Green Thumb?

Since she was dropping Jacob at a soccer teammates house by 7am and then heading into work, Mindy decided to treat her Saturday much like a normal work day. As such, she was up and out of bed sometime between 6-630am. To help out, I prepped and programmed a pot of coffee the night before. I woke for good around 740am. By then Mindy and Jacob were long gone.

Ugh, cloudy and wet. And yet another day not expected to make it out of the 50s. Other than making me feel a little gloomy, it really held no sway over my day. As long as it didn’t pour rain, I still had an aggressive agenda for yard work, namely fetching and planting more flowers. Before any of that, however, I enjoyed some time on the internet with coffee. Ahh, the life!

Must’ve been around 850am when I meditated, stretched, then headed off on a run. My running jacket was still caked in mud from the sod, so I wore two long-sleeved wicking shirts instead. The cool, gray weather was actually ideal for a run. Felt great and finished strong. After briefly surveying the freshly laid sod outback I headed inside for more coffee then prepped for a three stop road trip. Before heading out I walked up to talk with Bella and asked if she wanted to go. She didn’t. I laid down a few ground rules. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make me proud, and to call if she needed anything. Still grounded, she shared that she intended to clean her room while I was away.

My first stop was Wal-Mart to check out their selection of solar powered landscape light fixtures. They have an entire aisle dedicated to them. I was hoping to find some individual fixtures that were many lumens brighter than the 1 lumen set I bought at Lowes earlier that week. Of course they needed to meet the eye test too. I found nothing that grabbed me. I briefly checked out their nursery stock before bolting for the West Broad St. Strader’s.

On my drive there ESPN radio did an interview with Rick Spielman, Vikings General Manager. I finished listening from the Strader’s lot before heading in. I was there specifically to look at their purple Adirondack chairs that I saw on their website a day or two prior. Yep, sure did. I grabbed two. I picked up a couple more spikes, too. From there, I headed east on West Broad St. to the Home Depot on Grenner Rd. Years past, they’ve had a much nicer stock of hibiscus than most other Home Depots.

Home Depot nursery was quite busy. And just as I hoped, they had lots of hibiscus and at a much better price point than Strader’s. I bought two, a yellow and a red. The line to checkout from the nursery was long. I got out of line to grab a coconut shell liner for our front porch hanging basket. I waited in line patiently. Most nursery checkouts take at least twice as long as other Home Depot transactions. Soon enough, I was on my way home.

Bella called twice in about five minutes, once asking me to bring home food, and another to share that it was hailing at home. As for the request for food, I declined the request. Lord, we eat out 5 out of 7 days each week anymore. And regarding the hail, she just wanted to share. It seems hail storms have a magnet pulling them towards our house.  Told her I’d be home shortly. I asked about her progress with her room. Said she was almost done.

Once at home, I carried my purchases to the deck then headed inside. It was spitting rain. Offered to make Bella whatever she wanted for lunch. She decided on the four small frozen pizzas that were in the freezer. She asked that I add additional cheese and pepperoni. I was really hungry, too, and at first I was going to settle for the rest of my Reuben, but ultimately decided to make a chicken wrap.

After Bella and I enjoyed our lunch, we headed out to plant. Bella was eager to assist. The sky, mind you, threatened rain all afternoon. But the rain showers were very widely scattered and would last typically only a few minutes. We systematically potted both hibiscus and then did the large pots on the front porch as well as the one on the pond patio. In between each, we had to suck inside to avoid moderate rain showers. We planted a few flowers in the beds, too.

Before she headed inside, I let Bella spray off the deck and tarp. We made quite a mess out there. By the way, Bella was covered in potting soil head to toe. I helped brush her clean before she headed inside. It was still raining while I cleaned up. Before going in I decided to spend a few more minutes cutting in that last piece of sod. Bam!

Done planting around 3pm, Bella headed upstairs to get back on her room. Said she still needed some time.  After about 30 minutes the sun came back out, and I thought about heading back outside to plant more flowers. However, I asked Bella if she wanted to help me get started with the basement lighting. She gave a resounding yes! We headed to the basement intending to install at least the first box of cans.

And while I have a basement design/drawing for the lighting, it’s not to scale and doesn’t include any existing infrastructure like wiring etc. And I already knew how many cans in which area and between what joists. What I didn’t have was the exact locations marked and want to have them as near a perfect line so to make hanging drywall that much easier, not to mention having some symmetry. So before hanging the first can we painstakingly measured out from the block wall then chalked a line. But when I went to mount the 2nd can I realized that the existing power line was smack dab in the path. Crap! Already a hurdle to overcome and we’d only just begun! Had to remove the can and start over.

From that point forward I was mindful not to nail the hangers in all the way just in case I needed to go back a move them again. On the last row, last can I made a 2nd mistake. Instead of placing the can outside the chalk line, I nailed it on the inside. Bella genuinely seemed to be enjoying the work, and while I put the finishing touches on the 8th can, she was busy hammering nails into pieces of 2X4”s.

It was after 530pm when Mindy finally got home from school. By then I had finally gotten a shower and felt a whole heck of a lot better. Mindy brought home all sorts of goodies, including some steaks from Giant Eagle. Asked if I was up for grilling. I wasn’t, not after a day’s worth of planting and then working in the basement. We ultimately decided to order Minelli’s pizza.

Mindy and I walked the pug together while Bella showered. I shared some of the details from our day together. Don’t get me wrong, Bella was a huge help, and I very much appreciate her interest and willingness to dig in, but man, she was high maintenance. Literally have to keep a third eye on that girl constantly. Mindy could only laugh, knowing exactly what I was talking about, having shared some deck chores with her the week prior. While I headed on inside, Mindy stayed out at the bridge talking with neighbors Carl and Carol. She was out there for another 5 minutes or so.

Our Minelli’s pizza showed up around 7pm. We ordered an extra-large double cheese, double pepperoni. Hmmm, was it ever good! We haven’t had one of their pies for quite a while. And to wash it down, I cracked open the growler of Barley’s Centennial I brought home the night before. All totaled, I enjoyed three pints through the evening hours.

Jacob arrived home from his three Dayton soccer games between 830-9pm. He looked beat. I’m pretty sure that they lost two and won one. He asked Mindy to warm-up some of the leftover pizza. He wasn’t up too long. After woofing down some food he was off to bed. We weren’t up that late, either. Headed to bed just after 10pm where we watched a little TV, though can’t recall just what.

Smokehouse Brewing Company

Was up and out of bed by 6am. I noticed what appeared to be some very light frost on a few neighboring roof tops. Here it was May 16th, one day after the local frost date. Once downstairs, I actually contemplated skipping calisthenics but in the end pushed my way through. Glad I did. Took Mindy coffee near 615am and heard Jacob stirring and then getting in the shower.

I planned to work from home just as I did on Thursday. I started working at 7am after spending about 30 minutes enjoying coffee and internet. Like most days, shortly after Mindy hollered for Bella to get her feet on the floor, Bella asked what the temperature was. I quickly chimed in that it was 37 degrees and that she needed to dress accordingly.

Wasn’t expected to make it past 55 during the afternoon. At the time the skies were clear and blue, perhaps the reason for the chillier than forecasted temps. It wasn’t expected to remain that way, however. Instead, the forecast called for partly cloudy skies. Walked the pug around 745am. The woman across the street on the corner hollered out her bedroom window telling me to not let my dog crap in her yard. I held up the back of crap I had just picked up and shared that I always pick it up. She kept on, though it was difficult to understand what she was saying since the school buses were at the corner picking up the kids, Bella included. Once the buses pulled away I asked her to repeat. She went on to ask how come I don’t walk my dog in front of my own house. Of course she answered her own question, saying that I don’t want crap in my yard. I only added that I do in fact walk my dog in my own yard but that she needs the exercise. She kept talking, and finally I walked away only adding that I didn’t want any trouble.

