Mimicking Father

Up around 730am. Was supposed to be clear and sunny but mostly cloudy.
Enjoyed coffee and internet for more than 90 minutes before heading off on a run.
Ran 3 miles. By then it was mostly sunny and 70 degrees.
Mindy was up by the time I made my return.
Spent time together on the deck. Agreed to work in the pond, hopefully finishing the edge clean-up project once and for all.
Bella home at 11am. Changed clothes, grabbed some cash, and then went shopping with the neighbor girls.
Had to be around 1130am when we got started in the pond.
Was extra careful this time with the poison ivy, which there was plenty of.
The last stretch wasn't nearly as woody as the previous four events. Had three or four honeysuckle bushes needing trimmed out of the water.
Also used the stiff garden rake to pull branches that were submerged in the muck. In fact, most of what we tarped was stuff that was previously submerged. And because we were at the rear of our property, we didn't have far to drag the trimmings.
Probably only spent an hour in the water then another 30 minutes cutting it up and stacking it in the compost pile along the property line.
Mindy headed in for a shower while I did all the clean-up. That took 30 minutes alone.
I asked that she bring cotton balls and rubbing alcohol to the deck so I could bathe myself in it, hopefully removing any poison ivy oil that might've found its way onto my skin. Definitely didn't want to go through another bout of ivy. Ugh!
Finished clean-up near 2pm.
Headed in for a shower.
Mindy had to call for both kids. They each got home minutes later. Bella from shopping and Jacob from spending the weekend with his dad.
We left for Julie's b-day party around 335pm. Her house is up near Sawmill and Hard Rd.
We'd been there only one other time, and unless I am mistaken, a full year prior.
Despite only being there one other time, we found her house easily.
It was unusual for us to be the first guests to arrive. Thought we might've had the wrong date/time.
Nephew Joe pulled up just as we were beginning to question ourselves. :)
Others arrived minutes after us.
Nice house - nothing out of place (DINKs)
The backyard was set-up for a party complete with a volleyball net. Cool! We headed out.
Remembered the last time we were there - heavy thunderstorms roared through. Not this time - lovely weather.
Got two successive calls from my mom's bff, Denise. Didn't take the calls, though listened to the VM a bit later.
Learned my mom was in the hospital again, though she didn't elaborate as to why.
Not wanting to spoil the day, I decided to keep it to myself until we left the party around 7pm.
Played volleyball for more than an hour. Jacob and Bella played almost the entire time we were there.
Had Jet's Pizza for dinner.
Cheese cake and bismark cake for dessert. I had cheese cake.
Craig & Jeff brought cantaloupe, tomatoes from their garden. Mindy grabbed a bag full.
Left for home around 7pm. Mindy declared it her first official school night. Not only that, but I needed to work that maintenance window beginning at 1am, though I didn't share that with anyone.
Called Denise back on our drive home via the handsfree bluetooth.
Learned that mom had kidney stones blasted out on Friday but then had to return to the hospital on Saturday for feeling like death.
Ended up keeping her, and according to Denise, might've had a mild heart attack.
Oh my god! Really? Are you kidding me? Whatever befalls my dad, befalls my mom a couple months later.
Told Denise I would follow-up on Monday. Got mom's room number, etc.
Arrived home around 8pm. Soon tuned into SNF.
Called brother Glenn to inform of mom's condition.
Like me, he could only laugh at the coincidence of mom having dad-like symptoms. Talked for about 20 minutes, which included catching up on summer activities and then briefly discussing our potential winter ski trip to Lake Tahoe. Says he in. On his bucket list.
I head to bed shortly after our call with plans to be up again shortly after midnight. I was happy that this week's MW work would be manageable from home.

Visiting Tom C., Lowes & Daily Growler in the BM'er

Up around 8am.
Headed downstairs, started coffee then played on the internet.
comfortable, but cloudy start to the morning. Expecting sunshine later.. 64 degrees at wake time.
Enjoyed coffee and internet until almost 930am when I finally headed out for a run.
Ran 3 miles.
Mindy wasn't up until 1030am.
Near noon I headed off on a Lowes run in the BM'er. By then, it was sunny and lovely.
Stopped by Tom Clark's place on the way.
Haven't been by his home in more than a year.
Greeted me at the door but didn't want me to come inside - 'under construction'.
Walked around his yard then eventually headed inside. As he shared, more than half the house stripped to the studs, including the ceiling.
Redoing the entire layout of the interior.
He did the same thing at his old place in Marion Village.
Showed me all of his work.
Tom does good work, though via his own admission, he seems to have lost his motivation on this rehab job. He's been in it for more than two years now.
While visiting and chatting we casually watched a show called the Wildman, I think on Discovery Channel. This guy is called to remove critters of all sorts and does it with his bare hands - no traps. Yikes!!! Crazy!!!
Left for Lowes around 1pm.
At Lowes I struggled to pull up my list on my smart phone. Couldn't get my gmail to update. Finally got it. Good thing, too, because like a lot of Lowes/Home Depot trips without a list, forgot everything on my list.
Picked up a new bulb for our deck fountain, a gift card for niece Julie, and a plant hook for the front stoop.
Left Lowes and headed to the Daily Growler. Filled a growler with Bodhi. Thought I might stop in the Big Fat for a gyro, too but decided against it last minute. I knew we had a ton of party food still in the fridge at home.
Mindy was gone when I got home. Can't recall what errand she was running.
In any case, I quickly replaced the burnt out fountain bulb then turned my attention to installing the new plant hook on the front porch to pull the hanging basket of new guinea impatiens away from the ivy wall. Worked perfectly.
Next, I watered all the flowers front and back. Haven't had any appreciable rain in almost 10 days. Finally starting to dry out after a very wet summer.
Jimaken dropped off Bella sometime during the day so she could attend Makayla and Lillian's birthday sleepover party.
We planned to make a showing too, but not until much later in the evening.
Mindy and I headed over to the neighbors around 8pm. Got to visit with Guy & Missy, Chrissy's sister and husband. Good people.
Talked with Kenny's ex-wife some, too, Michelle. We hung out for a while.
Michelle's new husband smoke two or three large briskets and brought them over. Man was it good!
Mindy & I hung out until about 10pm, or when the mosquitoes became too much to handle.
Just before we left, neighbor Teri was sharing her displeasure with a neighbor for calling the dog pound on her two Jack Russell's for harassment. She wasn't exactly sure who it was that called, but asked if it was us. No, of course not.

You Know Summer's Over When ...

Up at 615am
Planning to work from home
Didn't exercise until after coffee and computer time, even considered skipping.
Ended up doing my regular Friday stuff: sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups.
Headed out for a run around 8am. Perfect day. About 57 degrees at run time. Supposed to reach 80 with lots of sunshine.
Mindy was home but spent most of the day preparing for her teacher pre-school year party set to begin around 4pm.
My goal was not only to have a short but productive work day, but also to cut the lawn during my lunch break.
Relaxing work day at home.
Headed out to cut the lawn near 1230pm.
Dry, cut with the tractor first and was able to do more than usual with it leaving myself much less to mow with the Toro. Still took about 90 minutes by the time I trimmed, edged and blew. Looked really good. For the first time all summer, the lawn's beginning to show signs of stress for drying out in spots. Might have to reactivate the irrigation system.
Mindy ran a few errands in preparation for her party.
She let me know that Mrs Anderson and Ms. Leahy, both Bella's former teachers were coming to the party. Bella didn't know it and Mindy didn't want me to say anything. Wanted it to be a surprise.
Stopped working around 3pm, though kept my laptop fired up so I could stay engaged if necessary.
Showered about then too.
First party guest showed up around 4pm sharp.
Mindy said she was expecting as many as 30 guests.
I called and invited Tom Clark. Said he would show up later but never did. Too bad.
I spent most of my time hanging with Mrs Anderson, her husband Mike, and Ms Leahy. Had lots of fun.
Mindy's teacher pal, Kerianne stayed way later than everybody else, not leaving until 930pm or so. Most others were gone by 7pm.
While Mindy and Kerianne chatted, I helped clean-up the party mess so we could wake up Saturday with a clean house, which always helps.
Drank a few beers earlier but then switched to Jack & Coke after the crowd left. Had just a small buzz when we finally headed to bed around 1030pm.

BM'er Day

Up at 615am
Was actually excited about the opportunity to work in my regular Hilliard office having not been there since Monday the week prior.
Exercise: sit-ups, windmills, and curls
coffee, computer, meditation, stretching and run - 4.1 miles - chilly, only in the low 50s. Wore a jacket again.
Back home by 730am
Mindy and the kids planning to spend the day working in Mindy's class room
Off to work by 830am. Decided to drive the BMer. Took the back way, Trabue, Old Dublin, etc.
Stopped at train tracks on Trabue but not by a train. Instead, there must've been a convoy of about 20 railroad maintenance vehicles, some looked like they were road/railroad track worthy. Waited about 10 minutes for all of them to pass.
Arrived at the office near 9am.
Turned out being a very busy work day. Accomplished a lot.
Got the key to my new 4th floor office. Turning top floor - my floor - into a cube farm. The move is temporary.
So busy, didn't get a chance to move into my new office during the usual work day. Decided to stick around after 5pm and do it then. Didn't get out of the office until almost 7pm. But even then I only had enough time to move everything. Didn't have time to organize anything. Wasn't sure when I'd be back - wither the following Monday or possibly not until the following Thursday.
Fun cruise home in the BMer. Took the back way again. Old Dublin is so much nicer now that they repaved it.
Can't recall dinner or how the evening ended.

