November in a Nut Shell

Drywall delivered Tuesday Nov 4^th -  37 – 4X12’ sheets. Barely enough room for the two guys to maneuver and carry it to the basement.

Drywall Hangers showed Thursday, Nov 6^th. Took just 3 hours to hang the entire job.

Todd Rundgren Monday, Nov 10 at the LC. Ran into Tom & Charles. Ended up sitting in the same row (G). Pretty much the same show – Unpredictable night with Todd Rundgren -  Mindy & I saw two years ago at the Cleveland Agora. So while I was moderately entertained, it was actually very predictable. J

Corner bead installers – a latino couple  - showed Tuesday, Nov 11 around 9am. There about 45 minutes. That afternoon the mudders showed. Spent about 90 minutes applying mud. Broke storm door handle. Returned two days later for 2^nd coat. Another 60 minutes

Ceiling texturers showed Friday, Nov 14. Took about 80 minutes.

Saturday, Nov 15 – planning to attend Buckeye football Satruday and Jodie and Larry’s. Had grandsons overnight Friday. Drywall sanders called around 11am asking if they could come over and sand. Said they’d be there around noon. I opted to remain home while Mindy and kids went to football game party. Jacob was at soccer practice in Dublin.

Took no more than 30 minutes for them to sand and bolt. Agreed to pick-up Jacob from soccer and meet Mindy at football party.

Picked Jacob up at 130pm. Buckeyes had slim lead over Minnesota at halftime 14-10  Eventually pulled away and won. Cold, snowy game outdoors in Minneapolis.

Spent most of Sunday, November 16 cleaning up, mopping up the concrete basement floor in preparation for concrete stain.  Mindy helped. After about 4 hours we had the floor perhaps as clean as it’s been since the house was new some 20+ years prior.

First serious snowfall – Monday, Nov 17 – about 4 inches. It was the kind of snow that sticks to the trees – beautiful! Temps plummeted too, dropping to around 10 degrees by the following day – Tuesday, Nov 18.

Tuesday, Nov 18 – stopped by Deco-Crete on the way across town to work. Checked out samples of acid stain and sealer options. Met Kerry. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Small sample sizes somewhat disappointing.  Didn’t give an accurate idea of results. Emphasized the need to vacate home for 2+ days if using solvent based sealer. Have to turn off all gas pilots to avoid explosions! Offered a water based sealer as an alternative, but the trade-off was of lesser quality. Left unsure with our decision.  Figured to discuss with Mindy later.

Talked with Tom King, the concrete contractor, mid-afternoon. Eager to learn our decision. He emphasized the need to start work on Wednesday to finish on Friday. Settled on three colors – tan, cola and black with solvent sealer. With it being a kidless weekend, Mindy would likely get a hotel near Grandview.

Called dad Tuesday night asking if he could come to the house Wednesday AM and hang with concrete stainer, Terry while attended a work meeting across town. I needed to leave by 930am. Terry figured to be onsite by 8am. Dad agreed.

Wednesday, Nov 19 – Expecting the concrete strainers at 8am. David sent a text that he was on his way to Cataloochee for initial snow ski of 2014/15 season. Also noted that Buffalo/HV getting hammered with snow storm. After my run  I checked the HV website and sure enough, found that they’d gotten about 20 inches of snow but not the 6ft some got just 30 miles north of there. As a result, they were planning to open on Friday for the upcoming weekend. Wahoo!

I called Mindy at school and asked if she was interested in spending the weekend at HV in lieu of a local hotel. She gave me the thumbs up. I booked a liftview room minutes later. The universe provided when I asked.

.Finished run by 745am. Come 8am no Terry. I decided to hurry with a shower. Of course he showed up just as I was out of the shower. No biggie! Dried, dressed and ready in less than 5 minutes. Got started with floor prep and staining before I left. Did a small sample in a spot that will ultimately be covered with carpet.

