May Flies

May 2015

Does anything beat beginning the month on a Friday? The weather during the first half of the month was better than one could ask. The month’s high temps started out in the low 70s and then quickly warmed into the 80s with lots of sunshine. And all that nice weather was a boom for the local gardening centers.

We had the carpeting installed in the basement on Friday, May 1^st. The crew showed up around 9am and were done before 11am. I think there were three of them. They did a nice job. The carpet looks and feels spectacular. Believe me, very happy to be wrapping up the long-planned basement project just in time to move attention outside to the yard.

To that end, we wasted little time. Ordered 9 yards of mulch to be delivered on Saturday, May 2 (3 yards playground mulch, 6 yards of Absolute brown hardwood). The weather was ideal – low 70s and sunny. Unfortunately, despite asking for an AM delivery, they didn’t show until the end of the day and somewhere close to 530pm. Same delivery guy as last year. Despite their lateness – not his fault – I tipped him $9. That was all the cash Bella and I could scrape up at the time.

Despite the late delivery, I didn’t let the day slip away without accomplishing much. For one, the backflow water meter guy came by for the annual inspection. And because the mulch delivery was late, I was able to better fine tune the beds. But even more so, the late delivery afforded me the opportunity to power wash the deck. That's something I didn't know when I might get to prior. I finished just before the mulch showed up. Earlier, as I was contemplated such a task, Mindy and I joked that as soon as I started the mulch would show up. Because it arrived so late we opted to wait and spread it all on Sunday. And as fate would have it, the weather was forecasted to be even nicer then – 78 and sunny.

On Sunday, May 3^rd, we made mulching a family affair, asking both kids to help. Grandsons Rocky & Landon came over Sunday too, so we put them to work as well. Rocky and Jacob took turns driving, dumping the tractor trailer. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen Jacob work so hard. Between the five of us, we managed to spread all the mulch in about 4 hours. We went with bulk this year, too, which is a change. For the last several years we’ve been buying bagged mulch for the beds. The thought being that it’s easier to manage bags around the yard even with the tractor and trailer. We ended up with about 3/4's of a cubic yard of mulch leftover, and that’s after laying it on thicker than years past.

 For the past few weeks, we we'd been having home WIFI issues. Sometimes it worked, while other times it failed. And after a late night troubleshooting session with Time Warner, I confidently had it isolated to our own router. So after spreading all the mulch and dropping Bella at the mall with friends, I ventured over to Bestbuy where I bought a new router. Didn’t get around to replacing it for another 4 or 5 days. When I finally did, all of our WIFI issues were in the rearview. Hoorah!

May 4-8

The first full week of May was much warmer, sunnier than normal. The temps reached into the mid to upper 80s Wednesday through Saturday. In fact, it was downright hot. Friday, May 8^th, after knocking off work around noon, I stained the deck, but pretty much just the horizontal surfaces. The railings and posts still look great. Took just a little more than 2 gallons. Wore my special deck staining attire just for Bella – an old pair of Jams! J

Kidless weekend May 9 & 10. Also Mother’s Day weekend. Couple that with the extraordinarily nice weather, the garden centers were ridiculously busy. But because I was determined to get a lot of planting completed over the weekend, we braved the crowds for two trips to Straders on Riverside. Sandwiched in between was a trip to Ohio Mulch to buy 10 stepping stones for a front flower bed project. Did all of that Friday afternoon.

Visited Wolf’s Ridge brewing taproom the evening of Friday, May 8th. Hadn’t been in for a couple few weeks. After a brief visit there we stopped at Sideswipe taproom on our way home. And then once home, we headed over to visit Pat & Lisa. Hung with them until almost midnight.

Saturday May 9

We met Ashley, Steven, Olivia and Joe & Peggy at Milestone 229 on the river for brunch. Joe’s going to officiate her wedding so we wanted them to meet. The weather was summery – sunny and mid-80s.Olivia took full advantage, playing in the fountains in her sundress.

Not wasting anytime, Mindy and I made a trip to Sam’s Club later that afternoon hoping to find just the right entertainment cabinet to sit below our eventual basement TV. Somewhat surprisingly, Sam’s Club had the only one that caught my eye, at least online. Trouble was, it wasn’t supposedly in-stock at our Sam’s Club yet since it was so new. We made the short drive anyway and much to our surprise, they had one. However, at first the associate said all he thought they had was the display model, which they offered to sell us. But after checking their inventory he said there was supposed to be one in a box. Took him a while to locate way up high on the shelves but he found it for us.  Obviously we liked the display enough to make the somewhat impulsive purchase.

