Where the Heck Am I?

I slept rather poorly, especially during the last couple hours. However, I fought off the urge to get up extra early and stayed in bed until 510am. Still was up 20 minutes early, however. After sit-ups and push-ups, I decided to lie back down on the sofa until about 530am. I didn’t fall asleep but managed to relax my racing mind.

I spent a solid 20 minutes on the PC reading headlines and looking at used Hondas, Toyotas, and Hyundai’s. I took note of two in particular. Come 6am I headed up to wake Mindy with a cup of coffee in hand. We hugged and chatted briefly. I turned off the ceiling fan on my way back downstairs. She didn’t request it, but I had already turned up the heat. The house was chilly.

It was rather warm outside – a whopping 54 degrees. Expecting sun, clouds, and rain sometime during the day. Downstairs, I did my stretch and meditation then readied and left for a run. It was 631am when I headed out the front door.

It was trash day, but they hadn’t been by yet. I ran off doing the full 4.1 miles. I was feeling a lot better about things, and subsequently had mostly positive thoughts whirling about my mind for the duration of my run. Mindy was gone by the time I returned home. The trashcan had been emptied too. That was more than apparent by the fact that it was now lying over on its side.

Mindy called as soon as I got in the door and was turning on the stove. Said she left at 713am or two minutes prior. Must’ve just missed her. She also shared that Lindsey called and said she had a ride to work. I had to laugh because of all days NOT to need me, this wasn’t it. I drive right by the place on my way to my customer's site. However, it was nice to have a more leisurely ready.

I fried four eggs. Two for me, and one each for Bella and Eiknarf. It was 732am by the time I headed off to the shower. I was ready rather quickly and downstairs by 755am. I took a few minutes to iron the wrinkles from my new khakis and to press my shirt collar. I was looking good!

The kids and I headed out to the bus at 810am. Kenny met us there. We talked about the Penn St scandal. Both of us agreed that had someone told us five-ten years ago that Michigan, OSU, and now

Penn St

would go through what they have we’d never have believed it. No way!

Walked Eiknarf before heading back inside for final prep. I left for work at 821am. I opted not to try 670. Didn’t want to press my luck. It was a fairly easy drive around i270. Arrived at the customer’s site just ahead of 9am. I got caught up with unrelated work matters and missed an important meeting in another building but on the same campus. That’s just how it goes, I suppose.

I handled our regular 10am customer meeting by myself. I kept busy working on monthly reports after that. At lunch time I planned to go look at the Honda Civic I called about the day before. which was off

Westerville Rd south

of Morse. I also planned to look at a Hyundai listed for the same phone number. It was just posted this AM. I headed out around 1230pm.

It didn’t take long to get near there. Oh my gosh! No way. The entire area is economically depressed with one used car lot after another. I didn’t feel safe or good about buying a car there. I drove by and turned around at my earliest convenience.

So much for that idea. I headed back to the office.

The afternoon was largely uneventful. Still had plenty to keep me busy, though. I stayed true to my plan to leave the office close to 5pm in order to be home near my regular time. On my drive home I called a guy about another Hyundai I found on Craig’s list. He seemed like a nice guy but I quickly learned that he was selling  the car for his buddy in Chicago (Illinois title). Car doesn’t have tags. Uses his own to test drive. He was a fast talker and only wanted to meet me somewhere with the car. Said his wife refused to let him give their Arlington address. Basically, all the warning signs were there. I made loose plans to at least meet him and look at it on Thursday during lunch. However, even before I arrived home I decided I would almost certainly cancel. Again, didn’t feel right. Trust the gut!

I tried calling my dad on the long drive home too. I was leaving a VM when I had an incoming call from him. We talked for a few minutes. He was excited to be home from rehab after only one week removed from his 2nd knee replacement surgery. Said he was doing good. Sounded good too. Shared that he had talked with Mindy earlier, who had offered to bring him dinner. He declined having already eaten.

Called Mindy as I neared Tuttle. By then, traffic was almost at a stand still. She was curious of my ETA. I wasn’t sure given the traffic's crawl. The sky looked rather ominous as I made my way around 270. Dark clouds to the east and west, but clear/sunny directly overhead. The sun was setting fast, however, and it was pretty much dark by the time I finally arrived home.

It sounded like Mindy had her hands full with the kids. Not only were ours home, but Rocky & Landon were there for dinner too. We’d have them until Lindsey gets off work at 7pm or so. Mindy made a pork roast. Let it cook in the crock-pot all day long. The house smelt of the roast when I walked in the door. Yum!

The kids were already seated at the dinner table, and right away someone, I think Bella, shared that Landon scratched our eating table with his fork. He looked afraid. I just smiled at him. It really wasn’t that big of a deal. Mindy dished up everyone’s plates. It looked as good as it smelt – pork roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, peas, rolls. I opted for green beans over the peas.

Dinner was delicious, and it always does my heart good to see my 2 grand babies eating so well. Rocky in particular had two helpings and then a bowl of pasta. Where does he put it all? Following Rocky's lead, Landon asked for some pasta, too.

While I managed the clean-up, Mindy helped the kids get their dessert/treat - Halloween candy. Bella hustled off to ready for gymnastics. Mindy would be dropping her; I'd be picking up. We expected Lindsey around 8pm to pick-up the boys. We planned to nail down the details of the money management plan once she arrived.

Mindy was home from dropping Bella just after 7pm. The boys, Jacob included, played Wii. They were loud. Rocky has one of those excruciatingly loud voices. I made him come sit on the steps for a few minutes after rattling my brain to the core with one of his loud shrills. I made him sit for no more than five minutes and then asked him to share how he might control his loudness moving forward. He was at a loss for words. :)

Lindsey showed up around 810pm. She was hungry so we offered up some pork roast. We planned to discuss the money management thing, but there was only one problem. I had to leave to pick-up Bella. I pulled up the budget Mindy and I constructed for her on an Excel spreadsheet so Mindy could review it with her in my brief absence. We could pick-up the pieces once I returned.

I wasn't gone but maybe 15 minutes tops. Mindy & Lindsey were in the kitchen dealing with the kids. I figured they decided to wait for me to discuss money. That wasn't the case, however. Mindy said they already agreed to the terms but hadn't finalized everything. The three of us headed to the livingroom to nail down all the particulars.

Lindsey had a few questions, most of them centering around how we'd determine her bimonthly allowance. I explained. She also wanted assurance that come Xmas, we'd agree to a larger amount. Yes, but those two questions alone really tell me her head isn't in the right place. Should be most concerned with meeting her necessary fixed and variable expenses on a long term basis, which as we showed her in the budget should be more than doable. In fact, she should be able to save some money each month. In the end she handed over the bulk of her recent paycheck and let Mindy give her the first allowance. She said it was hard to hand over her money to someone else. I told her I was proud of her for making the right choice. Still not convinced she fully gets the bigger picture.

It was getting late. Already after 9pm. I ran Lindsey and the boys home. We didn't stay up too late once I was back at home. All of us were in bed by 10pm. Good night moon.

Eggs, Votes, and Money

Once again, I struggled to sleep much past 430am. I tried to find my groove but couldn’t. Finally, come 510am I gave up and got out of bed for good. Downstairs, I slipped into my exercise shoes then glanced skyward out the deck door. Completely clear, and lots of stars overhead. Really pretty.

I completed 50 sit-ups and then went for coffee. By the way, this was a skip push-ups day.  I had plenty of time to surf the web, and thought about spending a little time updating my blog but didn’t. Posting-wise, I was like 10 days behind.