Back home, I made sure the pug was treated, watered and fed then readied and left for a run. It was still chilly but warming fast in the brilliant mid-May sunshine. The temperature was on 44 degrees but it felt a whole lot warmer. Like I always do, I did my warm-up lap and then headed west as if to leave the subdivision. As I passed Mrs P’s. house (owner of Spiro’s) I noticed old pal, Ted Miller out front dropping off some flowers. Haven’t talked with Ted for at least 10 years, maybe longer. He still looks pretty much the same though his hair has grayed. Noticed he didn’t make eye contact either. Anyway, he shared some sad news. Seems Linda Clemons passed away within the past couple weeks. Sad, very sad. I don’t think that I’d seen her for 20+ years. Frankly, I was a little surprised that David hadn’t shared the news since he tends to stay connected to all the old neighborhood cronies via FB. I finished my three mile run with a heavier heart than which I started. All in all, however, it was a nice, easy run.

As soon as I was home, and even before digging into work, I phoned Straders on Riverside to see if they’d gotten their sod in yet. Nope, not expecting it until midafternoon, the woman said. It dawned on me that there is an Oakland Nursery on 161 just east of Riverside Dr, , or just another mile or two up the road. I gave them a call. Yep, sure enough, said they had some. My plan was to pick-up about10 pieces of sod at lunch time to sod in the same area where I planted grass seed three weeks ago, but has since struggled to germinate due to putting down a pre-emergent.

Instead of waiting until lunch time, I wanted to go right then to make sure I got the some sod. I checked in with work and thankfully everything was calm. I poured a to-go cup of coffee then hit the road. Oh, Mindy and I traded cars again, too. The tarp and gloves were still in the back from the Thursday prior when I made the first Strader’s run. Traffic was a little slow up Riverside, about 10 cars in a single file line barreling northward. Guessing it was near 930am when I pulled in the lot.

I walked inside to ask where I might find the sod since I wanted to see before buying. After all, Lowes had sod too, but theirs wasn’t properly cared for - dull and dry. The woman was reluctant to grant me passage through the store to where they kept the sod. At the time it only served as another source of aggravation, but once I walked around from the outside as she suggested I could see why.

Their sod looked nice – thick, lush and green. I headed back inside where I needed to pay first. I looked at some flowers too, since we still needed plenty more to complete our summer landscape. I bought just one little basket filler. I helped the guy load the sod being careful to spread the tarp across the back and up the side so not to mud up Mindy’s Pilot. If you’ve never purchased healthy sod, then you probably don’t realize how heavy each piece actually is. I’ll be each piece weighs 60-80lbs. I’m pretty sure that each piece is about 10-11 sq ft.
Difficult to head south from 161W. You either have to cross the river then turnaround or take this short curvy road through a business park that empties north of 161 on Riverside via a traffic light. That’s what I did. Decided to stop in Strader’s on the way back home to pick-up more flowers. I bought some verbena and then more New Guinea impatiens. Was back at home just ahead of 1030am. I put the flowers on the deck then got to work.

Joined a work related call at 11am that went for an hour or so. By the time the call was over I was starving, having not eaten even breakfast as of yet. I made a chicken wrap. It was delicious! Stayed busy with work for the next couple hours. It must’ve been around noon when the sunny skies turned mostly cloudy.

Around 2pm I headed out to see how much of the sod I could get put down in about an hour. The two small areas in question were already fairly well prepped for sod (squared edges) though definitely not perfect rectangles. I used the tractor and trailer to haul the sod to the area. Considering the weight, I transported 5pieces at a time. The sod had likely been watered shortly before I made the purchase. As a result, loading and spreading it left me a muddy mess. It went down fast, and one piece was almost a perfect fit east to west. Within 15-20 minutes I had nine of ten pieces down with just a few spots needing cut and filled with the last piece. I had just enough sod leftover to fill two spots I accidentally damaged with Round-Up a few weeks ago. I didn’t have time to deal with the 2nd of the two spots. I headed back inside to get back to work.

Sometime midafternoon the mailman knocked on the door delivering the certified piece of mail from m former doctor’s office. It was a copy of the same letter she sent a week or two prior sharing that their office would no longer serve me. Whatever, I’ve already moved on.

I worked until about 400pm. By then both kids were home. With work completely quiet and the tractor still sitting out, I headed out to do some mowing. Mowed about 85% of the yard with the tractor. And the lawn wasn’t so much as long as it was thick. All this rain and relatively cool weather has really thickened the lawn. Looks great! Finished with the tractor after 20-25 minutes. Head back inside to check on work. Still quiet on all fronts. Yeah!

Took that as my queue to head out and finish mowing with the Toro. Neighbor Carl walked over while I was mowing what remained of the front to chat for a while. As it was, he was having a few trees cut down in his yard and they’d been at it since my run earlier. Told me a sad story about one of his friends recently passing away – riddled with cancer.  No more bad news!

Mindy attended an after work event with some teacher pals. Can’t recall what they were celebrating. I’m thinking that she got home around 6pm. By then Jacob was off playing with Evan. And despite being grounded, Bella’s friend Emma stopped over. At one point I found them out front playing and hollered for Bella to come back inside. Her excuse was that she was waiting for Mindy to pull up. Sorry, you can wait inside. I wasn’t sure if she was permitted to have friends over or not. I didn’t make a big deal about it because Emma’s dad came by to pick her up a few minutes later.

I continued to working on and off until about 630pm. Somewhere sandwiched in there I finally got a much needed shower. Mindy shared that both kids independently asked if we could go to Barley’s for dinner. And when Mindy finally got a hold of Jacob via his iPhone he asked if Evan could go with us, too. It was 750pm when we all piled into the Pilot for Barley’s.

Barley’s had a decent crowd but they weren’t packed. Mindy asked for a Justin table, which more often than not requires a wait. No matter. I was determined to get a beer from the bar anyway. Just as I was walking up to the bar Mindy passed with the kids sharing that we got a Justin table right away after all. OK. I greeted friend, Rick C. who was sitting at the corner of the car then followed Mindy and the kids to the booth in the corner. I sat next to Bella with a view of the entrance. Don’t like to have my back to the door. Not really sure why.

Mindy was up talking, so I ordered both of us Fortune Teller’s. And not surprising, all three kids ordered Dr. Pepper. When Mindy got back she told Justin that she hadn’t planned on drinking any beer, having had two earlier with friends at Applebees. We went through two orders of fries and buffalo sauce before ordering dinner. I ended up going with the Reuben and onion straws, though I only ate half. Boxed what remained for home. Enjoyed a second beer, only this time a 20 oz. Centennial. It was just after 930pm when we left for home.

No more beers once at home. Instead, we pretty much headed straight for bed where we watched a couple episodes of Modern Family before falling asleep.

Talent Show

I got out of bed just after 6am after fighting off the urge for more sleep. Sluggishly, I pushed through calisthenics knowing that coffee awaited on the other side. All along the plan was to run early and then work from the main office, but that simply didn't come to fruition. Instead, I took a more leisurely approach to the early morning, enjoying coffee and internet until about 7am. By then I knew for certain that I wouldn't run until after bus stop time and then about the time that Mindy left for school I was fairly certain that I'd simply work from home all day.

As for the weather, it wasn't very nice though still a little warmer than I expected. Early on we hit our daytime high of 65 degrees but with rain, and it was expected to continue through much of the day while the temperatures dropped through the 50s during the afternoon.

Saw Jacob, Mindy and Bella off to school. Waited until almost 830am before heading out for a run. Looking at the radar, it appeared that a thin front of heavy rain would come through in the next 10 minutes. I didn't feel comfortable waiting any longer so I headed out anyway. Sure enough, about a mile into my run the skies let loose dumping heavy rain for about 10 minutes. After that it was only light rain. But by then the damage was already done. I was soaked to the bone. However, with a temperature near 64 degrees, I wasn't really cold. I ran the full 4.1 miles.

Back home ahead of 930am I toweled off then changed out of my sopping wet running clothes and back into my PJs. I then put my wet running shoes on the register vent even though neither the heat or AC was running. I poured another cup of coffee and got back to work. Rained on and off through the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Plain and simple, it simply wasn't a very nice day weatherwise.

Fairly low key work day, which is always good to have. The kids were home from school at their usual times. Bella's 5th grade talent show was slated for that evening. Mindy, Molly and I planned to go while Jimaken took Jacob to soccer. Sounded like we'd be taking Makayla, too, since Chrissy was working late and Kenny was out of town.

