Macy's Tooth Fairy

I was up a couple minutes early after a really good night of sleep. Was most pleased to find the deck dry and at least partly cloudy skies overhead. In fact, I could see a waning crescent moon hovering at about 10 o’clock in the eastern sky.

I slipped into my exercise tennies and whipped out my sit-ups. After that I checked the weather. It was really warm - 66 degrees. The day promised to be the warmest this week, but unfortunately expecting rain and cool temps again as soon as Friday. I headed to the family room for push-ups next. It was still only 550am.

My shoulders remained stiff, and I knew the push-ups wouldn’t make them any better but did them anyway. I did windmills and arm stretches before hand. I poured some coffee next. It hit the spot. I returned to the PC where I read the Daily OM, some of Glenn’s blog, and then printed off a Macy’s coupon for 15-20% off. Thought I might shop for more dress slacks at lunch.

Sometime after 6am I peeled away for meditation. I did that until 615am when I deemed it time to deliver Mindy’s coffee. As usual, she woke as I set her coffee on the night stand. After a brief hug and kiss I was back downstairs to stretch and prep for my run. I wore long running pants but a short sleeved shirt. It was as nice (warm) as it’s been all month. I hit the door just after 630am.

I ran the full 4.1 miles without a problem. The time seemed to fly by, too, which is always nice. Back home a tad earlier than usual, I fed and watered the dog soon after toweling off. The sky wasn’t crystal clear by any means but there were plenty breaks of blue.

Mindy made scrambled eggs topped with cheese. There were plenty to share with Eiknarf, and even enough for the following day, too. Won’t she be happy! Mindy wanted to leave a little early to make a meeting where she expected a new temporary principal to be introduced, while, Jim, her permanent principal, convalesces for undisclosed reasons. She expects it to be for a couple/few weeks. I’m thinking she left at 725am after reminding the kids to bus home with Noah.

I was off to the shower at 736am after getting my lunch together beforehand. Mindy didn’t make my salad. She was too tired and overwhelmed the evening before. I took the extra time to pull one together for myself.

I was downstairs and ready by 757am. Can’t recall what I did with the ten minutes or so before bus time. The kids headed out ahead of me. Bella waited for me by the rear of my Accord. She had yet another very loose tooth hanging on by only a thread. I asked more than once if I could twist it out. Nope!

As a neighbor walked his big brown dog by both Woody and Eiknarf after they started their usual doggie rant. We can usually get Eiknarf to stop pretty quickly, but when Woody’s doing it too it’s understandably harder. She wants to be in full alert too.  I find there incessant barking to be quite annoying.

Soon the kids were on the bus, and Eiknarf and I heading back towards home. I walked her briefly out front like I always do,  but she didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to relieve herself again. However, I suppose she did get some benefit, like some extra fresh air. The kids’ school bus passed on its way out of the subdivision just as Eiknarf and I reentered the house. I made a few last minute preparations then left for work.

I arrived at the office near 840am and was settled in a few minutes later. We had our staff meeting set for 9am. I joined the team in one of the nice conference rooms. Our meeting went for about 45 minutes.

I thought I was gonna have time for some proactive stuff before a conference call but as it turned out, I got roped into taking care of some urgent/emergency stuff again. But that’s the nature of my job. One day it's all proactive, then the next a big hair ball. I had an important conference call organized for 11am to discuss process improvements. It was all internal. But for whatever the reason, I hadn't been looking forward to it, thinking it could get a little ugly. However, I was feeling much better about it that morning. Perhaps a good lesson in how ones mood impacts ones perception? And I am happy to report that it went even better than I hoped. Felt like we really accomplished something of worth. The call took me right up until almost noon.

After the call I bounced back to the urgent/emergency stuff until I left for lunch around 115pm. As promised, I drove to the Tuttle mall Macy’s and headed directly to the Men’s department. Long story short, I picked up three pair of dress slacks and a new black button up. One of my others ripped along the sleeve.  I think I snagged it on something. I used my 15% coupon. I could’ve saved another 5% by using my Macy’s card, but opted not. Haven’t used that account in years and years.

I headed back to work after being gone just slightly more than an hour. It was almost 230pm by the time I was resettled at my desk with my packed lunch in hand. I was really hungry too. The chunks of cheese were especially good. I just love that smoked gouda and then the fontina. I appreciate Mindy spending the extra money for good quality cheese.

Talked with Ashley late afternoon. She was wondering if I planned on going with her to the 2^nd phase of her root canal at OSU next Wednesday. Unfortunately, I can’t. But not to worry, all she really needs is for me to pay the bill. I don’t really need to be there for anything beyond moral support.

Talked with Mindy a bit later, and real close to the end of the day. She was just picking up the kids. Called me back a few minutes later asking if I wanted a salad for Friday. Yes. Didn’t discuss dinner. Thought there might be chance that she, Bella and I would be dining at Barley’s. Jacob had soccer practice. I left the office at 535pm. It was surprisingly warm, and according to the Accord’s temperature gauge, 78 degrees.

The sky was partly sunny but thicker clouds were looming on the far western horizon. Mindy was in the middle of making dinner; brats, dogs, and salad. She boiled then grilled the brats. Like I often do, I snacked on roasted peanuts before dinner was ready.

Mindy shared the outcome of her doctor’s appointment for her rising blood pressure. After inexplicably enjoying a month or so of normal, or even low blood pressure, it's started creeping back up again. Her doctor put her on a alpha inhibitor (?) that would lower her blood pressure but not her pulse. I believe she was taking a beta blocker before. She attributes the sudden rise to work.

The hot Italian brats were good. I had only one in a bun smothered in shredded sharp cheddar cheese. But during clean-up, I ate another entire brat piece by piece and without a bun. They were so good. During clean-up Mindy and I talked about how to change Jacob’s habit of leaving his stuff all about the house for others to fall over. My suggestion was to make it routine before anything else gets done (I.E. homework, food, snacks, play, etc). Mindy's point was for me not speak to him in such a mean spirited tone, or something like that.

I understood what she meant, and proved it by asking if she meant the way she rips into Bella when she find her clothes scattered about her bedroom floor for the 5^th time in as many days. That brought a smile to both our faces. Funny thing, those pet peeves.

Jacob got home from practice I’m guessing around 730pm. By then, Mindy was off to pick-up her prescription and then to Target for something else. I took the opportunity to practice asking nicely. Jacob, will you please make sure to put your soccer shoes and ball in their proper place before doing anything else? Said he would. Hmmm?

I also took the opportunity to make small talk with Jimaken about the soccer team’s progress, or in some cases the lack there of. I shared that our players were yelling at each other frequently during the game, something I knew he missed being so far removed from the action on the far sideline. Sure enough, he didn’t know about it.

Jim soon left. I’m thinking that Mindy pulled up just before he pulled away. Mindy greeted Jacob in her normal jovial manner. Asked what he wanted for dinner. She knew he wouldn’t eat brats or dogs. Never does. Not sure what he ate. While he ate we all chatted. Noticed that his soccer ball was once again rolling around on the kitchen floor despite my earlier request. I kindly reminded him that I had already asked once that he put it away and that he agreed. He waited for his momma to tell him he needed to do as he was told. Tisk tisk tisk.

Bella did her 20 minutes of reading - Garfield again. Jacob asked if we could watch the Thursday night college football game. Sure. Wasn’t sure who was playing at the time. It was NC State vs Cincinnati. Cincinnati took an early 21-0 lead. I poured a Jack & Coke around 830pm and settled on the sofa. Mindy had the kids shower and prepare for bed. Jacob hung out watching football as long as he could.

The kids were in bed by 915pm. Mindy and I weren’t far behind. She acted surprised that I was joining her, but I was probably just as sleepy as she.

Late Start - Earth 2100

I slept about ten minutes later than I really wanted to after playing cat and mouse with the clock for the last half hour or so. It didn’t have much if any impact on my morning, however. It was a late start day for the kids, meaning I wouldn’t be leaving for work until almost 1030am.