Bodhi, Bread & Wings

Up near 545am
exercise: sit-ups, windmills, push-ups
ran 4.1 miles - chilly, only 53 degrees at run time. wore a jacket
Working in New Albany
Traffic backed up driving across town. Takes about 30 minutes.
Productive day. Accomplished plenty
Jimaken night
CBC
Parked across the street in the Kroger lot where I could see our car from the bar
Kate and Emily - no Vince
Bodhi, bread and wings
Aside from the yummy bread, can't recall what Mindy ate.
Home by 815pm.

Numbers & Charts

Even after 9 hours of sleep I woke feeling as though I needed more. But fortunately, after calisthenics I felt just fine. Probably just needed to get the blood flowing. Needed to be across town again today but not until 930am. I was very deliberate with my early AM routine and found myself heading out for a run by 645am almost like our normal school day routine. Speaking of school day routines, I am pretty sure that Mindy and the kids were heading in to work on her class room again.

I ran 4.1 miles and was surprised to find Mindy up, downstairs and making my breakfast when I got back from my run. She offered that I head to the shower while she finished. Cool! That saved lots of time. It was quarterly presentation day so I dressed a little nicer than usual. Mindy offered to iron my dress shirt but I declined. I was downstairs again and ready to go by 815am, which was far earlier than most days of late. We walked the pug together before I left.

Headed out around 835am. Took a while scooting across town but still made it there with plenty of time to spare. My boss was set up in my cube. We hooked up in the hallway then meandered around just outside of the occupied conference room where our quarterly presentation was set to take place.

Meeting started a few minutes late, or about 1005am. Just as it has during the last couple quarterly presentation, my numbers and charts kicked off all sorts of questions and debate. My piece went 30 minutes or more. Walked away with a few action items. Ugh!

Around noon, I met four of my co-workers including my boss in the cafeteria for lunch. First time in more than two years that I ate in the cafeteria. We had another meeting scheduled for 1pm - our weekly technical meeting. That went a lot smoother than the quarterly presentation. Over near 2pm. Spent the remainder of my day catching up on several other to-dos. Left for home near 5pm.

Tainted Sleep - Tinted Window

Sounds crazy, I know, but I was up at 1145pm Sunday night to start my Monday. And really, saying "up" might lead one to think that I got some sleep, but unfortunately that just wasn't the case, even though I tried. The reason I was up so earl was because I needed to be across town and prepared to carry out disaster recovery testing with a client at 1am. My plan was to be on site at 1230a.

Bella, bless her heart, knew I had to be up super early and had my coffee stuff laid out and ready on the island. She got up and joined me in the kitchen as I prepared for departure. Not to make a big fuss, I opted to drink day old coffee (Sunday's). Packed up and left the house around 1215am.

Arrived as planned near 1230am. Met a peer of mine along with a couple engineers that work for the client. We headed to the data center to prepare for the test. Took us 20-30 minutes to get organized. There were a handful of participants on a conference bridge too. The actual testing was underway by 115am.

We ran 4 tests, all of which went off as planned. Wrapped up around 230am. By the time I was heading out the door for my car it was 245am. By then I was really tired but also thrilled with the success of our testing. Arrived home just after 3am where I played on the computer for a few minutes to unwind.

Headed for bed at 330am. Took a little while to fall asleep but finally did. Unfortunately, I had an 8am appointment at Zeibart to have the replacement window in the Accord tinted to match the others. Said if I got there just before 8am they could have me in and out of there in about 20 minutes. So, as hard as it was, I rolled out of bed at 715am. I started a fresh pot of coffee, jumped into some comfy clothes, then bolted off for Zeibart with a to-go cup of coffee. Just down the road, arrived at 750am. Pulled in just as the store manager was unlocking the door. Said he was expecting me.

Had me in and out of there in about 30 minutes. Didn't take long. Very cordial and friendly. At home again near 840am, I hopped back in bed deliriously tired. I might've slept for another hour before getting up again, having more coffee, and finally heading off on a run. Mindy and the kids had already left the house for school where they'd be spending most of the day working on her class room. I headed off on a run near 10am where I ran 4.1 miles. Felt whole once the run was behind me. Little time to celebrate. Joined an 11am team call shortly after my return.

Still incredibly sleepy, decided to work from home for the remainder of the day. I took care of everything on my daily to-do list and calendar but napped a few times, too. However, no matter what I did, I just couldn't shake the sleepies. More than anything, I needed a full night's sleep. I worked on and off until 7pm.
We didn't have a real dinner. Mindy and the kids ran an errand around 7pm and picked up El Vaquero chips and salsa on their way back home. I got up from the sofa and enjoyed some of those before begging off to bed around 830pm.

From bed I watched NFL network before falling asleep around 9pm.

Take a Sniff

Not getting to bed until after 1am meant that I’d almost certainly sleep past my typical wake time of 715am. Sure enough, I wasn’t up & out of bed until almost 8am. And even then I was still rather tired, but got up anyway.

It was gorgeous outside. Sunny and 70 degrees. I started coffee then played on the internet. Didn’t head out on a run until 945am. Ran three miles. Mindy was up soon after my return. Asked what was new with Darwin. Shared some time together on the deck and then took the pug on a walk out front.

We were expecting Bella home from the neighbors sleepover by 11am. Mindy asked if I wanted to go grocery shopping with her. I agreed to go along but also offered that we make a trip up to the Tuttle Macy’s to look at mattresses for Bella. We were also expecting Lindsey and the boys to come over around 1pm to do laundry. Mindy was supposed to help her with banking/bills too.

As requested, Bella walked in the door right on time. Mindy quickly dispatched her to ready for a trip to Macy’s and the grocery. We left the house sometime around 1145am. We headed to Macy’s Furniture store first. It’s located near Britton & Tuttle Crossing Blvd. – not actually at the mall.

Not too many customers inside at all. In fact, I am certain that there were far more employees on hand than customers. And who here knows the drill when you enter a furniture store? The sale gerbils were huddled together about 200’ from the entrance and quickly sizing us up for a sale. Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I felt like a small fish swimming amongst sharks! Mindy felt the same way. We quickly diverted to the right and back towards the mattresses only to be cut-off and engaged by a sales guy, I suppose just trying to earn his keep.

Even if he were to make the sale of a twin mattress combo, I was given the distinct impression that he wasn’t too excited. We looked at a couple of their sale offerings, which were about the price range we were considering. But when he shared that they have to be ordered and delivered, which would tack on an additional $70 charge we quickly soured to the idea. We left after only five minutes. A few of the ten or so other sales gerbils now scattering greeted us as we waltzed out of there.

I suggested we look into the Original Mattress factory just down the street from our subdivision. However, because Roberts Rd exit is closed, we opted to head to the grocery store first. We cut across town – through Hilliard, Arlington, and Grandview in route to the Chambers Rd Kroger. I haven’t been there for a long, long time, but it used to be my favorite Kroger. Mindy loves it, though shared that it’s been under reconstruction much of the summer.

But even knowing that information hadn’t prepared me for how upside down it was inside. Holy smoke! What a train wreck! I am sure it’ll be nice when they’re finally done but for now it’s a mess. It’s been at least a year since I grocery shopped with Mindy. In fact, we’ve probably grocery shopped together just a handful of times in almost 8 years. Bella was a bog help taking directions from Mindy what to get. There was none of that ill behavior one typically sees from young children, though with her advanced years – 10 - I suppose she may be beyond that stage.

Took longer than I remembered, but that had more to do with the havoc the remodel placed on standard placement. Not only did it take forever, but I was also incredibly hungry and sleepy, having not eaten a thing all morning. And by the time we were done there it was close to 2pm. I was eager to get home and get something to eat – perhaps some of the snacks I tossed into the cart with spontaneity. 

Lindsey and the boys were already there. As we pulled into the drive, Lindsey and the boys were walking out to the bridge with a fishing pole. Of course Lindsey was on her cell phone at the same time, which is something that drives me batty, especially when she’s with the kids on a somewhat busy street. Looks trashy!!!! Rather than engage, I simply turned away and carried in groceries. Then, as soon as everything was carried inside I woofed down a quick sandwich then slipped off to our bedroom where I tuned into the NFL network and took a brief nap.

I might’ve hung out there for 30 minutes before heading back downstairs. By then, Lindsey was dealing with her laundry while Mindy talked with her about setting up auto bill pay for her online banking. The exchange was somewhat heated, but at the time I wasn’t sure why. I woofed down a few Triscuits topped with Jarlsberg cheese then slipped out onto the deck with my book in hand. Reading from the chaise lounge would be my escape.

I wasn’t out there long before Mindy beckoned my help. Prior to heading inside, I could tell that there conversation wasn’t going well. Let’s just say there were raised voices. Immediately inside Mindy addressed the issue at hand. Specifically the fact that Lindsey was withholding critical information regarding her delinquent pending bills even after we just bailed her out of financial trouble with more than $1500 earlier in the week. Mindy was furious, believing that there was full disclosure a week prior which was a condition for our help. After all, there can’t be a continuously moving target.