Not only is this entertainment center solid antique oak, but it sits about a foot higher than most others too, which will afford us the opportunity to place a TV on it via a stand in lieu of a wall rack. Very heavy! Lucky for us, a gentleman walked up just as we were trying to get it into the Pilot. At home we employed a “roll the box” end over end technique and then used furniture moving pads to slide it to the basement stairs where we let it carefully slide down the carpet.

Mindy left to run some additional errands. While she was away, I got busy out front planting flowers. I also took the time to wrap her Mother’s Day gift from the kids. Planted a flat of waxed begonias and a few new hostas while also placing the 10 gray gorge stepping stones we bought the day before. I placed roughly where we tore out the 20 year old dying repanden yews. It was hot – about 88 degrees and very humid. Worked up one heck of a sweat.

We talked about going out but ended up simply hanging on the deck enjoying the summer like weather. Kenny & Chrissy had a small gathering at their place, including Ben & Ryan. We headed down to hang with them around 9pm. Partied until midnight or so.

Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day

Up early on Mother’s Day, and before Mindy was up, I fetched her bright colored Adirondack chairs from the shed and placed them on the deck with bows. I didn’t plan to have her open the gifts from the kids until later once they were home.  Said she loved the colorful chairs.

After a run, I spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon planting flowers out front. Managed to sink numerous perennial summer bulbs, too (more cannas, gladiolus, ^%&&&). I paid $18 for a large jug of this concoction that you shake into flower beds that’s supposed to keep critters like squirrels, rabbits, deer and raccoons out of the flowers. I took the trouble to spread it into all of my beds and pots. After a couple of days, it became obvious that it doesn’t work on squirrels. Those damn things are digging up our beds and pots with fury – literally hundreds of holes.

The plan was to spend Mother’s Day with Mindy’s family at nephew Joe’s. Expected there near 4pm, and each family was asked to bring a pizza. We opted for Minelli’s. The kids were home around 3pm. Just before we left for Joe’s the kids gave Mindy her Mother’s Day gift – two colorful hummingbird feeders with brackets to mount against the bay window trim.

Nice time at Joe’s sitting out back under the shade tree where we enjoyed pizza, salad, and then dessert. Hung out until 7pm or so.

The following work week:

Monday & Tuesday, May 11 & 12

The work week promised a midweek cool down with the high temps dropping into the 60s with rain. Still in the mid 80s on Monday with decent rain & thunderstorms – good for the grass and flowers.

I think it was Tuesday when we learned that dad was urged to head directly to the hospital by his arthritis doctor after being diagnosed with pneumonia, in a lot of pain, and feeling generally miserable. I think Mindy was trying to reach him when Bobby answered his cell phone and shared the news. It didn’t sound good. Among other things they found nodules on his thyroid and lungs.

We made plans to go up to the hospital on Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 13

It struggled to get beyond 60 degrees on Wednesday. I planned on heading up to the hospital midafternoon but work was so overwhelming that I wasn’t able to put that plan into action. Instead, Mindy and I headed there around 615pm. Beyond what I learned the day before, I’d heard nothing new.

New shoes (Born loafers) arrived that day via UPS. Cool! 630pm by the time Mindy and I left for the hospital. Dad was curled up in the fetal position and asleep. Freaked me out a little. He woke almost immediately. Must say, the weakest, sickest I’ve ever seen him. He filled in some blanks where he could.

When a nurse came in I asked why they were involving an oncologist. She matter of factly shared that they believe he had cancer, which was the first I’d heard that. Moreover, I didn’t think dad had that information prior either, at least not that matter of factly.

I later learned that the pneumonia onset without a cold coupled with the nodules was their tell-tale sign of cancer, Anyway, I did my best to downplay any emotions felt at the time for dad’s benefit. As it was, it was still unconfirmed, though dad later talked and acted as if it was a foregone conclusion. Never heard him so down before. Dad was noticeably tired so we headed out after an hour or so.

