Champions, Strong Water, Four Strings, MRM, Minelli's & a Flipin' Day in Cincy - Jan 12-18

 Monday, Jan 12 – OSU Champs!! Bucks blast the Donald Ducks

Up near 615am, Very icy. Bella shared that our front stoop was crazy slippery as she and Jacob made their way out and down the driveway for the b us stop. No major school districts closed or delayed. A little surprised.

Exercise, coffee and internet. Meditation, stretch then run. Didn’t run until 815am or just after.

Ran 4 miles very carefully. Ran where cars had traveled before me, adequately roughing up the ice just enough that I could get a little traction. A couple less traveled off shoots sections were very slippery.

Despite the slippery roads, I still planned to work from the office but didn’t leave the house until 1015am. Once out of the subdivision the roads were in great shape. Worked from the office until 430pm. Temps headed back below freezing for most of the work week. By the way, a significant portion of last Monday night’s snow remains on the ground.

Believe we had burgers for dinner. For most of us in Ohio, it was a big night – the national championship game.  Earlier in the day I made tentative plans to watch the game with neighbors Pat & Lisa whom we haven’t hung with in a really long time. As a matter of fact, haven’t hung with any of our neighbors for a long time.

Those plans changed when Bella suddenly came down with a fever around dinner time. She was asleep on the sofa from my arrival home from work through dinner. Mindy dosed her up with Advil and then asked if I could work from home on Tuesday should her fever worsen, continue.

The game kicked off at 830pm. Before then, I did little more than fritter the time away. Sent Pat a text sharing that we wouldn’t be coming over for the game due to Bella’s not feeling well.

Buckeyes looked a little slow and mistake prone early on, and Oregon went right down and scored a TD. Jacob was beside himself. I reminded him that this was the third OSU national championship game that we shared together and while the Buckeyes started hot and scored first in the prior two, we ultimately lost and lost big. Perhaps this was just what we needed. Looking back, that was brilliant analysis. Despite numerous turnovers, the Buckeyes soon took over and really never looked back. We won 42-20 on the back of Ezekiel Elliot (rb) and Cardale Jones (3^rd string QB) as well as a swarming defense. Oregon’s Heisman QB, Mariota looked confused most of the night.

Given that it was a work night and the fact that I was tired, I drank nothing more than ice water during the game. However, once it was over I popped open the rocket of Wee Heavy from Blind Squirrel Brewing that David sent. Sipped maybe 6 ounces, but no more.

Up till 1am watching the postgame celebration and then simply trying to calm my mind.

Tuesday, January 13 – Infirmary

Before going to bed, I already knew that I’d be working from home since Bella’s fever was up near 102 late the night before. To that end, I slept a few extra minutes not getting up and out of bed until almost 655am. I heard Jacob head out the front door for the bus. That was pretty much my queue to get up and moving.

All of us were slow to motivate after staying up so late watching the game. I tinkered with the thought of skipping calisthenics but thankfully didn’t let that slacker mentality take over. Did my full routine just 30-45 minutes later than usual. I had a dental appointment scheduled for 1030am – crown prep. Despite keeping an eye on Bella, I still planned to go. Before heading out for a run, I made sure to check on Bella and let her know that I was leaving. Said she wanted nothing. I made sure she had fresh water. Noted that her room smelt like an animal cage (gerbil!!). J

Cold. Only 18 degrees. Ran just three miles, but not at all because of the cold. Instead, I wanted to be back for Bella as well as getting an early start to my dental appointment. Back from my run, walked the pug, had breakfast, and then a shower before 940am. I checked on Bella then left for my dental appointment. Arrived at 1005am – a full 25 minutes early.

Despite my early arrival, Lora came to get me right away. As we often do, chit chatted about family, vacations, and what not. Soon she and Dr March had me good and numb. The plan was to remove a large filling in an upper left mouth molar and replace it with a crown. Dr March said there was lots of wear and a micro crack in the old filling. It’s an area that give me trouble or pain from time to time, so I didn’t push back, though I did ask if it simply made sense to try replacing the filling. He talked me into the crown.

I could feel the drilling a little so he stopped long enough to poke me a couple more times with more number stuff. When they resumed I couldn’t feel a thing. Unfortunately, with so many tooth problems as a young adult, I am all too familiar with the crown process, which has only gotten more precise, more technical over the years. Dr March is very adept at the prep. Lora does all of the molds and then make the temp crown. Used to be 3 weeks before the permanent crown would be in, but this time he said it would be just 2 weeks. I double checked that it would be all porcelain. Yes. He also shared that that technology has advanced since my last crown. Almost all are made of pressed porcelain now and very, very strong.