Acid stains are almost all earthy tones, and even the black is more dark brown with a redish hue. Sealer brings out the color, but the color depth depends largely on the condition of the concrete surface as it reacts with the lime content in the pores. 

Left dad with Terry near 925am. Before I left, I asked Terry to go heavy on the black after seeing the color results it produced on our concrete. Gone for about 3 hours. Terry just about to leave – finished – as I was pulling in. We went down to scope out the stain. Decent results, but significant area wouldn’t accept stain uniformly – same area where we had water leak all over boxes that left an indelible imprint on the concrete floor. Even after scrubbing and sanding, can still see the rough outline of the boxes. Not their fault. Was warned as such. Terry figured he could spot treat those areas before sealing on Friday. Would return on Thursday to neutralize and rinse.

Thursday, Nov 20 – Terry there near 830am to neutralize floor. Tom K. stopped by too to make sure I was happy with results. Discussed plan for sealing on Friday.  I requested as late as possible since we couldn’t leave the house until 3pm at the earliest (kids, Mindy at school and me working from home). Agreed that Terry would show near 130pm and begin sealing near 2pm.

After dinner Mindy and the kids dropped Eiknarf at Gloria’s for the weekend. While they were away, I packed for ski weekend. Picked up Bella from gym near 9pm.

Friday, Nov 21 – Worked from home. Mindy kids off to school. Mindy getting of about 30 minutes early and hoped to be home by 215pm. She took the Accord so I could load and ready the Pilot for our trip. Worked until about noon then took an hour to load the Pilot and finalize packing. Terry arrived at 130pm as promised. Dab stained the large areas that rejected the acid stain with a black stain. I liked the unique results it produced. Began sealing around 2pm, or just after I turned off the gas to the water heater and furnace. Also opened vents in three basement glass block windows. And wow, was it ever potent! Had to join our weekly staff call at 230pm. Call lasted full 30 minutes. Odor, fumes overwhelming. They were correct. No way one could survive at home.

Kids home just before 3pm. Their bags packed just inside in the door. Made plans for them to await Jimaken from Kenny & Chrissy’s house. Fumes overwhelming. Mindy waited outside. Finally wrapped up the call near 305pm. Went to check out the basement floor before leaving. Very shiny! Turned off fan and lights . Didn’t want to risk either causing a spark. Stupidly pulled plug in fan. Doh!

On the road for HV by 310pm. Cold and sunny – only 21 degrees when we left home. Expectiing a low in the mid teens that night. With the heat off and the vent windows opened I was a tad concerned. Nothing I could do about it though.

The further north we drove the more prevalent the snow pack. Made good time. Roads in excellent shape and minimal construction on I-71N. 3 land widening project just about completed. Stopped in Macedonia – exit #8 on 271N at Wendy’s for dinner near 515-530pm. Ate inside and in about 15 minutes.

Slightly concerned what we might encounter on I-90 – the snow belt – but unfounded. The highway was clear and dry the entire way. Last two hours went quick. Unbeknownst to us, due to heavy snow, I-90 had been closed until midafternoon Friday. Hmm? As hoped, Salamanca looked like a winter wonderland – the land of icicles. Only 11 degrees, too. Pulled in the Inn at HV at 840pm on the nose.

Check-in was a snap. Applied AARP discount to already special early winter rate. Not only that, but our weekend lift tickets were free, something we didn’t realize when we planned the last minute trip. Wahoo! We were stoked! Botom line, we woulda spent the same money staying at a hotel at home.

Our room was ideal – ground level lift view with a King-sized bed. We quickly unpacked. Opted to pass on night skiing and instead start fresh come morning. Decided to visit the Depot across the street for a couple beers and wings. Both Cadillac Jacks and Burger King closed permanently. Hmmm?

Enjoyed two Southern Tier IPA and two baskets of wings while chatting it up with a few locals. Fun time. Bartender was especially entertaining. To bed by 11pm.