I enjoyed the extra leisurely pace, the coffee, and reading. I broke off near 550am to meditate, stretch, and wake Mindy. Actually, I woke Mindy after meditation but ahead of stretching.

Once again, I got out the door for my run early, leaving the house before 620am. It was in the low 40s but felt colder. This time I was smart and wore hand covers. That helps big time. It’s hard to believe that I used to run the entire winter without them. How foolish of me. I warmed up quickly and ran the full 4.1 miles. Mindy and I have been struggling with the fineline between enabling and helping Lindsey. The next step is getting her on the road with a car and insurance. I thought about that problem/opportunity throughout the entire run.

During the last mile I felt at peace with my decision/position. Quickly stated, we would help with a car only if Lindsey agrees to let us help her manage her money just as we discussed with her some 10 days prior, and we wouldn’t cave to anything less than that. I planned to tell her on our drive to work later that morning.  Refusing our offer would be like saying she doesn’t need our ongoing help, which would be fine if that were truly the case. We’ve already spent a ton of money, time, and effort, not to mention almost constant worry. It’s been very draining.

Mindy was already preparing to depart when I got back home and shared my Lindsey epiphany with her. She strongly agreed. Meanwhile, both kids asked about wearing shorts to school since the high was supposed to reach 70 degrees. I only shared that it was cold enough at the time for me to wear gloves to run. Mindy told the kids no and Jacob threw a fit, and a big enough fit that Mindy grounded him for talking back.

I gathered up Eiknarf and headed off on our walk. Mindy was preparing to leave early so she could drop the boys at Magdalene and still make it to school on time. She met up with me near  the bridge where Eiknarf and I were on our morning walk. Before she headed off to work, she reminded me to vote sometime during the day. Thanks. I had temporarily forgotten.

Inside, I started breakfast for Bella, Eiknarf and myself. Jacob stayed upstairs pouting about the shorts thing for quite a while. I only shared that I didn’t want to hear anymore about it, even for a second. He was soon downstairs for his breakfast, which amounted to nothing more than a cup of chocolate milk and vitamins. I think he eats again at school.

I fried the rest of us eggs, Eiknarf included. Her plea for eggs is getting worse. Cries like a baby once she smells them cooking. Bella’s diggin’ ‘em now too. I think she likes them a whole lot better the way I fry them, which is over med/high heat, not ‘slow and low’ like Mindy does ‘em. Just sayin’ …

I was off to the shower just after 730am. I was fast with my ready and back downstairs even before 750am. Lindsey was there and sitting quietly at the island counter. I pretended to be startled that she was there. I chose not to broach the money topic until the kids were on the bus and we were on the road. She went on about a couple apartment repair issues that she feels aren’t being addressed properly by the maintenance dept. (window, dishwasher rack, and bathtub faucet). I feel for those poor souls. I questioned her about the dishwasher rack. Really?

We headed out a few minutes early.  Jacob bellyached about how warm it felt. In reality, it was only 48 degrees. I checked. It was pretty, though. We met Chrissy at the bus stop. She and Lindsey talked for a while. While they chatted, I walked Eiknarf back to the house and took my gear to the Accord and squeegeed the windows free of the overnight dew so we’d be ready to go once the bus arrived. The bus arrived a couple minutes late.

Lindsey and I headed off in the Accord at 822am. There were no traffic issues. In kind, we made excellent time barreling around 270 to the

Sawmill Rd.

exit. I didn’t waste any time bringing up the financial arrangements. Long story short, she agreed to let us manage her money, but also said she had to sign a contract of sorts with Tristan from the Salvation Army agreeing to let her help with budgeting and stuff. She wanted to show me the contract, which I refused for driving. Duh! I only added that I don’t care what she signed with anybody else, if I am going to continue to be the shuttle and help get a car, I am going to manage her money until I feel that she’s got her finances under control. In fairness, I made sure she understood that we would not be taking a penny of her money for ourselves, but making sure all of her fixed and necessary variable expenses were addressed before anything else. She’s expressed worry that we won’t give her but $20 a week for a spending allowance.

We agreed to hammer out the details after work Wednesday at our house. I dropped Lindsey at work somewhere near 840am. Honestly, the conversation went better than I expected, though I did have to chop her off at the knees a couple times, reminding her that no one trusts her or is giving her much of a chance at turning her life around. I’m sure that hurt a little bit but it needed to be said. The old Lindsey would’ve gone off, but she managed to retain her composure throughout.

I arrived at the office at 850am. The first thing I did after booting up was check my calendar for daily meetings. Just one at 10am, and that one was tentative. Mindy called as soon as I was settled. She was anxious to hear how my conversation with Lindsey went. She was surprised. We agreed to discuss the details from our end when she and the kids get home later that evening. She reminded me that the kids have dental appointments with Dr Scott in Westerville at 6pm. They won’t be home until 730pm or so. Can you say ‘alone time’?

With urgent matters at a minimum, I decided to get an early jump on monthly reports. I typically don’t get the data graphed until much later in the month.  I stayed busy all day. I made a call about a Civic I found on Craig’s List. Turns out, the guy is a ‘whole seller’ up near Westerville. Assured me this is a sweet car. I told him I’d most likely stop by near 3pm, but after our call I realized that I’ll be up that way on Wednesday and it would make more sense to see it then. I didn’t bother calling him back.

I ended up working through lunch and didn’t bother eating my packed salad. I did eat an apple, banana, and cheese, though. I spent my afternoon putting the finishing touches on a process recap, which had been an ongoing issue for one of my customers for more than a month now. Believe me, it felt good to get it behind me, but I am also expecting that it won’t be the last of it.

I took a little time to do some personal writing during the last 20-30 minutes in the office. I left for the day around 510pm. The sun was just starting to set but shining brightly. Really pretty. It was warm too. I’d forgotten about it supposedly reaching 70 degrees. I arrived home near 530pm. As expected, Mindy and the kids were gone.

I did a few household chores, including reloading the coffee maker for Wednesday. I snacked on pita chips and jarlsberg dip while getting busy updating my blog.  It was nice to have the peace and quiet – something far less common the past couple months. I had ten days worth of blog entries to post. I didn’t’ bother proof reading any, which is something I like to do. Nothing worse than reading choppy grammar.

Mindy celled around 715pm to let me know that they were on their way home but stopping at Wendy’s first. Asked if I wanted anything. Nope! I was good with my after work snack. I kept at my blog until the family arrived home. Bella and Mindy insisted I come join them while they ate their dinner. The kids were eating Wendy’s and Mindy Big Fat leftovers. Bella was very proud of her dental check-up results. No cavities – no issues. Jacob had a good report too, though, according to Bella, Jacob was told to start flossing.

When they finished eating, I headed back to my PC to post some photos to several recent blog entries. It was after 8pm when I stopped for the night. I headed up to change into my flannel PJs and brush my teeth. I headed back to the family room where I insisted we tune the TV away from Bella’s kiddie TV programming to the Science Channel. She was disappointed but quickly over it. We watched The Universe, a program about a moonless Earth, and what it would be like. It wasn’t pretty. Like the past few evenings, I eventually fell asleep only to wake just after 10pm to dark an empty family room. I turned everything off and headed for bed.

Won't You Be My Dixie Chicken

I didn’t sleep very well after upping from the sofa and heading to bed.  I slept good until say 130am, but after that it was a lot of tossing and turning. In fact, I found myself so restless at 230am that I got up and headed downstairs to the compute hoping that some online reading might make me sleepy again. It worked, but only marginally.

I returned to bed at 3am and slept slightly until 445am when I got up for good. I exercised and then started the coffee maker early. I spent a lot of time online doing who knows what. I read a lot of articles and reviewed NFL results. I found myself retting going to work. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all I need to get done, let along the whole Lindsey car thing. That’s proving to be daunting task.

