Haley's Comet

After 7+ hours of restful sleep I got up at 530a. Usually that's more than enough sleep, but this time I woke feeling extra groggy. After brushing my teeth I headed downstairs with my running shorts and shirt in hand. I couldn’t see out the deck door at all. Covered with dew, in fact most of the windows were. I looked out onto the deck for rain but there was none.

Headed to the living room where I completed sit-ups then jumped online. It was a balmy 71 degrees. Checked the radar. No rain close. Expecting a high of 87 degrees with the threat of afternoon storms, much like you'd expect in late June and July.  But looking further ahead, I could hardly believe what I was reading. Expecting a high of only 54 on Monday. I decided I would take one day at a time and enjoy the summery weather while it lasted.

I headed to the family room where I completed 55 push-ups. Next, without much hesitation, I leashed up Eiknarf and headed out for a walk. I was still groggy but the fresh air helped usher it away. We were out for about 10 minutes.

Back in the kitchen I poured a cup of coffee and then returned to the PC for about 5 more minutes. At 610a I started a meditation and at 620a stretching. Took Mindy coffee near 625a. She was already in the shower.

It was 630a when I headed out the front door for my run. Steamy! I ran the full 4.1 miles without a problem. Felt terrific. I love running on warm, humid, summery mornings. I passed Kenny & Chrissy, who I assumed were heading off to the hospital for her knee surgery. Gave ‘em a wave as I ran by.

More people than usual gathered around our breakfast table. Makayla and Lillian were there. I forgot that they were coming over at 715a so we could see them on the bus. I asked if they wanted eggs with the rest of us. They didn’t. Mindy made fried eggs. Mindy left at 730a after reminding the kids to bus home after school.

I headed up for a shower while the kids played downstairs. They were extra loud.  I remembered to close the bedroom door since there were guests over. I wasn’t long getting ready. I was back downstairs by 745a. I used the extra time to play on the PC. My Wednesday lunch was still the fridge at work. All I needed to toss in was a banana.

I was grateful when bus time arrived. The kids were running a bit wild in the house. I did a good job of keeping all four in order until the bus came. Eiknarf and I walked out front where she took a second dump before pen time. I planned to drive the BM’er and was excited about it. It was already warm and sunny. I put all of my gear in my back pack and headed out at 810a.

Lovely drive in. Felt great. The BM’er was clean & shiny too having just given it a bath on Monday afternoon. Arrived at the office near 830a.

The morning was largely uneventful, but still busy. I left for lunch at 1p and headed first to my bank to cash a check from my mortgage company that I’ve had for a few weeks now. After my visit to the bank I headed in Kroger, which is right there too, and picked up a fresh bottle of Jack. Yum-yum!

I headed back to the office. It was really warm. According the BM’er’s temperature gauge, 86 degrees. Loved it! I put the top up before heading back in the office since there was a chance of strong thunderstorms for the afternoon.

It was just shy of 2p. I was really hungry. I ate my packed lunch while getting involved in several work matters. The afternoon got really busy. Towards the end of the day, I talked with my boss via IM, who was in N.C. on a working vacation.  

This was date night so Mindy really wanted me to get out on time. Turned out, though, I didn’t get out of the office until 545p. I made a beeline for home, and got favorable position at a couple key traffic lights.  I made it there by 6p.

Mindy was no where to be seen or heard. Kids were gone too. I eventually spotted her sitting on her patio by the pond. I went ahead and rinsed my lunch dishes then brushed up for dinner at Barleys. She came inside while I was grooming. She shared that her friend Kerianne put in for a transfer to North Franklin elementary after reaching impasse with a couple folks at the 'M'. Mindy said she’d miss her.

We left for Barley’s at 615p in the Honda. Mindy gave me an update on Chrissy’s knee surgery. Went much better than expected. No torn meniscus or loose screws as originally thought. Instead, just removed scar tissue. Done with the procedure in 45 minutes. Should be back on her feet in no time at all. Cool!

We got a close parking spot, and I didn’t have to drop Mindy at the door. The weather was superb. We chose indoor seating so we could socialize. We sat next to Kevin, one of the twins. Janet was tending bar and quickly took our drink orders. I went with a Hoptopus, though missing the Centennial. It’ll be back soon, I am counting on it. Mindy went with water at first, but later ordered a St Joan’s after confirming that I would be driving. She ordered food quickly, too - meatloaf. I wasn’t that hungry and passed on food.

I eventually had a second beer – a Indie Left Coast IPA. It’s their newest offering. It’s good, but not hoppy enough for me. The hoppiness is masked in large part by a strong malty flavor. As 730p neared, I suggested we order wings to-go. I knew Jacob would appreciate the treat and I was finally hungry, too. We ordered 20 K.C. wings with Gates of Hell sauce on the side. Mindy picked up the check. It was way her turn!

We pulled up at the house just before the clock struck 8p. Jimaken and the kids were already waiting out front.  We wasted little time settling down on the sofa for American Idol elimination night. I hoped it would be Scottie going home, but my gut sadly said it would be Haley. Turned out, neither hunch was correct. Instead, it was James, the resident rocker, and probably the best overall performer this season, who was sent packing for home. Again, you’ve got to consider whose voting.

We watched Bones after Idol. Somehow I managed to catch most of it, battling a case of the sleepies throughout. However, I think I fell asleep with a few minutes left. Mindy woke me at its end to see if I was heading to bed with her. Yes. In fact, I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow. Good night Haley!

Toothy Experience

I was up a few minutes early again and felt pretty good – well rested and no bothersome aches or pains. Despite seeing a few flashes of lightning just before getting out of bed, the sky was mostly clear. That was certainly a welcome sight. I slipped into my exercise shoes then headed to the living room where I completed 55 sit-ups then checked the weather and headlines.

It was a balmy 64 degrees. All around us were severe storms, most of them south of central Ohio. The forecast called for partly sunny skies, scattered afternoon showers, and a high of 84 degrees - summer-like. Supposed to be in the 80’s for the next 3 days.

I headed to the family room where I whipped out 55 push-ups. As soon as I was done I headed out with Eiknarf, who was eager to head outside. There were a few sprinkles on the deck furniture and cars but clear skies overhead. I didn’t need a jacket either. Yeah! Eiknarf took care of business during our walk back towards the house.

Inside, I poured some coffee and returned to my PC for a few minutes. Checked the Reds final score from Tuesday. They won, I believe, 7-3. Were ahead 6-0 last I checked. Did meditation and stretching. Both went well. I finished up early. Headed upstairs with coffee and the pug at 622a. Mindy was about to get in the shower. After a brief hug I headed back downstairs to prepare for my run.

I wore shorts and a short sleeved wicking shirt for the first time all season. I headed out at 630a on the nose. The air felt awesome – thick and warm. I could smell summer. I ran the full 4.1 miles. The skyline was hazy and the sunrise a burnt orange. Really pretty. Because it was so humid, I worked up one heck of a sweat. I should've run barebacked. I’ve often heard people say that with the advent of wicking shirts there is no need to run without a shirt. Obviously these folks have never run in the heat and humidity. They don’t stop you from sweating at all. Instead, the wicking material only transfers the sweat to the outer edge for evaporation. Still feels like a jacket.

Good run. At home I stripped off my soaked wicking shirt and wiped the sweat from my face with a beach towel. Mindy asked how my run went. Well, dear. Mindy made scrambled eggs and said there were plenty left in the pan for Eiknarf, too. It was nice to have fresh fruit at the table, although the new cantaloupe had a peculiar flavor.