The show was to begin at 7pm, but we left the house around 630pm since Bella needed to be there a few minutes early. Molly was supposed to meet us there. I took both my new cameras. I was eager to get some indoor shots with my 70D. We got there earlier than most, so we pretty much had our choice of seats. Molly showed up about 10 minutes after us. Not quite sure what to expect, but Mindy said it would likely be bad, but funny. Bella, by the way, would serve as one of two emcees for the event.

The show was cute and funny, but also a little long. At the risk of sounding a little harsh, I'll just say this. The next American Idol isn't likely going to come from this school. :) It was 815pm by the time the show wrapped up and we were headed for the parking lot. Having net eaten any dinner, all of us were hungry. Predictably, Bella asked if we could stop for food. No. Plenty of food at home.

Not sure what the others had, but I enjoyed half of the chipotle burrito that Mindy brought home for me on Monday. Caught a little TV before bed, but called it an early night. In bed before 10pm.

What's in a Name?

Up near 6am, it was still nice and warm - 62 degrees - but unfortunately, Wednesday would be the last of it for a handful of days. It will struggle to reach even 60 for the next several days. I completed calisthenics then delivered Mindy's coffee. Enjoyed some for myself while playing in the internet. Meditated and stretched ahead of 7am. Was out the door for my run a few minutes later.

It was unusually foggy for mid May, but still a warm 64 degrees and incredibly humid. According to weather.com 100%. I ran the full 4.1 miles and was back at home around 740am. Mindy was already gone but I expected as much. I walked the pug then enjoyed breakfast just ahead of a shower. Bella was out the door at 8am.

I packed a lunch consisting of a salad, fruit, and nuts. Left for work near 845am. Stayed busy all morning working on my monthly report. Decided to take lunch near 1pm and headed to Home Depot. Just as I parked, a rain shower broke loose. And it rained hard enough that I decided to wait it out. I put my seat back and took a very brief nap. Sitting in a still car made me sleepy. The shower didn't last but 5-7 minutes. As soon as it ended I headed in the Depot garden department. I was hoping they might have some nice, healthy full sized hibiscus but they didn't. The trip wasn't wasted, however. I picked up a box of six solar powered landscape lights to replace the ones either damaged or spent in our backyard landscape.

I was gone for something less than an hour, but more importantly it was simply good to get away from work for a spell. Stayed busy through the afternoon choosing to leave for home near 430pm. Called Mindy once established into traffic on 270W. By late afternoon it was in the mid 70s and partly sunny. Passed the main office near 5pm.
Jimaken was there to pick-up the kids for their usual dinner with dad night.

Earlier, I got a text from Lindsey sharing that Rocky was set to pitch that evening's game at St. Mary Magdalene. Mindy and I planned on attending. However, strong storms were forecasted for that evening too. As soon as Jimaken and the kids were gone, I checked the radar. Sure enough, strong storms (red & yellow on the radar) were just to our south and west, and set to break the 270 veil near 6pm. I sent Lindsey a text letting her know about the looming storms. Said she knew but that the game was going to go on until it actually hit. I let her know that we wouldn't be coming. The storms were imminent.

Without a plan, Mindy and I were both undecided about dinner out but ultimately decided to make a trip to Barley's. Not much of a crowd at all. Parked in the main lot for a change. Lots of bar seating available. Sarah as working the bar. Mindy and I both ordered the Fortune Teller Imperial Porter. Sent Lindsey a text once we were settled. Yep, game canceled as soon as the players were making their ways onto the field.

Tried the new Smokehouse kettle chips topped with beer cheese, scallions and a few other items. Decent. By the way. Barley's has officially changed their name to the Smokehouse Brewing Company. But I've been visiting for 15 years. It'll always be Barley's to me.

As for the new menu, everybody's been raving about the new banh mi, a smoke pork and ham sandwich served on a baguette. It was just OK. The bread a little dry and the filling a little bland. The chef came out and asked how I liked it. Choosing not to air complaints, I simply said it was good. Enjoyed a second beer, this time a Centennial. I think Mindy had another Fortune Teller. Left for home around 8pm. The kids were already back home, too. In bed by 930pm.

A Treat to Combat the Heat

 

 

Despite having the AC running for the past couple days, our room was still a tad warm, and as a result I didn't sleep all that well. Anymore, I view Tuesday's as an opportunity to sleep in a few extra minutes since I typically don't run until Bella is off to school. That was true this particular Tuesday as well.

I completed calisthenics then enjoyed coffee and internet. Oh, I took Mindy some coffee too. Logged into work right around 7am. Kept busy with work and pleasure for the next 45 minutes or so. Mindy left for work at her usual time of 730am. Around 745am I pulled myself away from my desk to meditate and stretch. Decided not to take and record my BP until after my run. I walked the dog in there somewhere too.

Once Bella was off to school I headed out for a run. It was plenty warm and muggy, already 72 degrees with 85% humidity. Even a short sleeved wicking shirt was uncomfortable. Felt like a thick, extra layer of skin. The afternoon high, by the way, was expected to approach but not touch 90. I ran the full 4.1 miles. No problems and felt good.

Back home near 9am, I whipped up some eggs and packed a lunch. Fixed Eiknarf up with an egg, too. And after checking and recording my BP it was off to the shower. Something like 135/86. :( I was ready to leave for work by 10am. On my way across town I stopped at deMonye's Greenhouse again. What a great way to start the week. There I bought a mixed flat of vinca and spikes - filler for pots and baskets. I picked up some New Guinea impatiens too. Interesting. They had a large sign up near the regular impatiens explaining that a disease has attacked the plant over the past couple summers - downy mildew. So that's what killed ours last year. Used to grow voraciously out front in the shade, but the last couple years they've performed quite poorly. And usually the nurseries have tables and tables of these lovelies but not this year. Decided to buy a flat of Wave petunias too, which I'll use for hanging baskets, pots and then perhaps still sinking a few in the ground. Wanting to please Mindy's eye, I went with lavender, a color I might not otherwise buy.

Arrived at the customer's office near 11am. As soon as I was set up, I met with one of the managers about some technical stuff. Good chat. Stayed to myself for the next 90 minutes or so before the 1pm meeting. That meeting went the full hour. Decided to take a lunch hour and made the relatively short drive further east to the New Albany Oakland Nursery that I found the week before. I really like it. There I bought more flowers. Lots of cool stuff!

Back at the office near 245pm, I kept busy until our weekly staff call at 415pm. The meeting was short, no longer than 10 minutes. I wrapped up everything I had going on all day and left for home around 450pm. Instead of calling Mindy, I called my mom instead. As soon as she picked up the phone she wished me happy Mother's Day. her way of letting me know that she didn't appreciate not hearing from me on Sunday. We talked for the entire drive home. Not once did she talk about her own aches, pains, etc. Instead, we talked about Ronald's issues - addicted to Percocet's. Sounds pretty hopeless to me. Noticed how gaunt he looked at his father's calling hours a couple weeks back. Let mom know that she should be receiving a card soon. In it I also placed a check for a very modest amount, enough to perhaps buy a flat or two of flowers.

At home Mindy asked why I didn't call. Explained that I spent the drive talking to my mom. She and Bella were soon off to gymnastics. Just before leaving, Bella warned that Mindy was grumpy. Thanks for the tip, Bella! Mindy asked that I keep an eye on the chicken she had under the broiler. We'd be having dinner once she was back from dropping off Bella.

I could hear the timer going off while I was carrying flowers from my car to the deck. I rushed in to turn off the broiler and remove the pan of chicken. Already getting a little well done, at least on the outside. Mindy was back lickity-split, but not before a little drama out front. A girl was jogging by with her baby in a jogging stroller. At the same time a baby raccoon was running in the street and eventually made its way under her stroller. She was freaking out and so was the baby raccoon. Caused quite a commotion. I ran out to see what I might do to help and just happened to have my camera in hand. About the same time two cars going opposing directions stopped. One guy got out and without pause went right for the baby raccoon picking it up and carrying it back to the storm drain where its mother and siblings were hiding out. We could hear all of them shrilling.