Saturday, Nov 22 Up and out the door for a run by 7am. Like most HV trips, I was very excited. For my money, it’s one of the happiest places on earth, and only better when blanketed with snow, which it was! Like always, I ran into town and back. Nice run, save for the chunky, icy snow for the first half mile or so. No biggie! Sunny out the door but snowing lightly by my return. I was juiced!

Took Mindy coffee. Still sleeping. Soon up, however, and off to breakfast. Honestly, wasn’t expecting the breakfast bar given the early season, but they had it going on. Only difference being that it was held in the main lobby (smaller crowd. no more than 10 cars in inner parking lot).

Off for maiden ski voyage by 915am. Had to shuttle to Yodeler from the Inn since Sunrise lift not opened. Only two lifts – Yodeler and Mardi Gras. David asked that we pose in front of pole #14 where the newest hi-def webcam is aimed. We did it, and he soon sent confirming photo of the two of us posing for the camera.

Mindy struggled with her boots and brace for the first hour. My new boots were pretty comfy. I could easily feel the difference having a stiffer, better fitting ski boot. Much less work to turn. Our 2^nd run was down Edelweiss. A little surprised that Mindy was game.  Skied for two solid hours before declaring it time for a break in Yodeler Lodge upper bar. Not crowded at all. Enjoyed two beers – EBC ski bum winter ale while Mindy enjoyed Bailey’s and coffee. Caught early highlights of Buckeyes over Indiana. Expected a blowout. 14-0 last we saw. Skied another hour or so before taking another break, this time in our room to watch football and then hot tub. Both of us mindful of this being our first outing.

Buckeye game not on. Asked Jacob to send frequent score updates. Still 14-0 initial but seconds later 14-7.  And by halftime we were trailing. OMG! What happened? I eventually tried streaming 97.1. Success! We listened to the 2^nd half via stream. About halfway through the 3^rd quarter we got hot and scored 28 unanswered points. Nerve racking there for a little while. We won easily – 42-27.

To the hot tub. Only Mindy and me along with a couple kids that eventually left. Tubbed and sauna for about an hour. Back in the room we geared up for another round of skiing. Shuttled to Yodeler again. Interesting older man about 80. Skied for an hour or so  until about 6pm. Did Mardi Gras, Laurel, Yodeler, Edelweiss – some more than once. By the end I was feeling my groove. Had my hip turns down nicely. Closed with a few runs without stopping down Mardi Gras. Legs were tightening near bottom. Skied, pegged all the way back to the Inn.

Showered for dinner at EBC. By then the weather was breaking down – started to rain. Thinking it near 7pm when we headed off for town, Parking at a premium. Lucky for us, a guy was just pulling away directly behind EBC. We took his spot. Raining even harder. We got off the slopes in the nick of time.

3-5 minute wait. Seated at a community table near back bar. Nice! Ordered one of their designer IPAs. Mindy went with  stout. Enjoyed a couple appetizers before dinner. Good food and beer but more than anything, it made me sleepy. Exited for the Inn near 845pm – both of us more than ready for bed. Pouring rain as we made our way to the Pilot.

In the room by 9pm and quickly into my PJs. I wasn’t up much longer either. Asleep, I think, by 930pm.

Sunday, Nov 23 – Before falling asleep, we’d already agreed to skip Sunday skiing if the rain continued or if it was extra sloppy. Expecting a high near 50 degrees. Up and in my running clothes by 8am. It wasn’t raining but was in the mid 40s and sloppy. Much of the fluffy snow pack was gone, washed away by the heavy overnight rains. L

Mindy was up and presumably readying for our trip home while I completed my run. Ran to and from town. Despite the weather it was still a nice run. The breakfast buffet was quite busy with lots of families. Seemed many more folks came in Saturday evening. Poured two cups of Starbucks then headed back to the room. Mindy had a lot of our prep for home completed.