Since we agreed to help Lindsey this week, Mindy asked to be up near 6am. I took her coffee at 605am. Mindy wants to leave the house at 710am to ensure she has enough time to pick-p the boys, drop ‘em at school, and then get to Monterey before 8am.  I, in turn, will be taking Lindsey to work, leaving as soon as the bus picks up the kids. Lindsey agreed to walk over after Mindy leaves with the boys.

To that end, I hurried through a meditation and stretch routine and dressed for a run by 615am. I was out the door a minute or tow later. It was supposedly 46 degrees under partly cloudy skies, but it felt much cooler. I should’ve worn hand covers.  I ran the full 4.1 miles using my shirt sleeves to cover my hand for the first mile or so. It was a good run – invigorating. For some reason, works been eating at me a lot lately. Not entirely sure why. I think it’s more my disposition than the work itself. Stress!

I was back at the house ahead of 7am. That doesn’t happen too often. Mindy was already hurrying around. Both of us were a bit out of sorts altering our routine. I took Eiknarf out for a walk before she left for work and while her car warmed. I was back inside by 710am, about the time Mindy left to first fetch the boys. I started cooking eggs right away. Bella shared that she wanted one too. We enjoyed our eggs together, sharing our leftovers with Eiknarf as usual.

As I headed off to the shower, I reminded Bella that Lindsey should be along before long. And as I was reopening the masterbath blinds to the sunlight, I could see Lindsey walking towards the house. Wow, she must’ve left right after Mindy picked up the boys. I finished my ready in short order and was back downstairs by 751am. Lindsey was fairly quiet. We didn’t talk much.

I stayed busy tidying up the house and kitchen before we headed out. This was a Rachel cleaning day, too, btw. Mindy had boneless chicken breasts cooking the crock-pot. She didn’t say for certain, but I guessed she’d be making chicken enchiladas for dinner.

Lindsey, Eiknarf, the kids and I headed out at 810am. Kenny met us at the bus stop. Didn’t see much of him over the weekend. He was hunting for the better part of it. Asked if there was any way he could golf Tuesday. Nope. Couldn’t swing it. We didn’t hang long if at all after the bus pulled up. Kenny did teased Jacob about his recent scalping. J

I walked Eiknarf out front another minute or two before zipping off for the Farmer’s building. It was fast, efficient drive up north. Again, not a lot of dialogue. For lots of reasons, it’s hard for me to have a fun loving conversation with Lindsey. Can’t remember what we talked about.

I dropped her at 840am and zoomed off for work. Having taken her to work 5 or 6 times now, I didn’t realize until then that she’s right next door to CarMax. I turned in the lot real quick to see if they had any used cars that tickled my fancy. Looks like they keep the cars in a locked compound. Wasn’t open yet. Off to work.

I made good time heading west/south on I-270 arriving at the office at 851am. I parked in one of the two front lots.

Took a few minutes to get booted up. Had a customer meeting at 9am meeting that I rescheduled for 930am from home. That went fairly well. I had to be reminded by a meeting attendee that I set-up an internal conference call for 11am. Oops! I joined 3 minutes late. The meeting was quick. I had a couple hours before my next meeting. I used the time to work on monthly reports.

I ended up working through my lunch hour. I ate only an apple, banana, and cheese chunks all day long. Wasn't too hungry. Got plenty accomplished but it didn't feel like enough. Sometimes no matter how hard I work there always seems to be something I missed. I called about a couple cars I spotted on Craig's List over the weekend. Not one of them returned my call. Happens a lot I am finding.

Talked with Mindy during my commute home. She asked how the morning drop went with Lindsey. Her picking up the boys went well. Arrived to school a little early even. Shared that we were having enchiladas for dinner. Yum! I was beginning to feel better about things but still a tad overwhelmed. At home, it was already all but dark. Mindy was already dishing up dinner even though she said she didn't arrive home until almost 5pm. Thank goodness for the crock-pot.

The enchiladas were really good. This is the third or fourth time she's made them. They taste different each time. She's still trying different things to enhance/improve them. Before we'd even finished dinner she asked Bella to head upstairs to ready for gymnastics. Jacob headed back to Evan's to play.

I was checking my phone for a missed call from my dad when  I somehow got routed to my Gmail account. Had a new email from Glenn sharing some sad news. Reading further, it was a copy of my good friend Geno McKee's obituary. He passed on July 17th at the tender age of 52. Didn't say how or why. As Glenn pointed out, he went before his older brother Danny, which is definitely a surprise.  I was overcome with sadness. I've thought of Geno more than a few times this past year wondering what he might be up to and how I might find him. I learn now that it's is too late. He was a good friend. A friend who would give you the shirt off his back. A lot of fun too. We had some fantastic times together growing up and then living in Florida and California as 18-19 year olds.

We were roommates & workmates after we moved back home, too. Worked at Time Warner together for several years. I'll never forget his pole dancing at the go-go bar where we had memberships. Too funny. He had an old beater car that he drove to Florida with a 2"X8" for a bumper and a wrecked front fender. He nick named it myrtle the turtle.

With the long hair and beard, Geno was scary to many but inside just a big teddy bear. Always tried to bring peace to our occasional scuffles. The Geno I knew loved Michelob beer, perhaps a doobie or two, the Vikings, and Little Feat. I pray that he passed happy and pain free.

After processing the sobering news, I saw that I missed a call from my dad. I returned the call quickly, worrying that something might have gone awry at the nursing home. That wasn't the case, thankfully. Instead, he was calling to share news of his planned early departure for home I believe Wednesday morning. That's three days sooner than his left knee replacement which went extremely well.  he sounded excited. I was hard for me to focus with the news of Geno's passing still fresh in my psyche. I didn't share the news with my dad, who would surely remember Geno.

I changed into comfy lounging pants and then soon left to pick-up Bella from gymnastics. I think it's fair to say that both Mindy and I were surprised that Lindsey hadn't called for a ride home from work. Surprised, concerned, thankful and grateful all rolled into one. She has no idea how much of an impact this entire ordeal has had on us. Our emotions are taken on a ride almost daily.

Picking up Bella was a great diversion. She was very joyful. Asked if we could stop at Wendy's. Joyful, but no. :) Kidded with her about everybody already asleep in bed back home. She didn't buy it.

At home, Mindy sent her off to the shower. Jacob and Mindy were already tuned to MNF (Bears/Eagles). I quickly warmed to the idea and joined them from the comfort of the big chair. I'll bet it wasn't 15 minutes before I was sawing logs. Felt terrific! I woke around 1015pm to discover everyone else already in bed. The MNF game was in the waning minutes of the 1st half. Can't recall the score. I think the Bears were leading. So long Geno.

Sunny Sunday / Twin Creeks / Big Fat

It was Sunday. I slept like a rock and till 8am. Thank God for the roll back, otherwise it would’ve been 9am. Mindy asked that I please bring her coffee in a little while. I was eager for some alone time sipping coffee and playing on the internet.

I started coffee and gazed out back. Hooray, it was another sunny start. I played around on my PC for about 30 minutes before taking Mindy some coffee. I must’ve spent another hour or so online enjoying coffee before readying myself for a run. It was warming nicely, and already near 50 by the time I set out on my run.

I ran the usual 3 mile track. Mindy was already up by the time I got back home. Lindsey was already calling to ask that we remember to bring her finished laundry. Mindy planned on going grocery shopping before any Lindsey stuff. Up to that point, she hadn’t done anything for herself or our household over the weekend.  I took a shower next.