Before leaving, I joked with he and Lora about knowing I’d be coming back in a few days to have them re-glue the temp. Always comes off. Lora reminded me NOT to floss around the temp crown, or for that matter, pick at it. Was out of there well before 11am and on my way home. Arrived home near 11am.

Checked on Bella. Despite her not wanting any food or water, I insisted she eat and take more Advil. She soon came downstairs to watch. She eventually ate but only peanut butter and crackers. Said she felt markedly better. Felt cooler to the touch too. Mindy, by the way, planned to stay home with Bella on Wednesday. In fact, said was already making arrangements for coverage while at school that day.

During my lunch hour, I headed to the basement where I installed the door knobs on all four doors. Didn’t take too long at all, not even an hour. Cleaned up my paint roller and trays too. Must’ve been late in the day when Bella shared that Advil was a miracle drug. Indeed! Now she’s catching on! Mouth still numb.

Mindy put a beef roast in the crock pot before she left for work. Around 530 we had dinner: roast, cooked carrots and leftover baked potatoes. Had salad too. Because she was under the weather, Bella wasn’t going to gymnastics. I guess you’d say it made our evening that much easier. Not a long night. After staying up so late the night before, we were all in bed shortly after 9pm.

Wednesday, January 14 – date night @ Strong Water

Cold start. Only 8 degrees at rise time. Mindy was staying home with Bella so I didn’t bother waking her when I rolled out of bed near 630am. Did my usual exercise routine, coffee, and internet. Guessing it was near 8am when I headed out for a run, reverting once again to my extreme cold gear (long johns and extra fleece).  Ran four miles. Cold but beautiful morning.

Mindy was up by the time I was back and had eggs waiting for me. I walked the pug then enjoyed the food. When I left for work, we weren’t sure about date night. Felt there better chance that we’d bag it for Bella being sick. As it was, her fever was back middle of the night.

Arrived across town near 1030am. Despite a somewhat later arrival, once a couple work calls were out of the way, I left for a lunch near 1pm bent on making a run to Lowes to pick-up a couple things – wall plated for the basement switches and outlets. Bought a sconce fixture for the support post too. It’s the same one I picked out way back in late September.

Back to work by 2pm. By then it was mostly cloudy but still cold, only about 20 degrees. Left the office for home near 415pm. Called Mindy but talked less than a minute. Called Tommy next. Asked if he’d had a change of heart about our Utah trip. Said he’d thought about it more than once but that he wasn’t going. Instead, needs to focus on acquiring his new store in Lancaster. We talked for a while, including how much fun Wally had skiing at HV. Said he and Wally plan to meet up with us at MRM on Saturday.

We hadn’t yet nailed down dinner plans. The kids were still home when I arrived, which was still a little before 5pm. Shortly after Jimaken picked them up we decided on Strong Water, a bar in the gentrified area just west of COSI and right across the street from Land-Grant Brewpub.

We left the house relatively early – still before 530pm. Their lot was packed with far more cars than available bar space. What I didn’t’ realize is that they have some party areas in the back where they were hosting a large event. The main bar was pretty barren. We took two stools at the bar, pretty much where we sat last time in.

Met Mike, a bartender and wannabe artist. The artist/bartender we met last visit was there again too. He actually remembered our names. That had to be a couple months ago. Good memory, especially considering that we were there for no more than an hour. I went with a Dog Fish 60 minute IPA. Had two during our 90 minute visit. Enjoyed some food too. Started with some tiny sandwiches and later a couple tacos - one beef, one chicken. Mike shared that he also bartends at Four Strings brewery and tasting room in Grandview. The tasting room is open only Thursday and Friday evenings, and then Saturday afternoons. Been wanting to check it out. Told him we just might stop in over the coming weekend.

Before heading home, my curiosity got the best of me. After taking a pee, I slipped back to the event room to see what was going on. Must’ve been 100-150 people at the who’s who of Columbus event.

Arrived home near 8pm. Can’t remember if the kids were already home or not. To bed a short time later.

