the Baby
Back inside, I sat down at my PC awaiting the beep from the coffee maker. A few minutes I had the coffee I coveted. Ahh! I spent a good hour playing around online before getting ready for a run. And by the time I finished a stretch and was about to head out the door, Mindy was up and downstairs. Grabbed my freshly laundered running jacket from the dryer. I needed it. It was only 45 degrees. Wished Mindy well as I headed out for my run.
Ran three miles with relative ease. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so the sunshine made it feel one heck of a lot warmer than it really was. Bella was up with Mindy when I got back. I asked if Eiknarf had been walked. She hadn’t, though they did let her out back for a while. All three of us eventually headed out back. Mindy wanted to go out and sit on her pond-side bench. Of course the pug followed, too.
Must’ve been around 1015am when we headed back inside but only briefly. I wanted to get a bunch more flowers planted before we left for Aubree’s baby shower, which was set to start at 1pm. I planted New Guinea impatiens out front where we used to plant regular impatiens due to quite a bit of shade. Sun 5 or 6 in the smallish area. From there I moved around back where I sunk a few more New Guinea impatiens and then some Wave petunias.
Next up, I planted about a dozen red cannas, those that I dug up last fall. Far fewer bulbs than the year before when I bet we had at least 10 dozen bulbs. Thinking we gave away about 8 dozen of them. I had wintered over no more than two dozen for this year. Just as I sunk the last few my stomach was feeling a tad upset for not having eaten a thing. Her timing impeccable, Mindy hollered out asking if I wanted a breakfast burrito. Heck yes! I had no idea she was in making food. I washed up then enjoyed a burrito. And man was it good. I took care of a few more smallish tasks, like filling the hummingbird feeder before calling it a morning. By t hen it was near noon and time to get a shower. Mindy was just putting the finishing touches on her ready when I was getting in the shower. And while I finished getting ready she ran off to Target to pick up a couple more things as shower gifts.
I’ve never been to a baby shower before, but this one was advertised as a boy/girl shower and promised to be fun for all. I would’ve preferred the additional time to work in the yard but hey, it can’t be all work and no play. We figured to be gone for about 3 hours in the middle of the day, so Mindy and I felt good about leaving Jacob in charge at home. ON the few occasions where we’ve left him in charge, he’s never let us down.
As soon as Mindy was back from Target we left for the shower, which was all the way across town in Pickerington. I took a few minutes to Google map the address then pulled it up on my Google Navi app. once we were in the car , however, I didn’t bother activating the app. I knew where to get off 70E and which way to turn, or so I thought.
Things were going smoothly as we exited 70E in Pickerington and proceeded east on 204. From there, however, my recall of the directions was a bit sketchy. Couldn’t remember the name of the street to turn next. Mindy tried recalling the Google Navi app, which is often buggy, at least getting it activated. This time was no exception either. Can’t recall if it was her phone or mine that I barely heard it say take 204W. 204W? I was certain that we were to go east, but OK. After going a couple miles east, we decided to turn around, but that quickly lead us back to Rt. 256 which I knew was too far west. Mindy dialed in the destination to her phone using only the Google map. Could see that we needed to head back to the east. Oh boy!
Finally, about 10 minutes later we arrived at Doug & Jeannie’s for the shower. Thinking it was closing in on 2pm. Older home but nice. Sits on s large lot, probably about an acre. Everyone gathered outside in the backyard on and around the deck. Spotted a few other men, but not many. Jen greeted us as did Doug and Jeanie. Doug showed me where the drinks were: soft drinks, water, and beer. I opted for bottled water. And while it was a gender neutral baby shower, I still a felt a little out of place.
I soon took up refuge under a shade tree by Jeannie’s coy pond. Mindy joined me on and off. Mindy came by at one point insisting I get up and mingle. Sorry, just couldn’t envision myself walking around a baby shower mingling. To appease Mindy, we did eventually head up on the deck where most of the action was taking place. In truth, I think Mindy just wanted to cackle with the other hens guilt free.