Before I could say anything, and it wasn’t like I had anything of instant value to add, their argument escalated to Mindy asking Lindsey to leave our home. Frankly, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Mindy so incensed. She even dropped an ‘F’ bomb while she gathered up Lindsey laundry and proceeded to pitch it out the front door. Lindsey then insisted that she wasn’t leaving without her bank card, the entire exchange witnessed my not only me, but Rocky too. He was starting to shake. I felt horrible for him, especially.

A classic and oft repeated Lindsey move, she called her mother while standing in our home to ‘tell on Mindy’ quite humorous really. The fact that she still does that kills me. Any other time she’s running down Kelly. Mindy was so angry that Lindsey had lied to her that she walked out back to blow off steam but not before insisting again that Lindsey get out and never come back. I fully understood her anger but was also deeply saddened after considering the gravity of the situation. After all, Mindy might have been Lindsey’s biggest advocate for the last two years, often reeling in my emotionally charged responses to her 16 year old-like behavior patterns.

While Mindy was outside blowing off steam, Lindsey insisted that she was calling the cops to get her bank card back. A total Jerry Springer event indeed. I went outdoors and called to Mindy. Just give her the card back. Serves us no purpose. Mindy eventually did just to get her out. Meanwhile, Rocky was distraught over the ordeal. Mindy hugged him and told him that she loved him. Unlike Landon, there wasn’t any way he would stay at our house without his momma. Lindsey soon gathered up all of her laundry and presumably blasted off to her mom’s to finish, which on the surface shouldn’t be a bad thing.
Landon, by the way, wanted to stay and have dinner with us. Both Lindsey & Mindy agreed.

Here’s the thing, the behavior Lindsey demonstrated is a pattern I am all too familiar with, not only from her but sadly her sister and mother too – half truths, never all the facts, and always somebody else’s fault. To be clear, not Ashley. She acts like a grown-up and takes full responsibility for her actions. I’m also convinced that Lindsey doesn’t see her behavior as deceptive & self-serving, though that is indeed what it is – manipulative!

Mindy headed off to our bedroom. I could tell without talking to her that she was hurt, disappointed and sad. I’ve been there with Lindsey. Just when you think you’re doing well, helping and making progress she’ll bite. And for some reason, she had the uncanny ability to bring out the worst in folks. Again, not had it happened to me but I’ve seen it happen with her mom, her grandmother, and even my uncle and my dad over the years.

But perhaps the saddest part of all is the impact her mistakes will have on the lives of my grandsons. That hurts. If she’d only listen, learn and repeat, she could turn her life and that of the boys in a jiffy. Why is it that she can’t see that?

I went up and briefly talked with Mindy about 15 minutes later. Both of us were still reeling from the stimulus/response ordeal. We attempted to rationalize but no matter what couldn’t help but feel sorry for the boys, because by us excusing ourselves from any more enablement beyond our current commitment will almost certainly spell doom for them.

Mindy eventually came downstairs and we recouped our day and evening. Our plan all along was to grill burgers and corn on the cob. At some point I reminded Mindy that I was going into work at 1230am. Until then, she had forgotten. Not me. It was in the back of my mind all weekend. I was trying to steal a nap at every opportunity so not to be a vegetable come time to work later.

Given my predicament, Mindy allowed me lounge through most of the early evening hours while she worked on dinner. To pass the time, I watched the final round of the PGA championship from the sofa. Enjoyable watching Jason Duffner win the tournament.

Dinner was ready around 6pm. It was just four of us, me, Mindy, Bella and Landon. After dinner, Bella made everybody dessert – ice cream. Earlier at the grocery store she thought she picked out strawberry ice cream but instead she carted bubblegum. Yuck! Turned out, though, that Landon loved it. Mindy offered that he could take the entire half gallon home.

Lindsey came by to pick-up Landon near 7pm. Of course she sent Ricky in to get him. We enjoyed a quiet Sunday evening, though I spent most of it stressing over my need to be at work by 1230am. I never did get any meaningful sleep ahead of then.

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A synopsis of the Lindsey financial problem: How’d we get here?

We agreed to Cosign for $18K car loan on the condition that she pay what she can on the car while first taking care of rent, utilities and insurance (necessities). And if she couldn’t pay monthly, she agreed to payback via tax returns etc. She’s made not even one dollar in repayment. Her tax return confiscated by fed gov. for defaulting on college tuition loan.

Car insurance- She’s behind one full month (July - $140) and soon more. We just forked out another 90 day premium ($450).

Learned she hasn’t paid her July or Aug rent and still owed $200 for June ($1200). Apt. complex sought legal protection and tacked on $277 in legal fees (total $1477).

Learned she’s behind on electric bill $300 (3 months).

Learned she’s in debt to tanning salon for monthly recurring package - $90 per month (???)

(none of this touches on the several thousand dollars we spent on the previous car and repairs, home décor, and other misc. financial help since Aug 2011.) She did pay back about $750 for the first car, most of which came in when we managed her money the first time.

How’d she get into this mess?

Supposedly loaned a friend at work several hundred dollars over several recent paychecks (???)
Over drawn checking account – saddled with hundreds of dollars of over draft fees
Initially withheld the ‘friend loan’ entirely until Mindy began asking questions about her bank balance as opposed to income. It was obvious several hundred dollars seemingly evaporated.
Once it came out, it was supposedly $600, which is an enormous amount when you’re ‘poor’ and already can’t pay your own bills.
Came out Sunday that it was more than a $1000. (???? Is there even more to this?)


Her bring-home income? (not a ton, but certainly workable)

Typically $1200-1600 monthly.
$250 food voucher card
Free medical insurance for the kids

In a nut shell, this equates to paying none of her fixed and necessary monthly expenses since May.
Where’d the money go? Sure, there’s gas money, phone and cable, We insisted she disconnect cable which she supposedly has. We also insisted she look at all of her unnecessary expenses, including cigarettes (has asthma), gum, candy, fast food, and pop. Got to pay your bills first!

We initially agreed to bail her out with certain conditions – full financial disclosure and we help manage her finances until she’s out of debt and learns how to manage her funds (needs versus wants).

… If it looks like a turd, smells like a turd, it’s a turd!!! You take a sniff!!!

Hello Snow Ski Season!

I fell asleep on the sofa and remained there until about 1am. I topped off my water glass then headed up to bed where I slept until 715am. Still a little groggy, I stumbled down the stairs to the kitchen where I started coffee.

I spent the next couple hours playing on the internet and enjoying coffee. Headed out for a run around 9am. It was partly sunny, humid, and 70 degrees. I considered tossing the running shirt aside but ended up wearing it. No doubt that I would have been much more comfortable without one. Ran three miles. Mindy was up and on the deck enjoying coffee when I got back home.

I joined Mindy on the deck around 10am. Kenny was out there talking with her. They were talking about the pond cleaning project. I pointed to the swan I rescued from the muck. It belongs to Kenny. He took it with him.

Mindy & I made plans to visit Aspen Ski & Board in Polaris for their annual summer sale where all last year’s gear is marked down by as much as 80%. Very exciting event. It marks the beginning of the ski season at our home – winter’s first right of passage. Figured to make an afternoon of it – sale, Polaris mall, and then lunch. Mindy wanted to get new ski boots. Her others have become problematic. Too bad Jacob was still in Michigan. He needs new board boots. I planned to look at new powder skis – at least 110mm at the waist.

Bella, of course, was going with us. I half expected her to put up a fight but she didn’t. She seemed good with it. She wants a new, shiny black ski helmet. We left the house around 1pm. We drove the Accord. Made sure Mindy had ski socks, and I took my ski boots just in case I bought new skis. 

Easy drive around 270 and then up Rt. 23 to Polaris. As expected, the parking lot was packed. Bella complained of being extremely thirsty. Mindy and she went in the KFC out front of ASBCO to get a drink while I ventured over to the ski shop.

We looked at all the stuff set up on tables outside. We found a really nice helmet meeting all of Bella’s requirements marked down by about 70%. Good deal! I urged Mindy to head inside to get help looking for new boots. She agreed. Meanwhile, I checked out all the clearance skis hoping I might find a pair of last year’s Line Mr. Pollard’s Opus at 179cms. No such luck. However, they did have the Line Influence at 115mm under foot. And they just happen to be all black! The only problem was that they only had them in 186cms, which even though they’re a full rockered ski, still are a bit too long for me.

I went inside to check on Mindy and look at their new 2014 models. Mindy had help from two employees. By the way, the place was an absolute zoo – packed with customers. Lots of snow ski stories and it’s only August! Mindy tried on three different pair of ski boots. They were focused on getting her in more of an advanced ski boot this go round. Given her tiny feet, they had a little trouble finding just the right fit and style, but ultimately did. They outfitted her with some 2012 Lange boots that Mindy really liked. And the price was incredible – only $150.

It’s tempting to spend more money on ski stuff, but we bought just the boots for Mindy and the helmet for Bella. After an hour or so at ASBCO we were hungry. Headed just up the road to the Polaris mall destined for Molly Woo’s – a Cameron Mitchell Asian restaurant. We planned to use our $100 Mitchell’s gift card.