Headed to CBC for a beer and perhaps some food. Enjoyed 2 Bodhi’s. Ran into a couple former co-workers. Hung with them throughout our 2 hour stay. Enjoyed a salad and a few chicken wings despite cutting way back on meat and dairy over the last couple of weeks. Left for home near 920pm.

Thursday, May 14

My plan was to work from the hospital on Thursday so I could intercept the oncologist and hopefully get a better feel for dad’s diagnosis and prognosis. Shortly after a run brother Bob sent me a lengthy text sharing that dad didn’t want me to do that. Already set-up to work from home.

Around lunch-time I showered and headed up to the hospital but not before a quick run to Sam’s Club to scope out TVs. Online I found what seemed like the ideal set for the basement. Wanted to scope out that and other options. Sam’s Club had both Amazon and Bestbuy beat on the same models by $50 or more.

Arrived at the hospital near 1pm. No results yet from the fluid oncology test and dad too weak for the biopsy. He still wasn’t eating, his appetite completely gone to the point that the thought of food made him ill. He only nibbled lightly on some fake ice cream. Still not sure what it was. No nutritional info on the cup. While on a restroom visit, I noticed another patient enjoying an Ensure at her bedside. And Ensure is loaded with protein and calories. I asked Dad if he’d like one of those. Yes. I went to ask the nurse if he could have one. She agreed to fetch him one in the flavor of his choice – strawberry.  And before I left they offered to bring one with every meal moving forward. Bob arrived before I left.

Mindy picked up Chipotle for the kids. I prepared homemade fried rice. Aside from under cooking the rice, it was delicious (read the rice prep directions incorrectly). I picked Bella up from gym. Very excited about school field day come Friday.

While she was out and about, Mindy picked up 2 six packs of Ensure for me to take to dad.

Friday, May 15

Temps heading back up to 80. Yippie! Mostly sunny too.

Headed up to the hospital around noon. Before heading up Bob called and shared really good news – the fluid results came back as negative – no cancer. However, he wouldn’t be fully out of the woods until a biopsy could be performed but that would have to be after he gets his strength back. They were now attributing all of his symptoms to his R.A. meds.

He looked perhaps a little better but still weak, sick and very tired. Drifted in and out of sleep during my brief visit. Made sure he was aware of the good news test results. He was. Left him with a six pack of Ensure and a tube of Ritz crackers. Headed for home.

Mindy’s school was hosting a summer carnival. She enlisted the help of Bella and Makayla to join her after school. Originally, Jacob was going to go to, but negotiated his way out of helping. He then made arrangements to visit a friend up in Dublin. I agreed to take him.

Mindy and the girls left around 4-430pm. Jacob and I left around 530pm. The plan was for Mindy, Bella and I to go to Barley’s later. After dropping Jacob at his buddy’s house, I stopped at Darby Creek nursery where I bought a flat of raspberry zinas. Not always easy to find in flats. I was very happy about that. While in the checkout line, I ran into a former Time Warner co-worker – Julius. He recognized me first. Hadn’t seen each other in 20 years!

I watered flowers out front as soon as I got home. Ben sent a text sharing that he and Ryan were up for Barleys if we were. I returned that we’d be heading there but not until 730-745pm. Agreed to meet us there. Turned out, Mindy didn’t even get home until 740pm. Our turnaround time was pretty quick. Mindy, Bella, Makayla and I left for Barley’s near 8pm.

Enjoyed our Barley’s visit. Not liking much of what was on tap of theirs, I opted instead for the guest tap – White Rajah. Learned last visit that the new brew master is habitually tweaking their old recipes under the same name. Bad move, dude! If you’re gonna change it, rename it. Sadly, even the White Rajah tasted off. I’m thinking their lines need cleaned. ???????  Trying to stick with my new earing plan, I opted for a salad and some hummus and pita. Left for home near 940pm. Would have invited Ben & Ryan over but both Mindy & I were really tired, and I needed to be fresh for the Jeff Beck drive and show Saturday.

Saturday, May 16 - Jeff Beck PNC Pavilion Riverbend Music Center, Cincy, OH

Mostly cloudy, warm and rainy Saturday. The high reached mid 70s. Up for at least an hour before Mindy. Didn’t go on a run until she was up and we’d spent a little time together on the deck. Darwin and I planned to leave for Cincinnati near noon. Lindsey was dropping off Grandson Rocky just as I was finishing up my run. Apparently wanted to come over and hang out.