Mindy left at 730a. Told the kids to bus home as normal. I headed off to the shower a couple minutes later. I used my new hair clippers for a not so close shave, just the way I like it.  I was back downstairs preparing my lunch at 750a. I packed tuna, banana, cheese, and fruit medley. I remembered my 3p dental appointment. Doubted I’d eat before the appointment even though I carry floss, tooth paste, brush, and mouthwash in my day pack.

The kids and I headed out at 757a. The sky was again overcast somewhat dampening my desire to drive the BM’er. Chrissy was out with Makayla, this her last work day until June. She sounded celebratory. Don’t blame her one bit! Said her speech presentation went well. Classmates got a kick out of the audience (us).

Eiknarf and I walked out front for a couple more minutes. Not wasted time. She peed again. Inside, I made last minute preparations for work including a decision to drive the Trooper. Thought I might stop at Strader's on the way to my dental appointment later. The BM’er’s not conducive for hauling around plants.

For like the third day in a row, the Trooper’s transmission jerked into drive as I exited the subdivision. Not a good sign. Further warning that its end may be near. Once on I-270 I could see nothing but blue sky heading our way from the west. Made me wish I’d driven the BM’er. Maybe Thursday. Arrived at work on time.

The work day was busy, and my peer in a much better mood. The day got off to a healthy start. My boss being vacation, we canceled the weekly staff meeting.  Because I’d be leaving for my dental appointment at 2p, I didn’t even consider taking a lunch. I worked straight through. Without thinking I ate my banana. By the time 2p rolled around I was again super hungry. I didn’t bother eating my packed lunch so I wouldn’t have to fool with flossing and brushing yet again.

I left the office and headed to Strader’s before the dentist. There I bought flora for the two large deck pots. Looked at flowering shrubs too. Left there at 220p. Arrived at Dr March’s office at 235p, or 25 minutes early. Colleen eventually came to greet me, then a minute later Heather, my hygienist came calling.  While waiting for them, I read an article about Steven Tyler.

After the obligatory small talk Heather got started on my teeth. Made comment that she only recently got her braces off. Oh yeah? Let me see? Nice smile! That made her happy. She used the electronic/sonic cleaner tool around my retainer. Used the manual tools elsewhere. Seemed to work faster than usual. She was done after about 20 minutes. I chose mint over cinnamon polish. Dr March came in to check me out too. Said everything looked great. Haven’t had a cavity in years. Made my next 6 month appointment on my way out – November 15^th 3p.

It was around 330p. I didn’t plan on returning to work. Didn’t expect to get out of there until 4p or later. I headed home instead. Pulled up still ahead of 4p. Kids weren’t even off the bus yet. Mindy was home though. Said she was surprised I was home so fast. Had to kick the mailman out the back door, I guess. Mindy helped me tote the Strader’s flowers around to the deck.

Kids were home a couple minutes later. Both were in good spirits. We asked Bella about her field trip. I think they visited the Indian Caverns?? Not exactly sure. I know they planned on doing some ‘creeking’, which is right up Bella’s alley. And the weather was ideal, which at the time was 86 degrees, sunny, and with summer-like humidity.

I changed my shoes then headed out on the deck to pot the flowers I’d just purchased. Not at all used to heat and humidity, I worked up a drippy sweat in a hurry. In no time at all, my jeans and black t-shirt were damp with sweat. I kept at it, though, until I was completely finished. After transplanting the flowers I watered them in well then watered the new grass seed.

Some time during my outdoor toil, Mindy asked if we could grill, and if so, what. Agreed on burgers. She then asked about inviting my dad. Why not? He agreed to come over. Mindy  shared that we’d be eating a little early, however, since I’d be taking Jacob to soccer practice at 610p. I started the grill a little after 5p.

Dad arrived shortly after I started the grill. Joined me on the deck. It was mighty warm grilling the meat in the heat. Grilled 4 burgers, 1 chicken breast, and 3 or 4 chicken strips.  Mindy made salads and oven baked French fries, too. Apparently, I put the colby jack cheese on the wrong burger. One of the burgers was not as good as the rest (Bella’s). That’s OK. I volunteered to eat that one. It was good.

We used paper plates for the burgers but regular bowls for the salad. Clean-up was simple. Not long after I finished cleaning up it was time to take Jacob to soccer practice. Mindy reiterated her thankfulness for me taking him. I figured I could walk over to Darby Creek Nursery (right across the street) just to browse while he practiced.

We arrived at practice at 631p. The sun was hot. As planned, I walked over to the nursery. I browsed their perennials then walked the back lot checking out their trees and large shrubs. Have some very healthy knock-out rose bushes on sale for $20 each. Nice size too.  Spent nearly 30 minutes there. I walked back to the Honda, where I sat with the AC on listening to a sports talk show from Cincinnati, where they were talking about the Reds. I bored with it quickly and turned it and the car off. I put the windows down, the seat back, and took a nap. I slept until Jacob grabbed a hold of the passenger door. Cool!

We headed home arriving around 745p. To our surprise, dad was still there and out on the deck chatting with Mindy. I was still very tired and wasn’t in the mood to sit in the heat. Instead, I plopped down on the sofa in the AC. Does that mean that I’m old? Dad and Mindy came in a couple minutes later. Dad shared some of the story topics they covered in my absence. He left around 755p.

Mindy, the kids and I tuned the TV to FOX for American Idol. I changed into my PJs just before it began. Didn’t think I was away more than a minute, but by the time I was back in front of the TV, James had already done his first song. Haley was next. Admittedly, she sang a song unfamiliar to most, and one I wouldn’t have picked for her, but she still rocked it. The judges were tough on her. Can’t understand why they nitpick her to death, but then let two others slide without criticism. She blew everyone away with her 2^nd song (I Who Have Nothng). Awesome!

If I could send someone home it would be Scottie. Aside from his extra deep country register he can’t sing any better than somebody at a local karaoke bar. Mindy sent the kids to bed immediately after Idol. Mindy and I watched Breaking In. I battled a case of the sleepies through out but managed to stay awake for the brief 30 minute program. We headed to bed afterwards. Mindy pointed out the bright moon beams shining in our bedroom window. Good night moon!

Speaking of Big Aunts

I was up a couple minutes early. From our bathroom window, I could see that it rained overnight. I wasn’t surprised. I headed downstairs where I slipped into my exercise shoes while glancing briefly out the back door. The sky was partly cloudy and any rain overnight light. It wasn’t raining then.

I completed sit-ups and push-ups. Felt good. Again, no neck and/or shoulder pain. I spent a little time on the PC checking the headlines and weather. Saw that the Reds won the night before. Current temp was near 60 degrees. Expecting it to be in the 70’s and partly sunny. Another nice day. The rain that moved through overnight was only brief and spotty.

Eiknarf and I headed out for a walk at 550a. We were out for about 10 minutes with her taking care of business on our way back. She would’ve stayed out longer had I allowed it. Instead, we headed back inside where I enjoyed some coffee ahead of meditation and stretching. Those two events went well. In fact, I finished up a little earlier than usual. Headed upstairs with the pug and coffee at 620a. Mindy was just getting up and out of bed. Asked that I not put Eiknarf in the bed. Goes spastic.