There was the proverbial newlywed game then a long, will it ever end, gift opening ceremony. By the time that was over it was 430pm, or 30 minutes past the time we told the kids we’d likely be heading for home. We said our goodbyes to the expectant parents as well as the hosts. Jeannie and Doug then bolted for home.
The drive home was a breeze, probably 22 of the 25 miles on I-70. Home near 5pm, the kids were peacefully chilling in their rooms. In fact, it was almost too quiet. I was eager to make the most of the lovely weather and immediately returned to the yard and deck where I sunk a half dozen vinca vines on the hanging geranium baskets. Once that was complete I begged off to Wal-Mart to pick-up a bag of potting soil and then hopefully a couple more solar LED landscape lights for the deck. I asked both kids if they wanted to go with. Nope, neither kid was interested.
Literally just up the road, it was a quick trip. I carted a large bag of potting soil even though most of my potting and planting is complete. I just like having a bag on hand not only for outdoor planting but also for house plants. I looked a bit closer at their solar powered landscape light selection again too. This time I found some individual lights with more lumens that the 1 lumen set I bought at Lowes. They have 1, 3, 5, 10 & 20 lumen options. Of course the brighter the lumens, the more expensive. Heck, they have some 1 lumen lights for $.97 each. I picked 2 twenty lumen lights. They’re a bit pricier, $15 each. My plan is to remove the tattered wicker tiki torches and replace them with solar powered lights. No fuss, no muss!
There was a Wal-Mart associate at the Garden department register, but he sang some song and dance about being locked out after working for 6 hours without a lunch. Said there was nothing he could do. I turned and pulled my garden cart into the main store and the regular checkout lines. Found a line with one person just finishing up their transaction. I didn’t say a word until he asked why I didn’t simply checkout in the lawn and garden department. Went on to explain the lockout thing. He unnecessarily shared that it was true and that he was powerless to override the system. Needs to take lunch and call for backup. I really didn’t care to hear about their labor problems. Just check me out!
I was home less than 30 minutes after I left and went right to work. The first thing I did was pot 4 cannas for David &Anita in quart-sized plastic plant containers that I saved. Between the potting soil I had in a Home Depot bucket and what was left in one of last year’s bags I had enough to do all four. Didn’t need to open the new bag. Once the bulbs were potted I went to work removing the old tiki torches mounted in the corners of the upper tier deck railing each side of the steps. In their place I installed the two 20 lumen solar landscape light fixtures using tie wraps. With a few of last year’s canna bulbs still in a bag, I planted them in the weeping willow bed. Once all that was finished, I took 30 minutes to water all the flowers and sod, front and back. Looking good!
After putting all of my planting tools away, I joined Jacob, who was playing Lacrosse in the next door neighbor’s yard using his soccer net. I picked up the Lacrosse stick Evan was using before running off to dinner. I’d never as much as picked one up before. All new to me. Jacob says he wants to play Lacrosse at school now. I think he likes throwing the rubber ball as hard as he can. I stood off to the side of the net getting his rebounds then tossing them back using a stick of my own. We did that for at least 45 minutes, or until Evan came back out. I quickly relinquished my stick to him and headed inside.
I poked my head in the deck door asking Mindy what we might have for dinner. I was hungry. I suggested brown rice with onions and peppers, and some of that yummy Perdue chicken. She was putting the wraps on school grades and soon got busy whipping up our rice dish. While she did that I got cleaned up. It didn’t take long, maybe 10 minutes. I ended up helping sauté the veggies, chicken and beef while we microwaved the rice. Topped with low sodium soy sauce, the rice dish was delicious and hit the spot.
After cleaning up our smallish dinner mess, I headed back out on the deck with my camera waiting for the new solar lights to come on. Within 5 minutes all of them were illuminated. I sat on the deck for 10-15 minutes admiring my handy work. Looks really nice. At one point I laid down on the deck flat on my back. Felt terrific. Headed inside just before 930pm. And a few minutes later I called it a night. Off to bed still before 10pm. Caught the last few minutes of Cosmos on FOX, but not really enough to even get the gist of the episode. Mindy soon joined me and after a little begin, she agreed to massage my aching hamstrings for a few minutes. We were asleep within 15 minutes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)