In the meantime, the other guy that stopped was over the top, insisting that the other guy who helped the baby raccoon back to its momma should go immediately to the hospital. We asked why? He wasn't bitten or scratched. He then asked if I would call animal control. No! Why bother. It's a baby raccoon.

Inside, dinner looked scrumptious: chicken, was good. Looked better than it was. The chicken breasts were more bone than meat.

We went together to pick-up the peanut. Inside the gym it was like a hot house, warm ,sticky and still - Ugh! Not sure why the large industrial fans weren't on, but I plugged in the one near the small bleachers where all the parents sit. One guy thanked me. Mindy was so sure that it was a good idea for me to do so, but no one complained. There maybe 10 minutes before practice wrapped up.

I asked about a stop at DQ. Mindy said no, Bella said yes. Smiling, I said that I then held the deciding vote. Last second I made the turn. We all three got chocolate dippped waffle cones, Mindy and Bella with vanilla ice cream, me with chocolate. We ate 'em inside. I wore my sun glasses since i was forced to sit facing the bright sun looming low in the western sky. Mindy grabbed Jacob a chocolate malt before we headed home.

Jacob was already home from soccer practice and happy Mindy brought home the malt. Not much going on. Watched a little bit of the Cosmos from bed.

Soaring BP

Unfortunately, I did more tossing and turning than I did sleeping. And as a result, I woke Monday morning still plenty tired. Had some weird dreams, too. I failed to prep coffee the night before so as soon as I was downstairs that was number one on the agenda.

The strong storms that started the night before carried on all through the night. I could see from the dining room window that the pond was up about as high as it ever gets. There was some ponding along the edges of our flower beds too. It was still raining too, though only lightly. Looked like a break in the clouds coming in time for my run.

After exercise I took Mindy some coffee then enjoyed some of my own. Given the break in the clouds, I timed the rest of my routine (stretching and meditation) accordingly so I could get out the door for my run before 7am. By the time I set out on the run the rain had all but stopped. It was just a matter of dodging large puddles. It was warm and muggy – 65 degrees with 90% humidity. I ran the full 4.1 miles.

Mindy was gone by the time I got back home. Both of our cans, the regular trash and then the recycling, still hadn’t been emptied. I saw both trucks near the back of the subdivision. It’s odd for them to start elsewhere when usually we’re one of the first picked up.

It was 738am when I got back. Inside, I leashed up the pug for our morning walk. Asked Bella to make sure that the pug was fed. Back inside by 745am, I woofed down the breakfast Mindy prepared. After Bella left, I took the time to cut up fruit, cantaloupe and pineapple and packed my lunch. I should also share that I was a tad nervous about my doctor’s appointment set for 4pm with a brand new doctor.

Left the house for work near 850am arriving about 15 minutes later. Always good to see my boss and peers. Hadn’t seen my boss since the Monday prior. He and I talked for a spell. Because I had a doctor’s appointment, I didn’t bother taking a lunch. I worked straight through choosing to eat my packed veggie and fruit at my desk. I joined our weekly team call at 3pm but bailed early (330pm) for my doctor’s appointment. It’s literally just around the corner from the office but they requested I be there early to complete a bunch of paperwork. Arrived by 340pm.

The office staff was very cordial. Handed me a number of forms to complete. All of that took about 15 minutes. One of the staff told me that her husband, Jim was seeing Dr. Bloch for the first time that day as well. Neato!

Vivian/Virginia called for me a minute or two later. She took me off to the side where they check height, weight, and blood pressure. I was shocked when I read the scale. I weighed 188 lbs. At home I weigh myself about once a week but always after a shower buck naked. Last weighed in at 181 lbs. I supposed by the time you add in shoes, pants, shirt, belt, wallet you’ve easily got 7 lbs. But even the 181 lbs frustrates me because my eating drinking, and exercising habits really haven’t changed much if at all in the last 10 years yet I’ve gained a good 10 lbs in the last year or so.

What the weight was just a small blip on the stress scale. What really got me was when the nurse went, WOW! When she read my blood pressure. Her reaction scared me. It was 167 / 98. She asked if my blood pressure is always that high. Uh, no! She proceeded to check it again only on my right arm. Pretty close though a few spots lower. I told her that while I haven’t checked it in the last couple weeks, I do check it at home and it’s usually around 132/75.

She took me back to the doctor’s observation room and shared that Dr Bloch was running a little behind. I joked that he must be a Braggart. I still don’t think she got the joke.  I glanced over a couple magazines trying to divert my attention away from my apparently soaring BP. I couldn’t hide it. I was distraught over such a high number. Suddenly I was overcome with feelings of despair. I am getting old and falling apart despite exercising vigorously, eating a healthy, and minimizing bad behaviors such as drinking. Realistically, what else could I do and sustain? And I know that they have meds for high BP but I don’t want to ride that spiral if I can avoid it. In my mind, taking ongoing meds means one is succumbing to having no control over one’s self. Slippery slope!

The doctor came in around 415-420pm. He was nice fellow and certainly didn’t come across as arrogant or egotistical by any means. In fact, he was a little milquetoast and somewhat reminds me of Portland friend, Tom Shepherd. The first thing we addressed was my soaring BP readings. He wanted to put my mind at ease sharing that it’s fairly common for especially new patients to have readings 10-20 points higher at the doctor’s office. Insisted I not be alarmed and that if we determine after careful study that it’s high we’ll discuss remedies. For starters, I shared my usual resting numbers and the fact that we have a decent machine at home. Good!. He asked that I take my BP and chart it a few times each week and bring those numbers in with me next visit, which he joked that he would normally say 3 months but could tell that I would stew over it for 2 months and 28 days. We agreed to meet again in about a month for a complete physical.

He asked numerous questions, mostly about medical history and lifestyle. Shared that I am a runner/exerciser. He retorted that while if he were recommending running to anyone he would advise to do so every other day, but also said he was smart enough to never tell an existing daily runner to stop.
(Chuckle)! Talked about my being diagnosed with a very mild hiatal hernia as well as a minor Schatzky’s ring. What I didn’t know was that the Schatzky’s ring is often brought on by low iron. He asked about colonoscopy. Yep, had one two years ago. Came back clean but she did advise my prep was poor so insisted I have another in five years instead of the usual 10 for clean. Dang it!

Wanted to know if I was sick. Nope, just wanted to get what has been my every other year physical. He strongly suggested I consider the shingles vaccine, and then shared that he would get my existing medical records from Riverview Family Care. Cool! Turned me over to the nurse again, who moved some things around on the calendar to get me in on June 16th for an AM physical. Once again, I was very impressed with the staff, nurse and doctor. All done in a non-condescending manor. I was still a little torqued with my BP. About the only thing I know I could do is reduce salt intake.

Before heading home, I made two pit stops, one directly across the street at Home Depot and then another down the street at Lowes hoping to find an improved flower inventory. But neither had anything that I wanted. Really disappointed in what they’re carrying this year. Figured I might stop at deMonye’s on the way into work again on Tuesday.

Arrived home to Mindy in the kitchen. She said we were on our own for dinner and that she and Jacob were soon heading out to do some clothes shopping for him. I was already snacking on nuts while sharing the details surrounding my doctor’s appointment. Bella was staying home with me. Mindy shared that Bella was grounded for playing with her Surface during the overnight which is a no-no in our house, and that was even after Mindy asked for it before bed, but Bella insisted it was already downstairs and out of reach. At the time Mindy still didn’t know that I found her downstairs after bedtime playing on her phone. Yikes! To clarify, Bella was only grounded from screens. Soon after Mindy and Jacob left, Bella asked if she could go out and ride scooters with Makayla. Yes.

It did a little reading from my Kindle and around 7pm I decided that I would be a whole lot more comfortable in bed. Already I was crazy sleepy after a poor night of sleep Sunday. And even though it was mid-day bright in the room, I managed to dose while using the TV like a lullaby.

