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.