Just before she left, I helped Mindy load the recycling into the Honda. I didn’t have a whole lot planned. The grass didn’t need cut and it didn’t make sense to rake leaves with as many still to fall as were lying on the ground. I decided to take Jacob for a haircut. Besides, I was due for one too. Bella was going along too. We headed to Great Clips on

Hilliard-Rome Rd.

Having just washed and waxed the Accord, I was bummed that I had to drive on the make-shift gravel/dirt access road to turn off of Hilliard-Rome while the repave. Just like that the car was covered in dust.

There were no customers in queue at Great Clips. Called Jacob and I back simultaneously. I didn’t recognize but one of the stylists. Neither one cutting our air looked familiar. I gave explicit instruction for Jacob’s cut – short back/sides – trim the bangs. I didn’t see him again until he was done.

My cut went quick. Same as always,  but perhaps a tad shorter. Bella popped back and forth from my stall to Jacob’s during our cuts. She spun on the chair in between the two of us for a while. Thought they might yell at her for it, but they didn’t. Jacob was done a minute or so before me. Oh boy! She butchered his bangs. Took some guts to ask me how it looked. He already knew it was bad. Surprisingly, he took it well. Despite the poor cut, I tipped the girls well - $4 each.

We headed out towards the car and home. Jacob shared how bad a job she did as we exited. It’ll grow back! During our drive home we ducked into two different subdivisions along Trabue just on the chance we might see a car or two for sale. No joy! No cars for sale. We headed for home.

We weren’t home long before we headed out to throw the Frisbee and the football. Bella gave up on the Frisbee fairly quickly, so Jacob and I tossed the football. His arm is as already stronger than mine and he’s only 11. Bella and Makayla asked if they could rake leaves, not so much to help but for a play pile. Sure. I grabbed both of them a rake from the garage.

Around 1pm I headed inside and tuned into Sunday NFL action. The Vikings had a bye so the pressure was off. I watched part of the Browns game. They looked pitiful. Mindy got home between 1-2pm. I helped carry in the groceries. Not too much time went by before we headed down to the O’Connell’s to pick-up the table & chairs they had for Lindsey. They tossed in two old brass lamps too. They weren’t home. Left the slider open for us. The kids, meanwhile, opted to stay home under Chrissy’s watchful eye.

We loaded the table, chairs and lamps and headed over to Lindsey’s. I had some tools packed so I could hang curtain rods and valances. Looking good, although no furniture yet beyond our air mattress and a table and TV. Mindy had the kitchen looking nice. Made me smile. The kids were restless.  I occupied Landon asking him to be my assistant while Rocky did his homework. He was fussing about not feeling well the entire time.

Lindsey was waiting on the cable guy to show up. I won’t get on that bus again. I hung five curtain rods and three valances. Need to find two more for the boys’ room. Lindsey baked Rocky chicken breasts for lunch. I was surprised to see her bake and perhaps even more surprised that’s what the kids wanted.

The cable guy showed up while Mindy was putting together the laundry sorter she bought. I could only imagine what was going through his head. An all but empty apartment with two TVs wanting cable. I saw it time and time again during my years at Time Warner. Basically, families living in complete poverty and squalor yet ordering the entire cable TV package.  He was kind and efficient, fixing up the boys little 13” bedroom TV first. I had to chuckle when he tuned it to the NASCAR race. He looked like that kinda guy. Hey, I’m just sayin’.

I could hear Lindsey going round and round about the additional cost of roadrunner. I could only shake my head. Mindy reminded me more than once not to get negative. Lindsey had put some of the clothes away either on hanger or shelves she does have more than enough closet space). However, there were still 3 or 4 large trash bags of clothes in the kids room. I told Mindy to tell Lindsey that we’d take the boys home with us while she finished putting the clothes away. She bit. Basically, I want her to do all the chores and get used to it. She sent us home with a couple more pair of jeans needing washed too.

Landon cried. Didn’t want to leave his house. I was surprised Lindsey didn’t’ cave and let him stay. He was fine as soon as we pulled out of the parking spot. Always is. Rocky was psyched, eager to play with Jacob and Bella. The kids were no trouble at all. They all played outside, and mostly around the tree house. I watched some NFL. Mindy left right away, going after more shelf liner for Lindsey’s cabinets. She planned to make another stop by to finish the work before returning home.

We had toyed with the idea of going to visit dad and then heading to dinner. Mindy insisted on the Big Fat, in part as reward for enduring Lindsey all weekend. J  I was more in favor or the Vaq. Mindy won. She was right. She deserved to choose. We walked down to the O’Connell’s where all the kids were engaged in a game of kick ball. We used that as Eiknarf’s evening walk too. Can you say efficient?

We hung only briefly, thanking the O’Connell’s for the table, chairs and lamps. I’m thinking it was 530pm when we headed towards Lindsey’s. it was already starting to get dark. We all infiltrated Lindsey’s place. The kids, especially Bella, were eager to see the new digs. I was happy to see that she got most of the clothes put away. The table looks nice – perfect size and shape for the area. Took a couple photos to document the look. We’ll see how it holds up over time.

We didn’t stay long. We headed off to the Big Fat. At my prompting, Mindy called my dad on our cruise up

Riverside Dr

. Said he was doing good. Bella wanted to talk. Heard her ask him if he’d eaten all the Snicker bars yet. Cute! It was completely dark by the time we arrived at the Big Fat.

Johnny was working, and so was our favorite serve, Katarina. We were quickly greeted and seated. Jacob and I both ordered scallops. Bella ordered pasta - no sauce- but with parmesan cheese. Mindy ordered the salmon. Mindy, Jacob and I ordered side salads too. It was Sunday – a work night. I drank orange soda. Katarina was in NYC the last tie Mindy and I was in. She shared a little about her trip.

My scallops weren’t very good. Lots of pieces instead of whole scallops. I didn’t bother sharing that with Katarina or Johnny. Honestly, the quality seems to have slipped the moment they opened the new place at Polaris. Mindy ordered two slices of cake to go – one lemon and the other chocolate. Katarina shared that Johnny insisted one piece was on the house. I paid the check. We drove home.

It was near 745pm when we got home. Over the next 15 minutes each of readied for bed, slipping into our comfy PJs. I wasn’t ready for the weekend to be over. Happening a lot lately.  Depressing feeling. Felt like it should still be Saturday. Yuck! We watched some of the SNF game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. All of us got tired early, this being the first full day of roll the clocks back. Can trick the mind but not the body. I stayed up slightly longer than the others, falling asleep on the sofa shortly they headed up. Good night Twin Creek.

Wax On Wax Off

Mindy was out of bed first, which might be record. I’m thinking it was near 815am when she got up. I slept a while longer getting up just after 830am.

It was the weekend so I didn’t plan on doing calisthenics. Instead, I went right for the coffee and then chatted with Mindy. We both sipped coffee and surfed the internet independently for at least 30 minutes. I took Eiknarf on a walk before I readied for a run.

I’m thinking it was near 930am when I headed out on a run. It was sunny and cool – frosty even. It was only 31 degrees. I wore sunglasses, hand and ear covers. It was a very nice, relaxing run. Considering the season, couldn’t ask for a nicer morning.

Back home sometime after 10am. Talked with Lindsey who called Mindy’s phone. Mindy was in the shower, or just finishing up. Lindsey wanted to know when we’d be coming to get her and the boys, this their last morning at the YWCA. Figured to be there within the hour.

I checked with Mindy. She nixed yoga. After changing out of my sweaty running clothes I headed to wards the YWCA giving a Lindsey a call just before I left the house and once again once I was around the corner.