And just like the past couple days, it was raining again. Big surprise!  My new deck stain is getting put to the test right out of the shoot. I didn’t prep coffee the night before so I took care of that just ahead of sit-ups. Coffee finally brewing, I quickly whipped out sit-ups and push-ups. The good news was that the temperature was warm, a whopping 66 degrees. The forecast was calling for rain but a diminishing chance as the day wore on. Meanwhile, Thursday was expected to be partly cloudy but then another 4 or 5 days of rain. Good grief! This might be the wettest September on record. Already more than 4 inches.

After meditation I took Mindy some coffee. She asked if I still planned to run before she left for work/school. Yes, though perhaps a few minutes later. I headed back downstairs for a stretch ahead of my run. Felt great. I wore long running pants and a short sleeved wicking shirt. The rain was light but steady, pretty much the same as it’s been through most of my September morning runs. The upside to all the recent rain is that the lawn looks great. It felt good during my run too.

I was back at the house between 720-725am. Mindy had my eggs ready and waiting in the microwave.  She didn’t wake the kids. Instead, she’d left that job to me. After all, they didn’t need to be at the bus stop until 1010am. After eating my breakfast, I fired up my laptop since I planned on working from home for the first couple hours of my day. I had to join a 10am conference call.

I got logged onto my PC then headed off to the shower. We were expecting the neighbors’ kids any moment (Jake, Makayla, and Lillian). I agreed to keep them for late start too, and as a consequence, Chrissy said she’d do the next one. Bella must’ve gotten up when the neighbors arrived. They were all up and making a mess in the kitchen when I returned downstairs from a shower. Jake was already drinking orange soda, and Bella was about to pour some for herself until I nixed it. She tried convincing me that her momma would approve. I knew better. No!

I let Jake keep his. Aside from the fact that he was already drinking it, I also cited his advanced age. J The girls didn’t like it but respected my decision. A short while later,  Jake was off to school. His bus normally comes at 715am. He headed out at 905am.

Jacob didn’t get up until about 930am. He only added more chaos to what I was already dealing with. He made it his job to annoy and pester the girls. Lots of verbal sparring and turning off the Wii. I gave him the dickens more than once. I made sure the kids were aware of my need for silence come10am so I could join that conference bridge. I reminded them at least three times. They were being so loud that I was sure they’d continue. Much to my surprise, they kept quiet until they needed to step out for the bus at 1010am.

The call lasted about 15-20 minutes, or about as long as usual. I poked my head out  the door immediately after the call. They were already gone. I heard the bus pull up earlier. I talked with my boss briefly before packing up and heading east to the customer’s office. Again, this was Wednesday, the one day each week that I work at their place. I left the house around 1030am.

Because normal rush hour was behind us, I decided it would be OK to take 670 east to I-270 north. The coast was clear tip to toe. I arrived at 1055am, or five minutes earlier than I predicted and shared.

I had a plethora of issues to deal with, including one my boss asked me to help with for another customer. And I felt like I made a positive difference. I didn’t take lunch until 215pm. I left the premise and headed to the Best Buy across from Easton thinking I’d look at iPods – Bella’s birthday gift of choice.  I was just looking.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a Sports Authority next door too. I thought I might stop in there after.

I make a visit to Best Buy two or three times each year. And each time I am flabbergasted at all the technological advancements. It lets you know how behind the times your stuff is. This marked the first time I took the time to check out the new 3D TVs. I can only say that the glasses might be a tad clunky, but the results are absolutely stunning. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I also realize the video loop I was watching was likely as extreme as one can get with the 3D technology.  If you haven’t checked it out, do so!

All the new TVs are super light and super thin. Prices have come way down too. I looked at phone cases as well, but they don’t have squat for Droid 2’s anymore. I guess they’re already considered yesterday’s news.

Just as I expected I would, I left empty handed. I walked next door to Sports Authority. There I checked out their winter weather garb, jackets and running attire. I saw some winter weight wicking shirts I really liked.  I need a couple more. Uh, should say, want a couple more. Now about 3pm, I headed back to the office, which was only a half mile or so away.

I stayed plugged in for the remainder of the afternoon, not leaving for home until approximately 515pm. Provided the traffic flow wasn’t an issue, that would get me home near the usual time. I took 270 north all the way around. I wasn’t about to try my luck taking 270 south to 670 west. That’s almost a guaranteed traffic jam once downtown.

Talked with Mindy on my drive home. She sounded tense/stressed.  I shared a little bit of how the late start went. She had just gotten home too, and said there were piss ants all about the tile floor again.  And I was just thinking that morning that I hadn’t seen a one in what seemed like two weeks. Figured the new traps were working like a charm. Not sure what changed.

I arrived home at 555pm. Mindy was busy helping Bella with math homework. I eventually took over the spelling words. Bella wasn’t in the best of moods either. Still seemed a little perturbed with me after this morning’s late start. J

Mindy made herself and the kids leftovers. Asked if I wanted something warmed. No thank you. I was busy dealing with carryover work issues at the same time. Good grief! I eventually made myself a chicken chili burrito with leftovers. Mindy insisted I come sit at the table to eat. I wanted to stand at the island. One, my neck and shoulder were bugging me, and two, I was tense and feeling stressed.

She then asked which part of gymnastics transportation I wanted. I wanted to do neither but offered to do the drop off. Bella was ready to go by 645pm. Mindy made her do reading aloud until the moment we left. Asked that she take the book along in the car too. That way she could get as many minutes out of the way before gymnastics as possible. Needs to read at least 20 minutes each day. By the way, she’s still reading that Garfield book, and she seems to love it. In stark contrast, Jacob was reading Harry Potter in the 3^rd grade. 

Dropped Bella at gymnastics without incident, though we had to wait a minute or two for the instructor to show up and unlock the doors. We got their 3 or 4 minutes early. Back at home I spent time on the PC doing both work and play. Enjoyed a brownie while at the PC.

I asked Jacob to make sure and rewrap the brownies after he took one. He shared that I hadn’t made a positive comment about him in a couple days. I only listened without further comment.

Mindy & Jacob left to fetch Bella around 820pm. They weren’t gone long. While they were out, and then a little bit after, I proof read several blog entries. Around 9pm, I retired to the familyroom and tuned into the History Channel where I watched a cool program called, Earth 2100, a show about what the earth might be like in the year 2100. Interesting spin/story. Gives one a lot to think about. Do try and catch it if you have some time.

Mindy and the kids headed to bed shortly after 9pm. I eventually fell asleep on the sofa where I remained until I woke and headed for bed around 1045pm. I was completely zonked!

Earth Craters

I woke at what I thought was 530am. It actually turned out being only 520am. But by the time I discovered I was up early, I was already downstairs and wide awake. I’d use the early rise to my benefit. For starters, I’d take a more leisurely approach to my morning.

I glanced out back. It was raining … again. I just can’t believe how often it's raining at my rise time this year. Seems like half my mornings have been rainy ones. Nothing I could do about it, so I did my best to let it go and move on to things that were under my control, like exercise. I completed sit-ups and push-ups over the next 15 minutes. Sandwiched in between was a little internet surfing.

It was warmer than it’s been early morning’s of late – a balmy 63 degrees. The forecast promised brightening skies as the day progressed, though I wasn’t going to hold my breath. What’s more, the five and ten day outlook wasn’t pleasant at all, with more rain coming in by Friday and hanging around for 5 days. The only upside that I could see was that I’m on-call over the coming weekend anyway. If there’s ever a weekend to have less than desirable weather it would be that one.

Turned out, I spent all my extra time playing on the computer. Boy, how time flies. I headed to the familyroom where I did a little more than ten minutes of meditation. I delivered Mindy’s coffee at 615am.  Back downstairs I stretched and dressed for a run. It was 629am when I turned for the front door. I wore a long sleeved wicking shirt and long running pants. Skipped the fleece. It was wet and humid, and also trash day. I placed our can at the curb the night before even though it’s really Jacob’s job.