I decided to wear running shorts in lieu of long pants. Wise choice. Not only was it near 60 degrees, but it was humid too. I still wore a thin long sleeved wicking shirt. I could've went with short sleeves. It was 629a when I headed out the front door. I ran the full 4.1 miles, the first half passing by in the blink of an eye. My mind was elsewhere.

The sky was clear overhead but enough clouds hung in the eastern sky effectively blocking an otherwise lovely sunrise. I could see the sun’s rays shooting over top the clouds. Nice!

I encountered Mindy two houses from home walking Eiknarf for a second time. I walked back with ‘em. Mindy said Eiknarf was scratching at the door frantically. She wondered if she might not have gone when out earlier with me. She ended up peeing again.

We headed inside where Mindy finished making breakfast. I packed my lunch while waiting. Enjoyed fried eggs. The fresh fruit was anything but fresh. The end of last week’s. I had to be very selective fishing through the pineapple and strawberries. Mindy said she planned to cut up the new stuff later that evening.

Mindy left for school at 730a. I headed up for a shower minutes later. I flossed extra good in preparation for my 3p dental appointment. I was back downstairs to put the finishing touches on my lunch by 750a. The kids and I headed out at 757am. I took Eiknarf along. Chrissy was out with Makayla. Said she was looking forward to Wednesday, her last day working in May. Having knee surgery on Thursday, and expects to be out for 3-6 weeks as I understand it.

After the kids were gone on the bus I walked Eiknarf out front for a few. She pooped a second time. We headed back inside where I finished work prep. I thought about driving the BM’er but the threat of a late day shower dampened my enthusiasm.  I drove the Trooper instead.

I arrived at work just after 830a. Things were already flowing along. My peer who typically works 4a – 1p was working hours similar to mine this week. He strolled in just after me. He seemed a little miffed that I called off on Monday. I shared that I would be leaving at 2p for my 6 month dental appointment.

I had to join a call at 9a. It was then that I perused my calendar and found that my dental appointment wasn’t until Wednesday. Hmm? Not sure how I got my wires crossed. It’s been on my calendar since November 3^rd.  Psychologically, I was prepared to go Tuesday.  I got over it.

I worked through the morning hours like usual. Decided to head out for a lunch break around 110p. Headed to Lowes just to look at some flora. Nothing caught my eye, but the break did me some good. I was there for less than 15 minutes. I decided to stop at Home Depot on my way back to the office. Looked at their flora too. Again, nothing caught my eye. I perused a few inside aisles as well, but for no other reason than killing time. I wanted to stay away from the office for a full hour if I could.

I was back at work just after 2p. The weather was really nice. Felt like an early June day. The afternoon was busy. My peer and I got into a heated discussion. I’ll leave it at that.  I stayed busy until my usual quitting time of 530p. By the time I was in the Trooper and heading for home it was 540p. I tried calling Mindy but was directed to her VM. She called back minutes later. She was busy taking Bella to gymnastics. Jacob, she shared, was at the house. We chatted briefly about our day. I talked about my dying Trooper (transmission slipping), and how we might deal with that. Mindy shared that we weren’t having a formal dinner. Fine with me.

For whatever the reason, I was really tired once I got home. The warm, sunny skies from earlier were gone. It was cloudy. I completed all of my after work chores just as Mindy returned from dropping off Bella. I headed out onto the deck to check the newly planted grass seed. Immediately, I noticed several giant ants crawling around the hot tub. Some of them had wings and were about an inch long! I went for my spray and coated them good. It didn’t kill ‘em on contact like the bottle says but it did seem to impact their sense of direction. I sprayed the living daylights out of them. I suspect that they’ve been nesting in the warm hot tub cabinet.

Inside, I went for the ant traps I bought the day before. I had four of them. I placed three of them strategically around the house: one in the kitchen, one upstairs in our bedroom, and one on the steel I-beam in the basement. I placed the fourth trap outside by the hot tub cabinet.

Jacob asked Mindy to check his home work so he could run off to play. I offered to check it since Mindy was busy. Jacob didn’t like that idea. Not sure why. Soon became apparent. Looked to me that the home work was done while riding on the bus. His numbers were completely illegible. I told Jacob that he’d have to redo the math. He tried trumping my direction by whining to his mom. She took one brief look and agreed. He wasn’t’ pleased. I’d be ashamed to turn in work like that.

Mindy was busy making chicken wraps for herself and Jacob. I planned to fend for myself. I ended up making a turkey and cheese sandwich. Jacob gave in and re-did his homework. Smart choice! Mindy left to pick-up Bella from gymnastics around 715p. When Jacob finished his homework he asked me to recheck it. Sure, but with one catch. I asked him to explain each problem to me. He did, and only had to redo one of the problems.

Nearing 730p and still really tired, I went to the sofa for a nap while Jacob headed off to play with Evan. I fell asleep in a hurry. I woke shortly after Mindy and Bella returned. I really needed to water our new hanging baskets, hibiscus, and grass seed. I slipped into my loafers and headed out the back door to do the deed.

I watered the grass seed first. Bella soon joined me out back. Mindy then followed, as did Jacob. Took me about 10-15 minutes to water everything.  We sat out on the deck for a while longer. I topped off the hot tub on Saturday but was already hearing that tell-tale gurgling sound again. I lifted the cover only to find it down about 2 feet. Holy Crap! In disgust, I pulled the external disconnect. Time to put it out to pasture.

We headed inside around 840p where I turned on the TV and went to the guide looking for something  interesting to watch. I saw that Planet Earth and Madagascar were on the Animal Planet. We tuned in. Mindy made the kids go to bed shortly after Planet Earth. I started watching Madagascar even though we’d seen it before. Mindy headed to bed around 920p. I bounced back & forth between the Reds game and Madagascar until 10p. I headed up to bed after securing the house.

Mental Health Monday - 73 & Sunny

I didn’t get out of bed until 550a. I already knew that I wasn’t going to work. Instead, I’d be taking a sorely needed mental health day. However, I was intent on keeping my routine as close to a regular work day as possible so not to waste the day away. I started coffee and completed calisthenics all before 615a.

Outside, the sky was crystal clear and the temperature around 47 degrees. It was supposed to head well into the 70s later. That sounded awesome. I sent my boss and peer an email around 630a letting them know that I wouldn’t be in to work. I walked Eiknarf next. We took our usual path where she only peed. I woke Mindy around 630a. She asked if I planned on staying home, and if I was gonna run before getting the kids on the bus. I was fairly certain that I would wait until the kids were off to school before running. That was my aim from that point forward.

I took my time enjoying coffee and some internet. Mindy was downstairs around 705a. The kids soon followed. Mindy asked if I would be home to see the kids off the bus. Yes. Soon both kids were downstairs for breakfast. Both looked and acted tired, especially Bella, who was pouting and coughing. Jacob teased her incessantly.

Mindy left around 730am. Wished me well, Mindy left for school at 730a. I went back to my PC while the kids played in their rooms. We headed to the bus stop at 758a. What a gorgeous morning. Definitely haven’t had too many of those – clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Kenny was out with Makayla and Woody. Wasn’t sure what his day would entail. Yard work therapy for me.

I headed back home where I readied for a run. Again, I couldn’t stand the thought of letting an hour or two to slip by. I headed out for my run around 820a. I ran the full 4.1 miles in about 36 minutes. It was lovely!

Now 9am, I poured another cup of coffee, checked email, then gathered my wallet and phone and headed off to Ohio Mulch to get another load of playground mulch. Not knowing how much more we’d need, this time I paid for only 1 cubic yard. The kid running the Bobcat loaded me up with more than each of the first two loads. Cool! I headed back home to unload.