She had all of their belongings in 5 or 6 large trash bags. Several other sheltered children helped drag it all out to the curb and Pilot. Sad really. One cute young boy asked for my car keys. He couldn’t have been 6. Promised he wouldn’t steal my car. An entire family stood watching congratulating Lindsey for ‘getting out’.

We headed towards her place. It had to feel good to leave that place in the rear view although I reminded Lindsey how she needed to be most thankful for their extended generosity. Where would she have been without their help? But if you’re looking for that type of emotion or a sense of gratitude from Lindsey you’ll almost certainly walk away disappointed. It drives me crazy.

We stopped at Lindsey’s apartment to drop the bags of clothes and other stuff. There was a broken beer bottle smashed on the approach to the apartment building. There were countless cigarette butts all about the steps leading up to her apartment. Yuck! The apartment itself was decent – reasonably clean and functional. Lindsey, of course, did nothing but complain about the carpet and the nicks in the stove. Understandably so, the kids were very excited and wanted to stay and bounce around in their new apartment. We didn’t stay long. Mindy was waiting for us back at home. She planned to take Lindsey shopping for a few basic cleaning supplies and then some things to get her started, like pans, glasses, shower curtain, etc.

As we exited Twin Creeks, I couldn't help but share how frustrated I was that Lindsey bought a TV and the cable TV yet she still has no car. She also let me know that she was planning on going to Bingo with her mom around 5pm. We headed to Tim Horton's before home. I promised Bella I'd stop for donuts. Landon went in with me. We picked a dozen donuts and then ten Tim Bits. As usual, the kids were excited to be at our place.

Lindsey knew that I was pissed. I think she headed out for a smoke or to call her mom, maybe both. I shared the Bingo and cable news with Mindy. She was even more incensed than I. I just want to turn her over me knee and spank her. Stupid is as stupid does.

I knew Mindy would say something but I didn't expect her to rip into like she did. She let her have an earful even tossing in a few choice swear words. Don't know that I've seen Mindy that mad in years. Lindsey didn't lash back. Honestly, I was surprised. Mindy eventually calmed and took Lindsey in the other room to discuss a budget and a plan. They emerged together ready to go shopping for cleaning supplies.

I wasn't quite sure my role beyond staying home with the kids while they shopped. Wasn't sure if they were heading to the apartment to clean after shopping or coming home first. Turned out, they went to the apartment while I watched the kids. That made the most sense. Wouldn't much if anything done with the kids there.

I took the kids out back to play. The older boys played with the airsoft guns while Landon played on the swing. When the boys started getting too rowdy, I offered up a walk in the woods. Jake & Jacob didn't follow. Following me into the woods were Bella, Rocky, Landon and Evan. We hiked to the waterfall where we played briefly just below the damn. We headed back walking near neighbor Scott, whose yard also backs up to the woods. He was burning brush. I let the kids poked at his fire for a few minutes before heading back home.

Back at the house we happened upon a dead musk rat in the backyard, the same one that's been working around the pond for years. Pretty fur, but dark orange teeth. Not sure how he died. Looked like he just keeled over while going about his daily trek. The kids were amazed and poked and prodded the poor thing.

Not sure the time when I finally heard from Mindy. They were heading back out for more supplies and then back to the apartment. Figured to be gone at least another 3 hours. I didn't realize it was an all day thing, but appreciated Mindy showing Lindsey how to do it right.

All the kids ran off to play save for Landon who stayed back with me. I watched pieces and parts of the OSU game, not joining initially until the 3rd quarter. It was 20-13 but then 20-20 within the first few minutes of me watching. The Buckeyes pulled it out in the end by two touchdowns. Around 3pm Landon and I headed out to wash and polish my car. He washed and rinsed the low stuff. It was nice to get the Accord squeaky clean again, but my real motive was getting a coat of polish on it before winter sets in. Landon abandoned the car washing exercise in favor of Chrissy's bounce house. She had it set up for her nieces b-day party. All the kids were out there playing.

While the kids played next door, I was able to polish the Accord to a brilliant and hopefully lasting shine. Took almost 2 hours from start to finish. I finally got a shower after finishing the car. And boy did that feel good. Landon and I walked down to chat with Chrissy. She was just rolling up the bounce house. I hung out for a few with her and Julie.

Mindy & Lindsey got back home around630-7pm after a long day of cleaning & organizing. By then, I had already started drinking beer, first polishing off my growler of Centennial and then moving onto some White Rajah. Mindy brought two extra-large pepperoni pizzas home. The pizza was delicious. I ate a bunch.

Chrissy and Julie came down for a visit. Must've been around 8pm. We hung together for about an hour before Mindy took Lindsey and the boys home to their apartment. They'd be sleeping on our air mattress until they get their furniture next week.

I watched some of the Alabama/LSU game but it wasn't very exciting - very low scoring. For a Saturday night, all of us were in bed early - probably before 10pm.

2nd Home 2nd Knee - You know what really bugs me?

I was up on time Friday morning. It was cloudy and 50 degrees. I completed sit-ups and push-ups and then enjoyed some coffee in front of the PC. Despite the early clouds, it was supposed to clear up and be sunny and in the 50s through most of the weekend. As it was, our Saturday was set aside to help Lindsey get moved into her apartment.

Mindy’s phone buzzed around 6am. It was a text from Lindsey indicating that her phone wasn’t working the night before but that it was now fixed. I was relieved to learn that they were all OK. I did meditation and then headed upstairs to wake Mindy. She asked to be woken by 615am in order to a get a jump on the donuts with dad event her school was hosting.

I returned downstairs for a stretch before heading out on a run. It felt cooler than 50 degrees.  I ran the entire 4.1 mile loop. The sky cleared out during my run and there was an intermittent stiff breeze blowing, too.

After my run I walked Eiknarf while Mindy loaded her school gear into the Pilot before heading off to work. I shared that I would most likely take Jacob to get a haircut over the weekend since I need one too. Mindy left for school about five minutes early. I fried both Bella and Eiknarf an egg.

In the shower by 735am and back downstairs 15 minutes later. The kids and I headed to the bus stop at our usual time – 810am. Chrissy was looking forward to Kenny’s return home later that evening. He was working out of town all week long. Shared our plans to visit my dad and then do dinner at Barley’s.

The bus arrived near 815am. Eiknarf and I headed slowly back home before I bolted for the office. Just before heading out, I sent an email to my work address with the four or five car leads I found on Craig’s list. And by the way, have I shared how much I absolutely hate looking for used cars?

Arrived at the office at my usual time – about 840am. This was the last day for one of my former direct reports. I stopped down to chat with him and ended up talking for nearly an hour. It was 10am before I made it back to my office. I had several small catch-up items/issues to deal with. I worked hard getting those taken care of before lunch time. I made a couple calls to Craig listers following up on their car adds. Judging by phone conversation alone, sounds like a lot of slippery characters out there selling used cars. Again, I absolutely hate it. Nothing sounded as good as the add lead one tot believe.

I ended up checking out Germain Honda’s online used car inventory. They showed a ’98 civic in ‘great condition’ with 118k. Asking $4800. I decided rather than call, I would take a drive up and look at it as well as any others they might have on hand. I left the office near 1pm.

I drove around the used car lot for awhile before heading inside. I didn’t see the ’98 Civic, or any thing else close to what I might be interested in. I shared what I was looking for – a used Civic or Accord for about $4500. I also shared that I just bought my car there a few months prior. They insisted on hooking me up with Chris Glover, my salesman, which was more than fine for me. He walked across the lot from new sales to used and greeted me in the lobby. After some small talk we went looking for the green Civic he was already aware of. We walked the entire lot but no joy. After 10 minutes or so we learned that it was being test driven by someone else. Wanted to show me another used Civic – newer, more expensive. Couldn’t find that one either.