Given the hour – about 3pm, there weren’t too many customers dining. Maybe 3 or four other groups. We let Bella decide, inside or out. She opted for the patio where there were no other customers. Didn’t take us long to order drinks and appetizers. We had ordered soft drinks and opted to share some calamari and pot stickers. Big day for Bella. She’s never eaten Asian cuisine.

We placed our lunch/dinner orders when our drinks arrived. Mindy went with the Happy Family, I went with Kung Pao scallops, and Bella went with Asian noodles. I ordered a bowl of won-ton soup too. The calamari and pot stickers were scrumptious. A little tough getting Bella to try the pot stickers but she liked them.

Our lunch was delicious. We were done and gone by 4pm. After lunch we perused the Polaris mall. I haven’t been in the actual mall but one other time and that was maybe ten years ago shortly after it opened.

Not sure why I was expecting more, for the most part, a mall is a mall is a mall. We popped in the Finishline where we bought Bella new school tennis shoes. Bella was eager to visit the Apple store. Said she’d never been in one. I took her inside while Mindy shopped elsewhere. We didn’t stay in there long, though. Funny, she wanted to handle the iPhone 4, not the 5 since as she put it, the 4 will likely be her first phone.

By the time we left the Apple store, I was ready to leave. We ended up walking to the other end of the mall where we reunited with Mindy and then ventured into Macy’s. Mindy & Bella looked at all sorts of girly stuff. I was bored to tears. After Macy’s we finally headed for home. It was already after 515pm. Where had the day gone? And by the time we were home and settled it was already after 6pm.

Mindy and I headed out onto the deck around 7pm, me eventually cracking open a Dubhe from Uinta – an SLC microbrewery. I set-up my Bose dock where we streamed Pandora for the rest of the evening. Somewhere close to 9pm Bella asked if she could have a sleepover at Makayla’s. We agreed but asked that she be home no later than 11am Sunday morning.

Sent Darwin a text at some point inviting him over for a beer or two. He was home and eager for some adult companionship. He joined us around 10pm, arriving by bicycle. Mindy was tired and headed inside about 30 minutes after Darwin showed up. He and I sat out on the deck putting back a few beers until almost 1am. The time flew by. By the time Darwin headed for home I was more than ready for bed.

American Girl Doll IPA

Sleep until 630am on purpose.
Planning to work from home.
Exercise, play, work.
Didn't leave for a run until 830am.
Foggy, warm, 71 degrees at run time.
Mindy, Gloria, Bella leave to meet Joe for lunch and then head to American Girl Doll store at Easton around 11am.
Gloria tells me to tend to laundry while they're gone. She loves me so much!
Finalize quarterly presentation. Finishing touches on monthly report too.
Do a little yard work at lunch. Trim ivy from west burning bushes and foundation. Also trim back the honeysuckle growing along west front yard and pond. Had an enormous pile in no time. Left it sit while I headed back inside to work.
Wrapped up my work day around 430pm.
Headed back outside to drag pile of brush to compost pile before Mindy returned home.
Gloria sticks around until 4pm.
Shower
Mindy, Bella and I made plans to have dinner at Barley's.
Drove Pilot. Bella brought one of her American Girl dolls.
Got a table in Justin's section.
I drank a spiked Fortune Teller Imperial Porter. Made with hot peppers.
The American Girl doll turns out, loves IPA. Hmm? Who knew?
Had a Hopiate next. Saying it'll be their last batch for a while. Too bad, it's terrific.
My original plan was to order dinner, and I thought I might go with the Barley burger but when Mindy and Bella were ready to order food I decided to pass. Instead, I filled up on beer and the delicious French fries we ordered as an appetizer.
Left for home around 9pm. Mindy & Bella were slowing making their way to the car. I did my best to startle and scare as they approached in the dark. Bella let out one heck of a scream.
We were too far down the freeway when Bella alerted us that her American Girl left her eye glasses behind somewhere at Barley's. Further, she insisted it had to be when I scared her, thereby pinning the blame on me.
Mindy was quick to want to exit and turn around to go look for them.
My God! What did we pay for those darn things? I was afraid to ask. Instead, I insisted we wait until arriving home where we could scour the Pilot with light. Mindy reluctantly abided by my wishes.
At home, no luck finding the glasses in the Pilot. Mindy and Bella made no bones about their intentions of heading right back to Barley's to look for them.
Not me. I wished them luck then headed inside where I watched more preseason NFL football and checked the Reds score online.
They weren't gone but maybe 10-12 minutes. Happily, they found the missing eye glasses near where we parked further validating Bella's contention that they fell off when I scared her as we prepared to depart.
Mindy was noticeably irritated with me for not going back to Barley's with them.
Asleep by 10-1015pm.

The NFL

Foggy, steamy start to the day. Warm, too - 73 degrees. Expecting a high in the mid 80s.
Exercise, play, meditate stretch. Run 4.1 miles
Check BBerry. Realize 10am meeting moved up to 0am. Yikes. Decide to join meeting via conference bridge from home.
Mindy going to school retreat all day. Takes Bella to her mom's. Bella wasn't pleased.
Decided to work from home for the entire day. Didn't make any sense to shower, power down, drive in to do what i can just as conveniently and easily do from home.
Decided to cut the lawn at lunch.
Head out around 1pm. Work for a little more than an hour push mowing and tractor cutting.
Sunny, warm and sticky at the outset. Cloudy as I finish up. Chance of afternoon storms but nothing imminent.
Spent mid afternoon working on monthly reporting. At 4pm, I quickly head out to blow grass clippings from drive and walk.
Rain looks imminent. No sooner do I finish blowing off walk and drive when a big thunderstorm rumbles through with extra heavy rains.
The timing of the rain was ideal. The flowers and grass were just beginning to show signs of stress.
We ended up getting more than an inch of rainfall. Rained on and off for the rest of the evening.
Bella brought a small Minelli's pizza home from Gloria's and shared a couple slices with me.
Thursday night NFL preseason football - Bengals vs. Falcons.
Watched until almost 1045pm. Bengals kicked their butts.

More Smashed Windows

Up near 545am. Need to be at work across town before 9am.
Exercise, play, meditate and stretch all before 640am.
Leave for run near 7am. Ran 4.1 miles. Cloudy, sticky - 70 degrees.
Mindy joins me downstairs for coffee before I leave for work.
Left Mindy blank check to cover Lindsey's latest financial crisis - don't ask! What a mess.
Leave for work near840am planning to take 670. Traffic backed up onto ramp. Not good. Cols. fire department entering freeway too. Assume accident just ahead. Decide to make u-turn and take 270 all the way around to the north. Ten miles longer but sometimes just as fast. Arrived around 910am.
Had to hustle to get settled and on normal 930am Wednesday call. Made it!
After our call, spent most of the morning on monthly report stuff.
Left to deposit a check and then a possible haircut at Saturday's. I say possible because the New Albany Saturday's often too busy when I show up at lunch.
Saturday's quotes a 20-25 minute wait. Offer that I run errands then return.
Visit Home Depot across the street where I pick-up two flower pots to replace pots that are too small.
Peruse other aisles too.
Had to wait another 5 minutes when I showed up back at Saturday's.
Good haircut. Informed me of new call ahead program. Perfect for me. I'll most likely do it moving forward.
Busy afternoon working on monthly report. Joined 230pm call as well.
Left for home around 455pm. Took 270 around. Called my mom. Talked only briefly. She wasn't pleased with me telling her to stay out of Lindsey issues. I don't like receiving emails telling me what I should and shouldn't do.
At home, Mindy anxious for date night at CBC. With Jacob still in Michigan, Bella with Jimaken by herself.
We leave maybe 15 minutes after my arrival home.
CBC pretty full. Mindy recognizes Craig, husband of teacher friend from old subdivision.
I drink a regular CBC pale ale while Mindy enjoys wine. Order bread and risotto balls as appetizers.
Order a Bodhi next.
Craig walks over advises that one of his peers just informed him that his pick-up truc was broken into in the CBC lot along with two other pick-ups. Oh no! Share my story about just getting my Accord back. Headed out to make sure our car was OK. It was.
Talk with Craig and other victims in the lot while they await CPD.
Criminals prey on happy hour venues - common for workers to show up with laptops in cars/trucks.
Inside, we ordered dinner. Mindy the buttermilk chicken dinner. Me wings. Yum! Extra good!
Home by 815pm. Bella there waiting out front with Jimaken.
Quiet evening. To bed near 10pm

Driving Accord

Up near 6am
Run 4.1 miles
Morning clouds but much warmer morning - about 66 degrees at run time. Expecting 80s and sunshine later.
First time driving my Accord to work since Wednesday July 3rd. Yeah, a really long time. Hard to believe it was that long in between.
Called Zeibart made appointment to have replacement window tinted next Monday AM to match others.
Busy day at customer's campus - meetings, etc.
Mindy and Bella to Teri's new house. Not expected home until late evening.
Take 670 home.
Walk the pug. Get into comfy clothes.
Snack on nuts, cheese and Triscuits. Play guitar. Play on internet. Write blog
Mindy & Bella home around 930pm

The Comb that Counts

Wake near 6am
Exercise, play, meditate, stretch, run 4.1 miles.
Sunny, but autumn-like. Only in the mid 50s at run time.
walk pug, breakfast (eggs and fruit)
Shower, dress, leave for work at 835am.
Hopefully last day driving rental Altima. Accord supposed to be ready around lunch time. Guardedly excited/hopeful.
Work, work, work
Call from Keith at Germain Honda near 230pm. Informs Accord is ready. Shares he went over it with a fine tooth comb. Not having familiarity with his comb, I wasn't ready to celebrate quite yet. After all, my comb would be the final judge. :)
Wrapped up my work day early. Headed off to Germain around 415pm. Arrive near 430pm.
Car looked good. Checked window and door lock operation at least 20 times. Looked over trim pieces too. All good.
Called Mindy as I exited the Germain lot for home.
Slow drive around 270. Felt good to be in my Accord.
Dinner, family, and NFL network. Can't get enough.