Before getting started, I made myself a quick turkey and cheese sandwich. I was super hungry. After inhaling the sandwich, I headed out to dump the mulch. It had to be near 10a. I moved the 3rd load of mulch fairly quickly. It took no more than 45 minutes to get it all in place and spread. It took all of three cubic yards to cover the entire area at the desired depth. I was quite pleased with the outcome.

 Next, I carted the four bags of topsoil, sand, and peat mixture I bought a couple weeks ago from Darby Creek nursery around to the back yard to the area that I plan to over seed. I used an old flower pot to spread the mixture about ½” thick over the desired area. I depleted three of the four bags.

My plan all along was to use grass seed better suited to the area: slope, dry, wet, high traffic. Unfortunately, blue grass has proved futile. Instead, I planned to use a tall fescue blend. I secured my tractor in the shed, locked the house, and then headed off to Home Depot. Didn’t take long to get there.

At Home Depot, I bought a 3lb bag of Scott’s tall fescue and a box of four ant traps (thanks for the tip Craig!). I hurried back home to complete my over seeding project.  Before spreading the first seed, I leashed Eiknarf up outside. It was gorgeous. She seemed pleased to be out there with me. Took my time spreading the seed and then stepping it into the soil, sand, peat mixture. I watered it in gently. Supposed to germinate in 6 to 10 days.

After a Gatorade break, I fetched the purple flamingo spray paint and the flat black speckled spray paint I bought to touch up our deck table base. I took the two plastic flamingos back behind the shed and hit them with a fresh coat of the purple paint. I left them there to dry while I touched up the table base. That went well, too. After touching up the table base I Windexed the table’s glass top.

It turned out to be the perfect afternoon. Nothing but blue skies, sunshine and 73 degrees.  I decided to give the BM’er a bath next. Been a long time. Didn’t take long. Had it clean and detailed in less than 30 minutes. Feeling energetic, I decided to wash the Trooper too, something I haven’t done since last summer. I used to wash it every Saturday. Now it gets a bath once a year whether it needs it or not. J There was still remnants of egg running down the driver’s side from two months ago. Actually, it came off easier than I suspected it might. I could sure tell the Troopers getting old. Found some rust around one of the doors, and the luggage carrier’s starting to fall apart. I guess that’s the price of not having a car payment. At this point my plan is to drive it until it starts costing me money to keep.

It was getting close to the time the kids get off the bus. I put away all of my lawn tools and tractor and headed in for a shower. The kids got off the bus at 405p and quickly ran off with their friends. I didn’t see Jacob but for 5 seconds. Bella at least came in to chat and to ask if she could do her home work later (math and reading) so she could enjoy some of the rare summery weather. In a weak moment I agreed. She ran off.

It wasn’t five minutes later that I realized that she was going to gymnastics from 730p to 9p. I spotted her out in the yard and called her back inside to do her home work. She understood my rationale. I saw Jacob out there too. I asked if he had any homework. Said he did not.

I watched Bella do her math homework (double digit addition). She got them all right without my intervention. Mindy called while we were negotiating what book Bella would read. Bella tried pulling a fast one. Said she was going to read her seek and find book. Mindy was just leaving school and heading to Kroger to pick-up a rotisserie chicken. She was curious to learn what all I accomplished, and how the kids were doing.

Bella finished her reading then she, Eiknarf, and I headed outside. We headed out by the treehouse where Makayla and Bella showed me how they jump off the treehouse platform. Holy smoke! I asked that they cease and desist, and went on to share that one of them will end up hurt, and possibly even break a leg. I thought they were jumping from 8 feet up, but they weren’t.  Instead, they hang from the edge then drop effectively cutting the fall to about 4’. Still, getting out there is tricky, and will almost certainly end poorly for one of them at some point. But how do you stop kids from having fun? It’s a tree house. I asked that they be extra careful.

Mindy was now home from school and Kroger and was busy inside making dinner. We talked while she warmed Bob Evan’s mashed potatoes in the microwave. Asked if I would be willing to fetch Bella from gymnastics at 9p. Yes. This was just a trial run with the competitive gymnastics team. If Bella likes it, she’ll start officially in August, and have practice two nights per week from 745 – 9p. There will be weekend competitions too.  That will coincide with Jacob starting competitive soccer with a similar practice and game schedule. If all that happens, our after work lives will change dramatically. Ugh!

Dinner was good. Can’t miss with rotisserie chicken. I managed the clean-up while Mindy ran Bella to gymnastics. Jacob headed out to play with his airsoft rifle. When Mindy got back home we walked down to the neighbors to watch Chrissy’s 2^nd speech. Once again, she was required to give the speech to an audience of at least 5 adults. She had to video tape it too. Kapil showed up shortly after us. That made four counting Kenny. Chrissy called neighbor Terri. She came in a jiffy. This was an informative speech, the topic King William the 4^th.

After fighting through a myriad of technical issues, including finding her printer out of ink, our printer out of ink, and Kenny’s camera dying, she finally got underway. Did a much better job than she did on the first one. I could’ve picked it to death but didn’t. Instead, I gave her props for doing it. 

Now around 815p Mindy & I headed home. Mindy reminded me that I needed to leave to fetch Bella soon. She said 845p, but I said 850p. Didn’t want to wait around. I wrote in my blog until 850p then left to fetch Bella. Pulled up right at 9p. Good timing.  They were still going at it. Grandma Sharon greeted me with a hug and kiss right away. Said she saw me on the news. Too funny!

Bella asked if I would stop for dinner. No. It was after 9p. Plus, we already had dinner. It was time for snack and bed. At home, Mindy had Bella get a quick shower and then a snack. Both kids were off to bed before 930p. Mindy headed up to bed minutes later. I followed closely behind, but not before taking 4 more Advil. I could feel stiffness creeping in after another day of arduous yard work. Good night clear sky!

Mom's Day 2011

I slept great and was up for keeps at 645am. It was cloudy and rained significantly during the over night.  I started some coffee then went to my PC. I checked the forecast and did some blogging. It was 52 degrees under cloudy skies. However, expected it to clear out by noon and reach upwards of 70 degrees.

I set Mindy’s Mother’s Day gifts and cards on the island counter then headed out for a run around 830a. I ran the usual three mile Sunday loop. Back home near 9am, everyone else remained sleeping. Mindy mentioned the possibility of heading to church, but it was 10a before I heard the first peep from upstairs. Suddenly, church didn’t seem like a viable option given that services begin at 1030a.

Mindy confirmed that she wasn’t going to church. Enjoyed sleeping in instead. The kids were up by 1030a, Jacob being the last to join us downstairs. The kids presented Mindy with cards and gifts. Bella brought down the plant she transplanted for her at school. It was swimming in a pool of dirt and water. Cute!

Jacob gave his mother a hand written note, most of which I found difficult to read. I picked up a card from the both of them as well as another gift for them to present –  a Pandora bracelet holder. I gifted Mindy a card and three Pandora charms. Mindy spent the next 30 minutes organizing/redoing her bracelet charms.

I was eager to head outside and spread the trailer load of playground mulch, and then return for the second half of my purchase. However, the ground was completely saturated, so I decided to wait until the promised sunshine arrived sometime around noon. In the meantime, I headed out to address a plethora of other yard chores. For the next 45 minutes or so I raked more of that pesky chickweed out of the west side yard until I exposed top soil. I filled a 5 gallon pale with it four or five times.