It rained lightly on & off throughout the duration of my run. Mood aside, it wasn’t much of an inconvenience at all. I ran the full 4.1 miles and drug our can back to its resting place before heading to the deck entrance for reentry. I waited patiently at the door for Mindy to reemerge from the basement. I stripped out of my wet running shirt and shoes right at the door. I was wet from a combination of rain and sweat. After toweling off I switched back to my sleeping t-shirt.

By then my eggs were ready. I was hungry and ate every last bite without even thinking about it. I felt for Eiknarf who counts on me leaving some for her. I fired the stove back up and fried one just for her. 

Mindy left for work at her usual time after reminding the kids to bus home to Noah’s. She had a planning meeting scheduled for after school with her peers. She also reminded Jacob to do his homework while there, too, since he had a soccer game that evening. I was downstairs just long enough to finish prepping my lunch. I was off to the shower by 733am.

Bella headed out a little early with ‘duck’ bread in tow. I wondered when she headed out if she might be going to pick-up Jacob’s pennies. Sure enough, she came back in a few minutes later with about 20 pennies she said she picked up from the side walk.

We headed out to the bus stop at 810am. I chose not to bring up the whole penny thing, but Chrissy brought it up to Jacob. My whole thing is, we need to be able to trust the neighbors’ kids in our house without worry. After the kids boarded the bus, Chrissy shared how excited she was to be starting her last quarter of college on Wednesday. That is a good feeling.

Eiknarf and I headed back home. By the way, the rain had stopped and it looked like the sky was trying to clear, but still no blue overhead. Eiknarf and I walked out front before heading back inside. Can’t recall if she went or not.

I made last minute preparations and left for work at 825am. It was the first time driving my Accord since last Thursday on our way to Barley’s. Arrived at work around 840am. Took a while to get situated (laptop fired up, lunch stowed, and ice water). By the time I was settled and organized, it was after 9am. I joined a 9am call ten minutes late. I received the invite while I was off. I only got to hear the last few minutes.

I talked to my boss but only very briefly. I congratulated him on the arrival of his grandchild. Don’t think it was his first. Noticed the sun shining a few times during the afternoon. I didn’t leave for lunch but did take time to eat at my desk and then catch up  on some writing.  I sent brother Glenn an email asking about his knee/MRI. Brought up winter skiing too.

Talked with Mindy around 330pm. Her after school planning meeting got canceled. She’d be home to intercept the kids after all. Said she called the school to let the kids know. Also said she planned on talking with Emily to get to the bottom of the penny ordeal. We agreed to meet at the soccer field near 6pm.

Mindy called me back sometime near 4pm. Said she talked with Emily and sorted out the penny ordeal. Apparently Makayla took all the pennies and once they were outside walking Eiknarf she put them all in Bella’s hood. They then took them out and tossed them about the sidewalk. Mindy called Chrissy back to give her the story too. Kids!

I left work a couple minutes after 530pm.  I wasn’t sure the best, fastest, most efficient  way to get to the Spindler Rd soccer fields. I eventually opted to take I-270 as if I were going home. The difference being a right versus a left at the Roberts Rd exit. That worked well. Took Roberts all the way to Spindler (about a ¼ miles east of Alton-Darby Rd.) where I headed south.

 

For a moment I thought I needed to go north, but realized my mistake when I discovered it doesn’t go north. I Parked one spot over from Mindy and Bella, who were already there and setting up their chairs. I could only laugh at the weather. It was actually warm and sunny when I left the office. But there was one lone big dark cloud in the sky and it was hovering over the soccer field making it feel much cooler. Wise to the Hilliard soccer fields, I asked Mindy to bring me my fleece jacket.

The sky was literally blue all around us and I could see the sun was shining nearby too, but just not on us. Bella said she felt a few rain drops. Aside from a few brief spurts of sunshine, that one cloud managed to hover overhead for the game's entirety (one hour). Perhaps the cloud was foreshadowing how Jacob’s team would play. They got outplayed yet again, losing 5-1. I almost dreaded face to face interaction with Jacob afterward. He’s never pleasant, and recently has been more than eager to cast blame on his team mates, a character flaw I totally disapprove of.  In fact, he and his team mates more than once were yelling at one another during the game. There’s no doubt that the caliber of players in this league is far superior to what he’s accustom to. They’re small but mighty!

If I know Jimaken, he’ll get them up to speed soon, but it might not be until next season (spring). This is Hilliard’s first year in this league.

Mindy asked if I had heard back from Lindsey while we were watching the soccer game. Up until then I hadn’t, but don’t you know that when I checked my droid I saw I had an email waiting from her. In it, she went on about needing our help with before and after school care for the kids as well as help with transportation to and from her new job. Oh boy!

Sure enough, Jacob moped over to us after the game. I did my level best to tune out the dialogue he was having with Mindy. Honestly, not sure what he was saying. Bella was riding with me. We’d already agreed to stop at Wendy's on our way home, a promise I made to her the night before when I picked her up at gymnastics. Mindy asked that I get Jacob a spicy chicken sandwich with lettuce and no mayo, fries too.

We stopped at the Wendy’s drive-thru at Hilliard-Rome and Trabue.  We had our order filled and were on our way in no time. Mindy and I would be eating leftovers. My mom called as soon as we pulled out of the Wendy’s. We chatted over Bluetooth handsfree the entire drive home. She talked mostly about her upcoming knee replacement surgery. Seems likely that she’ll do both too. I mean she’s got to keep up with dad. I purposefully kept dad’s latest surgical procedure a secret because next thing you know, she’ll be scheduling a face lift too.

Not in the best frame of mind, I gave her an earful when she shared that she’d likely skip the recommended rehab. I even accused her of making poor decisions much like daughter Lindsey. 

I handed the bag of Wendy’s to Bella while I finished my call with mom and then carried in my work gear. Immediately in the front door I nearly tripped over Jacob’s soccer cleats, which were left smack dab in the middle of the entry way on the rug. Damn it! For the last time, move your frikin’ shoes out of the door way.

I find the act dangerous, not to mention rude and offensive. His mother let him eat the Wendy’s I bought him before making him follow through with moving them. I was beside myself. It was all I could do to restrain my thoughts from going verbal. And it wasn’t just the shoes. He did the same thing with his soccer ball, dropping it once inside the door and leaving it rolling around on the tile floor. Yet another serious danger. It’s white just like the floor. Somebody’s gonna hurt themselves.

Mindy asked if I wanted her to prep me some leftovers. I declined. After blowing off some steam and waiting for the soccer shoes & ball to be picked up, I made myself a real chili dog.

Mindy had the kids get showers after they finished their dinner and homework. Like it often does, dinner sat heavy in my stomach. It made me incredibly sleepy, that along with a little History Channel, which incidentally was another show about significant asteroids that have impacted the Earth. I fell asleep in short order. Probably even before 845pm. I didn’t wake again until everyone else was already in bed. I’m not really sure the time but guessing it was close to 11pm. I know this, I had not trouble at all falling right back asleep.

Rainy Vacation Day (not quite what I had in mind)

Despite having one more vacation day, I was up just ahead of 6am and well before Mindy. I felt good and fully rested. Getting a jump on the day only made sense. I glanced out back at the deck. It wasn’t raining at the time, but it must’ve overnight. There was water beaded up nicely on the freshly stained deck.

I started coffee then completed both sit-ups and push-ups. I took Mindy some coffee around 620am. Back downstairs I played on the computer for nearly an hour, not only reading about my hapless Vikings, but also a few bits from a few of the other Sunday games.

I listened to Mindy coax the kids out of bed, a treat I miss most other work days since I’m usually out doing my run about that time. They were slow to motivate. Mindy didn’t have to bother frying eggs since I was staying home. I didn’t plan to run until the kids were off to school on the bus.