I'll Have a Dubhe!

 

Was up near 8am again feeling no worse for the wear. The sky was completely clear, but also cool - only 61 degrees. Spent time online and enjoying coffee. Headed out for a run around 10am. Mindy was still sleeping when I left.

Mindy was up shortly after I returned from my run. We discussed how our day might unfold knowing that Lindsey and the boys were coming over around 1pm to do laundry. We decided once again to do more work in the pond, sacrificing the lovely weather and life of leisure, and justifying it by saying that doing then would afford as opportunity to play later.

And what we planned on addressing that day was probably the worst part, back by the shed where we had a decent sized tree growing into the water almost horizontally thus trapping debris as it flows downstream, especially during storms. What's more, a very large log, about 12"-14" in diameter and 15' long was lodged in the low hanging branches of the tree, and as such trapped loads of trash and yard debris. Looked nasty.

I attached my Galaxy III to my Bose dock and blared tunes out back while Mindy and I got busy again in the pond. This time I wisely added a heavy rope to our tools at hand. The tree growing horizontally into the water had a trunk about 6' in diameter. I sawed it off about a foot from the bank. It was way too heavy to simply pull out, not to mention the canopy stuck in the pond muck and debris. Pretty quick I knew we'd need the chain saw.

Before its use, I refueled the chain saw and the refilled the chain oil reservoir. I headed into the water with the chain saw, which was slightly more than knee deep. I had to wade out further than I was really comfortable with given the pond's mucky bottom. I asked Mindy to be ready for a rescue. I made two or three cuts then tried dragging two large branches out by hand. No joy! Plan 'B' entailed using the rope to lasso the tree branches then pulling the branches onto land. Took some serious grunting, but Mindy & I got them up and out. As usual, looked like so much more on dry land.

Took about an hour to remove the largest tree. After getting the tree branches free from the pond, we scooped out all the trash and yard debris previously trapped by the branches. That was nothing short of nasty. We used a 5 gallon pail to scoop the smaller mucky stuff up and out. Next, we had to decide what to do with the large log floating nearby. Luckily, the deepest part of the pond, right behind the shed, had a somewhat rocky bottom, so it was easy to move around. I There, the water was about 3' deep therefore I was able to move the large log around easily, employing its buoyancy. Moved it along neighbor John's bank where we lodged it between several boulders. Happy with the progress we made in the water, it was now time to manage the enormous pile of tree/shrub debris.

About the time we finished in the water, Lindsey and the boys showed to do laundry. Right away, Landon asked if he could help. He genuinely likes being around us helping. He and Mindy cut up branches while I manned the chain saw and then carried load after load back to the compost pile. This time we had to extend the compost pile along the storm sewer drain and across the neighbors yard effectively creating an anti-erosion wall of debris. Landon was a big help, not once complaining.

Mindy and I had already loosely discussed Lindsey's latest financial dilemma. Mindy planned on discussing options for truly helping her out of the problem once she was inside. We also planned on visiting Sam's Club to pick-up more of those yummy tenderloin steaks. Once we finished moving the piles of debris, Mindy headed in to shower while I cleaned up the tools.

While Mindy showered, I had to help the wee ones fishing from the bridge. Rocky came running hysterical that they needed help removing a bloody fish from the pole and hook. I walked around the house to find Rocky in his socks without shoes. I quickly torched him for doing so, insisting that he go inside and put on his shoes, that or remove the socks. I then removed the bloody fish then headed back to the task at hand. When crossing the street I noticed deep scratches from the front all the way to the back of Lindsey's Civic. And if that wasn't enough, the scratch looked orange. I was pissed. As usual, she denied any responsibility. Then, as I walked around the car, I found a similar scratch along the passenger side as well. Now I was really pissed. She went on to share that her grandpa (Kelly's dad) tried using rubbing compound and that's what turned the scratches orange. DAMMIT! The car is only 9 months old and already looking like a beater.

Not five more minutes went by before i heard more commotion from the bridge. That's right, the kids caught another bluegil and were struggling to remove the hook. Lindsey was trying but dropping it every time, all the while having her cell phone to her ear. I wasn't about to help again. This time I insisted that Lindsey get off the damn phone and focus on the kids and the fishing.

While I wrapped up my doings outside, Landon asked if I would hook up the slip n' slide. Sure, why not? It was torn slightly but still useable. AS we've learned in the past. You're lucky if you get more than one good day's use out of them. This would be its fourth deployment. Landon played alone for just a short period of time before being joined by neighbors Evan and another toe-head boy about his same size. I let them play for about 15 minutes, or until there was a puddle of mud at the base of the slide. By then the slide was trashed. I let them play in the hose after that.

Inside, I was trying my best to manage my anger towards Lindsey. I just don't know where to begin, or end for that matter. Mindy was soon out of the shower. Originally, she talked about going to Sam's before having the financial discussion with Lindsey, but I convinced her to have that conversation while I was in the shower. I didn't expect it to go well. After all, we were proposing that our help be contingent on her allowing us full access to manage her finances (bank account). I won't go into her misguided financial moves but they're something even Jacob wouldn't do.



15-20 minutes passed before I returned downstairs. Mindy had her online banking pulled up and the two of them were having a heated debate over her finances. I know Lindsey well. She was espousing pretty much what I predicted she might. Bottom line, she wants our help but doesn't want us to have any control or say. But Mindy and I already talked about her possible rebuttle and our position. We simply weren't willing to negotiate. So when Lindsey asked if we could compromise, we sternly rejected any such notion. But Lindsey stood her ground, too, even going as far as saying she'd rather go back to living at the YWCA. Hey, can't fix stupid! After all, what we offered was real help, but not enablement. As sad as her emotional response was, we weren't going to budge.

While their finance discussion wrapped up, I was preparing to leave with the boys, taking them to Great Clips for haircuts. Usually well-groomed, they haven't had a hair cuts all summer. Mindy suggested that I stop at Sam's Club for steaks while out. I agreed. She gave her membership & bank card.

The haircuts at Great Clips were quick. Took both boys at the same time. Must've been five stylists working with no current customers sitting. I described the cut each wanted. I got a kick of out Landon insisting to the stylist that he didn't want a Mohawk. Were in and out of there in less than 12 minutes.

Afterwards, we headed directly across the street to Sam's Club where we picked up two packages of tenderloin (filets) steaks. Also picked up half dozen double-chocolate muffins. Yum! As he often does in any store, Rocky asked for almost everything his eyes spotted. He also stayed on me about taking him directly home to his momma. He doesn't like to be far from her side - insecure!!!! Landon, on the other hand, was more interested in asking to stay for dinner and have a steak. :) We headed back to the house.

Lindsey was still there but preparing to head home with her completed laundry. Mindy gave me a look, a look that defined their time together. I knew instantly that it hadn't gone any better. Lindsey left with Rocky in a huff stating that there wasn't any way she would consider our offer. I guess she wanted/expected yet another hand out. Said to call when Landon was ready to come home.

Calm befell our home after the two of them departed. That was nice. We grilled one package of tenderloins. Mindy also baked potatoes in the oven and prepared a fresh garden salad. We ate dinner around 6-630pm. Predictably, Lindsey texted Mindy asking how long we'd want to manage her finances. Strategically, we opted not to respond. Simply put, our plan or no plan.

Mindy did text back that dinner was all but over around 7-715pm. Lindsey came by to get Landon a bit later. While there, she agreed to let us manage her finances just as Mindy had proposed. The whole idea is an effort to teach Lindsey how to account for every penny. The facts are that she makes enough money to easily pay all of her bills.

Calm once again befell our home. While Mindy played on her laptop, I talked Bella into a bike ride. We did about two-three miles making a brief stop at the McVey's where we chatted with Lane and Collin, who were doing bike tricks.

I was excited about the first NFL game of the season, the Hall of Fame game featuring the Cowboys vs. the Dolphins. Love football season. Not sure how they chose which teams play in the HF game. I know the Cowboys played in it 2 or 3 years ago too against the Bengals.

Mindy headed to bed extremely early. I think the weekend's pond clearing work tuckered her out. I watched quite a bit of the game from the family room, at least well into the 3rd quarter. To bed by 11pm but couldn't sleep. Was up again around 230am. Ugh! Back to bed near 340am. Fell asleep near 4am.

Crabby Jacknophobia

Up near 730am. Woke to light rain. something I wasn't expecting. Reminded me of the Saturday prior. Warm, too - 67 degrees. Drank coffee, fooled around online for a couple hours before heading out for a run where I ran three miles.

Mindy slept until almost 11am. By then the skies were clearing.

I asked Mindy what she wanted to do, offering a bike ride as an option. She wasn't interested in a bike ride.