Agreed to get an early start for home. We’d pack, load for home, have breakfast in the lobby, then check-out. All loaded and showered by 930am. Woofed down a quick breakfast in the lobby - eggs and sausage. Left a tip for the help and checked out at 955am. Fixed bill, didn’t have AARP discount applied as agreed Friday at check-in. Took care of it quickly. Headed into Ellicottville to fill the gas tank. Hit the road near 10am. Hit some intermittent pockets of moderate rain early on and into PA, but by the time we hit Ohio it was partly cloudy. Warm too, already about 60 degrees. Yikes! Made excellent time. Took just 5 hours. Pulled in our drive at home at 301pm.

After lugging everything inside, we opened the doors and windows to let the house air out a bit more before  reigniting the furnace and water tank. Headed to the basement near 330pm. Admittedly unsure how to relight furnace. Decided to focus first on hot water tank. It has a sparker much like on a gas grill. Mindy and I both tried unsuccessfully. Warning to not remove hatch. Crap!

Couldn’t figure out furnace either. Asked Mindy to phone neighbor Mike O. Lucky for us, he was home and offered to come right down. Quickly learned that the furnace has no pilot. Simply needed to turn on the gas and turn on the thermostat. Easy!

The water tank was another story. He agreed, sparker apparently not working. Only used once when I installed it 4 or 5 years prior. Mike proceeded to pull the gas valve and burner out. He’s a certified heating and cooling guy. Knows his stuff. Frayed and dirty, he cleaned the sparker end by the burner and had it working. Carefully put it all back together but struggled to get the sparker to spark again. Finally, though, he got it. Thanks big, Mike! Said to buy him some beer. Sure thing!

Inspected the now dry stained concrete floor. A few heavy sealer marks but all in all looks pretty doggone cool. Now it needs to be waxed. Kids home around 4-430pm. Nieghbor Makayla must’ve been driving by when the kids pulled up because she walked in the with the kids. Mindy and the kids left to get Eiknarf. While they were away I unpacked and put away HV.

Brought home the pug and Taco Bell, though nothing specific for me. No one eager to share. L. Bella and Makayla tormenting one another. I was right there watching football. Asked Bella if she took her meds. Nope. Later, while wrestling around with her she spit on in my face. Oh heck no! Insisted on taking her screens.

Evening in a hurry. Watched a little of the SNF game. Can’t recall who was playing.

Monday, Nov 24 Short Work Week

Back to my regular routine. Up near 6am, Ran 4 miles. Off to work at the office by 930am. Busy day. During Lunch, ran to Home Depot where I bought electrical outlet box spacers. At the office until 410pm. Arrived home ahead of Mindy, who had a meeting after school. Leftovers for dinner.

Tuesday, Nov 25

Up just after 6am. Working across town. Ran 4 miles. Expecting Kurt to send punch-out drywallers to fix minor misses – most around electrical outlets. Supposed to call an hour ahead. Just before I was off to the shower, they punch-out crew arrived unexpectedly. I’d already placed blue painters tape on all the flaws. Limited with their English, only replied no problem, sir. There no more than 20 minutes – a crew of three or four. Left telling me that Kurt would likely send another to sand the repairs.

Off to work around 1030am arriving across town close to 11am. Busy immediately in the door. Main reason for being on site was a 2 hour planning meeting. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to skip the meeting and fight with an issue all afternoon. Ugh!

Stopped at the Speedway carryout just before the outerbelt interchange and bought a powerball and mega millions ticket – one each. Ready to receive my millions! Mindy asked if we could do dinner at Barley’s. Yes. At home, I quickly logged back into work. Stayed busy through 530pm. We left for Barley’s near 545pm.

Big crowd. Almost at capacity. Jack Frost Winter Warmer on tap. Mindy had one of those. I had a Barley’s pale ale and then later a Psychopathy. For dinner I had the yummy reuben. Took half of it home. Talked through spitting issue. Bella told me that a spitting issue happened at school that day and her teacher told the boys involved the same thing  I had shared, that nowadays spitters can go to jail. Opted to give her screens back after she took full ownership of her misdeed.