Soon the green Civic returned to the lot with the salesman and potential buyer. Chris insisted we go out and take a look. I felt a tad awkward since the person driving it seemed more than interested. But hey … I wasn’t impressed, and immediately saw some cosmetic defects that were cause for concern. Inside, it didn’t stink exactly, but didn’t smell clean either. Looked old under the hood, too. In my mind, it was a $2000 car. I chatted with Chris for a few more minutes but then begged off for work. I wasn’t feeling good about my visit.

I headed back to the office arriving near 2pm. I enjoyed my packed lunch and then spent time working on new monthly reports. All in all, it was a relaxing afternoon. Talked with Ashley at some point. Shared that Lindsey bought a 37” flat screen TV from her neighbor. What?  I wasn’t pleased.

Wrapped up my day at the office near 5pm. Tried phoning Mindy but got Bella. Mindy called me back a few minutes later. Among other things, discussed evening plans. Made plans to visit my dad and then do dinner at Barley’s with the kids. I arrived home by 515pm. Also shared my Germain Honda experience.

We made plans to leave the house around 6-615pm. That hour went fast. I took an empty growler along too, just in case. We headed up Riverside to Lane and then up Tremont to to Kenny Rd. The sun was already setting when we arrived at Arlington Ct. Dad’s room was towards the back of the prem this time. He was watching TV sitting in the dark.

With his permission we added some light. Bella figured it out. Dad brought us up to speed on his progress and then how he blacked out at the hospital. Never did determine why, but ruled out meds. Seemed to be doing even better than the last time, although more swelling this time around. There was really loud music blaring from the room across the hall. I walked over to see if the patient realized. Looked like they were asleep. It was ridiculous. We had to close the door just to hear ourselves speak.

Bella brought dad a Ziploc- baggie full of mini Snickers bars. That was cute, and all her idea. We might’ve visited for 30 minutes before begging off for dinner. Dad walked us out to the lobby just like he did last time. We headed straight down

Henderson Rd

to Riverside Dr to Barley’s. The kids and Mindy were really hungry. Me, I was more looking forward to having a beer.

Very crowded, and a 45 minute wait for a table. Business is booming! I was made aware by Dan the banker man that they had their Xmas ale on tap. Cool. Mindy ordered a sample. I think I like theirs better than CBC’s. Mindy didn’t care for it. Not sure what she drank.

We chatted with some peeps while waiting on a table. Personally, I was fine standing but realized that Mindy and the kids wanted a table. Mindy ordered the kids some fries to tie them over. Bella took an open bar stool. Zach did us a favor and moved us up on the waiting for a table list. We got a booth in the main dining area. Sarah was our server. I was ready for another beer only this time went with the Fortune Teller Imperial Porter.

We all ordered food, too. Mindy and the kids each ordered chicken tenders. The only difference being Jacob getting Gate of Hell on the side for dipping. I ordered the Cuban with bacon. Didn’t take long for our food to arrive. Mindy didn’t care too much for her tenders. The kids enjoyed them though. Not wanting to stuff myself,  I only ate half my Cuban. The kids were getting bored, and when that happens they usually start to annoy us or each other. 

I taught the kids how to play penny basketball which consumed them until we left. Good call Jimmy! Mindy played too. We used our stale Barley’s gift certificates to pay our tab. We had exactly $70 in expired gift certificates and our tab came to that number exactly after I ordered a growler of Centennial. What are the chances? I left Sarah a nice tip.

It was just before 9pm when we left for home. We agreed to walk down to the neighbors to hang out. Mindy called Chrissy first. Kenny was home from work, but gone again. Hunting t his time. Said the O’Connell’s were down. I took my growler of Centennial.

We hung at Chrissy’s for an hour or so before Chrissy and Teri left to go pick-up Jake, who just spent the last four days in DC with school. Mindy eventually peeled off for home. I hung back with Mike O. and all the kids. Mindy took Eiknarf when she left.

Jacob, Bella and I walked home around 11pm. We headed right to bed, me after tucking Bella into bed.

Charles Calling

I accidentally slept in until 540am. I woke initially around 5am and played hide and seek with the clock for the next 40 minutes. I lost.  Being behind by 10 minutes didn’t impact my morning much if at all. More psychological than anything else.

It was a no push-up morning. So after sit-ups, I poured a cup of coffee then took to the PC. It was warmer than expected – 50 degrees. Calling for partly cloudy skies. I couldn’t see any stars when I glanced out back. I spent about 15 minutes online before giving way to meditation and stretching. Time was getting away from me fast. It was already after 625am and I hadn’t gotten around to stretching.  I upped and delivered Mindy’s coffee then headed back downstairs to stretch and run.

During my run I reviewed all my to-do’s as well as my 8 slide presentation. I felt comfortable with all but one of the slides.  I trimmed my run back to three miles to make sure that I would be home before Mindy left for work. As it was, I didn’t get out of the house for my run until 750am.

During my run, I had pretty much decided that I would work from home until about 1130am since I needed to be at one of my customer locations for a 1pm presentation. I wasn’t sure what I’d do after that, whether I would head back to the office, work from the customer’s location, or go visit my dad in the hospital.

I was home by 722am. Mindy had my eggs waiting in the microwave. Our time together was brief. We left open evening plans depending on whether or not I ended up going to the hospital to see dad. She left at 730am. I didn’t bother heading for the shower. Instead, I logged onto work in my running clothes. I planned to shower around 11am. The kids and I headed out to the bus stop at 810am. Once again, Bella forgot to brush her teeth proactively. I had to remind and then rush her through it.

Chrissy and the girls had Annie with them at the bus stop. And once again they put her down just long enough for her to dart towards the road. Chrissy quickly scooped her back up. Don’t need a doggie pancake.

The bus arrived a few minutes late. Said she was held up by a train. No biggie. I walked Eiknarf again out front. She didn’t go, but did a lot of sniffing. Inside,  I topped off my coffee then got busy with work. It wasn’t much different than had I been at the office. In fact, I got quite a bit done.  I was so busy that 11am came and went like that. I had to force myself off to the shower at 1115am. I was ready to go about 15 minutes later.

I packed all my gear and left the house at 1140am. I took I-670 again figuring that the traffic would be light given it the middle of the day. I was right. It was smooth drive east and then north. Arrived in record time. It was just after 12noon. I had a full hour before our scheduled quarterly presentation. I headed inside where I met up with one of my peers who works out of their office almost every day. We talked for a while. I also took the opportunity to chat with a couple employees of the customer.

We were expecting a few new executives at this quarterly review. I half expected to be drilled about a slide or two in my presentation. For that I was nervous waiting my turn, which was 4^th I believe. Turned out, I did pretty good and walked away unscathed. The only questions were easy to answer. That was a huge sigh of relief. The meeting went longer than budgeted – almost 90 minutes.

After a little bumping elbows I headed back to my car. I called my dad once inside the Accord. He said he was just about to leave the hospital waiting on Bobby to arrive. Heading to the

Arlington Ct

nursing home again. We talked for almost 15 minutes, him describing his progress in great detail. He figured to wrapped up in the induction process for the better part of the evening.  I figured to pay him a visit on Friday, either at lunch or early evening.

Now almost 3pm, I opted to head back to the house and work from home for the remainder of the work day. However, having not eaten a thing since breakfast, the first thing I did was make a turkey and cheese sandwich. Boy was it good. Caved and ate some Halloween candy too. Bad!!!!