The time went fast. Soon Mindy was leaving for work and the kids playing in their rooms ahead of bus time. I killed time editing pictures using the full edit capabilities in Photo Shop Elements 8. I’m almost embarrassed to say that I wasn’t aware of all the basic editing tools available to me in the full edit mode. I’ve been living with the lame quick edit tools for almost two years now. Obviously, the full edit tools offer much greater flexibility. It’s like getting new software.

It was 805am in a hurry. The kids and I headed out to the bus stop a few minutes later. At the time it was only threatening rain. The bus pulled up right at 815am. I have to laugh every time I see the same little boy with his head pressed against the bus window starring with an unchanged expression every single morning. He seems to be looking at the pugs. He never makes eye contact with me or Chrissy. 

Chrissy asked what I had planned. I shared only that perhaps some yard restoration work should the weather cooperate. I headed back home walking Eiknarf out front for a short while. By design, I was already in my running clothes, a kind of reminder not to divert my attention elsewhere before the run was completed.

I wore a thin, long sleeved wicking shirt and long running pants. It started to sprinkle a little while doing the 4.1 miles. I didn’t let it bother me, though. If it stayed like that, I figured I could still do my lawn restoration work without a problem. I just wouldn’t have the pleasure of doing it in the sunshine.

I was back home somewhere close to 9am. No sooner was I back that I got started on my projects. Before doing anything outside, I took down the trim rings from around the kitchen spot lights. Originally white, they’ve yellowed significantly over the years. I could easily have replaced them but they’re about $5 each. I bought a can of white spray paint for $4 that would cover all four and then some. They come down easily. You unscrew the bulb then lift off two springs and voila. I washed them with hot water and Fantastik first, and then let them set for a while. I headed to the PC to do a little writing.  After about an hour or so I gathered up the four trim rings along with some lashing wire and headed out back behind the shed where I do most spray painting. I hung each ring from a honeysuckle branch using the lashing wire. As careful as I was to not spray the paint on too thick, I still managed to create a couple runs, but nothing to worry about. I left them dangle then headed back inside to do a little more writing. After another 30 minutes I noticed that it was starting to rain. I hustled outside to fetch the rings. They were still dry, protected by the cover of honeysuckle.

I took them to the garage where I suspended them from the base of the overhead garage door and gave them a light 2^nd coat. I then hung them from a wire shelf so I could close the overhead door. The rain continued. In fact, it was raining hard enough that I had to scrap my yard restoration work, at least for the time being. I spent time writing and then napping while it rained. It wasn’t a pretty day outside.

Waking from my nap around noon, I took the hair dryer out to the garage where I hit the trim rings with some warm, dry air. That helped the paint harden enough that I could reinstall them in short order.  They look exactly like I hoped – a bright white satin finish. With the afternoon my oyster, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself since I didn’t really have a contingency plan for a rainy day. Again, when I scheduled my time off it was forecasted to clear for four straight days. The rain continued all afternoon. I did plenty of writing and a lot of napping.

It was 3pm in a hurry. Where had the day gone? Mindy asked that I put four potatoes in the oven at 3pm baking them for dinner. I followed her orders then headed up for a shower. A shower felt great, and even lifted my spirits some. A rainy Monday is not what I had in mind. I guess I just needed to be thankful that I got the deck stained and a round of golf in.

I’ve had a kink or dull ache in my left shoulder since trimming trees a couple weekends ago. It was getting better until I aggravated it again with two days of brushstrokes staining the deck. It felt like it needed to pop.  I did my best to stretch it out realizing that the source of the pain might actually originate elsewhere.  What felt best was getting my lower back up against a vertical surface allowing my shoulder blades to bore the brunt of my weight. I didn’t pop but it stretched the entire area nicely. I took three Advil, too. I knew that would help.

It was 4pm and the kids were soon home from school. They both enjoyed snacks and played until Mindy got home around 430pm. She stopped at Kroger or Target on her way home. She thanked me for remembering the potatoes and then started dinner – salmon. She also helped Bella with homework while I took yet another lazy nap.

 I slept until about 5pm. Once up, I helped Bella finish her math homework and then quizzed on her new spelling words. Mindy was baking the salmon in her homemade foil pouches. I asked that she throw mine under the broiler to finish it up. I saw she was pan searing some asparagus too. Dinner was ready around 530pm. Bella was the exception. She had hot dogs while the rest of us had the salmon.  Jacob couldn’t finish his dinner. He usually loves salmon.  I guessed that he made too big a pig of himself eating half a bag of pita chips and hummus earlier. Mindy agreed. He ate several donuts fresh off the bus too.

Mindy asked which transportation shift I wanted – drop-off or pick-up. Again, I acquiesced to her preference. She wanted to drop-off. I managed clean-up and was done by about 610pm. Afterwards, I went to my PC where I did some more weekend blogging and then took yet another brief nap. During my nap I heard Mindy ask Bella to take Eiknarf out for a walk. She did, even though she had friends over playing upstairs (Makayla and Emily).  I heard a crashing sound upstairs, which I later learned was a bunch of pennies Jacob had lying in a towel drying off. Don’t ask.

The girls headed out to walk Eiknarf with Bella a few minutes later. When Bella got back, Mindy took her to gymnastics. I’m guessing it was near 650pm. Mindy wasn’t gone that long at all. I really wanted to chill out and lounge around, but also wanted to finish writing Saturday’s blog. I stayed at it until that day was done. I haven’t published anything since last Wednesday which I noticed was dated incorrectly. It happens.

I stayed dressed in my regular clothes as opposed to getting into my PJs since I agreed to fetch Bella at 830pm. We watched the MNF pregame leading up to my departure at 820pm. It didn’t take long to get to DCW Elite. I walked in and witnessed a girl on the gymnastics team doing some darn good flips and twists on the mini trampoline. Wow! Impressive. Bella gathered her things and we scooted outta there. Again, they actually go until 9pm, but Mindy shared that we’ll be picking Bella up at 830pm.

Bella asked if we could stop at Wendy’s on our way home. I, of course, declined, but offered that she would have time for a snack. She wasn’t too thrilled. She then shared that she wanted to quit gymnastics. Not sure where that came from. And by the time we were home and in the house, she was just short of tears. Said she had a terrible day, but wasn’t willing to share why.

Mindy and I both tried consoling her, but to no avail. In fact, she only got more dramatic. Mindy put her in a basket hold until she agreed to calm down. And even once she was loose she rain off to her room. Mindy insisted she get a shower while up there. Mindy again quizzed me about what she might’ve shared with me on our drive home. There was only the Wendy’s thing and then something about somebody at gymnastics saying or doing something. Bella can be very dramatic.

For a brief stint after her shower, she would only communicate with Jacob. She was having nothing to do with Mindy or I. Mindy and I both laughed when I said that life has to be pretty bad when Bella is counting on only Jacob for her moral support. J

Jacob actually got her to come downstairs and enjoy a snack – a pop-tart. She remained quiet to both Mindy and I until it was bedtime. At some point the episode with Jacob’s pennies came up. Most of which were now missing. According to Bella, Makayla took them, something she’s got a habit of doing – taking other peoples money.  Mindy quickly phoned Chrissy even though it was 945pm.

They talked for a while. Mindy later confided that Makayla admitted taking them, but said Bella and Emily did too. Said they threw them outside while walking Eiknarf. Mindy was determined to get to the bottom of it. Of course it’s not the value of the pennies that had us concerned. Rather, it’s the idea that she would think it’s OK to take them from our house.

I tucked Bella into bed a couple minutes later. On her own accord, she shared three reasons while she might’ve had a meltdown earlier. In brief, three different run ins with peeps. Said the last thing pushed her over the edge. I simply shared that it’s OK to get frustrated but it’s how we respond to those  tough times that helps us grow. She seemed at peace as I left her room.