At home I was quickly down for a nap on the living room floor. Mindy and the kids off to bed early. Something told me to get up and check my surroundings. Should have seen me squirm when I rolled over and found a large wolf spider lurking under where my knees were resting. Yikes! Woke me up in a hurry! I fetched a plastic cup and post card chasing it around the living room until it was safely in the covered cup. Just as I was opening the front door to let it outside it made the cup vibrate vigorously which really freaked me out. Made me yelp in fear! Mindy heard me and hollered asking if I was OK.  What a wussy!

Wednesday, Nov 26

Woke fully rested near 510am but remained in bed another 20 minutes thinking I might fall back asleep. Never did. Up for keep by 530am. Completed full complement of calisthenics, including Wednesday push-ups. Scheduled off work, I still logged in and followed up on a couple dangling issues. I am so dedicated. J

Played around, stretched and meditated by 730a which is when I left for a run. I ran four miles. Home by 815am, Mindy was soon up and downstairs. Shared my plans to make and omelet and then run to Home Depot in Grove City to purchase cabinets for basement. She declined an omelet but offered to go to Home Depot. Offered that my plan was to stop at Kroger on the way home to pick-up Wright family TG fixins for Saturday. She wasn’t too keen on the Kroger stop. Hates grocery shopping. She was also surprised that I had already completed my run.

After leaving a note for the kids, we left for Home Depot near 10am. prefinished cabinets were on sale – 15% off. Not only that, but the finished  side panels I thought we needed to purchase separately were unnecessary. All totaled, saved more than $200 off what I thought it would cost. We browsed back splash tile and carpet while waiting for them to pull the cabinets and have them ready by the contractor door.

Just barely able to get all five cabinets in the Pilot. It was tight! Still had a little knock to stash the groceries though. J Headed just down the road to the Grove City Kroger. In 9+ years together, Mindy and I have grocery shopped together just a few times. I gave her crap right away for picking up stuff that wasn’t on our list. Why bother making a list?

And when we got to the fresh turkeys, she quickly angered with me and walked away with the cart. I continued shopping with only my arms. J  We eventually reconvened a few aisles over. Arrived home near noon. Jacob helped carry the cabinets to the basement. Very happy to have that task checked off the list. Next few steps for the basement project include: final sanding of punch-out work, priming, painting, and then cabinets. After that doors and trim.

The other big rock on my to-do list was cooking up the sauerkraut balls mixture. But like TG’s past, I planned to deep fry them TG morning while watching the parade. After relaxing for a short while, I decided to head outside to gather the never ending supply of leaves that have collected over the past couple weeks. Blew them out of the flower beds and into the gutter of the street first. From there I collected them onto a tarp. Asked Took about an hour. Asked Jacob and Evan to drag the large tree branch that fell in Trena’s yard back to the compost pile.

While I put the finishing touches on the yard work, Mindy decorated the outdoors for Xmas. Not a lot, thankfully. She hung large tree ornaments in the weeping mulberry and then placed the lighted faux tree on the front stoop. I turn figured it a good day to place the wreath at the apex of the garage roof and then hag the color changing LED icicle lights from the stoop valance.  Wrapped up near 4pm.

While I took a brief rest, Mindy ran Jacob to soccer practice then later decided to stop by Hugh White Honda to have them replace her burnt out headlamp. Bella soon left with Jimaken who would be keeping the kids until TG evening around 5pm.

Must’ve been around 5pm when I upped from a nap and made the sauerkraut ball concoction. Opted to trick it up a little this year adding cumin and a variety of hot sauces. Had it completely cooked, mixed and stowed before Mindy was home. In fact, I had all the dishes washed and a shower before she was back home too.

We planned on going out but were largely undecided on the venue. She offered up Strong Water, which is the bar just across the street from Land-Grant brewing. I like the place but it’s not a brewpub. Eventually agreed to CBC since Land Grant doesn’t serve food. However, they always host a food truck.