I got back into work staying busy even after Mindy and the kids got home around 4pm. Mindy asked about dinner offering that maybe we could go to the Rusty Bucket and see nephew Joe. I wasn’t too keen on dinner out given that we ate out Tuesday and would be doing Barley’s on Friday. I voted for staying in and eating more leftovers. I stayed plugged into work until sometime after 5pm.

I opted to have chili dogs for the 2^nd night in a row, only this time I used turkey cheddar brats. They’re great cooked on the grill, not so special nuked. Note to self. We had to plans other than hanging out at home. As it was, I ended up staying plugged into work through the entire evening. In fact, I got involved in an escalation that kept me loosely engaged until almost 10pm. I was still able to interact with the family though. I didn’t mind.

My neck and shoulders stiff from stress, I asked Mindy for a back massage. She willingly agreed. Felt terrific. I really needed that. Advil is great, but nothing compares to having the muscles massaged. I reciprocated, massaging her back for about 10 minutes, too. We tried getting a hold of Lindsey to discuss weekend logistics beginning around 9pm. We both texted and called but got no answer or response. That worried me given that she and boys are often on the bus at that hour. And it’s unlike her not to call sometime during the evening. I tried reaching both Kelly and Ashley to see if they might know here whereabouts or status. Neither answered my call.

I tucked in the kids around 915-930pm. I headed back downstairs where I enjoyed what was left of a Jack & Coke, my first such drink in a really long time. Mindy headed to bed around 930-945pm. I stayed up a while longer putting closure to the work issue I’d been involved with through most of the late evening. I headed to bed around 10pm. Mindy asked if I heard back from Lindsey. No. I brought my phone to bed in case she called.

I fell asleep in short order, but was woken near 11pm by my ringing phone. I upped and answered thinking it Lindsey. It wasn’t. Instead, it was brother Charles calling from dad’s place there to pick-up his after flying home from Las Vegas. Only trouble was, his battery was dead. Needed jumper cables. I agreed to leave mine out on the front porch, so he and his buddy could come by and get them. Back to sleep.

Rare Sunny Wednesday

This was a sit-up & push-up day. I completed both before getting some coffee. At the PC, I checked the weather forecast. For a change, they were calling for lovely weather - mostly sunny skies all day long with temps in the 60s. I’ve spouted off many times about the miserable weather we’ve had on Wednesday’s going back to late summer.

I played around online until just after 6am. That came around fast. I spent the next 15-20 minutes doing both meditation and stretching. I delivered Mindy’s coffee after all that. It wasn’t long before I was off on my run. The trash truck was by the house sometime before I took off on my run. I moved the empty can to the grass out of the driveway. I’d put it back in its resting spot later. It felt chillier than the 40 degree temperature posted on Yahoo. I was wearing hand or ear covers.  I used my shirt sleeves as gloves until my body heat took over. From then on I was fine.

 I ran the full 4.1 miles. I drug the trash can back to its resting place before heading back inside. I also headed out to start/warm the Pilot. Mindy had my scrambled eggs ready and waiting. She commented that there were plenty left for Eiknarf, too. She left for work near 730am.

I dished Eiknarf some scrambled after she returned from her walk with Jacob. I headed off to the shower soon after. I was ready in about 15-20 minutes. It was Wednesday, which meant I’d be working from one of my customer’s location. Honestly, though, I wasn’t looking forward to it. Not entirely sure why. I dressed nicely.

I had a few minutes to kill, which I used to pay my credit card bill online. I called the kids to head out around 807am. It was just before we were to walk out the door that I learned Bella hadn’t even brushed her teeth. I dispatched her to the bathroom to take care of her dental hygiene. We headed out at 811am.

The bus was along at her usual time – about 815am  I walked Eiknarf out front. A lot of sniffing but nothing else. It took me a few more minutes to power down my laptop and then packed it for work. I left for work at 822am. I decided to be brave and take I-670 east to I-270N. Haven’t taken that route since early August. The traffic was tight but never a problem. I made to my customer’s location just before 9am.

All in all, it was a pretty tame day. I used the time wisely pulling October data for all my monthly reports. I even had time to format a bunch of it. I had plans to visit my dad at Mt Caramel East after work. Thought I might leave about 30 minutes early to make that happen. I saw that I missed his call around 4pm. I called him back. Told me the knee replacement went fine but that he was feeling ill – throwing up – didn’t want visitors. Glad he called. We talked for a few. Changed my plans. Stayed at the customer’s location until just after 5pm when I left for home. I called Mindy once I was on I270 to let her know the change of plans.

The only thing in our evening agenda was getting Bella to and from gymnastics. Said we’d be having leftovers for dinner. We talked about Lindsey a little bit too. More pointedly, the possibility of helping her get a reliable car.

I think it was 550pm by the time I got home. Took longer than I expected, but traffic was backed up severely on 270 in Hilliard. We planned to have leftovers for dinner having eaten out the night before. Both Mindy and I opted for chili dogs. Bella had leftover rotisserie chicken. Jacob, I believe, had cereal.

We hadn’t yet discussed it, but it sounded like Mindy was taking Bella to gymnastics. It was only before they left that Mindy asked if I would pick her up. Yes. I was tired after dinner. I took a nap face down on the living room floor. Felt terrific. I woke hearing Mindy gabbing on the phone.

I wasn’t asleep long. It couldn’t have been much after 730pm when I woke. I spent some time checking airfares to Oregon in the January/February time frame for a potential ski trip. I found fairly decent rates as long as we steered clear of the two holidays. Asked Mindy to confirm her ability to take a couple unpaid days along with her personal days. That way we could take an entire week and not feel rushed like we usually do when we fly west.

It was 820pm in a hurry. I needed to go get Bella. It didn’t take long, no more than 15 minutes to get there & back. Bella asked me to stop at Wendy’s but I declined. Both kids had a late night snack before bed. Mindy gave Bella a hall pass on a shower. I tuned the TV to the Science Channel watching two episodes of a program about the history of chemistry. Very compelling story. I am often amazed with how our founding fathers were able to make some many scientific discoveries, including almost all the elements, with virtually no technology. They were able to speculate a correlation between atomic weight  and the 92 basic elements and construct a rough periodic table. Simply amazing stuff. They even predicted ‘missing’ elements and then what their atomic weight would be. They were correct.

I stayed up well after the kids were in bed. I can’t recall if Mindy was still reading or already asleep when I joined her in bed. I’m thinking it was after 10pm when I finally hit the hay.

Jim the Plumber goes to the World of Beers

I was up on time after perhaps the best night of sleep in more than a week. Slept soundly not waking even once during the night. It was 540am by the time I was downstairs. I glanced out back seeing clear skies and what looked like frost covering the ground and most deck plants.

The coffee was already brewed. I did 50 sit-ups then headed in to pour a cup of coffee. I headed to the internet where I checked the weather before anything else. It was cold – about 33 degrees. Expecting highs in the low 60s later in the day under mostly sunny skies. Supposed to be nice on Wednesday too, a day that’s been notoriously cloudy/rainy well back into summer.

Time went by quickly. It was after 6am in a hurry. I was bummed to see that the stock market took a huge hit on Monday after last weeks big gains. Just when I was beginning to think that the DOW might hit my predicted high of 13800 by year’s end. Not only that, but they were predicting another drop on Tuesday. L

After reading the Daily Om I headed to the familyroom for meditation. After meditation and went ahead and delivered Mindy’s coffee since it was already 620am. Mindy hardly budged. I headed back downstairs to stretch and dress for a run. I dressed warmly wearing a thick wicking shirt, hand and ear covers along with everything else. I didn’t get out the door until just after 635am.