I woke and hour or so later when Mindy and Jacob got home. Mindy came up about 10 minutes later to shared that she brought home Chipotle for me. Though, there wasn’t any way I was getting up and out of bed. I was determined to get as much sleep as possible. She said she would save the barbacoa burrito for me for another time, but good money says Jacob will try to find and eat it after school.

Mindy joined me in bed around 915pm. I asked if she would take my BP since the machine was under her side of the bed. She took it. It was 138/78, or something very close to that. While still high, a number closer to what it usually is. We watched a little more TV and were eventually joined by Bella for some snuggling. TV was off by 10pm and we were both off to sleep.

Mothers Everywhere

Just as I hoped, the sky was clear and the air temp warm. I was downstairs to begin my day by 710am. I started coffee then briefly stepped out onto the deck to drink in some of the early AM, warm spring air. Spent an hour or so online before heading out for a run. Ran three miles.

Mindy was up shortly after my return from a run. Wished her Happy Mother’s Day. Opted to do gifts and cards once the kids were home, which they were expected around noon. We were headed to Mindy’s mother’s for Mother’s Day dinner at 3pm. Ahead of that, I hoped to sink at least two flats of flowers out front and then possibly even get the lawn cut. Before any yard work, I wanted to have a good breakfast. And to that end, I whipped up a 4 egg omelet for Mindy and I to share. The omelet was comprised of cheese, spinach, red onion, and a left over cheese burger. I also whipped up bloody Mary’s using the mix Bob & Mary gifted us for Xmas along with a host of spices. Bottom line, they were delicious.

With a decent buzz, I headed out front to plant flowers. I make it a more pleasurable experience, I streamed Pandora from my phone to my Jambox wireless speaker. Nice! Mindy had some things to do inside but offered that she would be out to help if she could. Didn’t take much more than an hour to sink two flats of begonias out front. The conditions were ideal; the weather superb, and the soil moist but not too wet.

While I got busy taking care of the lawn, Mindy agreed to wash and set-up our patio/deck furniture. The kids were home shortly after I got started. I push-mowed the entire front lawn and then the slope in the back. By then it was getting really warm – sunny and into the 80s.

The kids were home around 1pm. Bella was excited to help Mindy with the washing the deck furniture. I heard Mindy holler at her a couple of times for dousing her with the hose.  It didn’t take but 15-20 minutes before Bella inexplicably dropped one of the glass table top inserts. Mindy and I are still not sure what the heck she was trying to do. Gotta keep an eye on that girl, for certain.

After mowing I took the time to do the extras: trimming, edging and blowing. The lawn looked fantastic once I was finished. While I put the finishing touches on the lawn, Mindy showered and readied for her mother’s. Once I was done outside I headed in for a shower, too. By then it was 220pm.

Mindy hoped to be at her mom’s by 3pm, but it was slightly after 3pm by the time all of us were ready. Rushing around, I asked if she wanted to postpone opening her Mother’s Day cards and gifts until later when we got home from her mom’s. No, she wanted to do them right then. OK!

I gifted Mindy first, a card, some chocolates, and a colorful hummingbird wind chime. The kids were next, gifting Mindy a card, a colorful mosaic gazing ball and stand. I knew she’d love it and she did. Great, Let’s go! We opted to leave Eiknarf at home. Made Bella kind of sad. And even though we were running a little late we still stopped at Targhetto so we could pick up a couple things. Not sure what Mindy needed but I wanted to get another Mother’s Day card and then a new basketball net for Gloria’s hoop. Of course that was at Jacob’s request.

Arrived at Gloria’s near 335pm. We weren’t the last to arrive, which is good. Instead, middle. Perfect.

After a quick greeting, I slipped out back to help Jacob put up the new basketball net. Grabbed the old aluminum ladder from the garage. Stayed outside playing basketball with Jacob after the net was up. Worked up a pretty good sweat. Soon we were joined outside by others. It was a gorgeous Mother’s Day – sunny and in the 80s. We haven’t had too many of those over the last decade.

Soaking of the weather forecast, it was supposed to be even warmer on Monday and Tuesday but then slip back to normal and even below normal temps by the end of the week with lots of rain. May in Ohio, you just never know what you’re going to get. I was hungry having burnt off all of my omelet doing yard work. I was eager for dinner, which Mindy shared would be lasagna. That sounded good, but honestly, by then almost anything sounded good.  I’m thinking that it was near 5pm when we sat for dinner.

Felt bad that Gloria did all the cooking. After all, it was Mother’s Day. Again, the main course was lasagna and roasted chicken. I had some of both. Also had cucumber salad which I haven’t had for quite a while. It was really good. After dinner and before dessert, I headed ot the lower level where the younger girls were playing and Josh was napping. While snapping a pic of Josh napping, he woke sharing how the jet lag from flying home from Hawaii was getting the best of him. We talked for about 30 minutes about his next career move and such. Right now he’s doing landscaping work, spreading mulch, which I know firsthand from spreading our own mulch just how taxing that is on one’s body. Hopefully something will give soon relative to a new career path.

Dessert was served near 645pm. There were two options: lemon cheesecake and ice cream cake. Before enjoying either, we sang happy birthday to brother Todd, his 44th, I believe. To start, I opted for a slice of the lemon cheesecake. Yummy! Later, I helped Mindy finish her ice cream cake and then helped Bella finish her lemon cheesecake. I was full! In between dinner and dessert, Lindey cut Jacob’s hair. Looked good. Mindy paid her $20.

The kids started getting antsy around 7pm and asked when we might be heading for home. The answer was soon. We gathered our things, said goodbyes, then left for home around 720pm. As lovely as the day’s was, strong overnight storms were on the horizon. In fact, we witnessed several distant lightning strikes on our drive home. That didn’t stop us from asking Bella to walk the pug once at home, and she did so without questioning.

I tuned the family room TV to the Cosmos on Fox while Mindy eventually headed off to bed. I felt wired, and definitely not ready for sleep. I’m sure it had everything to do with an overdose of sugary desserts. And as full as I was I found myself still seeking food. Sugar must do that. Despite being wired, at 10pm I still tried to fall asleep in bed. Wired ,warm, and uncomfortable, I got back up and headed downstairs. Sitting up in the kitchen I happened upon Bella sitting in limited lighting playing on Mindy’s phone. Ahh, should you be doing that?

I quietly topped off my water glass then headed to my PC. My eyes were heavy but there wasn’t any way my mind would allow me to sleep. I heard Bella eventually head up to bed. Made sure that she put Mindy’s phone back on charge and then gave her a hug. A few minutes later I poured a bowl of shredded mini-wheat. Yum! More sugar! 

Around 1115pm I headed back to bed, though I still wasn’t ready to fall asleep.

Flippin Out

Mindy was up near 7am and out of bed before me. She alone was taking Bella to her first gymnastics event at Westland HS. They needed to leave around 830am. I was shortly after Mindy was in the shower and quickly downstairs starting some coffee. Greeted by cloudy skies and rain. My plans to spend the early morning hours planting flowers and working in the yard were dashed. When I last checked the forecast on Friday there was only a 30% chance of rain for both Saturday and Sunday.

Judging from the radar, it looked like heavy all day rain to me. How depressing! All along, Mindy’s plan was to have Bella compete in her early event and then come back home since her 2nd event wasn’t scheduled to begin until 1230pm – a 3.5 hour gap. It was raining heavily when she and Bella left the house around 830am. As such, I held off on a run until it slowed down some. Looked like a brief break in the rain would come around 930am.

While I was staring off into the rain, Mindy & Bella were already back at home. It was 945am. Wow, that was fast. I belly ached a little about the crappy weather but then headed off for my run. Felt a lot better once my run was behind me. I was fortunate in that I didn’t get too wet. Shortly after getting back home the heavy rain returned. The skies/clouds were really dark.

Mindy used the time in between gymnastics events to clean out Jacob’s closet, ridding him of several piles of clothes that no longer fit. And amongst them were many still with tags. Her motivation motivated me to address a couple of nagging tasks. Namely, sorting, filing, ridding my mail pile. I kind of lost track of time as 1115am approached. Was caught off guard when Mindy asked if I was ready to head back to the gym. Uh, no! I hurried through a shower and was ready with plenty of time to spare. So was Jacob.