Downstairs with Mindy, I shared what Bella told me. Wasn’t sure if she had told Mindy the same thing. She hadn’t. Mindy and I stayed up until halftime of MNF, or 1010pm. At the half, the Giants lead the Rams. It was still raining as we headed off to bed.

Deck Done - Gone Golfing

I was up early for a weekend, once again just ahead of 700am. It was Sunday, so it was my day off from calisthenics. I started coffee then took to the computer for a while. Among other things, I read about the Buckeyes epic collapse, and then spent some time downloading photos from Saturday. I had a few good ones from the night before.

I fooled around online until 830am when I decided it was time to do my run. I checked the temperature first. It was only 50 degrees but with brilliant sunshine. I wore a short sleeved wicking shirt with a pullover fleece. However, with the sun beating down, I was almost too warm.

I ran the typical abbreviated weekend run – 3 miles. I was back at home just after 9am. The rest of the family remained in bed, though Mindy joined me within the next 30 minutes. With the deck stain dry, but still tacky, I could see where I needed a 2^nd coat with much greater clarity. I planned to do that real quick and then cut the lawn. All of that, I might add, before leaving for 18 holes of golf around 1230pm.

As soon as the kids were up Mindy made homemade waffles. I declined any. Instead, I headed out to get started on the deck. It didn’t take but 30 minutes to apply a 2^nd coat to the high traffic areas and then cover a few other noticeable thin spots. With the improved applicators, this finish looks by far the best ever. 

Before moving on to cutting the lawn, I had to move all of the deck furniture out of the way and into the mulch beds. That took some doing. I was mowing by 10am. It was sunny but still seasonably cool (low 60s). That made the mowing so much easier. Even though the grass was really long out front, I lowered the blade about an inch from its highest setting. Otherwise, I’d need to cut again in 2 or 3 days, and I just don’t have the time for that.

 Mindy helped by jockeying the cars around to make room along the drive way for mowing and trimming. I finished up the entire yard, including mowing, trimming, edging and blowing around 1140am. I headed in for a shower. Once I was out of the shower, Mindy let me know that she was leaving for the grocery and that the kids would have to be left alone for a short while until she returned. Jacob maybe, but Bella? I don’t know dear. She thought better of it without me saying another word. She called Chrissy to ask if she would keep an eye on the kids after Kenny & I left for golf. I felt better.

Kenny & I planned to leave for golf around 1230pm to make our 120pm tee time at Phoenix. I made a ham & cheese sandwich, my first substantial food all day, just before we left. Kenny agreed to drive. I headed out front and sat on the driveway next to my clubs waiting on him to pull up.

We arrived just ahead of 1pm. Kenny insisted on getting both green fees. Thanks Kenny! We headed up to the putting green. There was a gaggle of golfers at the range but nobody on the tee box. Looked like it was fairly open. I held my breath that it would stay that way until we got up there. It did. There was a twosome out in front of us just hitting their 2^nd shots. Just before we teed off the starter asked us if he could stick a single with us. Why not? His name was Dennis. Said he was in town to play a soccer game and also to

drop his daughter at OSU.

Hole #1 is a blind par 5. As usual, I hit my opening drive right down the middle. I was eager to hit my new 5-wood that I bought the week before heading to NYC. I knew I couldn’t reach in 2 anyway. I went with the new 5 wood but topped it, landing it about 100 yards from the green. I hit my 3^rd shot on and within 20’. I two putted for a par. Kenny got a par, too.

For some reason, the 2^nd hole, a 171 yard par 3 always eats me up. I rarely hit a decent shot off the tee. You have to carry the shot about 100 yds over a field of heather. This time I hit a 5 iron on the green and only 15’ from the hole. I was most pleased. Kenny was inside of that. I three putted the extra fast green. Kenny birdied. Nice birdie, Kenny!

Holes #5 and 6 ate me up. Neither should be that hard, but I made them that way. I lost two balls on #5 hitting two reallybad shots into the thick heather. Oh boy! I had to take an eight. On the #6 par 3 I hit another shot out of bounds. I hit my next shot just off the green and eventually carded a double-bogey. I finished the front with a par and two bogeys.

We didn’t bother taking a break at the turn. We played on. I thought about checking the Viking score but ultimately thought better of it. I’d wait until I got home to see how they did. After almost no golf for two months, I struggled with my 2^nd shot accuracy. My driving was fairly consistent missing only a couple fairways all day long. Plus, I was hammering most of my putts long but on line.

My back nine was littered with double-bogeys and bogeys.  I got pretty lucky on #17, the par three that overlooks the clubhouse to the left, down a steep hill over a treacherous rocky ravine. I hit an 8-iron what I thought was dead on, but it hit just short and kicked hard left seemingly into the rocky ravine. Damn! Kenny commented that I passed the drop zone as we approached the green. But there it was, my ball, hanging on by a thread  atop a mound of weeds and grass, about 6 inches above solid ground and perhaps a single breath from falling into the rocky ravine. I hit my 60 degrees wedge within 10’. I missed the par putt but saved the bogey. It could’ve been way worse.

I easily carried the water on #18, hitting perhaps my best drive of the day. But like I did all day, I hit a poor second shot and then put my PW just off the back of the green. I three putted for yet another double-bogey. I shot a 49 on the front and a 49 on the back. Kenny took me by 5 or 6 strokes.

We finished by 445pm – record time for Phoenix – just a little over 3.5 hours. I was happy and surprised that we didn’t have to wait much if at all. Mindy texted that she was inviting my dad for dinner. I acknowledged and let her know that we were already on our way home, a full 45 minutes earlier than I predicted.

Kenny dropped me at home around 5pm, or just after. Mindy was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I had a small snack to tie me over until it was ready then went to my PC to check on the Vikings game, which was a final. Crap, they lost again. And just like week one, they were ahead at halftime. This time they lead 17-0 but still found a way to lose. According to the story line, it was the tale of two halves. Mindy shared that she drove by my dad’s house earlier after not being able to reach him by phone. He was on his tractor mowing his lawn.

Mindy went to fetch dad around 530pm. Seemed to be getting around just fine. We chatted a little ahead of our dinner being served. I joked about his white knee high hosiery. As I understand it, they’re supposed to promote good circulation.

I asked Mindy to broil my chicken for the last few minutes. Thus far it cooked covered on the stove in a grill pan. She really wanted to use the gas grill, but the deck was out of commission for at least another day.  And speaking of the weather, it had been sunny all day, but clouds were starting to move in and rain was predicted for later in the evening and lasting well into Monday. I was hopeful that the last day of my 4 day weekend wouldn’t end up a washout.

Dinner was good – chicken breast served over rice with a garden salad. Mindy had Chrissy pick us up a tray of the yummy Pillsbury brownies from Sam’s Club that I like after she called and offered earlier in the day. They would be dessert after clean-up.

Mindy took dad home around 7pm. Said he was tired. He’s still taking Oxycondone for pain. He's gotta be sporting a perpetual buzz. Mindy was gone longer than I expected.  I spent most of that time on the PC while the kids were outside playing.

At some point I decided it was beer time! I poured a centennial and then headed out on the deck. The full day of sun took care of any remaining tackiness. It was a gorgeous evening, about 68 degrees. Mindy got home around 8pm best guess. She joined me on the deck sitting on our new surround benches. Said the reason she was gone so long was that brother Bob, April and Evan stopped by dad’s after trying unsuccessfully to reach him via his cell phone earlier. He left it at home while he was at our house. They were worried and figured they ought to drive by to check on him. I don’t think I’ve seen April since Xmas.

We sat on the deck with the kids for about 30 minutes. Again, it was really nice. While I enjoyed a 2^nd beer, Mindy enjoyed a glass of wine. We headed inside around 830pm and tuned into the Sunday night football game on NBC – Eagles vs. Falcons. Both teams looked good.