Thursday, January 15 - Steak n' Shake ... and bake

Started out cold but promised to pierce the freezing barrier by late afternoon. Only 15 degrees at rise time. Bella was finally heading back to school after staying home both Tuesday and Wednesday. Said she felt a whole lot better.

Planned to work from the office. Headed in after a run, breakfast, and shower. Arrived hear 10am.

Once again, I was the only person from my team in the office making for an incredibly quiet day. Took care of several calls and meetings. Remained at the office until lunch time. Worked from home the rest of the afternoon. Ended up working well past. In fact, engaged until almost 8pm, but on and off.

Mindy took Bella to gymnastics. I planned to handle the pick-up. Took a brief nap and played on my PC ahead of that. Left the house near 845pm.

Without her asking, I stopped in Steak n' Shake drive-thru to get Bella a milk shake. We were behind an SUV at the order signage where it seemed something wasn’t right with the driver. She must’ve sat there at the order entry point for 5-10 minutes. I was growing more and more impatient with each passing minute. She started to pull ahead more than once only to stop and speak into the microphone to apparently change her order. Ugh!

Once we got to the pick-up window, I asked the Steak n' Shake employee what took the prior customer  so long. Said she couldn’t decide what she wanted. Really? That long? Of course our drama with this woman didn’t end there. She stopped just ahead of us at the window, and then crept slowly out of the lot and onto the roadway. Yep, going the same way we were going. Swerving too. Yikes! Just before we get on the 270 on ramp she changed lanes. Bella could see her yacking on the phone. Ugh!

At home Mindy was already off to bed. Bella headed for a shower while I popped some popcorn and tuned into primetime on demand watching a couple recent Big Bang episodes. I really like the primetime on demand. To bed just before 11pm.

Friday, January 16 – Four Strings & Barleys

Slept in until 630am. By then Mindy was already out of bed, prepped her coffee and was getting into the shower. Downstairs I completed calisthenics then settled in front of my PC. By then the kids were out the door for school.

Weather-wise, it was another day just like Thursday. Temps started off in the low 20s but were expected to climb just above freezing by midafternoon. Unfortunately, was supposed to be even warmer over the weekend with highs in the low 40s. Mindy and I planned to ski on Saturday. Actually, I’ve come to appreciate the upper 30s and sunshine – mushy corn snow as long as it’s not knee deep.

Even though it was a Jimaken weekend, the kids were given option of skiing with us on Saturday but both declined. I was a little disappointed given that it was mid-January and they haven’t used their season pass even once. And because Bella has a gym meet on Sunday in Cincy, Jimaken would be bringing her home some time Saturday evening.

Took care of a few looming work issues ahead of my run. Got out the door near 815am. Ran just three miles. Good run.

After my run, breakfast and then a couple hours of work, I took care of a few nagging to-do’s, taking down the exterior Xmas decorations (lights and wreath). Needed the extension ladder for the wreath. Before hanging back in the garage,  I carried it inside to the vaulted family room where I washed those nasty drips of whatever the heck that was dripping down our walls in a couple of places. I also retrieved the burnt bulb from the track light fixture above the fireplace. I really thought that I’d make a Lowes run that after for replacement bulbs but never did. Got too busy with work.

By the way, I was covering for a peer who was vacationing. And as it turned out, most of my day was spent taking care of issues for him.

The kids were home around 3pm, Mindy around 430pm. Jimaken came after the kids around 5pm. Mindy made plans to visit Four Strings brewery taproom for happy hour. I was much looking forward to the new experience. Thinking it nearing 6pm when we finally headed out. We didn’t plan to stay too long. Instead, planned to end up at Barley’s. Shared our Steak & Shake drive-thru story with Mindy during our drive.

Found the brewery with little trouble. It’s across the street from the ever popular Brazenhead that sits on 5^th avenue. Four Strings in actually on 6yj avenue which looks more like an alley in an old warehouse looking building. All brewery with a small taproom with a bar and a handful of tables – nothing fancy by any means.

Mike, the kid we met at Strong Water Wednesday date night, recognized us right away and sounded excited to see us. Said he was just talking about us. They had five beers on tap – 2 IPAs, a black ale, a pale ale, and a vanilla porter infused with chicory and hazelnut blonde. I went with one of the IPAs while Mindy went with a flight of four.

She opted for the 2 IPAs, the infused porter and the black ale. She really liked the infused porter. Too sweet for me. Mindy gave Mike one of brother Glenn’s figure drawings. Mike’s an aspiring artist, who shared some of his sketches with us on Wednesday. We weren’t there too long but enjoyed the visit.