Finally, the sky started to clear. I decided to spend time raking/prepping the front flower beds. I got out a tarp, hand clippers and leaf rake. I’ll bet I spent a solid two hours working on all the front beds pulling dead leaves, stems and spent mulch from under the ivy and shrubs. Mindy and the kids headed off to Target around 1p. Mindy and I agreed that I would be skipping Jacob’s soccer game so I could get the playground mulch down later in the afternoon. Bella would be staying home with me.

Mindy and the kids were back from Target after about an hour. Not long after their return, Mindy heated our Big Fat leftovers on a pizza stone. She called me in to eat just as I was finishing the east side flower bed.  I was ravenously hungry. I ate a scallop, crab leg, and some steamed veggies. All very good.

She and Jacob headed off to soccer while I headed out to put the finishing touches on the flower beds. Upon completion, I drug a tarp full of yard debris to the compost pile. It was time to spread the playground mulch. Bella joined me, and asked if she could ride in the little trailer I pull behind my tractor. Sure. We transferred mulch from dad’s large trailer to the smaller trailer then hauled it to tree house area where we dumped each load before heading back for more. The playground mulch  is a lot easier to handle as compared to the fine hardwoods I typically put in the flower beds. Emptied the trailer in four trips. We spread all the mulch over the large play area then left for Ohio Mulch to get the other half of our purchase.

It didn’t take long at all. No other customers waiting to be loaded. Showed my receipt to the guy already sitting in the Bobcat, who then loaded me up with another cubic yard. We headed back towards home.

Bella and I picked up right where we left off. This time we emptied the larger trailer in 3.5 loads. Don’t think there was as much in the 2^nd load. We spread the mulch about 4” thick over the entire play area. Without question, going to need more. Wasn’t sure how much – one or two yards. However, I knew that it wouldn’t be that afternoon. Instead, it was time to get a shower. It was already approaching 330p, and we needed to be at Sunday dinner around 430p. Mindy & Jacob returned from soccer while I was in the shower.

The Mother’s Day Sunday dinner theme was pizza. Each family was supposed to bring their favorite. We talked about making one but simply ran out of time. Picking up a Minelli’s pizza would prove much easier. We picked it up in route to Gloria’s. I’m guessing it was 415p.

Because there was no cooking to be done, dinner commenced as soon as everyone was present. Must’ve been 6 or 7 pizzas. I tried four or five varieties. All of them very good. Dinner conversation centered around the death of OBL. Jodi shared a sobering story about the poor medical condition of a long standing family friend. She recently volunteered to help with her care and quickly determined it was more than she bargained for. Sad story.

After dinner everyone eventually headed out back to take in a little of the lovely weather. We hung outside until dessert time. Not only were we celebrating Mother’s Day, but b-in-law Todd’s 41^st birthday, too.  We sang the happy b-day song. Dessert consisted of Cheesecake Factory cheese cake, Gloria’s lemon cheesecake, and peanut butter fudge. Gloria made the fudge to celebrate Kati’s recent name change.  I had a piece of the lemon cheesecake and then half of Mindy’s Cheesecake Factory cake.

I forgot to mention that b-in-law Larry shared that he saw me on the news Sunday morning doing the interview at the Shred-It event on Saturday. Until then I wasn’t sure if I actually got any on-air time.

It was about 710p when we gathered our gear and headed for home. The kids were very eager to get home with still enough time to head out and play with their friends. The neighbors were having a cookout. We walked down to visit, though didn’t plan to eat. I took a beer.

Josh & Rachel were over as were some other relatives, all of whom I’ve met before but couldn't recall their names. We sat on the deck until about 830p. We let the pugs play with Wiley, Josh & Rachel’s Boston Terrier.

It was almost 9pm by the time we were settled and in our PJs. We surfed through the entire channel line-up looking for something of interest. I found nothing educational. We eventually settled on a program tracking the life of a hoarder. Holy crap! That woman had issues.

We headed to bed around 10p, but not before I choked down 4 Advil. After yard work all day Saturday and Sunday, I needed it.

Shredding the Past

I woke numerous times through the night with a dull beer headache. But with the passage of time its painful grip  diminished. However, it wasn't until I got up at 655a and took 4 Advil that I was able to rid myself of it entirely.  I laid back down until 715a. Mindy asked for a hug before I slipped downstairs to start my exercise regimen.

It was another cloudy start to a day. The deck was wet, but at least it wasn't raining at the time. I started coffee then completed sit-ups and push-ups. Checked the weather forecast next. It was 50 degrees. Expecting mostly cloudy skies with a chance of rain all day. Currently, however, the radar didn't show any immediate threat of rain.

Eiknarf was in bed with Jacob. I didn't bother going after her. I played around on the computer until 815a, or when I finally declared it time to run. When I left the house everyone else was still sleeping. I placed an envelope on the front door that contained the backflow meter inspection form for Mr Postle. I left a check inside too even though he said he'd bill me. I wore one layer and remained fairly comfortable. I ran just three miles, my typical Saturday/Sunday mileage.  Almost effortless.

Mindy was up when I returned home. Just below the envelope I left on the door, she left an OSU football card in a baggie for Tony & Noah to slip by and get. They were heading to some autograph session and offered to have one of Jacob's cards signed too.

I had been waiting on this day for a few months now. It was Shred-It day at the Schott, sponsored by NBC4. At the foot of the basement stairs I had four large paper boxes full of old bills, receipts, and paper work dating back to 1982 when Kelly and I got married. I'd been wanting to rid myself of this stuff  for years. Before the sweat was dry I headed to the basement and carried up the four large boxes, which I eventually carried out to the Honda. Mindy was planning on going to yoga around 1130a. I'd certainly be back by then. I grabbed my wallet and camera then headed upstairs to gargle with mouthwash before setting out.

The sun was out when I left the house. All of the sudden, it was a pretty spring morning. I headed east on Trabue to Riverside Dr then north to Lane ave. I took Lane all the way across to the Schott. Quite the crowd. I wasn't sure this was for me. Lots and lots of cars waiting to turn off Lane and into the Schott lot - three lanes worth. I did my best to remain patient. After going nowhere for the next five minutes we finally started to move. From there onward, they had things moving efficiently. I was directed to a parking lot where I was greeted by volunteers who helped off load and cart away my recyclables. They were very kind and offered me the opportunity to come watch it all be shredded. I took them up on the offer and followed. Most others went on their merry way.

I can't recall the name of the two volunteers, but the young girl looked like a TV reporter. Still in my smelly running clothes, they asked me if I had just completed the local half marathon. No, I replied. I shared a little about my selfish personal runs at home along with a little about my running streak. Watching my stuff being shredded was anticlimactic. Couldn't see much. All I could see was a guy dumping the boxes into a hopper that fed the monster machine. I took a couple photos.

Mindy & I met "shredder Matt' some years ago at Barley's. He made me aware of these twice a year Shred-It event a couple of times past. We hadn't seen Matt for over a year however, or ever since he got in a really bad car accident; and I believe that was after a Barley's outing. But as luck would have it, as I was walking away and  back towards my car, I happened upon Matt. I went up to say hello. Asked if I could take a photo with the two of us. He agreed and smiled big for the camera.