I guess I would’ve been more bummed had the weather been sunny and warm while we were at the gym meet. As it was, it was once again pouring rain. On a positive note, Mindy & I were thrilled that Bella’s meet was local instead of a 100 mile drive to and from. Heck, it was even on our side of town. And since it was our team’s event, we didn’t have to pay to get in. Jimaken and Molly were  to meet us there, but we arrived well ahead of them.

I hadn’t been inside Westland HS since mid-October of my sophomore year, 1974. Little did I know that Friday would be my last day attending the school. That following Sunday my mom abruptly made me go live with dad after Sunday dinner at Grandma Lantz’s house. In retrospect, probably the best things that she could have done for me. As for the school, not much has changed in 40 years, though it does look a bit more dated and lot smaller. Heck, back then it was still considered new having been built in 1971. Ugh! Just saying that makes me feel really old.

While waiting on Bella’s event to begin, Jacob and I walked the halls as far as we could checking out the wall of fame and then some posted artwork. Bella’s 2nd event was trampoline. Jimaken & Molly showed just before the completion started. Bella did good, but the competition was better. She placed fifth out of five girls.

Her third and final event started seemingly as soon as the trampoline vent concluded. She placed fifth in that event, too, but once again she did really well. In fact, it was the first such time that she completed the full exercise as designed – a front hand spring and then three back hand springs without stopping.

We were on our way home by 145pm. Wahoo! By then it had stopped raining but more was on the way. I hadn’t eaten a thing all day. I was hungry and so was everybody else. Mindy made arrangements for Jimaken and Molly to stop over after lunch to pick up the kids. We stopped at Cane’s chicken on the way home. It wasn’t my choice, but it would do in a pinch.
The Canes was just OK but filling. In fact, once I finished I at once became incredibly sleepy. Jiamken & Molly stopped at Taco Bell and must’ve eaten there. They didn’t show up at our place for another 30 minutes or so. They hung out for a while, Mindy & Molly chatting for quite a while. The kids gave Molly a Mother’s Day gift while they were there too – a hanging basket of petunias.

Jimaken, Jacob and I tuned into the draft and the Vikings were on the clock. They ended up the day Saturday with 6 new players and all of them on the defensive side of the ball. I started to falls asleep just about the time they all left. Mindy called me up to show me all the clothes she pulled form Jacob’s closet for charity. Seeing that motivated me to do the same exercise in our closet. Mindy agreed to organize and document if I pulled out everything I didn’t want.

Within 20-25 minutes I had amassed an enormous pile of clothes, anything from old black t-shirts to dress slacks and shirts. About halfway though, I had to remind myself of the goal - to rid myself of stuff I haven’t worn in over a year. Part of me wanted to save several of the items but I fought the urge. I’d been meaning to do that exercise for a couple years now. Felt good to knock it out.

Back downstairs I watched more of the draft and napped. Mindy must’ve been napping too. She was upstairs I and wasn’t hearing a peep. She came down about 90 minutes later confirming that she’d been napping. By then it was close to 4-5pm. By then the sky was clearing, and checking out the radar confirmed that the rain was gone. Hooray! I walked the pug around 530pm. By then the sun was trying to peek out from the last of the clouds.

Mindy and I were undecided how to spend our evening, whether to stay home or go somewhere. Both of us were tired, however, must’ve been around 630pm when we agreed to pay a visit to CBC. Thinking we showed up there near 7pm. We parked across the street. Decent crowd on hand. Chatted with some peeps just inside the door. Soon found a couple free stools at the bar. Most of our favorite CBC folks were working. Surprised to find Kevin and Kate both serving in lieu of working the bar. Working the bar was Vince and blank. Vince asked if we both wanted a Bodhi, which wasn’t on their beer menu. Actually, no, we decided to try a guest stout. More specifically, Hoof Hearted’s Voltan. It’s very good.

As he often does, Vince soon brought us an order of risotto balls. The two women sitting next to us asked, “what are those?” Vince asked if he could offer one for them to try. Sure? Why not. They loved it. Mindy was off talking with Aubre’s mother, who was in having dinner and celebrating Mother’s Day.

Ordered a Willowolf next, a double IPA from Seventh Son Brewing. It was superb, too. Before the evening was over I ordered another one of those. Mindy, I think, had a second Hoof Heated Stout. Later, Mindy and I agreed to share the nightly dinner special. Unfortunately, after placing the order we learned that they were out of the special. We opted to share a salad and spinach artichoke dip.

There later than we usually are. It was approaching 11pm before we knew it. Mindy agreed to drive home. Neither one of us were up long at all once home. Quickly off to bed.

PsycHOPathy @ Dirty Franks

I got up at 6am feeling pretty good. Downstairs I started coffee then completed Friday calisthenics, which included push-ups. Jacob asked for scrambled eggs again, so I had the pan reheating with olive oil even before beginning calisthenics. I used three eggs and added a tad bit of water. I whipped up his eggs shortly after delivering Mindy's coffee. Back downstairs, I enjoyed coffee of my own and then read about the rest of Thursday night's 1st round NFL draft.

Oh my! The Vikings, it seems, made yet another splash by trading back into the 1st round and taking Louisville QB, Teddy Bridgewater, the quarterback I hoped that would someday land in our lap. Just a month ago many had him slotted as the overall #1 pick, but after a poor pro day he slipped. Having him in the fold made me smile. And as soon as Jacob was downstairs to enjoy his eggs before leaving for school I shared the news with him. I'd forgotten that he went to bed before the Browns 2nd first round pick until he asked if they got any other picks. He's a Manziel hater! If nothing else, Manziel will sell tickets!

Around 7am I stopped playing and started working a little, though things were fairly calm. The weather, by the way, was partly cloudy but also a warm 64 degrees. Expected to approach 80 by the afternoon. Mindy was downstairs by 710am and out the door 20 minutes later, or shortly after Bella was downstairs for breakfast. Mindy and I swapped cars again just in case I wanted to make another nursery run that afternoon. It wasn't a high priority but having the option seemed favorable.

I headed out with the pug between 730-745am and we were out for no more than 7 minutes. Bella headed to the bus stop a few minutes early for a change while I stayed inside sipping coffee and digging back into work. I headed out on a run once I completed a meditation and stretch. I'm guessing that it was near 835am when I finally hit the pavement. Once again, it was warm enough to comfortably run in shorts and short sleeves.

Like most Friday's, I ran just three miles. Felt pretty good. Back at home, I watered the new grass which isn't doing so well - spotty germination. I didn't consider the impact of putting down the annual spring premergent and then seeding a couple weeks later. I'm guessing that has a lot to do with the poor results. Not one to wait too long, I may just sod the area and be done with it. Bam!

Inside, I quickly got back to work and stayed busy until lunch time when I headed out to pot some of the flowers I picked up on Thursday. I thought I'd do the two largest deck pots first, which meant I had to get them from the shed. I left last season's potting soil in them over the winter choosing not to spend the money to replace it. That gets expensive ($100) each season). Full of soil, they're really to heavy to carry up from the shed so I used the tractor and trailer to transport all four large deck pots. I also brought up the two large hanging baskets.

Spent the next hour or so potting the mini hibiscus and geraniums. At times the sky looked a bit threatening but only once and very briefly did it materialize into anything. Rained (sprinkled) for maybe 5 minutes. Before heading inside I sunk a few of the bulbs I recently purchased (cannas and dahlias). I hope I have better luck with this year's batch. I am sure I that I will.

Having skipped a traditional breakfast earlier, I opted to reheat one of the yummy cheeseburgers still in the fridge from Monday. They're so thick that I decided to slice one in half, longwise. It was really delicious. Worked through the afternoon. Jacob and a friend, Joe, arrived home from school around 3pm. They quickly headed out to play basketball. Seemed just a few minutes later that Bella was home. Around 4pm I headed out back to put my tractor and mower away. I watered in the freshly planted pots and hanging baskets too. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, come and get it!!! :)

Mindy was home from school around 415pm. We didn't have any specific dinner plans for the evening, but Mindy did share that she would be taking Jacob and his friend to the mall at some point and would be picking them up too. Bella had a gym meet Saturday and needed to be there by 845am which means Mindy would need to be up much earlier than she might otherwise. As such, I expected her to be in bed earlier than usual.