While enjoying more coffee from the deck, I cleaned, sharpened, and oiled all of our clippers and hedge trimmers.
We soon decided to simply stay home and clear out more of the bank along the stream. We'd already invested two days but still have as much or more to yet to do. We planned on picking up where we left off the Sunday before we left for S.C., which would involve clearing out the few remain branches still sipping into the pond between the stairs I built into the earth for access to the pond and the front bridge.

Into my hip waders and into the pond. Mindy worked bankside pulling up whatever I cut down and then managing the mess into large piles. As usual, turned out being far more than we anticipated. By the time we finished cutting and hauling out of the water we had four or five enormous piles in the side yard needing pared down and ultimately carried to the compost pile.

Spent only an hour or so in the water this time. I exited the water covered in mucky mud and couldn't wait to get out of the hip waders. It took probably twice that to cut up and carry all the debris to the compost pile. That might be the most grueling part. Then, after all that there was tool clean-up. Sprayed out my hip waders then hung them from the pergola to dry.

By the time we finished up it was warm and sunny. Worked up on heck of a sweat despite it not being hot, though it did reach 82 degrees. In all, we invested another 3 hours to pond clean-up. We were both tuckered. While Mindy headed in for a shower, I watered all the flowers before heading in.

Mindy & I agreed to do dinner at Mitchell's Fish Market. Haven't been there for a couple years and I was craving crab legs. We both were showered, dressed and ready for dinner before 6pm. We headed out early hoping we might beat the crowd. Drove the Pilot.

We beat the crowd. Not only was there ample parking available, but we were taken to a table right away and that was without a reservation. A lot of people may not realize it, but Mitchell's Fish Market is no longer owned and operated by Cameron Mitchell. Instead, it's owned by Ruth's Chris, just like Mitchell's Steak House downtown. As such, our expectations are somewhat diminished despite Ruth's Chris desire to be thought of as a upper echelon
restaurateur.

I considered a draught beer, but in the end opted for a Jack & Coke instead. Mindy went with a glass of wine. We ordered their crab and artichoke dip as an appetizer. That was delicious. I ordered King Crab legs while Mindy ordered scallops and shrimp. Again, I was craving crab legs. I ordered a 2nd Jack & Coke. I also enjoyed a Caesar salad. It was just OK. Our servers timing was goo. Our entrees arrived right on queue. Visually, I was a little disappointed with my King crab legs. Not only did they look rather small, but I also didn't get a claw. Instead, just three medium sized legs. They were tasty, though, and must also admit that I was full when finished. I didn't eat but a bite or two of the accompanying mashed potatoes and veggies. They weren't very good. A dessert came with my entree. I let Mindy choose which one. She selected strawberry short cake.

Mindy agreed to get the tab - her turn. Tried using a Mitchell' gift card but it wasn't one they accept. No biggie. We'll use it soon at a Cameron Mitchell restaurant. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'll give Fish Market a '6'. I offered that we stop at Barley's on our way home. I knew Mindy would say no, and I was half kidding anyway. We took 670 home.

At home we sat on the deck listening to more Pandora from my smart phone and Bose dock. I lit our Tiki torches too, and drank Jack & Cokes. Later, we turned the music down in favor of the sounds of the season, crickets, tree frogs, and bullfrogs. Can't recall having tree frogs in Columbus before. We do now, and we love it. Sat outside until sometime after 10pm. Mindy headed in before me, irritated when I started lighting expired wasp nest on fire. She didn't want to take any chances of there being any wasps still living in them. I knew better. I joined her in bed about 30 minutes later where we watched a little NFL Network before I drifted off to sleep.

Seventh Heaven

Allowed myself to sleep in until almost 630am. I'd be working from home so any time lost to sleep would easily be recovered since I didn't need to account for any drive time. After exercise, I poured some coffee then settled down at my desk for work and pleasure. Took care of a couple recurring Friday work tasks before breaking away for a stretch and run.

Mindy was up earlier than usual. She, Bella and Makayla were Ohio State fair bound. I opted to trim my Friday run to 3 miles like a weekend day. It was gorgeous, sunny and in the low 60s. If all went as planned, I would knock off from work early - around 1pm and spend the afternoon on the lawn.

Mindy and the girls left for the fair midmorning. Mindy figured they'd be home around 4pm. Meanwhile, I was looking forward to a quiet day working from home. Stayed busy up until the noon hour. Headed out to mow the lawn expecting to come in and do a little more work throughout the afternoon. Took me 1.25 hours to complete all the mowing - push and tractor. Despite it being cool for early August, I still managed to work up a pretty good sweat.

Spent another hour or two through the afternoon working but also enjoying music from my iTunes collection. Later in the afternoon switched to Pandora. And while I kept a loose eye on work for the rest of the afternoon, I was for all intents and purposes in weekend mode. Headed out to put the finishing touches on the lawn - trimming, edging and blowing. Got a shower after all of that.

Mindy got home sometime between 4-430pm. Said they had a good time. Of course, Bella brought home some cotton candy. Makayla soon headed home and Bella got ready for a weekend alone with her daddy. They were heading to the Dublin Irish Festival that evening. During the afternoon, I strategized how our evening might unfold. I Googled one of the newer micro breweries in town, Seventh Son located in Italian Village on 4th & 4th. I believe it' used to be an old gas station. I was also craving seafood, and more specifically, crab legs. Pulled up the Mitchell's Fish Market menu. Thought we might go there Saturday for dinner.

Once Bella left with Jimaken, Mindy and I discussed our plans. She like my suggestion, heading to Seventh Son Brewing. Thought we still might end up at Barley's, though, where we could check out their recent remodel. Mindy said she needed a shower after a day at the fair. I gave her about 45 minutes then headed upstairs to freshen up too.

We left for Seventh Son near 6pm. Still wanting to limit driving the rental, we opted for the Pilot. Cut through Grandview and Victorian Village. Took about 20-25 minutes to get there. Italian Village is east of High St, south of campus, but north of say Buttles. Still a little seedy, and even outright scary on some corners. Still, a cook little establishment. I especially like the gas station doors all opened on this occasion to lots of outdoor, community type seating. Just outside and across 4th Ave there was a portable pub parked there. Cool idea. Essentially a trailer attached to a pick-up truck equipped with 8-10 bar stools with a beer tap in the middle. Nice!

They don't serve food but allow a food truck on prem. This night it was a Mexican food wagon. But first and foremost, I was there for their beer. I opted for their Strong Ale while Mindy opted for their five flight sampler. And while there was decent crowd, we were very pleased that no one had opted for the leather sofa by the fireplace. That's where we sat.

Hungry, Mindy eventually caved and marched over to the food truck and soon returned with a chicken quesadilla. Not bad. I very much enjoyed my Strong Ale. Mindy like three or four of the five flight sampler. Didn't care much at all for the nut brown. I ended up finishing it. She really liked the Saison. Spent about an hour or so at Seventh Son Brewing Co. We'll definitely go back. We had designs on checking out the Barley's remodel.

In route, Mindy learned via Facebook that an old high school pal, Linda Kennedy, who now resides in San Diego was having dinner at Third & Hollywood. Said she hasn't seen her since HS. Via Facebook she quickly sent a request to meet up, either there or at Barley's. I agreed to stop there reluctantly. Turns out, though, we didn't have to. They were just finishing dinner and preparing to depart. Instead, they agreed to meet us at Barley's.

And while there were more than a few open parking spots in Barley main lot, I opted for one in the back 40 where we're used to parking.

The remodel is even nicer than I expected. Especially like the new community tables, lighting fixtures and stools. All new taps too. Sweet! Not too big of a crowd, though. We hadn't even had a chance to sit down when Mindy's pal, Linda and her partner showed up. His name is Jim, too. While those three chatted, I shared conversation with Bib Bob and his wife, Lisa. They had apparently been there for a while already and were about to depart. I asked how his pursuit of his PHD was going. Wasn't happy with the progress. Nothing left to do but the dissertation. Burnt out though. Said he may not finish. Interesting.

Once Bob & Lisa left, I got a chance to meet and chat with Linda and Jim. They joined us at our community table where I bought them both a beer. Old pal Lee showed up shortly thereafter. Bought him a beer as well. It's all good.
He didn't stay too long.

I eventually ordered a 2nd 20oz. ZIPA. Yum! Ordered some sauerkraut balls, too. Figured our friends might like them. Was surprised to learn that Linda is in Telecom sales, especially after Mindy said she was really shy. Her beau, Jim, is apparently an attorney. Not really sure if he's actively practicing though. In fact, I kind of hot the impression that he wasn't. He loves to golf though. Said he's played most of our upper echelon courses in and around Columbus, including Muirfield & Scioto C.C. Had an early Saturday tee time at Longaberger. Mindy and Linda exchanged phone numbers for another potential hook-up later. Sounds like they may be moving back to the Columbus area soon.

We hung out at Barley's until close to 930-10pm. Certainly not any later. Mindy was tired. In fact, she was quickly off to bed as soon as we arrived home. I stayed up for another 30 minutes or so playing around online.

Germain Gerpain!