Speaking of cameras, I was approached by a TV reporter as I made my way back to the Honda asking if I would talk to them about the Shred-It event. I happily agreed. Makayla was the reporter and LJ was the camera man. Took them a while to get their gear ready. Makayla asked me to say a few things about the event and NBC4's involvement. I tried hamming it up best I could on the fly like that.  They seemed to enjoy my sense of humor.

I headed back to the Honda and eventually towards home. It was partly sunny and warming nicely, a real nice spring morning, and one that made for a lovely drive west on Lane avenue by the country club.

 At home, Mindy was playing on her laptop. Said the kids were still asleep. I ate a cheese stick then prepared myself for yard work. There were all sorts of things I hoped to get done in the yard, including transplanting the flowers I bought on Thursday into hanging baskets, mowing the lawn, and picking up some playground mulch for the tree house area.

I headed out back I'm guessing around 1030a. The first thing I did was transplant the geraniums & vinca into hanging baskets. While doing the transplanting, Mindy shared that she was unable to print her grocery list and her Zombezi Bay receipt. Showing the printer offline. I headed in to take a look. Happens every so often. I confirmed that the printer was active and available via our wireless network. Printed a test page from my own PC. Had Mindy reboot. Still showing offline. Discouraged, I asked if I could deal with it later. I wanted to get back on my yard chores.

I finished transplanting flowers then potted the hibiscus I bought on Friday. Mindy left for yoga sometime in there. The kids, meanwhile, were off playing with friends. I got busy mowing the lawn next taking the time to whack and edge , too. Paul Postle, the backflow guy showed up around 12-1230p. Did his work without bothering me. I stopped the mower long enough to say hello. He was there and gone in less than 15 minutes.

I cut the upper half of the back yard with the push mower, but got out the tractor for the back half (dryer half). Once again, the battery was weak, but I was able to get it started. I knew right then that I was gonna make a trip to Lowes to get a new battery that afternoon. I'd be doing the playground mulch and needed my tractor and trailer to get the job done reliably and efficiently.  I was also low on mower gas. I planned to stop for 5 gallons on the same trip.

After finishing the lawn, I headed in where I took care of Mindy's print issue. Ended up reloading the printer software on her laptop. That did the trick. Can't recall the time when Mindy returned from yoga. I asked if I had time to make a run for some mulch. I shared that I needed to stop at dad's to get the trailer, then head to Lowes for a new tractor battery, and then lastly get mulch and gas. Thought I'd be gone about an hour.

The sky clouded over about the time I left for dad's. While he and I worked on flipping the side gates around it started to rain. Just my luck! Not only did we flip the gates, but we checked the tire pressure, too. Both were sitting at 38lbs psi. We added enough air to get them both near 50lbs psi. Before leaving dad's I invited him to dinner with Mindy, the kids and I. Going to the Big Fat for Mother's Day at 630p. Dad declined the invite. Asked twice.

Headed to Lowes. Looked for their mower batteries but couldn't find them on my own. Had to ask for help. If they were a snake they would've bit me. I chose the middle grade battery. Its numbers were superior to the original, which incidentally, I left at home. Battery was $37, but they applied a $7 core charge too. Said I would get that back when I brought in my old one. OK.

Headed to Ohio Mulch on Roberts Rd next. Called Mindy along my way. Let her know that I was still about 30 minutes out. Said she was ready to head to the grocery and would likely ask Chrissy to keep an eye on the kids. 

Ohio Mulch wasn't that busy. Redesigned the place - bigger. Paid for 2 cubic yards of playground mulch - $25.99 (per cubic yard). The fella loaded one yard then shared that he didn't feel comfortable adding another. Wouldn't hold it. No problem. Said I could come back for the other. Said he'd remember me. However, with the skies threatening rain, I stopped dead in my tracks, turned around and asked if he would be in on Sunday provided I couldn't get it all moved that afternoon. Said he wouldn't - his day off - but then asked for a pen so he could indicate that they owe me a yard on my sales receipt. Good plan.

My last stop was Thornton's for mower gas. Bought nearly 4.5 gallons. Finally headed home. As planned, Mindy wasn't there. I thought about moving some mulch but the threat of rain was imminent.  I thought better of it. Instead, I covered it with a tarp and then spent a little more time pulling chickweed from the west side yard. After about 30 minutes of that I headed inside. I decided it as good as time as any to replace our drippy kitchen faucet. We had the new one for 3 or 4 weeks now.

I cleared the cabinet underneath the sink then quickly dismantled the old faucet. Took no more than ten minutes. Out easy. I spent a few minutes reviewing the directions for the replacement. While it looks almost identical on the outside, there were significant differences to the way it installed. Mindy got home from the grocery after I had just inserted the new faucet through the hole in the granite counter. She chuckled when she saw what I was working on. I complained that they failed to include an inventory list and some sort of parts identifier. That left me to guess what part they might be referring to in the instructions. Yikes! I might've tossed out an 'F' bomb or two. :( Good thing the kids were off playing.

Didn't take long to get the new faucet hooked up once I felt secure that I had the right parts in the right place. Actually installed quicker than the first version. Put it to the test. Worked flawlessly. No more drip, drip, drip.

Mindy asked about dinner. I told her that we had a 630p reservation at the Big Fat. She was happy about that. Meanwhile, the neighbors rented a limo to go in style to see Tim McGraw. Supposed to arrive around 545p. Like the year before, Chrissy planned to take all the kids to McDonalds in the limo and then drop her two off at Bill's house  (her father-in-laws). Our kids, of course, would be coming back home.

I showered while Mindy walked down to the see neighbors. I joined not too far behind. Mike and Julie, Guy & Missy were going with them to the show. Said they were sorry to learn that we weren't going. We opted out this year. Still enjoy their company though.

The limo showed on time and the kids and Chrissy soon left. We hung at her house waiting with the others. It was quickly 615p. I asked Mindy if she realized our reservation was at 630p. She did not. Thought it was 7p. Nope. She went outside and called the Big Fat to let alert them that we would be late. No worries.

Kids were back from their McDonald's trip at 630p. After some well-wishes we headed off to the Big Fat. Stopped and took a pic of the limo as we drove by. It was raining again.

At the Big Fat 5 minutes later. I dropped Mindy and the kids at the door then went to park the Honda. I joined them inside. They were just being guided to our table. No Katarina. She was at her own college graduation. Instead, Alex was our server. He's also very good and always attentive. Saturday was no exception.

We sat at a familiar table and were quickly served drinks and a complimentary appetizer - baked pita and an olive based dip. I enjoyed a Jack & Coke. Mindy, Jacob and I conspired to share our entrees, eventually settling on 2 orders of sea scallops and king crab legs. Bella ordered spaghetti. Mindy and I order salad's too. This marked the first time that any of us tried their king crab legs.

The scallops were delicious as usual, but all three of us agreed that the king crab legs were the absolute best ever. For starters, they came already split open as if done so with a band saw. There was a light garlic crust covering each, and the meat mouth watering and delicious. Wow. You'll have to try them! Jacob gave me two of his scallops for one of the large crab legs.

We couldn't finish our meals, not because we didn't like it, but because there was so much. We took home a few scallops and four crab legs. Sunday lunch? During dinner, I drank a 2nd Jack & Coke. Alex comp'd us a dessert - chocolate cake. I had one bite. It was terrific too. I picked up the check and tipped Alex well. Excellent meal.

We headed for home. It started raining again during our drive home. I'm thinking that it was near 830p when we arrived. Mindy suggested we watch a movie - Little Fockers. We checked Movies On-Demand. Yep, it was playing.  Once everyone got situated we let the movie roll - $4.95 for a 48 hour rental.