Mindy shared a story about a situation with a young homeless boy from her school. He was acting out in class so she took him under her wing for the day giving him loads of one on one attention. She was sad and convinced that if she could only bring him home he would be a wonderful, happy kid. To ease her mind, I offered that it was OK from my perspective. If we could actually help change the course of this young boys life I was all for it. She left a couple messages for her principal. While I got a shower, Mindy ran Jacob and his buddy, Joe to the mall.

Shortly after Mindy's return, her sister, Jodie and brother-in-law, Larry came by around 6pm. They gifted Mindy the fine china they received some 30+ years ago as a wedding gift but have never used. Mindy's always liked it. It's not really something we need and I have no ideas where we're going to store it either. But hey.

After conversing with the two of them for a while, Larry offered that we go somewhere to grab some food. His suggestion was a new place on the west side, Dirty Dogs which is located on West Broad between Hague and Roys where the old Western Cafe once stood. You might say it's in an economically depressed area, and certainly a part of town where you need to be aware of your surroundings with every move. Dirty Frank's is owned by the same folks that own Betty's in the Short North. The only parking we could find was directly across the street in the post office parking lot, which back in the day used to be a Big Bear and Harts.

Mindy got curt with Bella when she attempted to pull away when Mindy grabbed to hand to cross West Broad St. Bella was already in funk even before leaving the house. Said she didn't want to go. We listened but didn't give her another option. Sucks being 11, I guess. :) Inside, Bella hadn't recovered from her not wanting to be there and/or the hand grabbing incident. She did little more than hang her head, rub her eyes and pout. I whispered to her more than once to snap out of it. She left her hair hang long and into her face, too. And literally, I've never seen her act so despondent and sad. I asked again that she find her center and get it together. Nothing helped. Finally, I offered that she and I were going outside and get some fresh air. She cried even louder - oh boy! - and pleaded for Mindy to save her. Save you? What? Mindy acquiesced and took her outside for some fresh air.

Jodie Larry asked just what the heck was the matter. Not 100% certain, although we're expecting her to start her menstrual cycle just about any time now. Lots of hormones flowing. Mindy and Bella came back inside after spending less than 5 minutes outside. By then the waiter was by to get our drink orders. I asked that he wait for Mindy. Pretty sure we both ordered the PsycHOPathy. Bella went with Dr Pepper or Mt. Dew. Jodie and Larry both soft drinks too. By their return, Bella was finally collected and in much better spirits. We ordered a couple sides of pretzels, one salty the other sweet. They came with a few different dips: mustard, cream cheese, and beer cheese. And for our main entrees we ordered dogs, of course. I had two styles of a chili dog.

Bella mentioned that the many pieces of original art hanging around the place frightened her. They were definitely unique. And actually, I enjoyed most of them. The food was good, the service, however, a little slow. No biggie. Now around 830pm, we needed to be making our way towards Tuttle mall to pick up Jacob and Joey. Said goodbyes to Jodie and Larry and parted ways.

We took West Broad St all the way towards 270. Traffic was slow going headed west. In hindsight, we might've been better off taking Wilson north to the 70/270 interchange or for that matter, all the way to the Roberts Rd 270 entrance ramp. Meh! Pulled in Tuttle Mall near the north Macy's entrance. As soon as we got close Mindy spotted Jacob and Joey walking out. Perfect timing! Joey's house wasn't too far away. In fact, very near my office building as well as Davidson HS. ON the way home from dropping Joey, Mindy exchanged a couple texts with Molly, Jimaken's girlfriend. Suddenly, Mindy let out a sigh and then flashed a particular text in front of my eyes while we were stopped at a traffic light. It was Molly sharing that Jimaken was texting another woman while they were at one of her relatives graduation parties. I instinctually noted that the kids, especially Bella might see the text too, and motioned for Mindy to put her phone down and away without using words. Next thing I know Bella is crying in the back seat and Jacob was asking what the text said. He knew whatever it said made Bella cry. Great!~

Despite me advising against continued texting. She kept on. I was then that I noticed that the front passenger window was like a television screen of her texts bright and clear. Oh boy! But just like that, Mindy let out a loud laugh. Apparently Jimaken was bored and was texting an old boss, whom Mindy and I have met a few times. Not exactly a hottie. Can't recall if Mindy ever shared the discovery with Bella, who was still upset when we got home.

I made myself a Jack & Coke to enjoy while watching TV in the family room while Mindy and Bella headed to bed fairly early, though Bella was quickly back up and downstairs. As soon as my drink was toast I was off to bed, which couldn't have been later than 1030pm.

Feelin' a Draft

I was up at 555am after waking several times during my last hour or so of sleep. Weird dreams all night too. Downstairs I had to prep coffee having failed to do so the evening before. But that took no more than a few minutes. More of an inconvenience than anything else. Once the coffee was underway I whipped out calisthenics. By the way, we had the AC on overnight so the house was comfortable. Otherwise, I am certain that it would've been very uncomfortable. Expected to reach 86 Thursday afternoon.

I planned to work from the main office but also planned to take my time with my ready. As such, I'd be working from home for the first couple hours of the day. I was already online and started looking at work by 7am. I stayed plugged in to work until Monday was gone and then a while after. She and I agreed to trade rides for the day so I could shop for flowers at Strader's and have plenty of room. She took the Accord and spare keys. That way we didn't have to worry about not having the other keys we both might need.

I walked the pug ahead of Bella getting on the bus. On my way back I stopped to talk with the bus peeps. It was so lovely that I waited there with them. Funny thing is, I was out waiting on the bus without Bella. And when the bus pulled up and she still wasn't coming, I rushed back to the house to see what the hold up as. There stood Bella in the kitchen almost paralyzed with Mindy's Pilot keys in her hands. She was worried that she forgot her keys. I assured her that it was OK but insisted she head out and get on the bus. I could see the wheels spinning. Out she went.

I didn't waste any time getting into my running clothes, which wasn't too much, just a pair shorts, short sleeved shirt, socks, ballcap and shoes. Out I went near 815am. Ran the full 4.1 miles. The Concrete guys, Decker Construction, is about done with the sidewalk rebuilds they're doing. Looks like just one more to finish. Nice work.

Back home I watered the new grass seedlings, made breakfast, packed my lunch, and headed up for a shower. Left for work around 930pm. All set up in the office by 10am and was quickly immersed in the same issue I was dealing with at the end of the business day prior. I planned on making the nursery rounds at lunch. However, I needed to make sure the issue I was dealing with was under control before heading out. A group of my peers invited me to join them for lunch around noon but again, I had to stay on task. I didn't feel comfortable walking away until just after 1pm. By then things were looking good, so I bolted for Strader's first.

Strader's was very busy for mid day Thursday, and it was difficult to turn into their lot from Riverside with lots of opposing traffic. I wasn't there too long. I was very deliberate, picking up two large geraniums to hang from our pergola and the two flats of begonias for the front beds. They won't be nearly as stunning as the wave Petunias but they'll be less maintenance and last longer. These days we put our money into back yard flowers, where we spend more time appreciating them. I'll bet I wasn't there longer than 20 minutes. From there I headed south on Riverside to Fishinger and into Mill Run. My next stop was owes to see if they might have those mini hibiscus again this year at half the price of Strader's. I also hoped to get some spikes and possibly vinca. Typically a $1 cheaper per plant at Lowes as opposed to Straders. They had neither, though I guess it's still a little early for the local nurseries even though it is Mother's Day Weekend. I left there empty handed after no more than five minutes.

Gone no more than 40 minutes so far, I headed directly across the street to Saturday's hoping to get right in for a much needed haircut. Success! No wait. Got a decent haircut: 2 guard on the sides, scissors on top. Bam! On my way back to the office decided what the heck, and stopped in Home Depot to see what they had in the way of mini hibiscus. They had maybe 10 and priced $6 cheaper per plant than Strader's, but again only 10 in stock and all of them looked like they'd been through hell. I didn't bite, figuring myself better off, happier spending more on healthier fare. Back to work. AFter three nursery stops and a haircut I'd been gone only an hour and 20 minutes.