Headed for Barley’s near 7pm. Not too many regulars on hand, especially for a Friday. However, getting there about the same time as us was one of the twins – Kurt or Kent. Charlie, who lives on Lake Choctaw was there too. We chatted with the two of them for a while. All three of us have a common current event – each of us in varying stages of finishing our basements. We talked about that for quite a while.

Mindy and I eventually settled on a sampler platter. It comes with wings, riblets, pita, hummus and sauerkraut balls. About the time that I was ready to order a 2^nd Double Dog, Bob Imber showed up. We hung out for an hour or so talking about skiing, of course. We planned to meet at MRM the following day, too. It would be the first time all of us were there this season.

Thinking it was near 830pm when we headed for home. Once home, I poured a White Rajah, my 4^th beer of the night but spread over the last 3 hours. We listened to some music, me playing my bongos. Fun! We headed for bed near 10pm or just after.

Saturday, January 17 – Another Bluebird MRM day & Minelli’s pizza

We planned on going to MRM but didn’t have a specific time we planned to be there. To that end, I slept until I was rested, which was somewhere close to 8am. Downstairs, I enjoyed coffee and internet before finally heading off on a run around 9am. As usual, ran three miles. It was mostly sunny and in the low 30s.

I knew Mindy was awake before I headed back inside. The giveaway being our bedroom blinds pulled opened. I was a little surprised however that she had most of our ski gear by the door and breakfast on the stove. That saved a lot of time. Thinking it was near 11am when we left for MRM. I opted to take my Mantras, the first time skiing on them since I bought the Sick Days last January. Wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the snow conditions, though I knew it was supposed to reach into the low 40s.

On our drive, learned we learned that the Imber’s weren’t too far behind us. Tested Tommy too, asking if he and Wally were on their way. Yep, just leaving Picktown. Thinking it was near 1130am when we parked. Not as crowded as I expected, which is good. It was 1145am by the time we were geared up and headed up Four Star. Did a run or two before we hooked up with the Imber’s and Cubra’s. Bob and Tina had been there for a couple hours already and were just finishing up a beer and food break. They always get there early.

Didn’t hook up with Tommy and Wally for a while. Aside from going after rental gear, not sure what took them so long. At any rate, we didn’t hook up until we took a deck break on the hill near 230pm. That was really fun. Broke out pocket beers and “medicine” bottles. Must’ve hung our up there for 30 minutes or so. Skied for another hour before heading in for some food. Mindy and I were hungry, and I was super thirsty for water.

The lodge was crowded but not overtly so. Got a small round table next to Chris and Tammy, who had her son Adler with ‘em. I fetched a pitcher of IPA while Mindy went after some food in the cafeteria. Soon we were joined by Bob and Mary Ann, the Cubra’s, who were getting ready to head home, and later Tommy and Wally. Good times. Before we headed out we caught up with Darwin and family. Even Connie was skiing! Darwin’s no fool. Gotta get momma on skis, and then addicted. Then he’ll have a built in winter family vacation like us. J

Darwin, Tommy and I did a few turns together after break. Asked Tommy if he’d be up for a three-day Snowshoe trip the following Sunday thru Tuesday – just he, me and David. He was very warm to the idea, but needed a day to work out coverage. Asked Darwin too. Said he’d love to but couldn’t.

Mindy and I stayed until 7-730pm. I was exhausted as we packed for home. Once again, agreed to order a Minelli’s pizza on our drive home and pick it up along the way. Mindy also sent Jimaken a text letting him know that we’d be home shortly so he could drop off Bella. Had to be near 830-845pm when he and Jacob dropped her off.

 Once settled and after walking the pug, I sent David a text asking of his interest in Snowshoe Sun-Tues. Mindy and I devoured the pizza which was very delicious. Still had a slight buzz from our day at MRM.

Mindy and I headed to bed near 10pm, both of us really tired and sleepy.

Sunday, January 18^th - Happy 33^rd Birthday Lindsey

We needed to be in Cincy for Bella’s gym meet by 1130am, and by all accounts it would be a 2hr drive. So, to ensure I had enough time to enjoy coffee, meditate, stretch, run and shower, I figured to be up no later than 7am.