I won't give the movie away, but it was pretty good, funny, and worthy of your PPV dollars. During the movie I sipped a scotch (12 yr old Chivas Regal) and water on the rocks. It was pretty good. First time I've ever had one of those. Mindy and Bella headed for bed right after the movie. Jacob and I stayed up to watch the news and then Saturday Night Live. Jacob peeled off for bed after the news. I made it through the first fifteen minutes of Saturday Night Live, but could stay awake no more. Too tired. What's new? It was raining pretty hard when I headed up for bed.

Weather Changes on a Dime

 I was up a few minutes late but not enough to alter my routine. The clear skies we enjoyed on Thursday were nothing more than a memory. We were back under cloud cover. I did my sit-ups then checked the weather forecast. Currently cloudy and 45 degrees. Clouds, rain, and high of 62 were forecasted for the day. Not exactly what I hoped for. Even worse, the weekend was expected to be a total wash.

Eiknarf slept with Bella the night before. I didn't bother going up to fetch her. Coffee was next. I enjoyed some in front of the PC. Soon it was time for meditation and a stretch. Both went reasonably well. I finished slightly ahead of schedule. Neck & shoulders still feeling pretty good. I delivered Mindy's coffee at 625a. She was mid-shower. I let her know that Eiknarf would need to go out. Still with Bella. I could hear Eiknarf stirring around in Bella's room. I didn't have the time to take care of her then. I headed down to ready for my run.

It was 632a when I headed out the front door for my run. I dressed warmly minus gloves and ear covers. I was happy that it wasn't raining. The cloud cover was broken but no signs of sustained clearing. I ran the full 4.1 miles, my mind getting totally lost in thought. I was half way through my run without much recall at all. I happened upon Mindy walking Eiknarf a couple houses from the completion of my run. I stopped and walked back with the two of them.

Inside, Mindy had Bella tending to our scrambled eggs cooking on the stove. Scary! Jacob came down dressed in shorts even though it wasn't supposed to hit 70 degrees, Mindy's short wearing weather barometer. She lost a bet during last night's Idol elimination regarding Scotty's age. Jacob, Mindy & I all had scrambled eggs. Mindy reminded the kids to bus home as normal. She left early for muffins with mom.

I headed up for a shower at 732a. I wasn't long getting ready. I was back downstairs by 750a. I packed a lunch including tuna, cheese, fruit medley, and a banana. The door bell rang. It was my dad. Hmm? He stopped by to see if I could make a copy of his medical card. Yes. Took care of it right away. He visited through bus time, headed outside with us but stayed in our yard.

 Chrissy was out with the girls. Chrissy was wearing jeans and tennis shoes. Said she paid $10 to do so. She was excited that Kenny was coming home that evening. Heading to the airport at 9p to pick him up.  Tim McGraw concert on Saturday. She was pumped about that too. Tim's her Pink Floyd.

I walked Eiknarf out front of the house. She didn't go, just a lot of sniffing. Headed back inside with dad where we visited for a few minutes longer. At 815a I organized my gear for work. The skies were partly sunny when I left the house. Very pretty. Again, though, wasn't expected to last.

Arrived at work near 830a. A couple of my team members commented on our recent results. Changes we collectively designed are making a real difference. That served as a positive boost. Outside, it remained partly cloudy. Skies showed no threat of rain. That was nice to see. I left for lunch at 1p, making a trip to Target to pick-up Mother's Day cards for Mindy. Since I had plenty of time to kill, I decided to head next door to Home Depot too. I picked up a 3-gallon hibiscus for $17.99. The same sized hibiscus was $39.99 at Strader's. Gone for about 45 minutes, I headed back to the office. Thick clouds were moving in again just as I headed back into the building.

 As the work week drew to a close, the sky brightened up a bit. Just as much blue as there was cloud cover. I left the office at 5p much looking forward to a weekend. I phoned Mindy. Said Jacob wanted to do Barley's for dinner. Also shared that she had my dad meet the kids off the bus after getting pulled into an urgent parent/teacher conference late afternoon. I shared that dad stopped by just before bus time that morning.

Arrived home around 520p. Carried the hibiscus around to the deck but left Mindy's Mother's Day cards in my back pack. Been carrying her gift around in the back pack for two days as well. Mindy shared that she hadn't seen ant one. Encouraging, but was certain we hadn't seen the last of them. Said nephew Joe wanted to meet us at Barleys if that was indeed in our evening plans. Guess he and Justin are exploring a relationship. Mindy asked when I wanted to leave. Not until 7p.

With the time between then and 7p, I updated my blog with two weeks worth of posts. Before we headed out I brushed my teeth and tucked in my t-shirt. Turned out, Makayla was going to Barley's with us. She chose hanging with us over going to her sister's soccer game with her mom. It started raining again. I dropped Mindy and the kids at the door while Jacob and I went to park the Honda. Pretty crowded. Got one of the last spots in the main lot.

Mindy and the kids hovered at the hostess stand chatting with Zach and the new hostess. I waltzed in and joined Steve Wonn already sitting at the bar. New brew on tap, Indie Left Coast IPA. Tom, the Mary Kay guy, insisted that I sample his. I took two sips. OK, but light on hops. I likened it to Great Lakes Xmas ale. No one agreed. I ordered a Hoptopus instead. After chatting with my peeps I walked over to the first barside table where Mindy stood talking with others, including nephew Joe, who had just recently arrived.  Lots of talk about Diedra leaving for another pub - Mellow Mushroom in Polaris.

Mindy specifically requested a table worked by Justin, who was serving in the back, an area of the restaurant/bar that I have spent relatively little time. In fact, I've eaten back there only one other time and that was years ago. We did a girls and boys split in the booth. As I do most times, I insisted on finishing my first beer before placing a food order. I went to take a couple pictures only to find that my battery was dead. Crap!

Eventually time to order. I ordered last. Mindy ordered a salad with warm meat (no shit). Bella and Makayla split an order of K.C. wings, Jacob ordered buffalo chicken tenders with Gates of Hell sauce on the side. Joe ordered chicken tenders too. I went with K.C. wings. Mindy asked for a basket of fries to serve as our appetizer. By the time the fries came, I was ready for my second beer, another Hoptopus.

The food was good, and Justin did a great job taking care of us. Bella and Makayla took my last two one dollar bills to play electronic corn hole. We ordered two desserts before wrapping up dinner: mousse and an ice cream sandwich (vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two warm chocolate chip cookies). I ordered a 3rd beer, one of the new Left Coast IPA's. I drank that while the others partook in the desserts. I picked up the dinner tab, too.

Before leaving, we stopped in the bar to wish all of our Barley peeps well. Nephew Joe went his own way. He was talking with Justin as we left. Mindy, meanwhile, realized that we failed to pay our paltry bar tab. She called to settle up over the phone. It was only $11. She then called the neighbors and made arrangements to visit. Kenny was just back from Florida and we still had their daughter, Makayla.

I'm guessing it was about 945p when we arrived home and walked down to the neighbors. I took a 22oz. Southern Tier black ale. Mindy took a Black Chocolate stout. No wagering this week. :) Kenny shared that the Florida weather was perfect - sunny and near 90 everyday. Enjoyed the golf too. We visited for upwards of an hour. Not really that long. Had a fun time though.