Slept well. Up near 615am.
Start coffee and exercise: sit-ups, windmills, curls
Coffee, internet, meditation and stretching.
Run 4.1 miles.
Cloudy, 70 degrees - supposed to clear up as the day progressed.
Excited about getting my car back
Eggs for breakfast. Pack lunch.
Take Mindy coffee on way to shower
I have a 1030 dental appointment. Original plan was to head into office until 10am
That changed. Decided it more efficient to work from home until appointment. Would head to the office after dental appt.
Mindy and the kids left for Findley near 10am. Expected home near 3pm. Of course Jacob not home until August 12th.
Left for dentist appt. at 1015am. Took back way through Arlington. Arrived 5 minutes early. By then it was nice and sunny.
Lora guides me back to dental chair. Dr March replacing a failed filling in an upper right tooth.
While waiting on Novocain to take, I shared my displeasure with the total cost of Ashley's whitening appointment. Ended up about $100 more than quoted. Dr March seemed dumfounded - surprised. Promised to make it right. Would have office manager contact me to straighten it out.
Didn't take him long to replace the old filling. In and out in 30 minutes.
Colleen, office manager, still at lunch when we were done. Dr March promised to have her call me to straighten out bill.
Headed to the office arriving near 1115am
Nice to be in my own office.
August 1st meant time to pull data for July monthly report
Didn't hear from Germain Honda as promised. Called proactively instead. Got VM of service advisor. Left message.
Keith calls back about 20 minutes later to share that my car was ready and waiting. Left eager to get back into my Accord.
Didn't take long to get there from work - easy drive around 270 a couple exits.
Sign paper work and pay remaining deductible. Leave rental car keys with them.
Went over car with fine tooth comb. Door still not working correctly. Sometimes door opens/unlocks, sometimes not. Same issue we had after Safelite left the house. Dammit! Also, new interior leather door skin not mounted correctly. I could see the clips. Pissed!
Back to the desk. Receptionist sends Keith out to meet me. We inspect car together. I ask if he really even checked the repair as he shared he had. Said was unaware of the door unlocking issue. Duh - first thing on estimate. Apologized and promised to make it right.
Gave me rental car keys back. Promised to call Enterprise and extend rental. Keith to call me that afternoon and let me know how long until it's really ready. Disappointed, I drove back to the office in the Altima rental.
Celled Mindy. She was near 23 and 270 coming back from Findley. Shared car dilemma.
Agreed to let Bella decide what we would do for dinner.
Spent rest of afternoon taking care of numerous project related tasks.
Come 430pm, no call from Keith at Germain. Called proactively. Had to call main body shop desk where I talked with Trish who promised to make the repair right and have Keith call me back with the plan.
Keith calls back near 445pm to share that the Accord won't be ready that afternoon. Need to order new lock latch assembly. Will let me know lunch time Friday.
Leave for home. Not knowing how long I might be in the rental, went ahead and programmed my cell phone into rental's bluetooth phone service. Called Mindy and then tried reaching my mom. No answer. Left a VM..
Mindy shared that Bella wanted to stay home for dinner. Fine with me.
We would enjoy leftovers.
Evening was here and gone.
Off to bed early. eager for Friday and the weekend.

Promising Return of the Accord

I did it. Went to bed fully intending to rise near 530am. Still groggy, I rolled out of bed near 540am. Downstairs, I started coffee then completed morning calisthenics. Did sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups. Altered the location for push-ups, meditation and stretching because Bella was asleep on the family room sofa. Didn't want to wake her. Played on the PC until almost 625am. Then stretching and meditation ate another 10 minutes or more. Time well spent, though. Out the door for a run near 645am. The earliest I've hit the road in a while. It was cloudy and spitting rain on and off. A few times the sprinkles were on the moderate to heavy side.

Was reminded of the ever moving mother Earth. No longer is it full daylight at 530am. In fact, closer to dark than light already. Summer is slipping away gracefully. Second day in the new running shoes. Could feel the positive difference new/fresh padding makes for my tired old feet. Ran 4.1 miles happily.

At home by 725am, I quickly leashed up the pug who was eager to get out for a walk. Seemed much like a school day, me being on time and the walking the pug so early. Back home I started breakfast and packed a light lunch. Off to the shower near 750am. Delivered to coffee to Mindy's bedside. Was downstairs all but ready to go by 810am. Left for New Albany before 830am. I figured to be early. Wow!

That wasn't to be. Traffic was slow all the way across town on 670, and even stopped a few times before finally clearing well beyond downtown. Arrived near 9am. Parked pretty far from the walking bridge to the building. I didn't mind, though. Unfortunately, there was a cloud burst over the area with significant sprinkles and I walked in. To the north and west the sky was clearing.

Had to laugh. My bosses laptop was set up at my desk. He, however, was nowhere in sight. We hooked up a few minutes later where we chatted about this and that until the start of our 930am recurring call. That went fairly well. He suggested we do lunch later. Not usually my thing, but agreed to grab a bite together. I turn him down too often.

Stayed busy until almost 1145am when my boss and I headed to the cafeteria. Nice selection. I opted for a buffalo chicken salad, chips and soda. Chatted about work issues over lunch. Nice time. Laughed about my recent laptop docking station issues. After lunch, my boss headed off, said he needed to be at another meeting across town. I spend the remainder of my Wednesday completing numerous project related tasks.

Germain Honda called mid-afternoon to share that my Accord would be ready the following day at lunch time. Actually, picking it up on Thursday would work way better for me. Finished my work day near 515pm. Decided to take 270 home. Was actually looking forward to working at the main office come Thursday. Mindy grilled pork chops for she and I, made nachos for Jacob with leftover roast beef. The chops were thick and juicy. Yum!

After dinner, Mindy helped Jacob ready for his Michigan trip. She planned to drive him to Findley, Ohio come Thursday morning where they'd meet his buddies family for lunch at an agreed restaurant. Jacob was excited about the trip. He'll be there until Monday, August 12th.

After dinner, I took a brief nap on the living room floor, stretching out on my back. The nap felt incredible. After my nap I played around online for a while but then called it a night rather early. I was in bed again by 915pm, but watched NFL Network for training camp updates.

Driving a Rental

I hoped after more than 10 hours of sleep that I would wake early and completely energized. That unfortunately wasn’t the case. Instead, I woke near 530am groggy and tired, convincing myself that another 30 minutes of sleep was what was in my best interests. But then over the next 30 minutes I must’ve woken at least three times to check the clock. Each time I closed my eyes for just a little more precious sleep. In the end, I wasn’t out of bed until 615am.

I wasn’t too worried about it. I’d be working across town at a customer’s location and didn’t have any meetings scheduled until an 11:30am conference call. I figured I could easily be on site by 930am.
I headed downstairs where I started some coffee then completed Tuesday calisthenics, which includes curls in lieu of push-ups. Knocked out exercise in short order, and by then the grogginess had faded.

Coffee was delicious and just what the doctor ordered. Enjoyed coffee and internet for more than 30 minutes. Stretching and meditation were up next. Knocked both of those out in all of about 15 minutes. Dressed for a run next, which was the maiden voyage for my brand new running shoes. And just as I do with all new running shoes, I tied them a bit looser than usual to help aid the break-in process. I was out the door somewhere close to 730am. It was a few degrees warmer than the morning before and the sky a bit clearer. Quite comfortable, really.

What a difference new running shoes makes. The cushioning was like medicine for my feet. I ran at least a month longer than perhaps I should have on my old pair. And while the look fine on the outside, the sole is beaten down and there are even holes in the soles. In fact, they were to a point where they were sucking water. I tend to do that time after time. I ran the full 4.1 miles getting back to the house near 810am.

Like most work days this summer, I immediately began preparing breakfast and packing lunch. Enjoyed a fresh peach with my breakfast. We don’t but them too often. It was very good – sweet & juicy! Headed up for a shower also taking a cup of coffee along for Mindy. Was showered and dressed by just before 9am. Mindy got out of bed and joined me downstairs. Agreed to walk the pug with me. She reminded me that Tuesday would be a date night. Jimaken coming to get the kids after work. She planned on taking Jacob to Saturday’s for a haircut after the Orkin guy shows up.

It was a pleasant morning for a walk with the pug. We walked to the west. Eiknarf pooped twice. Before leaving the house in the Nissan Altima for the first time, I made sure that I knew where the gas tank door was. It came with just a ¼ tank. I left for work near 920am stopping for gas at the nearby Circle K. Put only $15 in the tank since we only need to return it with a ¼ tank. Drove across town to New Albany arriving near 955am.

Quickly settled into my Tuesday cube in a campus building different from the one I work in on Wednesday’s. Stayed busy with several tasks leading up to our 1130am call. The call went well. Lasted no more than 15 minutes. Stayed busy this time until out 1pm meeting upstairs in a conference room. That meeting lasted the entire hour and was very beneficial.

While others headed to lunch, I headed back to my cube and back to work. Much earlier, Mindy sent a text letting me know that the Orkin guy was at the house. She sent another letting me know that they were at Saturday’s. I stayed busy until just after 5pm. I could only remember the general vicinity of where I parked. Plus, I didn’t have the benefit of knowing in great detail what my rental car looks like. I simply haven’t paid too much attention to it. Turned out, I found it with little trouble.

With no handsfree Bluetooth on board, I didn’t’ bother calling Mindy on the drive home. Decided to be a risk taker and took 670W. The few times I taken that path home, I’ve made excellent time crossing town until I hit the 670/70 merge. The slowdown struck early, but unlike the last two times, traffic never slowed to the crawl I expected. Was home by 535pm. The drive left me feeling extra sleepy.