Enjoyed some oatmeal for breakfast, and even made some for Mindy, who prior shared an aversion to oatmeal. She liked my new concoction (plain oatmeal topped with raspberry jam and walnuts). After breakfast off to pack and ready for our one-day getaway.  Darwin sent a rash of texts starting around 10am eager to leave. My plan all along was to head out near noon just as he and I had discussed a couple of times in the week leading up to the show.

Ready to go by 1120am. I took a few minutes to decompress. Mindy would be going to Rene’s wedding shower later that afternoon. After that, I wasn’t sure what she and the kids had planned. It was spitting a little rain about the same time that I was backing out the driveway.

Picked up Darwin near noon. We were stopping in Grove City to pick-up his brother-in-law, Brian. Made decent time heading down I-71S and 275East across the river to our hotel (Country Inn & Suites) in Wilder, KY, which is the first exit across the river.  No problem with early check-in. We didn’t bother carrying in our stuff. Instead, we headed across the parking lot to the Mellow Mushroom for some lunch.

There we enjoyed pizza and beer. I believe it was a first visit for each of us. Decent – about 20 taps and lots of pizza options. Our had sliced whole tomatoes, fresh jalapenos and mushrooms along with a little meat and cheese. And by the way, I’d already resigned myself to eating poorly on this little trip.

Hung at the Mellow Mushroom for a couple of hours. Spent an hour or so in our room before connecting with Uber for a ride to the show back across the river at the PNC pavilion/Riverbend. Good deal! William showed up in a new Sonata. It was $11 for the three of us. What a deal!

Didn’t realize it prior to our going there, but Riverbend is located at Coney Island. Lucky for us, the PNC venue is fully covered, so despite a rainy forecast, it wouldn’t be raining on us. We arrived 5-10 minutes ahead of the gates opening. Older crowd – similar to say, Todd R.

While standing in line for pricey beers, we were called over to the PNC “private” tent where a guy coaxed us inside for less expensive beer, free snacks, tables, chairs and a bathroom.  All that was true but he only took cash and the chips were stale. We stayed for one beer. Darwin and Brian were drinking at a much faster pace than I. That beer was my 4^th. Soon they’d both double my intake.

We headed to our seats near 8pm. At the time we weren’t aware of a warm-up act. He was good. Young, lefty playing upside down just like Jimmy Hendrix. At intermission we went for more beers and again were coaxed to purchase our beers from the PNC tent guy – a $1.50 cheaper than the kiosk just outside the tent. J All three of us bought commemorative t-shirts.

Jeff Beck came on 845-9pm. And while our purchased seats were in row 5, they were at the far side, and seats which Darwin didn’t care for. He suggested we head back and up a little to unused center section seats. Not really a bad seat in the house. We took those center section seats which is where I remained for the show’s entirety. Brian eventually headed back to our original seats while Darwin headed down to be even closer. By then he was feeling no pain. J

Jeff Beck was awesome! Arguably one of the world’s greatest guitar players. He played until 1030pm.  He was frequently joined by Wet Willie vocalist, Jimmy Hall, who sounded a heck of a lot like Van Morrison, in fact so much so that I was surprised that it wasn’t him.

After the show ended it was time to Uber our ride back across the river to our hotel. Darwin was a bit aloof so I asked if I could do the deed via his phone. Soon hooked up with Uber driver Randy in his Honda Accord. Said he was 13 minutes away. Well, the lot packed with cars and under a mass exodus, I wasn’t sure how we’d ever connect. He called a few minutes later and we used voice and car horn navigation to find one another. J

Good deal. $12 to get back to our hotel. Not really supposed to tip but I did anyhow. Flipped him a $10 spot. After getting back to our room, Brian and I walked across the street to Gold Star Chili for some food. All of us were hungry. Darwin opted to remain in the room but asked that we bring him something back. Sure thing.

Those two ordered 5-way chilis while I went with 4 cheese coneys. They were good but tiny. Hit the spot regardless. After woofing down my chili dogs, I was quick to sleep.