Mindy and the kids peeled off for bed before 930pm. I stayed up, this being almost like a Saturday night. I even poured a 3^rd beer. I surprised myself staying up for the entirety of the game. At some point I went to the basement in an attempt to further visualize what I want it to become if we ever get off the schnide and start the finishing project.

Boring Game?

I was up just ahead of 7am. I could see that it was mostly clear though the sun still not quite up yet. I started some coffee then did sit-ups but skipped push-ups. My left shoulder was absolutely killing me most likely from the 50,000 or so brushes strokes the day before. I took some Advil since I'd be right back at it again after my run.

I enjoyed my alone time sipping coffee and playing on the internet until well past 800am. I decided it was time to go on a run around 830am. It was chilly again, about 52 degrees. I ran just three miles.

Mindy was up a short while after I returned from my run. She planned to go to yoga while I planned to continue staining the deck. I got myself organized for another long day on the deck beginning around 10am. I planned to finish the pergola first, then the skirting, and finally the deck itself. Before any staining I got my music going again, only this time I set up on the deck so not to bother Mindy and the kids. I listened to more Pink Floyd.

I finally tapped into the new five gallon bucket, which needed stirred before I deemed it ready for use. I'll bet I stirred for a solid 5 minutes. The new batch was noticeably thinner, but this I already knew. Because it was thinner it went on easier but still covered really well too. I'll bet I worked on the pergola for a solid hour, and maybe longer. Once it was done I moved on to the skirting. I did the toughest part first, the area below the A/C unit and tucked behind all the Cannas, climbing hibiscus, and maiden grass.

After that the rest of the skirting was cake. I'll bet it didn't take but 30 minutes. By then, Mindy was already off to yoga and the kids off playing with the neighbors. Just before Mindy left for yoga, I asked if she would be willing to stop at Barley's and fill a jug with Centennial. I knew I'd be craving it later. She willingly agreed. Now around 12 noon, it was time to get cranking on the deck's main surface. Before using the stain pad I did the new bench tops and posts with the 4" brush where it would be difficult to maneuver the pad. Kenny stopped over to ask if I would keep an eye and ear out for their kids while he ran off to his grandpa's to mow his lawn. Sure thing! Chrissy was shopping for a wedding dresses with her cousins and sister-in-law.

The stain pad worked well, especially with the 1' long wooden handle I found in the basement. It laid down a nice even coat. The surface goes relative fast, but also uses a lot of stain. I had the newest section of deck (where the hot tub used to reside) done in no time. Looked really nice. In fact, even nicer than I imagined.

As I moved on to the older surface, the staining wasn't quite as easy as the new stuff for all the raised grain, but still simpler than the rail and pergola. The older stuff really sucked up the stain. I used the brush to do the edge all along the stucco and put it on really thick. I had the upper tier completed  after about 90 minutes best guess. While she was still off to yoga, I wrote out a card commemorating the six year anniversary of the day we met - September 17, 2005 @ Bob & Mary Ann's block party. There was a card for me already on the island counter.

I ate a few chunks of cheese but then headed back out for more fun, this time attacking the deck's lower tier. Mindy got home about the time I was working on the large steps off the main deck. She offered to make me something to eat. I asked for more ice water and my leftover reuben. It was delicious. The skies were mostly sunny with only occasional periods of cloud cover. In the brilliant sunshine it was warm.

I systematically moved down to the lower tier leaving the area in front of the stairs for last, that way I could walk off into the yard as I finished not needing to walk across any wet stain. The afternoon went by seemingly in the blink of an eye. It was already approaching 5pm. I had already identified a few thin spots that would need a second coat, but the only area still not done were the steps leading to the side yard.  I was exhausted, and had lost all my motivation to continue. Still, I forged onward, not wanting to stop until the job was completed. 

By then, Trena, our new next door neighbor, had guests arriving for her Buckeye game yard party. It probably took me another 30 minutes to finish the stairs. By 530pm I was sticky and stiff - ready for a shower and a cold beer. I took my time cleaning up, making sure my two brushes were clean and everything of value stowed inside or in the garage. All the deck's regular contents were still in the yard.

I used a coarse wash cloth mitten to exfoliate and remove dried stain from my skin. That mitten leaves my face smooth as a baby's ass. :) I took a few more Advil too. I felt a major sense of accomplishment having completed a chore that's haunted me for two years running, although I still figured I'd spend about 30 minutes Sunday morning on touch up. But for all intents and purposes, the job was done!

Mindy whipped up a batch of chili all afternoon along with some corn bread. Last minute, she decided to take the entire batch down to the neighbors. We ended up loading everything into an empty clothes basket for easy transport.

Everybody enjoyed some chili and cornbread before the Buckeye game kicked off. It was good. Chrissy spent her afternoon decorating the house for Halloween. Early, but hey. We cleaned up the dinner mess still before kick-off. I was sure the Buckeyes would win this one. So sure,  that I bet Jacob $5 after he gave me 4 points.

The game didn't start well. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, we were behind 14-0. But the Buckeyes finally got some momentum and discovered their running game with Jordan Hall, one of the previously suspended players. We marched down the field twice but could net nothing more than two field goals. Disappointing!

We held out hope that the game would be the tale of two different halves with the Buckeyes catching fire and righting the ship after halftime. That didn't happen. In fact, I don't think we had more than 20 yards passing for the entire game. That phase of our game looked anemic.  Just bad! We lost 24-6.

By the games end, Chrissy was asleep as were all the dogs ( our two pugs and Mike & Teri's puppies too). We packed up and headed for home around 1030pm. Mindy and the kids headed directly to bed. I stayed up having a snack and watching a little more football. I headed for bed by 1110pm. Happy six years, dear!

Stain Season / Ski Season ... It Begins Now

Despite having the day off work, I was up pretty early. I can't recall if Mindy was already in the shower, or still sleeping. It must've been around 6am. I brushed my teeth then headed downstairs to get the day started. I completed my calisthenics quickly. I was at the PC when Mindy came down around 7am after waking the children. By then I had already decided  that  I wouldn't be running until after the kids were on the bus.

It was chilly, only 45 degrees. Not exactly the kind of temps I had in mind for staining the deck. However, the temperature was expected to reach into the low 60s under partly cloudy skies, which would be ideal - not too hot and not too cool.

Mindy soon left for work and the kids went on about their business before school. I played around online ahead of getting the kids on the bus and before my run. Time moved swiftly. Soon it was time to head out. I changed into my running clothes before heading out to the bus stop, that way I would be motivated to take off on my run as soon as the kids were off to school. The bus came at 815am. Could darn near set your watch to it. I wished the kids a happy Friday then headed back home with Eiknarf.

I let her walk out front and up to the fire hydrant and back. I was eager to get my run behind me so I could get back and started on the deck. I put Eiknarf inside then headed off on my run. I ran just three miles treating my 1st day of 4 off much like a weekend day. It was a good run and over in about 30 minutes, or somewhere close to 9am.

 The sky transitioned numerous times between sunshine and clouds while I cleared the deck of all the flower pots, chairs, benches, and Mindy's fountain. That took a while.  I then headed inside where I  organized my deck staining materials, including the paint tarp, brushes, tray , stain, and rags. I set my iPod and Bose dock up in the bay window so I could enjoy tunes too.  I was ready to get started around 10am. Through the large trees to the west, I could see what looked like dark storm clouds. I wasn't too pleased. I hurried inside and surfed to weather.com. No rain, just clouds. Wanting to get the staining done for two years, I wouldn't have been happy at all had it rained. After all, when I scheduled the day off, the forecast called for 75 and sunny for 4 to 5 days in a row.

I got started on the railing at the west end of the deck by the new surround benches. I decided to use the stain leftover from the last go round first, which was also in a 5 gallon paint pail. It was really thick since it was the last gallon of the five, and that was even after stirring vigorously for ten minutes. I decided to thin it a little after pouring about a quart into an old one gallon pail. The new 2" staining brush I bought the day before worked nicely on the railing and pickets. Still, I can't think of a better word than tedious to describe the mind numbing job, especially just getting started. It seems like it will never end.