Left for CBC around 730p. Kate and Julia working the bar. Not that busy. No Bodhi, and no CBC IPA. No matter, I went with a guest IPA, Hoppy Poppy. Had two by evening’s end. Mindy had two Sohio Stouts. Enjoyed some risotto balls and then some wings. Mindy tried their tripe fried bologna sandwich. While enjoying our beer and food we got a text from Daughter Courtney sharing that she would be joining us on Saturday.

A bit later, decided to pull up Zach’s wrap sheet. Holy Smoke! Must be 20 different charges dating back about 12 years, and several of them very serious. Not anyone I want around my children.

Headed for home around 10pm. Poured another beer and fired up Xmas music via Pandora from my PC. While I sipped a beer, Mindy headed off to bed. Those two Sohio stouts no doubt took their toll. She sent me a text 10 minutes later asking if my beer was gone. J I joined her in bed around 1045pm.

Thursday, Nov 27 Turkey Day

Up around 7am, I almost allowed myself to skip calisthenics but in the end decided that would run counter to the end desired results. Glad for such a strong will! Enjoyed coffee and internet – Starbucks Caffe’ Verona.

Mindy wanted to sleep in so I didn’t wake her with coffee. I headed out for a run near 835am. It was cold enough and cloudy enough for snow. In fact, there was a strong chance for a light dusting early in the day. I ran just three miles, back at the house shortly after 9am. By then Mindy was up and downstairs and had the TG day parade whirling on the TV. Once I realized that the TV was tuned to CBS I asked that we turn it to NBC. Mindy had no preference.

While I got busy making sauerkraut balls, Mindy got busy decorating for Xmas.  Putting together then deep frying the kraut balls is a tedious process, one that requires good organization and patience. Frist, I formed the mixture into 45 balls. Then rolled the allotment in flour. Next, four at a time, I gave them an egg bath then rolled them in bread crumbs. An hour or so later, once all 45 balls were coated, it was time for deep frying. With the deep fryer on high, it takes about 90 seconds to cook them to perfection. I’ve really got this down to a science.

As is with tradition, I didn’t sample one until the entire batch was complete. I called for Mindy to sample one too. Making sauerkraut balls can be a very messy process, but I’ve become quite adept and cleaning up as I go. And then once done I hand wash all the bowls and utensils. I whipped up some dipping sauce too, a mixture of ranch dressing and a host of hot sauces. Yum!

Once the oil cooled, I poured it into and old milk jug then soaked the deep fryer in hot water and Dawn. Once the sauerkraut balls chore was complete, I headed to the basement to sand the drywall punch-out electing to skip having Kurt send a guy out. This way I could control the mess. And while there were more – probably twice as many as I spotted and marked, I really didn’t mind. I wore a mask and used a brand new sheet of drywall sandpaper. Took maybe 30 minutes to complete. Thankfully, they used a slightly yellow colored joint compound that helped it stand out from the otherwise already sanded surfaces. Without pause, I vacuumed up  the sandings with the shopvac.  That might’ve taken a bit longer than the sanding itself. Despite covering the stained floor, the fine power found its way under along the seams, but this I anticipated and worked to get it up accordingly. 

Earlier I had enough foresight to chill a six pack of good beers to take along to Gloria’s. After a shower I coolered up the beer and one of my Elf the Movie pint glasses. Opted for: You Sit on a Throne of Lies! Mindy and I left for TG dinner at Gloria’s house around 250pm.  Where had the day gone? Felt really good about all we’d accomplished. Brought Frankie along too.

We were the first family members to arrive. While that routinely used to be the case, for one reason or another, it hasn’t been the case the past couple of years. The others arrived over the next hour or so. Enjoyed a couple of White Rajah’s before dinner as well as some appetizers, including my own sauerkraut balls. I was disappointed to discover that Gloria’s family room TV is no longer functional. When asked, she shared that it’s been broken now for some time. No football on TG? That’s almost like not having any Jesus on Xmas.