Sunday, May 17

Out of bed near 730am, I was quickly into my running clothes and down to the hotel lobby for coffee ahead of a run. After plenty of overnight rain, it was very warm and muggy, sunny too. Not wanting to run on a busy highway, I kept my run to the half mile or so loop off the main drag taking about 6 laps or 30 minutes or close to three miles. Ran up one heck of sweat. And one direction was almost all uphill which is always a challenge.

Back in the room near 810am, Darwin and Brian were still sleeping. Once they woke I asked about breakfast. Neither was too interested in the buffet. I was. I headed down alone. I didn’t eat much – a few scrambled eggs and potatoes. I wasn’t down there too long.

I’m guessing that it was near 10am when we left the hotel for home. It was sunny in Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati but according to Mindy, dark clouds and raining at home. L Easy drive home. Dropped Brian then Darwin. Must’ve been near noon when I arrived home.

Mindy asked that I do a Sam’s Club run with her. I agreed, but not until I rehung one of our hanging flower baskets that fell from the tree I had it hanging in. The stub of a branch it hung from broke away in the overnight storm. Took just a few minutes to rehang it. Soon Mindy and I were off to Sam’s. The plan was for her to get the food items she wanted while I went for the basement TV.

Much to my dismay, they appeared to be all out of the Smart Samsung  55” TV model that I wanted. Just my luck. However, just as I was willing to walk away an associate came up asking which model I was looking for. Turned out, they had just moved it. Pointed out the floor model and subsequent stack of boxed inventory. Sweet!

I had the TV purchased and loaded in the Pilot 10 minutes prior to Mindy’s call that she was ready to checkout. Uh, already waiting in the car, dear.  I was alarmed when the watermelon she bought rolled around in back banging into the rear door every time I would accelerate. Yikes!

Once Jacob and I carried the TV to the basement, I took a brief rest on the sofa before heading out to plant some zinas. Our afternoon was soon chalked full of activities. We were going to Jacob’s 3pm soccer game in Dublin, stopping by my dad’s to drop off some Jello, and then going by Joe & Rick’s to trim some dead branches from their large shady maple tree.

I planted flowers until 220pm. Walked down to see Kenny’s new boat. Still negotiating with the current owner. Took it out for a test drive where it would only go in reverse. Nice boat, though! Just as Mindy and I were walking back to our house it started to pour and I mean pour! Hey, that meant my newly planted flowers were getting watered in. J

We left for Jacob’s soccer game around 240pm. Figuring I would be sweating later when trimming Joe’s tree, I opted to hold on a shower until later. Arrived a Darree Soccer fields just before 3pm. Very nice, of course. My first soccer game since December. This time they won 1-0 and against the previously unbeaten state champs.

Home just after 5pm, we quickly loaded the stuff for my dad and the tools for Joe’s. Dad asked that we only drop off the Jello and not visit for feeling so bad. Said something about Archie being inside too. That’s dad. Mindy walked the Jello and fruit to the door where she met dad. We didn’t stay longer than a couple minutes. Both kids stayed home, by the way.

Arrived at Joe’s near 540pm. Wasted little time getting busy on trimming the dead branches from his tree. I brought my chain saw and folding arbor saw. I opted for the folding arbor saw, thinking I would save myself the trouble of dirtying up my chainsaw. In retrospect, we ended up cutting out four 3-4” branches and then cutting those into manageable pieces/sections. And in so doing worked up one heck of a sweat. Think humid! Enjoyed a little glass of iced while wine. Joe said it was rhubarb wine. Very sweet!

After finishing trimming the tree, we didn’t stay too long . After all, Mindy wanted to get home and start dinner. Now well after 6pm, everybody was hungry. We were having grilled chicken legs, salad, fresh brussel sprouts, and grilled zucchini.  It was good. Think it was near 7pm when we finally sat to eat.

Last week I negotiated a new Time Warner cable package with an additional cable box, HBO< and fast internet all while paying about $15 less per month. We gave up their whole house DVR service and a couple channel packages we never, ever watched. I felt good about it. We tuned to HBO during dinner just to see if it was working. Hadn’t checked prior.

After dinner and clean-up, which took until almost 8pm, I went horizontal on the sofa watching some HBO. Can’t recall what I was watching because more than anything I used it as a sleep-aid. Worked great, too. Mindy headed for bed just before 9pm. I stayed downstairs on the sofa until about 930pm dosing in and out of sleep.