It was chilly but I was dressed for it. I remained comfortable throughout the entire 4.1 mile run. It was a good run too. While running I thought about the rest of my work week and all my commitments. I’d be working off site both Wednesday and Thursday. Thought I might try and work from home later that afternoon. This was also dad’s 2^nd knee surgery day. Still not sure the time.

Made it back home by 720am. I fetched Mindy’s keys and started the Pilot. I didn’t walk Eiknarf figuring Jacob needs to get back in the habit now that he’s well. I reminded him as I sat down for breakfast. Jacob got into it with his momma over what coat he might wear. She insisted a heavy one after realizing how cold it was – just over freezing. He challenged her until she was mad. Said he wasn’t gonna do it. I just listened.

He waited until she left and then told me he wasn’t wearing it. I only added that he was. He complied, although begrudgingly. I headed off to the shower just after 730am and was ready by 751am. The kids and I headed out to the bus stop at 810am. I asked Bella to take Eiknarf so I could start and warm my car.   And yes, Jacob had on his heavy winter coat.

Chrissy brought both pugs. Let the baby walk without a leash. I was worried about that, but she picked her up in a hurry. Would be a shame to see that little one as a street pancake. The bus arrived a little early. I walked Eiknarf out front before heading back inside. She did a lot of sniffing but nothing else. I headed inside to make last minute preparations for departure. I’m thinking that it was 822am when I finally backed out the drive.

It was a pleasant drive into the office, the sun shining and all. I spent the first hour of my day working on that project I was assigned. I then spent the rest of the morning working on monthly reports and then a couple escalations. I was busy enough that the first half of the day flew by. It was 1pm in a hurry. Just after 1pm I stayed true to my plan and gathered my gear for home. I planned to stop at Home Depot along the way.

At Home Depot I picked up supplies to rebuild the water supply to the masterbath toilet. The original line was brass coated but is now corroded after developing a small leak where the hose transitions into the tank. I also picked up a new flush lever for the guest bath downstairs. It’s been worn out for a while now. I headed for home arriving by 145pm.

Before doing anything else, I fired up my laptop and then made some lunch. I was pretty daggone hungry. I opted for some of the leftover beef & noodles, now about a week or more old. After getting my laptop going, I replaced the guest bath flush lever. That went quick. Works like a charm.

After finishing my lunch and then checking in with work I headed to the basement to shut off the water main, that way I could remove the water line to the master bath toilet. I headed upstairs next with a few tools and the new plumbing parts, all of which were compression type connections (no soldering required).

I was fairly certain the old shut-off was the same type compression connection to the copper water line. However, the corrosion was such that it wasn’t that easy to tell for sure. I sprayed both the input and output sides with WD-40 before trying to wrench it apart. That worked well. It was in fact a compression fitting.

After getting the old one off, I took the time to clean up the rust and corrosion that was built up both on the tile and grout in and around the water line. I realized right then that I forgot to buy a new trim ring to go around the copper pipe where it comes up through the floor. I was beside myself with anger. I knew I needed one but somehow let my mind wander and forgot to pick one up. Crap! I had little choice but to leave things as they were and head back to the hardware store. It was 245pm. I figured I’d easily be home before Mindy and the kids. I hustled off.

Instead of Home Depot, I visited Lowes instead. There less than a half mile apart. I found what I needed and quickly headed to check out. I shared my story with the check out clerk. She told me to stop and catch my breath, and then asked if I had everything I needed. That made me smile. Yes, I was certain that I did. I headed back home reminding myself to be patient.

Once again, I checked in with work before proceeding with the plumbing work. I had to take care of another escalation, actually a continuation from the same one earlier in the day. I headed back to the master bath and dug into the work. I really could used some water to clean up the Fantastik and Clorox cleaner I sprayed around the area before I left. But with the water supply turned off, I had t make do without. Although, as I write, I realize now that I could’ve grabbed a bottled water.

I managed to get the area looking like new before installing the new shut-off and hose. I even polished up the copper feed like new. The rest of the work went as planned. Took no more than 3 or 4 minutes. I had to give the nut on the water inlet side one extra quarter turn to snug it up, but that was it. I headed to the basement to turn the water main back on. I had to hurry around the house to turn off all the spigots I opened. Worked perfectly. Another job well done, and one I’ve been meaning to complete for well over a year now.  I’ve taken care of a handful of those through late summer and early autumn.

After putting away the few tools it required and cleaning up a small mess, I headed to my laptop to get back to work. I enjoyed working from home for the rest of the afternoon. I didn’t get that out of sorts feeling I normally get, but then again, I still went into work that morning, which is the part, I think, that messes with my mind. Still felt that since of accomplishment, plus I still showered and dressed for work like normal. That makes a big difference.

It was near 4pm that I remembered Mindy advising the kids to bus home with Noah. I wouldn’t then be expecting anyone home until much closer to 5pm. That lent itself to better productivity for sure. I was able to remains focused on work. Just before 5pm, I got up and decided to broom sweep the kitchen floor. While doing so, a knock came at the front door. I figured it Mindy and the kids. It wasn’t. instead, it was Jimaken there to pick-up the kids for dinner. I invited him in while I kept at my chore.

It wasn’t but a few minutes later that Jacob showed up. Said Tony brought him home. I guess it was Beacon Ambassador day. Who knew? Mindy and Bella got home a few minutes later. By then, I was back at work on my laptop. I worked right up until 525pm, or just after Jimaken and kids departed.

Mindy and I planned to visit the new World of Beers in the Brewery District that opened the day before (Monday). We left before 6pm. Mindy shared that Jimaken was keeping the kids until 8-830pm. Traffic into downtown wasn't bad at all. Found a meter - here were many - just a 1/2 block from the World of Beers. I figured it would be packed, this just its 2nd day opened. There was a good crowd but by no means was it full.

I perused the tap menu but before settling on a beer, headed up the stairs to the 2nd level. They have another small bar up there, but with a far smaller selection of beers on tap, none of which are offered downstairs. By the way, the boast a selection of 500 beers. About 450 are in bottles. I ordered a West Coast IPA Hoppy Ale. Mindy went with a Young's milk chocolate stout.

Mindy engaged in conversation with our server, whose name now escapes me. She made sure we knew that while they didn't serve their own food, we could order from four different local establishments and have it delivered fresh to our table. The four includes, T.Murray's, Shadow Box (right next door), Cladaugh's, and Planks. By then, we had already decided that as soon as our beers were done, we were walking over to CBC.

Turns out, our server knows our friend Tina Curtis who works at T. Murray's. In fact, I got the impression that she really 'likes' her. :) We settled our small tab and then headed for the side exit door along Liberty St. They were selling t-shirts by the door along with a beer club membership. Mindy bought me a membership and a t-shirt. We walked to CBC just a block or so up the road.

Given that it was a Tuesday, there wasn't much of a crowd at all. We had the pick of maybe 10 bar stools. Katie was tending bar. And as usual, she was a most gracious host. We both opted for the just recently tapped CBC winter warmer. Cool! Stella came over to visit, sharing how slow of a night it was. She also confided that she recently kicked her baby-daddy out of the house. Mindy spent a lot of time giving her a pep talk. She slipped a little cash into her pocket too. Stella is a hard working single mommy that deserves better. She's beautiful too! Fellas?

We soon opted for some food. Mindy ordered sea scallops, and I ordered the artichoke dip and flat bread. I could've done another beer, but because it was work night I resisted the urge. We left for home near 8pm. I drove.

We weren't home long before the kids returned. Jimaken didn't come in. Just dropped them in the drive. Mindy issued Jacob a shower hall pass. Mindy asked Jacob to walk Eiknarf. We didn't stay up too late, all of us in bed well ahead of 10pm.