Actually up a few minutes before 7am, but wanted to sleep a lot longer. Such is life. But once I had a little coffee in me I was fine. It was around 740am before I was out the door for a run. Ran three miles. It was around 40 degrees and drizzling light rain.

Mindy was up and out of shower by my return. Bella was up too. Already 820am. Yikes, I felt a tad rushed to shower. Ready to go by 845am. We only had enough time for some peanut butter toast. Made a couple to-go coffees. Bella wasn’t in the highest of spirits. Not entirely sure why, though it should be noted that she’s going through some physiological changes that impact her mood (heh-um). I offered to stop somewhere to get her breakfast along the way I had Wendy’s or McDonald’s in mind. We needed to gas up too.

Left the house very near 9am sharp. Stopped at the Pilot/Wendy’s at the I-70 on ramp where we gassed up then went through the Wendy’s drive-thru getting Bella a breakfast combo. Boring drive down I-71. Exited onto 275 east around to Mason – about 10 miles – and then five miles down a few winding roads until we arrived at the gym.

The gym was perhaps the nicest one we’ve been in, a large gym with lots and lots of equipment. Had seating set up behind barrier tape. We sat right behind John and Carolyn, Kelly F’s parents and Callen and Laurel’s grandparents.

Bella’s first competition was trampoline, but it was very hard to see since it was a sunken trampoline. After her first event it was another hour before the next, mini tramp. I pulled my ballcap down over my eyes and took a brief nap. After that event which put us near 140pm, we decided it was time for food. We headed back towards the freeway in search of lunch. Until then, I’d only had one slice of peanut butter toast. I was hungry!

We took notice of a few food offerings on our way in. To mention a couple, there was a Gold Star Chili and a Quaker Steak & Lube. A few others too. Nothing was a slam dunk, and when  I offered that we do Gold Star Chili Bella quickly pooh-poohed it. And when she countered with Subway, I pooh-poohed that. Mindy agreed that Quaker Steak & Lube was the answer.

It wasn’t until we were seated that Bella gave me the stink eye and silent treatment, eventually sharing that she didn’t want anything on their menu. I ordered their wings and rings, Mindy their burger and rings. And after a little encouragement from her mother, Bella eventually opted for boneless wings medium.

Hadn’t had Quaker Steak wings since before the days of Mindy. Guessing it was 2002/03 time frame. Back then they were all the rage locally. Anyway, I wasn’t impressed. They were plenty big enough but chewy, unevenly cooked and sauced. On the other hand, the onion rings were super good. Mindy said her burger was delicious. As for Bella’s boneless wings, she hardly ate any of them. They weren’t boneless wings at all. Instead, unbreaded chicken strips. Probably better quality meat, but Bella wanted no part of them. In part, anyway, she was punishing me by not enjoying her lunch. J

Back to the gym arriving near 330pm. Bella’s 3^rd and final event – floor - was at 4pm. And actually, they were running a little ahead. She did really well, especially given that this used to be her undoing. She placed 2^nd.

It was after 430pm by the time we collected her awards and said our goodbyes. Still, we were on the road for home sooner than we figured to be. Listened to the 2^nd half of the Seahawks/Packers championship game on the drive home. At the half, the Packers lead 16-0, and according to the ESPN pundits, Wilson was having the worst game of his career, tossing 2 or 3 interceptions before half.

The drive home went faster than the drive down, and that was probably due to the distraction of the game. 110 miles in total. Pretty sure that we were home near 6pm, or just in time to see the results of the Seattle onsides kick-off. Well publicized, they came back and won. Shocked the football world. Just when it seemed impossible.

Over the next hour David and I exchanged texts and eventually a phone call in an attempt to nail down lodging arrangements for Snowshoe. Eventually agreed on a 3 bedroom w/kitchen, which is complete overkill, but hey. My only must have was separate beds – no sharing a bed with Tommy and or David. J

Lodging prices are far more reasonable than HV. Got the 3 bedroom for about the same price as a regular room at the Inn at HV, which is the equivalent of standard hotel room. And split three-ways, the cost wasn’t bad at all – with taxes, about a $100 each per night.

Purchased lift tickets online next. David begged out of that deal since he gets a military discount, but must buy in person. Not sure how much if any he’ll save.

Watched the AFC title game next – Patriots/Colts. Sorry Sean! Your Colts were way overmatched. Maybe next year. Based on this year’s results, I am picking the Patriots to win it all. Had them from the outset of the playoffs.