May 18-24

Monday May 18:

Up near 635am. Partly sunny. Expecting a high in the upper 70’s, although another midweek cool down in the offing with highs around 65 Tues-Thurs. Walked the dog about the time the kids set out for the school bus. Left for a run around 8am. Ran 4 miles.

Working from the office. Arrived near 10am.

Made a lunch time run to Lowes where I bought a few more plants: Blue rush, double knockout red rose bush, two purple dahlias.

At the office until 5pm. Jacob had another soccer game at Darree field, but Mindy and I opted not to attend given the timely rain. A storm hit the local area near 5pm and was expected to stick around through about 630pm. Rained hard at times.

I was a little discouraged to learn that Mindy was making fried pierogis for dinner. Definitely not on my list of healthy choices. Unfortunately, my expressed disappointment left her agitated with me. I ate only the salad and then warmed leftover Brussel sprouts and squash from Sunday. Oh, I ate a chicken leg too, even though meat isn’t on my list of healthy choices these days either.

After dinner and clean-up, I planned on hooking up our new TV but didn’t. Instead, I took an evening nap from the sofa. Slept on and off until about 9pm. I then watched the movie Mall Cop. Funny movie! Headed to bed around 11pm.

Tuesday, May 19

Up near 625am. Promising a high of 68 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Nice! Left for a run around 8am again. Ran 4 miles.

Enjoyed oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. Still made the pug an egg. Working across town, but worked from home until 1030am. Joined a weekly meeting from home at 10am.

Arrived across town near 11am. Gorgeous morning! Not a cloud in the sky. Plan was to finalize monthly report for Wednesday’s presentation. Worked on that until our standing 1pm meeting. Left that meeting with a few more to-dos but none unexpected.

Spent the rest of the afternoon on some other critical stuff and ended up at the office longer than I suspected I might. Headed for home around 415pm.

Called mom on the drive home. Sounded good, but still over the top worried and upset with brother Glenn for refusing to take her calls or respond to her emails. She asked about dad’s condition as well as the rest of the family. Ended call once in the driveway.

Inside, Mindy was on the phone with Rene. She had her on speaker phone so she could multitask. The plan was to drop Bella at gymnastics just before 6pm and then rush over to St. Mary Magdalene to watch Rocky’s championship baseball game.

The evening was noticeably cooler than earlier in the day. A cool breeze blowing in from the NW. A few clouds moved into the picture as well.

Dropped Bella near 555pm and made it to Rocky’s game bottom of the 1^st inning. He was playing shortstop initially. Behind 1-0. Games go 6 innings. His team tied it up 1-1 but soon fell behind again 2-1. Rocky scored to make it 2-2 with what he referred to as a home run but really a single with three throwing errors. He scored again top of the 6^th after hitting a double then getting caught in a “hot box between 2^nd and 3^rd, ultimately forcing another throwing error which allowed him to score. Unfortunately, they still lost 4-3. Rocky pitched a couple innings, too. Did well. Not sure who was more worried, Rocky or Lindsey. I want Rocky to play well and win, but view it far more important that he becomes a good teammate, leader and sportsman. He doesn’t always listen to his coach.

The clouds thickened during the game, and the few times that the sun ducked behind the clouds, it was downright chilly. Glad I brought along a jacket. And like the last game we watched, Mindy had to pull Landon aside and correct his poor manners and behavior. He’s becoming a handful when it comes to his response to his momma. His latch key teachers were there to watch the game too, and brought he and Rocky Wendy’s. However, I heard more complaining than gratitude which didn’t resonate so well with Mindy and me.

At home near 735pm. It wasn’t until we pulled in the drive that I realized it was almost time to go after Bella. Mindy suggested she’d go get since she wanted to make a Wendy’s run. She asked if I wanted something. No. While she and Jacob were away, I prepared fried rice: brown rice, carrots, celery, snap peas, and red onion. For added flavor I used honey and light soy sauce. It was really good!

By the time dinner was over it was 830pm. I spent about an hour at my desk doing a little work and also doing a little surfing from my home PC. Headed for bed around 910pm where I tuned into the NBA western conference finals – Golden State versus Houston. Watched for maybe 15 minutes before falling asleep.