I opted to listen to some old Pink Floyd while working. And before long I was making some real progress. After finishing the first 4' section deckside, I headed down to ground level so I could get its back side. That required me doing a belly crawl through the mulch and then contorting my body up through the A/C unit bracket mounted on the back of the house. Not only that, but I had to contend with all the flowers too. Believe me, it was no easy task. After doing both sides of 8' of rail I decided I needed some sustenance, so I headed inside to make a sandwich. I made a roast beef wrap. It was delicious.

Next, I did the 8' section of rail overlooking the backyard that is also surrounded by a large rose bush as well as other mature plants. There are often bumble and honey bees galore hanging in those flowers. I'd feel home free once I got past that difficult section. After 2.5 hours I had completed only 16' foot of railing. You'd think it would go faster than that but it doesn't.  Again, the work is tedious, but the results impressive. It made the 16 year old railing look almost new again.

Like it did earlier in the day, the sky transitioned between periods of clouds and sunshine all afternoon. Through my toil, I listened to three different Pink Floyd albums: Final Cut, Animals, and the Division Bell. It's funny that it's taken me all these years to realize how stuck on war Roger Waters was both with the Wall and then with the Final Cut.  I love the music and the story but also understand why David Gilmour needed to break away to express his own creative energy. 

Mindy asked that I let her know if I would be home to intercept the kids off the bus. Around 130pm,  I sent her a text  that I would.  I made it around to the eastern-most railing just about the time the kids got home from school. Yeah, it took that long. Where had the day gone? They ran off to play in a hurry.

I completed the entire railing still using what was left of the stain from the last time, which by the way, was the fall of 2006, I think. In fact, I still had a little bit left after completing the railing. After a very brief break, I started on the pergola, which is also a pain. I had to stand on the rail holding on with one hand while staining with the other to get the most outward facing boards. I could use the step ladder for the rest.

Mindy got home around 445pm. She came out to check on me and complimented my work. Asked if I still wanted to visit Aspen Ski & Board.  I did. She willingly agreed to get our skis, as well as the kids poles and boots loaded into the Honda while I kept staining. I planned to keep going on the pergola until the old stain was gone. I might've had about a pint remaining. The last hour I listened to some old Edgar Winter, and never did it sound better. About half the pergola was done when I ran out of stain. It was close to 530pm. I already knew that Aspen Ski & Board closed at 7pm. I spent the next 15-20 minutes cleaning up my tools and mess and then headed inside for a quick shower while Mindy corralled the children.

I was ready in quick order. We left for ASBCO around 6pm. Mindy suggested we stop and visit my dad after ABSCO. Again, he's rehabbing less than a half mile from their Arlington store. We also planned to get dinner after that. In fact, both kids crabbed about being hungry on our way up.

Eric was working the counter at ABSCO, the same guy that's been there for the last few years. There was a queue of folks dropping off or picking up skis that needed or had already been tuned. We waited patiently. It's good to see them so busy. Eric took care of the paper work for mine and Mindy's tune-up first. Again, the preseason special is only $10 - what a deal! He then turned his attention to the kids, whose equipment  we planned to trade in. He sized their skies first, and said they both were still fine. We quickly countered that Jacob wanted to trade in his skis and boots for a snow board package and that Bella would almost certainly need new boots.

Eric measured Bella's foot and agreed that she needed bigger boots.  You're telling me, I'm the one that had to get the old ones on her everyday last season. They were tight even then. Bella wasn't at all disappointed that she wasn't getting new skis. She loves her pink K2s. Eric put her in some new white Techna ski boots. Bella really liked those, too. Bella now out of the way, Eric turned his attention to Jacob.

Because he's grown so much, Eric said he's already a tweener (between kids and adult equipment). He asked what my preference was. I suggested we go with adult equipment. Eric agreed and said while more expensive, it would perform much better and last longer. Gave Jacob the choice of several boards, boots, and bindings. Jacob chose a colorful board but its primary color black - a boy after my own heart. We upgraded the boots and bindings too, all of which were at least 40% off the list price. While Eric was taking care of Jacob, Mindy was busy trying on new ski pants. Eric showed her a few options there too and pointed out that all their apparel was 20% off, which is part of their preseason offering every year. Meanwhile, Bella befriended a 4 year old in with her daddy. I think her name was Avery. Reminded us very much of Olivia.  Too cute!

Jacob's stuff was pricey - about $380 after taking into account the sale price - but we also got a $100 trade-in credit for his old stuff. Picking out his new gear, he was as excited as I've seen him. Plus, if he goes out and has a blast boarding then it's well worth the cash. Because Bella needed only boots, her upgrade was only an additional $50 or so. Mindy found a new pair of ski pants she liked. We got those too. We also had to pay for three ski tune-ups. Said all of our gear, new and old, would be ready for pick-up on the 20th. I paid the tab.

Both kids shared their eagerness for dinner as we left ASBCO. We reminded them that we planned a brief stop at Arlington Ct. to see dad. There might've been a little complaining but both agreed that we should make the stop. As we pulled in, Mindy said it was the same place Jimaken's grandpa spent the last year or two of his life before passing. She'd been there a few times visiting him.

We signed in around 7pm and then headed back to dad's room. His door was pulled closed. I gave it a knock. I could just barely hear him saying something. I opened the door and announced my family's presence. He seemed genuinely happy to see us. Both kids gave him a hug. So did Mindy. If all went as planned, he'd be checking out Saturday morning and heading for home. He was already thinking he might miss all the attention and care. He's progressing well, and getting around without any complications whatsoever. The wound still looks darn near fresh, however. I'm sure it'll take some time to heal. We didn't stay too long, maybe 20 minutes.

Dad even walked us out. Even as we loaded into the Pilot and headed out of the lot we were still unsettled on our dinner destination. After some back and forth we agreed on the Big Fat. Everybody likes it and it was convenient and close. We pulled in the lot five minutes later. Even Bella, who has an extraordinary sense of direction was baffled at how quickly we got there having taken the back way through Arlington.

Johnny was working. We hadn't seen him in maybe a year. He's been spending most of his time at the new place, Fisherman's Wharf at Polaris. Said Maria (his sister) was there that night and married to the place. At first we thought he said married. Maria is a very attractive single Greek woman.

Alexsandra was our server. Drinks were first. Mindy ordered only water. Both kids ordered Dr Pepper, and I ordered a Jack & Coke. Jacob must've thanked me two or three times for his snow board stuff while we perused the menu. He must've felt bad because he insisted his mother pay for dinner. :)

Jacob ordered a gyro platter. Bella ordered pasta with parmesan (no sauce). Mindy ordered sea scallops, and I ordered the King crab legs, but only one pound. Mindy and I each ordered small Greek salad's too. I ordered a 2nd Jack & Coke just before our dinner arrived. We knew and expected because Johnny was in the house that the food would be exceptional and it was. The crab legs were delicious. I tried one of Mindy's scallops. They were really good too. The kids wanted dessert, so Mindy ordered two slices of cake (lemon raspberry and chocolate) to go. Mindy picked up the check.

It was chilly, only 55 degrees as we made our way to the car. Bella asked if we could hang with the neighbors who were said to be having a fire on their patio back at home. Mindy wasn't sure. Once at home, Mindy let the kids head down to hang with the neighbors. I waited to see if Mindy was going to go. She came down in her PJs. I had a Jack & Coke already poured and ready for transport. Despite being in her PJs, Mindy agreed to walk down.

The neighbors didn't bat an eye at her attire. It was Chrissy, Kenny & Teri. Mike was on duty. The kids were playing outside. Seemingly out of nowhere, Teri declared that she was flatulent after starting a new diet. Advised everyone to beware. We were all in stitches. While hanging out, we watched the Boise State vs. Toledo game. Boise State didn't have nearly the trouble we did with them.