We headed home before 11p. Eiknarf slept with Jacob. Mindy & I talked for about an hour before falling asleep. Good night rain.

Finally ... A Deck Day

I was up on time and perhaps even a few minutes early. With my running clothes in hand, I gazed out the deck door towards the predawn sky. What was this? Clear skies! I could see stars and already a slight hint of the coming daylight. That served as a pick me upper.

I quickly got into my house shoes then started my sit-ups. After sit-ups I played around online for a while. Jumping out at me right away was the chilly temp. It was only 35 degrees – as colder than it’s been since the first week of April. I read a few insignificant headlines then headed to the familyroom where I completed 55 push-ups. Soon after that I leashed up Frankie and headed out for our walk. To accomplish that I had to coax her out of her pen.

It was chilly but didn’t feel as cold as I thought it might. Frankie only peed. I’d need to remember to relay that info to Mindy later. Inside, I poured some coffee and returned to the computer, albeit only briefly. I read a little of Glenn’s blog and then the Daily OM. It was 610a and time for meditation and stretching. My neck felt good again, and that’s without taking any Advil the past two nights.

Both meditation and stretching went well. I delivered Mindy’s coffee and the pug before dressing for a run. Mindy was still in bed, extra tired I guess. I helped her make the bed before heading back downstairs.

 I dressed warmly wearing a winter weight long-sleeved wicking shirt and pullover fleece. I wore my running gloves too. I didn’t wear ear covers. I headed out at 634a. By then it was dawn, and I could see some scattered frost here and there. A few homes had some of their fragile landscapes covered in bed sheets. I ran the full 4.1 miles. Felt terrific to run in the early sunshine. Wahoo!

I rolled the trash can back to its resting spot after my run. I asked Mindy if she wanted me to start the Honda. It was still chilly and her windows were still slightly frosted over. She brought me the keys.

I wasn’t sure if Mindy planned to make my breakfast or not.  I asked. She did. When she served my eggs I asked Bella to take the first bite. Mindy laughed. Mindy seemed to be in a better place, better mood. She shared that Jacob wasn’t in good spirits after she told him that he couldn’t wear shorts. Too cold. Reminded the kids to bus home as normal before she left. Instead of a kiss she leaned over and bit me. Bella wasn’t amused and for some reason became very sad. Doesn’t like it when her momma is mad at me.

Soon after Mindy departed for school, I headed up for my shower. The kids ran off to take care of their teeth and rooms. Scott, their dentist, gave both of them orders to start taking better care of their teeth. In Bella’s case, I guess he asked her to spend as much or more time on teeth than she does on her hair. Actually, she doesn’t spend that much time with her hair just yet. Both of their dental exams went well this time.

I was showered and ready by 750a. I headed back downstairs where I threw together my lunch, including a spinach and lettuce salad, fruit medley, cheese, and a banana. We were ready for the bus stop 755a.

Chrissy was out with her girls, both of whom were wearing shorts. It couldn’t have been 40 degrees, but the sunshine was admittedly warm. Makayla asked me why the kids weren’t in shorts. Too cold. Chrissy shared that Kenny texted pics of himself in the pool with a beer. Said it was 86 degrees. Lucky him! He’ll be home Friday night.

After the kids were on the bus I let Frankie walk a little more out front. She didn’t do anything other than sniff. I left for work at 810a. It felt especially nice to drive in under perfectly sunny skies for the first time in longer than I can remember. Would have been the prefect hooky day, but sadly, I would be the only manager in the stateside office that day. I couldn’t afford to be off.

The day went extremely fast, especially the morning. It was such a nice day outside that it would’ve been a sin to not go out for lunch. To that end, I took a trip to Strader’s where I bought two hanging baskets of geraniums and some vinca vines to add in. I left Strader’s and headed just up the road to Giant Eagle where I bought some good beer for Mindy & I.  I made one more stop before heading back to work. All three stops were within a half mile of one another. The last stop was Ohio Mulch, right across the street from Strader’s. I just wanted to check out the texture of their playground mulch. I plan to put some around the tree house and tree swings. After my three stops I’d been gone about an hour. It was time to head back to the office. Would’ve been a nice day for the golf range, too. Maybe Friday. 

Back at work around 2p, I ate my packed lunch while also working. I worked until 415p when I decided to call it a day. I needed to get out in the sunshine. Mindy called just as I was backing out of my parking spot. Let her know that I was on my way home.

I called brother Tommy on my drive home, too. He didn’t answer until the 6^th or 7^th ring, or when I was just about to hang up. Hadn’t talked with him for more than a month, though I’ve tried reaching him a time or two. He and Wally were working in the yard. Shared news about Wally’s 4^th birthday party, which came and went in March. Also shared that Wally’s now in preschool, and really smart. Already talking about running the pizza empire some day. J

I asked Tommy why he’s avoiding mom – something she brings up every time her and I talk. Tired of the negativity. Finds something wrong with all aspects of his life.  Wears on him.  Negative begets negative. Mom?

I ended the call just as I arrived at home. It was just after 430p. Mindy was inside vacuuming up piss ants. Said there were hundreds of them crawling in from around a window on the east side of the house and making the trip along the wood work towards the kitchen. Not a coincidence that the wood pile is just outside that window. I told Mindy that we’ll need to relocate the wood pile. Just where, however, I am still not sure. Perhaps out by the shed.

I got out the unscented ant spray and hit their well-traveled path pretty hard. I also took a few minutes to empty the under the sink cabinets and spray under there too. The confined area caused me to breath in some of the noxious stuff. Made me cough.

Just after 5p, Jimaken showed up to pick-up the kids for Thursday dinner, a weekly occurrence, but one that I am not typically home to witness. Mindy asked if I wanted to got to Barley’s. I suggested we not. Instead, I offered that we stay home and enjoy the sunshine from the deck.

We both headed out with a beer. Me, a Brew Dog Imperial IPA, and Mindy a Black Stout. Even though the new cushions have been on our deck chairs since April 9^th, we hadn’t used them since then. Save for the one 80+ degree Sunday, the weather hasn’t been nice at all. It was quite warm and pleasant in the sun, but still a little chilly in the shade. We moved to the lower deck as a compromise – filtered sunlight through one of the red maples. Nice! We talked about life while waiting on our Minelli’s pizza to show up.

Pizza arrived after 20-25 minutes. Paid to have it delivered, which for us is rare. We enjoyed pizza from the deck. As the sun sunk behind the house it got a little chilly. We headed in. It was 721p. I remember asking Mindy for a time check.

Mindy headed upstairs, I am assuming to mess with laundry. I spent some time on the computer. Kids got home just before 8p. Jimaken didn’t come in. We all readied to watch American Idol elimination night.

I poured another beer (CBC IPA) after drinking the 22oz rocket of IPA earlier. America voted … Jacob was sent packing, just as I suspected he might. We stayed tuned to FOX at Idol’s conclusion for Bones. I fell asleep maybe 20 minutes in. Mindy let both kids watch with her. They woke me for the tuck-in and bed. I felt like I might vomit. Bella insisted I still tuck her in. She even asked me to sleep in her bed. No!

Mindy expressed a little disappointment that I needed to sleep right away, no cuddling (15 touches). Bella came in our room. Pleaded with Mindy to let her sleep with us. Don’t know that she’s ever asked that before aside from during thunderstorms. Not sure what was up. Probably the scary Bones TV show. Mindy didn’t back down. Stuck to her guns, and shewed her back to her own room.