The kids were already off with Jimaken. Mindy was in a good mood sharing how their day unfolded. They lunched at Sonic in Grove City. The kids hadn’t eaten there before. Mindy, I think, only one other time. Sadly, she didn’t give it high marks. Said they were all disappointed with the quality. Figures!

Speaking of food, Mindy & I planned to do happy hour at CBC. I hadn’t been there for a while, though Mindy was there with her teacher pals last Thursday. We both freshened up then left for CBC driving the Pilot. Arrived near 6pm.

The bar was full, the restaurant seating almost empty. We stood around the bar sipping our first beers, me a Bodhi and Mindy their newest, a Beerfest. I tasted it. Very malty. Tastes a lot like their Octoberfest, which I am certain will be on the taps soon.

We stood for at least 15 minutes, which I didn’t mind at all after sitting all day. Soon a couple stools freed up near where we stood. We took ‘em. Mindful of the work day ahead of me Wednesday, I was happy having just the one beer, not to mention beer simply not tasting as good as it should. I kept it to just the one while Mindy eventually invited in another, this time a Bodhi. I was extra hungry, though, and couldn’t wait to order some food. Someone near us ordered wings. The smell was over the top. I ordered some of my own. Mindy went with the walleye dinner. Even though I ordered ice water rather than a 2nd beer, Kate slipped two samples my way, the Beerfest and Ingenuity. The Ingenuity tastes an awful lot like North High Brewing’s ales.

We stuck around CBC until 8pm or so. I picked up the tab and left Kate a nice tip. I drove home too. Mindy shared that after two beers, there wasn’t any way she could drive. Light weight!

Arrived home expecting that the kids might be there waiting. That wasn’t the case. In fact, they weren’t home until somewhere closer to 9pm. By then, I had gone horizontal on the living room floor flat on my back while Mindy played on Facebook via her phone in one of our new recliners. I fell asleep easily and didn’t wake until the kids came in. The first thing out of Bella’s mouth was that they met Molly, their dad’s new girlfriend. Jacob predictably asked about CBC leftovers.

I woke feeling refreshed and perhaps even a little hungry again. I ate only 7 of my wings earlier. While playing on my PC, Mindy declared it her bedtime and headed upstairs. It was only 930pm. I stayed up enjoying a few handfuls of Life cereal while playing around online. I joined Mindy & Bella in our bed right at 10pm. They were watching Big Bang. I fell asleep less than 10 minutes later.

New Runners

My mind set was to sleep until 6am. With summer waning, that luxury will soon be a thing of the past. Mindy and the kids will be back in school in 3.5 weeks. In actuality, I didn’t get up until 615am. I woke extra groggy after having a hard time falling asleep. My body ached too. I assumed it a combination of all the yard work and the running. Speaking of running, I ordered new running shoes online late Saturday night from Finishline. They called Sunday morning to share that they were already available for pick-up at their Tuttle mall store. I planned to go after them at lunch time Monday.

I felt safe ordering new running shoes online without first trying them on given that I bought the same model that I purchased last time. The only difference being this version is the trail model with a different striping color.

Downstairs, I started coffee then got busy with calisthenics. Whipped 50 sit-ups, 40 windmills, then 50 push-ups. Coffee was ready shortly thereafter. Spent a good 45 minutes playing on the internet. Headed to the family room for meditation and stretching around 705am. It was 720am by the time that I was ready or my run. I heard the recycling truck come by during stretching.

Ran 4.1 miles. I was actually chilly for the first ½ miles or so. There were clouds in the eastern sky blocking most of the early sunshine. Once they cleared, it warmed quickly. Was back home near 8am. Quickly switched into breakfast/lunch prep mode.

I heard Eiknarf whining from Bela’s bedroom, and soon one of the girls let her out. She quickly joined me downstairs. I turned off the stove then headed out on a walk with the pug. For the first time in a long while, we took our across street route. Eiknarf seemed to like the choice.

Back at home, I cooked breakfast and packed a lunch. Was off to the shower near 820am. Took Mindy a cup of coffee on my way. Shaved, showered and dressed by 840am. Mindy opted to remain in bed. Seemed out of it. Said she didn’t sleep that well. I spent the next 15 minutes or so preparing to depart. Supposed to be a gorgeous day. Planned to drive the BM’er. Left the house near 855am. Almost turned right onto Wilson. That would’ve been a mistake given that Roberts Rd is closed for the next 90 days. Last second turned left and headed to the I-70W on ramp.

Arrived at work near 910am. Talked with my boss in the hallway. Walked down to the loading dock to pick-up my new docking station, which was shipped last week to replace the current one which the helpdesk suspects is defective. Actually, though, I think I found the real problem all on my own. Anything plugged into my USB ports at fire-up causes the symptoms. Removing my external HD from the docking station and then the mouse fob solves the boot up issue. Who knew?

Worked on several tasks/projects all morning long. Left for lunch near 1230pm destined for Finishline at Tuttle mall to pick-up my new running shoes. Nice to get out and away, especially given that I drove the BM’er. Felt like autumn. Still a slight chill in the air. Parked behind Macy’s, cutting through the lower level Men’s Dept. in route to Finishline just outside the Macy’s mall entrance.

Gentleman went for my order right away. Had him point me to the shoe strings. Checked out in-store models. The pair I bought online for $69 (actually $59 with my $10 off coupon) were originally $119 and on sale in the store for $89. Buying online worked well in my favor. While the guy was in the back room finding my shoes, I picked out some bright orange shoe strings to go with my new shoes, which have the same bright orange striping. Picked up another pair of bright green laces, too.

Cut through Macy’s checking out a few Polo shirts. Ended up buying a new pair of black Levi cargo shorts. Fit great and on sale for $24.99. I love Macy’s. Headed back to the office. Gone no more than 45 minutes. Ate my lunch while working. Joined a recurring 4pm call a few minutes late. No one else was on. Pinged a peer who was also supposed to be on. She shared that the call was already over. Nothing going on.

Finished my day at 450pm. Earlier, Mindy sent a text asking me to pick-up Jacob at a friend’s place in the subdivision directly across the street from my office. No problem. Tried calling his phone before leaving the office. No answer. Left a VM. Nice house! I have always liked that subdivision, especially way in the back where Jacob’s buddy lives.

I heard commotion out back. Walked around the side of the house. Noticed all the boys swimming in the inground pool. Spotted Jacob. Hollered his name. Told him it was time to go. He snubbed initially, His buddy’s mom must’ve been sitting outside supervising. She walked around to greet me. We chatted for a while, her explaining that her husband works out of town. Jacob and Jaeger soon come out and propose that Jaeger’s mom will bring Jacob home around 7pm if it’s OK with me. Sure. Of course I made sure that it was OK with Ehman’s mom, too. Called Mindy before backing out to make sure she didn’t have an issue with it. She didn’t.

Headed for home. My mind must’ve been elsewhere. I mistakenly exited at the Roberts Rd exit despite knowing full well that the bridge was closed. I had no choice but to go right on Roberts. Took the detour through Westbelt, which eventually sumps out on Trabue. As one might expect, traffic was backed up all the way from Roberts to Trabue. Slow, slow, slow!

Arrived home right at 530pm. Mindy was busy putting the finishing touches on dinner – pasta and meatballs. Bella and Kayla were hanging nearby. Apparently Kayla spent the entire day with Bella. Mindy soon shared that they spent the afternoon at Darby Battelle Park. Said they saw some bison as well as parts of the park we’ve never been to before. In fact, I’m pretty sure that Darby Battelle Park has expanded over the last few years.

Dinner was good and filling. Kayla enjoyed dinner with us. The girls headed out to fish after dinner. I managed kitchen clean-up. Once the kitchen was back in order, I took a few minutes to thread the orange shoe strings through my new shoes. I like the look! I also showed Mindy the new shorts I purchased. She likes them too. I asked that she wash them sometime soon. I won’t wear new clothes until they’re washed.

It wasn’t even 7pm when I stretched out on the sofa. Not only was I tired from a less then fulfilling night of sleep Sunday, but also from a belly full of pasta. I was out for about an hour. I got up for a few minutes but soon slipped off to our bedroom where I leaped into bed and turned on the TV. Mindy came up a few minutes later laughing at the fact that I was already in bed. It had to be about 815pm.

I stayed in bed for about 30 minutes before heading back downstairs to have a bowl of cereal. Can’t explain why I was hungry again but I was. Mindy soon shared that Jacob called and was now spending the night at Ehman’s house along with others. After my cereal it was just after 9pm. I topped off my water cup and headed back up to bed determined to get a good night’s sleep.

I tuned the TV to an episode of Family Guy in anticipation of the Big Bang Theory coming on next at 930pm. Bella and Makayla came in asking for help with the Time Warner DVR. Couldn’t get their show to play. Reluctantly, I pulled myself out of bed and headed downstairs again to the family room. I couldn’t get it working either. Damn Time Warner box. More trouble than it’s worth. Have to reset it at least once a week. Back to bed.
Turned out that the Big Bang episode was one I’ve seen previously. I left it play but rolled over face down into my pillow. I fell asleep minutes later.