Speaking of football, the neighbors invited us to watch the OSU game at their place Saturday night. Sounded good to us. I headed home to make a 2nd Jack & Coke at some point. Offered to bring Mindy the rest of her beer, which she refused. She later went for it herself. We hung out until the football game hit the 3rd quarter. I'm thinking it was near 11pm when we all walked home and headed for bed. I stayed up a  few minutes longer than the others snacking on some chips.

Nintendo DS, Barley's, and Lowes

It was Thursday, and I was up right on time. Because it was my Friday, I proceeded with a little extra bounce in my step. I completed sit-ups and push-ups and then spent about ten minutes on the PC. It wasn't very pleasant  weather-wise, only 53 degrees with light rain. Thankfully, the forecast was much brighter. Calling for clearing skies and seasonable temps. I was counting on good weather for the long four day weekend, when I planned to stain the deck and overseed some thin/bare spots in the lawn.

I grumbled mildly over the rain but also anticipated it.  As usual, I woke Mindy with coffee at 610am. After meditation and a stretch it was time to run. I dressed warmly with a short sleeved wicking shirt and a pullover fleece.  I headed out the door at 632am.

Drippy and dark at the outset, the skies eventually brightened, though the rain continued to fall. I ran the full 4.1 miles track.  Mindy and I still planned to swap cars, so shortly after breakfast she left for work in the Accord.

Off to the shower by 735am. It didn't take me long. I was shaved, showered and dressed by 755am. Thankfully, the rain had stopped by the time the kids and I headed out for the bus stop. However, not realizing that immediately out the door, I had my umbrella fully employed. Jacob was embarrassed as I danced and twirled my umbrella all the way to the bus stop. He turned away as if he didn't know me.

Soon we were joined by the neighbors. I celebrated gleefully the fact that this was my Friday. Soon the bus came and rescued the kids. By then, I had already shut my umbrella and helped Makayla and Lillian do the same with theirs. Eiknarf and I walked out front where she finally took a dump.

I made a few last minute preparations before heading off the work the in the Pilot. Unless I am mistaken, that was the first time I'd driven the Pilot to work. I parked in my usual spot far removed from other cars. By the time I arrived at work the sky had brightened considerably. No longer did there appear to be a threat of rain.

It wasn't long before I was settled in. My boss sent the team an email advising that he was taking  Thursday & Friday to be with his daughter who was giving an induced birth. I spent the first couple hours of my day dealing with a mini crisis, and once gain not doing the work I planned. But around 11am I was able to free myself from the urgent/emergency quadrant and turn my attention to the proactive stuff I had originally planned. I stayed focused on all of that for almost 2 hours, or until I deemed it time for lunch, and more precisely, my trip to Lowes to get the long weekend's project materials.

I went to the paint department first where I searched out a clerk to mix up a five gallon bucket of deck stain. Just like the last two or three times, I went with Olympic Maximum - dessert sand semi-transparent deck stain. I carried the five gallon bucket of base tint to the counter for the gentleman. He thanked me and then joked around about me working with him. While he mixed the stain , I went for the other staining supplies.

I picked up 3 six-count bags of 2" sponge brushes, 2 good quality paint/stain brushes ( 2" & 4"), a gallon of mineral spirits, and a stain pad made specifically for staining decks. As past results have proven, using a paint pad is the way to go when staining the deck surface itself - fast and efficient. The pad made especially for decks has a much thicker nap as well as a coarser sponge underbody. I bought an extra pad, too. By the time I gathered all the ancillary staining materials my 5 gallons of stain was ready for the cart. I thanked the clerk and moved on to the home garden section.

There I picked up a 15K sq ft bag of Scott's fertilizer, seven 40lb bags of top soil, 3 lbs of Pennington grass seed - a mix of fescue and blue grass. On the way to the check out, I picked up a new leaf rake and then a can of bee-bop just in case the yellow jackets bother me while staining the deck.

I guessed I'd spend $300. My total was actually something less - $282. I felt good about that. I loaded my haul and headed back to the office, but not before almost running over a guy riding a ten speed bicycle, who chose not to honor his stop sign. Good thing I was paying careful attention. I had to hit the brakes pretty hard, too. And guess how he thanked me. Yeah, he turned around and flipped me off. What? I pointed to the stop sign he'd just ran. He turned around once he cleared the intersection and flipped me off again. Really?

I proceeded on, still a little frustrated with his foolish arrogance. I got stopped first in line at the traffic light at Mill Run and Fishinger Rd. And who comes barreling along? The ten speed guy. Uh-oh! I could see worry in his eyes as I made sure he saw my big over done smile. He peddled hard through the traffic light and eventually begged off the street and up on the sidewalk where he must've figured he'd be safe from an angry motorist. Once the light changed to green, I stepped on the gas and followed the path of the foolish biker. I decided what the hell, and jumped the curb proceeding along down the grassy strip and sidewalk. I scared the begezzies out of that guy!

OK, the part about stepping on the gas and jumping the curb isn't true. He went on as did I. I let it go. He's the fool.

Back at the office around 215pm, I ate my packed lunch. After lunch I split my time between proactive monthly reports and organizing a meeting for the following week. As the day wound down I got dragged into a couple issues I really had no purpose being involved beyond just knowing about them. Not wanting to leave for 4 days with the issues in limbo, I had no choice but to spend time getting those two issues squared away and on the right track.

As 5pm neared I set up my out-of-office for both email and blackberry. I talked with Mindy sometime during the last hour of my day. Shared that she found Bella's Nintendo DS in her backpack even though Bella knows she' not allowed to take it to school.  I could tell that Mindy was pissed. Told Bella that we'd collectively decide her punishment. That's Bella!

 I left for home sometime just after 530pm arriving home near 550pm. By then the sky was partly cloudy with dappled sunlight and temps only in the low 60's. Jacob was at soccer practice, so the three of us had plans to have dinner at Barley's. Soon after arriving home I headed out to carry all my project material to the garage.

We left for Barley's a few minutes later talking about the DS incident during our drive there. Bottom line, Bella initially said she didn't give thought to whether she was allowed to take it on the bus, and honestly, I don't recall her being told not to take it to school, either.  But when asked what was fair punishment,  Bella said no screens for five days. We agreed, but it also included one day with no friends. In addition, we explained why we don't want her taking it on the bus or to school. Could come up missing, stolen, or lost.

Arrived at Barley's a few minutes later. I was in a great mood. Can't think of a better place to start a long four day weekend. We took a small barside table. Missing off the menu for about the last month,  Centennial was finally back. Janet brought me one of those. I think Mindy had only water, and Bella, a Dr Pepper. We shared an order of smothered fries then ordered dinner. I went with the Reuben special, and Mindy ordered the muscles. Bella ordered chicken tenders with buffalo sauce on the side.

I washed down the reuben with a second Centennial. It was goooood! We didn't stay too late at all. Mindy placed a to-go order for gates of hell wings to take home to Jacob. Just before we were ready to leave we noticed Bob Imber standing right next to our table. Said he'd been sitting at the corner of the bar for a while. Had been golfing at Split Rock with Bob B. earlier. We chatted briefly. Mindy picked up the tab and also drove us home. We arrived there a couple minutes after Jacob and Jimaken.

Bella and I walked down to the neighbors so I could ask Kenny about weekend golf. In what was a historic moment, Chirssy was actually standing over the stove making dinner - tacos - while Kenny stood nearby enjoying a beer.  Chrissy was quite proud of herself. So much so that she offered Bella and I some. We both declined, however, citing bellies full of Barley's. We didn't stay too long. Kenny and I agreed that Sunday would work best for both of us. We planned to ask two others to join us.

It was just after 830pm and time to slip into our PJs. I was looking forward to another beer and then Thursday night college football. The game featured LSU vs. Mississippi St. LSU was ahead when we joined already in progress. Mindy and the kids headed off to bed shortly after 9pm.  I stayed up slightly past 10pm enjoying another beer and football.