Jacob and Bella arrived around 5pm, and TG Dinner ready around 530pm. All totaled, there were 20 of us for dinner – 21 for dessert. Todd was on duty and could make dinner. Food was fantastic. I had a full plate but no seconds.

Once a little after dinner chit-chat was behind us, Mindy got out the Apple to Apples game. Think there were 7 or 8 of us playing. Seemingly out of nowhere, Joe’s significant other, Rick was sporting a very big TG day buzz. All from white wine, I think. His speech slurred, his eyes half crossed. He even dropped a few ‘F’ bombs – but by no means in a mean spirited way. I know Gloria heard him but bit her tongue. I was impressed. J And BTW, if Joe was disappointed, he did a masterful job disguising it.

We finally moved another smaller TV that the kids used to use to watch DVDs in the playroom set up tine the family room where the 30” TV once sat. Having never been used for over the air TV, it needed the channels scanned just like it were out of the box. By the time we had it up and running the 4pm TG day NFL game (Cowboys/Eagles) was about over. Eagles kicked their butts. Dessert was served shortly after 7pm. I had a couple brownie bits, That’s it. Still full from dinner.

Not only were the first to arrive, but we were one of the last to depart.  I think Missy and the girls were still there when we left. Otherwise, all the others gone. Mindy texted Lindsey to let her know that we were on our way to pick-up the boys. Until then, I assumed they all enjoyed TG dinner at Rosemary’s. Later, however, I learned that she didn’t cook due to her recent hip replacement surgery.

Home with the boys near 8pm.Once into my PJs I called my mom to wish her a happy Turkey Day. Once again extended an invite to our shin-dig on Saturday.  Doesn’t sound like she’ll be coming. Tried calling Glenn too, but no answer. According to mom, he was cooking for many – Stephan, Alan, and Rena. Good for you, Glenn! Enjoyed a Jack & Coke before bed. Exhausted, we headed upstairs around 935pm.

Friday, Nov 28 – Workin' Black Friday

I had to work, so I was up to exercise and run by 630am. My plan was to be across town by 9am.

Ran three miles.

Left for the office near 840am arriving near 9am.

Greeted customer’s director and manager directly in the door. Asked for my help immediately. Spent most of my day addressing that one concern. Didn't bother leaving for any type of shopping. And since it was Black Friday, my feelings weren't hurt. I had nothing specific I needed/wanted.

Got a couple texts from Mindy throughout the day. She was decorating for Xmas and ran a few errands. Not sure if she took all the kids or not.

It was near 430p when I left work for home. And since it was a holiday for most, I opted to take 670W back across town. Traffic flow was heavy but never at a standstill. Most notably, gone was the usual rush hour hook-up at the westbound 70/670 merge.

Logged back into work immediately in the door, and picked up right where I left off earlier from the customer’s campus.

Mindy had the house almost completely decorated. Said the kids were well-behaved all day. Discussed dinner options and settled on Joseppi’s pizza, Mindy’s favorite. Ordered two extra-large toppers. After pizza Mindy and the kids decorated the tree. At Mindy’s prompting, I added a few ornaments too. Enjoyed a couple Jack and Cokes while playing and working.

Everybody was off to bed before 11pm. Saturday figured to be a busy day.

Saturday, Nov 29 – Wright family TG & OSU/Michigan

Up near 7am. Enjoyed coffee and internet while also checking in on work. Enjoyed about 30 minutes of quiet time before Landon joined me downstairs. As usual, he was restless. Asked to play Wii, guitar, anything. But my answer was the standard, No! Not till others were up.

I headed out for a 3 mile run between 830-9am. Mindy needed to run Jacob to soccer at some point leaving me home with the others. After my run I got busy whipping up my pecan praline pumpkin pie. It was in the oven by the time Mindy was back home.

