The Chill Before the Heat

I was up near 540am after a very restful night of sleep. The bedroom was extra chilly after sleeping with the windows opened all night long. After exercise I learned that it was only 53 degrees. Hasn’t been that chilly for a while. I glanced out back from the dining room window. The irrigation system had only recently moved to zone #2 as a result of me lengthening the time spent in each zone to help combat the mini-drought.

I fooled around online for about 20 minutes enjoying a few headlines and coffee. I headed to the family room for meditation & a stretch around 615am. Between the two, I dedicated about 15 minutes. I threw on a thin and loose long-sleeved wicking shirt then left for a run near 640am. The cool air felt good. Once I was in the sun’s direct path I was instantly warmed. I ran the full 4.1 miles easily. I remember thinking that it won’t likely be this cool again for quite some time. The upper 90s are coming by mid week, and they’re predicting lows Thursday only dipping down into the low 80s! Folks, that’s warm!

I finished my run near 720am and quickly went about preparing my breakfast and lunch. I made three fried eggs, setting one aside for Eiknarf, but only after her morning walk. She slept with Mindy and I and was ready for a walk when I delivered Mindy’s coffee. I insisted that she wait for me to finish my shower.

I was ready near 8am. I walked the pug then joined Mindy on the deck for a 2nd cup of coffee. As I do every morning, I had a lot on my mind. Mindy asked briefly for my undivided attention. She and the kids were heading out to Tara’s to go boating/water skiing. I left for work sometime near 830am.

I spent the lion’s share of my morning reviewing monthly reports prepared by a peer hoping to familiarize myself with his methodology, with the end goal being to keep the transition between he and I less obvious to the customer. Near 1pm I left for lunch making a trip to Home Depot where I picked up two plastic threaded male hose ends. One of the back yard garden hoses sprung a leak last week just below the sprayer. I browsed several other aisles not intending to pick-up/buy anything else. Instead, just killin’ time.

Was back at the office by 2pm where I enjoyed my packed lunch. Took care of a couple escalations and continued work with the new reporting. Sent brother Glenn a belated birthday greeting, but also sharing how hot it was going to be during his visit. Hard to believe he’s 54.

All in all, it was an easy afternoon. I talked with Mindy at some point during the afternoon. I think they had just arrived at Tara’s. She said she expected to be there for at least 3 hours. I hoped to leave the office a little early and did, but not by that much. I left for home at 445pm. Time sometimes just gets away from me.

When I arrived home I was surprised to see that Mindy and the kids were already back home. According to Bella, Mindy was in the shower. Glancing out back I saw about 15-20 geese nesting/eating my nearly ruined back lawn. I headed out with my bb gun. This time, instead of one swift movement into the pond, the flock of geese scattered every which way. I went for an old 2X4 from under the shed and tossed it at a few of them trying to hide in the honeysuckle. I want them to fear and remember me, hoping they’ll think twice before resting and eating away at my yard.

It was a Jimaken night so we planned on dining at Barley’s as soon as he showed up. While waiting, I headed out to repair the leaky hose. It didn’t take me but 5 minutes. Not my first rodeo with hose repairs. Jim arrived around 520pm to pick-up the kids. I freshened up a bit before we left for Barley’s. I’m thinking that we got there by 545pm. I don’t think we’ve been in on a Jimaken Tuesday for at least a month. Jersey was tending bar, covering the shift for another.

I saw they had regular Centennial on tap. Not having had one for about two months, I was more than eager. Mindy, somewhat surprisingly, went with a Stone’s IPA. We ordered food after 20 minutes or so. Charlie showed up just after 6pm. We met he and his wife at Barley’s about a year ago. They live at Lake Choctaw right on the water. Mindy shared that she and the kids were just there that afternoon. Among other things, he shared the story of how they came about their first boat and ultimately deciding to move to Lake Choctaw.

We eventually ordered dinner, me going with KC wings, and Mindy ordering their daily special, chicken enchiladas. I asked for a 2nd Centennial and Mindy ordered a 2nd Stone IPA. Mindy talked to two Cols. Police officers who stopped in for food. My wings were perfect, cooked just the way I like them. Ten minutes before settling our tab, we ordered some chicken tenders with buffalo sauce and gates of hell sauce on the side to take home to Jacob. We paid our tab with a Barley’s gift card but left a cash tip.

We were on the road for home by 735pm. As soon as we got home I headed out to water flowers front and back. While I watered flowers, Mindy talked with Darwin and Connie. We were expecting them by anytime with the rented U-Haul to pick-up a few things we’d be taking with us to the Outer Banks. They’re leaving Wednesday morning (lucky them!).

The kids got home around 815pm. Jacob ran off to play with friends without even noticing the tenders we brought home from Barley’s. I finished watering then updated my vacation packing list with a few more items I thought of during the day. While on the computer I saw that the Reds and Bronson Arroyo had a no-hitter going against the Brewers heading to the 8th inning. I eventually headed to the family room where I tuned into the action on the TV. By then the no-hitter was gone and the score tied 3-3. However, the Reds scored another run in the bottom of the 8th inning to take the lead again.

I fell asleep until Darwin and family showed up with the trailer. We all headed out to chat. They had three of the four boys with them. The whole family was excited to be leaving the following morning for vacation. We chatted for about 15 minutes. Wished them safe travels. We’ll be catching up with them Saturday afternoon.

Back inside, I was eager to see if the Reds hung on and won. Yep, the 4-3 score held up. It was already after 930pm and Mindy was heading up to bed. I stayed up just a little bit longer but only until 10pm. I wanted a good night of sleep too. Good night half moon!