Once the pie was out of the oven and cooling, I prepped the 14 lb. turkey & stuffing for roasting. Guessing it was near 11am by the time I slid it into the oven. And just before the OSU/Michigan game kicked off, I washed, sliced and prepped 5lbs of red skin potatoes for boiling.

Like they have most games this year, the Buckeyes scored on their opening drive rather easily. And it looked like they were going to score on their 2^nd drive too, but an untimely penalty ended an otherwise promising drive. For a while in the 2^nd quarter, Michigan actually lead. However, just before half the Buckeyes tied the score leaving me and the rest of the Buckeye nation to breathe a little easier. The 2^nd half, at least the 4^th quarter, was pretty much all OSU. We won 42-28.

Ashley was kind enough to bring Courtney and her two wee ones since she no longer has a car. How sad is that? Steven wasn't with Ash & Olivia because he and his dad were at the OSU game. Not 5 minutes in the door, Courtney asked for some financial help since baby daddy is in jail.

Spent the next hour prepping/finalizing our celebratory meal. Dad, Tommy, Wally soon showed up too. We were expecting Kaileigh as well, but Shelly sent Mindy a text sharing that they would be late. Ear 4pm, we decided to go ahead and eat. Scolded my right wrist with the turkey baster while extracting drippings from the oven tray for gravy and stuffing. Good grief! Mindy tended to my burnt skin with some Eva Anderson concoction and ice.

The dinner turned out pretty darn good. Following a turkey roasting tip that I gleaned from the internet, I roasted the bird breast side down for the first 3 hours, only turning it right side up for the last 25 minutes under a 500 degree broiler, which browned it up quite nicely. My only critique is that the bird could’ve used more seasoning than I’d already rubbed in. Otherwise, it all turned out well. Lots of compliments on my creamy redskin mashed taters. The trick?  I added some heavy whipping cream along with butter, garlic and salt.

Mindy and I both were a little miffed that Ashley & Courtney left even before dinner was served. Alrighty! Lindsey showed up around 530pm. By then Joey, Shelly and the kids were there. They enjoyed the good eats while I took a brief nap from the family room. Got up soon after their arrival and enjoyed a Barley’s Jack Frost with Joey.

Tommy, Dad and the Killilea’s stuck around until 7-730pm. Shelly was a big help cleaning up the kitchen used to that. By the time everybody was leaving I think it’s fair to say that Mindy and I had our fill of wee ones. They were getting more than a little rowdy, especially over the last 45 minutes or so.

Because Lindsey had to work again Sunday, we offered to keep the boys for the 3^rd night in a row, along with Olivia. However, Rocky wasn’t happy with being disciplined for fighting and left with his momma. Lindsey would bring him back in the morning on her way to work.

Thinking we were in bed by 10pm.

Sunday, November 30 – Finally a Quiet home

I was up early enough to enjoy a little quiet time with coffee and internet before Lindsey dropped Rocky at the house, which I believe was somewhere near 830am. Everybody was a tad cranky after a busy holiday weekend. I didn’t leave for my run until almost 10am.

Ashley came to get Olivia around 11am. As usual, she didn’t want to leave and put on a pouty fit for a spell, to which Ashley never wavered. Good job Ash! J Sometime during the afternoon, I took care of a One her way to the grocery store, Mindy dropped off Bella’s old doll house book shelves to Ashley. And while she was away, I took care of a Mindy honey-do chore, hanging new wall shelves in Bella’s recently remodeled bedroom.

The gkids were gone by 5pm. Nice to have a quiet house again the first ti since TG morning. Speaking of TG, the plan was to have leftovers for dinner – turkey and fixins. I was very much looking forward to it. In addition. Niece Lindy came over to cut hair – me and Jacob. She did Jacob’s hair first, and while doing so the plastic bag she brought her clippers in caught fire, ignited by our island ‘tree’ candle. No one else seemed to notice. Saw flames shooting up out the corner of my eye. Yikes! Ruined her clippers as the cord got torched/melted. I fetched my clippers so she could finish.