Spent the afternoon wrapping up a host of tasks. Left for home at 430pm planning a return to Strader's to buy those mini hibiscus after all. By day's end it was warm and even steamy - 87 degrees! It's a short drive to Strader's from the office, no more than two miles. As I guessed, less crowded than the midday lunch rush, though traffic in and out was an absolute nightmare.

I picked 6 mini hibiscus. Inexplicably, one of the six was marked $14.99 versus $16.99. When I got to the checkout line I placed the one with the lesser price label on the counter. AS a result, they charged me the same $14.99 for all six. Bad, I know. Home, James!

Once home, I backed in the driveway. Mindy helped me carry the flowers around the deck. Bella woofed down a hot dog ahead of gymnastics while Jacob was presumably off playing basketball. Mindy offered that I was on my own for dinner. Even though I'd eaten nothing more than nuts and cheese since breakfast, I wasn't really that hungry, and I definitely wasn't in the mood for leftovers. I snacked on crackers, cheese and hard salami.

Mindy said she'd be heading to Target and elsewhere after dropping Bella. I don't think she even projected what time she might be back. I was stoked about the night's NFL draft and spent the hour or so leading up to its start reading a few more projections. Didn't do much else before it was time to go after Bella.

It was a lovely evening, still near 80 and sunny. I opted to drive the BM'er for the first pleasure drive of the season. The Accord was already at the curb, but there were two mulch skids just the other side of the overhead garage door that I had to move aside to back out. No prob. I temporarily placed the skids in the grass just off the driveway. Off I went.

Arrived at the gym with plenty of time to spare. Got to see Bella practice a little. And before they wrapped up, Bella came after me asking me to watch her do the floor, by far the element she has the most difficulty with. She did OK while performing for me. Kelly walked up with phone in hand wanting to show me a video. Said she wanted to show me Bella doing the floor earlier. Wow! She did her back handspring then three successive flips, and the routine almost flawless, a first for Bella.

Bella was excited to see the BM'er in the lot. She didn't ask to stop at DQ but did ask about stopping for fast food. I rejected the request. Mindy still wasn't home. In fact, she didn't get home until about 815pm. By then the NFL draft was just getting underway although the broadcast had been on for more than an hour. Lots of talk and hype. As expected, Clowney went first to the Texans. The Vikings held the 8th pick, and I was holding out hope that Khalil Mack (LB) might fall to us. That didn't happen. I think he went fourth or fifth. Instead, the Vikings picked a LB from UCLA, Barr. I wasn't familiar with him outside the draft hype. Supposed to be really good, though. Of course too much emphasis was being shifted towards Johnny Manziel. The cameras capturing his facial expressions with each subsequent pick that wasn't him.

Jacob and I watched the draft together through pick 20 or so when he peeled off for bed. Mindy and Bella had already headed up 15 minutes prior. Shortly after Jacob went to bed, the Browns, his favorite team, traded up to the 22nd pick and took Johnny Manziel. I think I watched another pick or three before calling it a night and heading up to bed. The Vikings weren't scheduled to have another pick until Friday anyway.

New Menu

I coaxed myself from bed again near 6am. It was mostly clear and comparatively warm considering the many chilly mornings over the past week or two. It was 53 degrees and expected to swell into the 80s by afternoon, our first stretch of true summery weather of the season. Completed calisthenics then played on my PC. It wasn't until Jacob was downstairs enjoying Pop-tarts or cereal for breakfast that I remembered that he asked me to make him scrambled eggs for breakfast again. Oops! I apologized.

It was near 7am when I headed out for a run. Jacob's bus had just scooped he and his mates up a few minutes prior. I ran the full 4.1 miles. Felt pretty good. Still a little stiff from the weekend's yard work but overall I felt stronger. Odd! Mindy was long gone by my return. Bella was already upstairs after breakfast. I leashed up the pug, took her on a brief walk then enjoyed a couple eggs Mindy left in the microwave. I took my time with a shower and final ready. Left the house to work across town near 9am arriving about half an hour later.

Gorgeous morning and lovely walk in from the depths of the upper parking lot. Had an impromptu meeting with one of the customer's managers whom with I frequently interact. Visited the Easton Target and Lowes at lunch. They're right next to one another. Bought nothing at Lowes. At Target, I bought a couple Mother's Day cards and some chewing gum.
Back at work near 2pm, and almost immediately, a mini-crisis ensued. Like I always do, I promptly switched gears and helped get things going the right direction. It was no small feat, either. I organized a conference calls with all interested parties, which was key. I wasn't thrilled that I had to cast aside my own agenda but in the end, we likely conquered a greater good. I wrapped up my day near 5pm and headed for home.

Gorgeous, sunny and 84 degrees. Felt like summer. I gave David a call during my drive around 270. Haven't talked with him for a month or so. As nice as it was here at home, he said it was 90 down there. Shared how poorly his golf game has been. Instead of shooting in the 70s & 80s, he's been in the mid 90s.

He also shared that he's recently purchased two electric guitars and an amp. Having fun learning to play. As I neared home I could hear old pal, Sean talking at the same time. David tried telling me that he just showed up down there. Truth, however, he called via landline. I could over hear David telling Sean the same thing about me. I said hello but then we got disconnected. I was just about to pull in the driveway so I didn't bother calling back.

The kids were leaving with Jimaken for dinner. Before they left, Jimaken asked if he could borrow my cordless drill. Sure. I gave him my good one along with my bit kit. I shared a little about my work day and then did a quick brush up before Mindy and I headed off to Barley's. We opted for Barley's in part because today was the launch of their new menu. And being a life-long customer, I've witnessed perhaps four of these menu changes.

Not too big a crowd. We were able to find a parking spot in the main lot and then grabbed two of the many bar stools available. Daniel was working the bar. Told us that she was leaving for Brazil with her school for three weeks. Cool! Noticed they had a CBC tap. It was Bodhi, heck, I ordered one of those while Mindy opted for the sampler. The Bodhi was good but filtered. I prefer it unfiltered. Not sure if the difference is real or simply perceived.

After briefly perusing the new menu with has been consolidated down to one page, front and back, we opted to try the pork belly sliders. They were good, real meaty! Lots of new stuff on the menu. In the end, Mindy and I opted to shared the battered fried chicken, the same dish we witnessed another customer just down the bar eating ahead of us. Looked fantastic! Our new pal Walt, the balloonist, was in and sat beside us at the bar. We talked with him for quite a while. I ordered a second beer, a Centennial.

The fried chicken was good. I noticed that the breading was the same used for sauerkraut balls. Came with mashed potatoes and corn coblets. Friends Ben & Ryan showed up around 730pm, or just as we were wrapping up our dinner. Stayed a little longer catching up with the two of them. Always interesting conversation. Ben shared that he just traded in his old Accura for a Toyota pickup. Talked about the concert we're taking in at Blossom M.C. end of the month. It occurred to me while sharing, that that's up in Walt's neck of the woods. He quickly began sharing some interesting parks we might want to visit while there. One in particular is very close to the hotel I think we'll be staying at. Sweet! I've never spent any time outdoors in that part of the state (NE quadrant) so I am looking forward to our visit.

We put in a to-go order for the kids, and Mindy also ordered some apple fritters for home. Ben & Ryan were still there when we left. Heck, they'd just gotten there. We didn't get home until almost 830pm. Bella called a little agitated that we were still not home. Jacob quickly took control of out take-home to-go order while I promptly changed into my PJs and brushed my teeth.

I stayed up watching American Idol with Mindy really for the first time all season. There's only four contestants left. Saw all three do their last song, and each of them were good. We headed to bed shortly after 10pm.

Warming Trend

I woke for good near 555am but still fairly sore, though definitely better than I felt Monday morning. After calisthenics I delivered Mindy’s coffee then returned downstairs where I got started making scrambled eggs for Jacob. Both kids had OEA (Ohio Educational Achievement) testing that day, and Jacob requested hearty scrambled eggs to start his day. Bella requested French toast. I agreed to make the eggs while Mindy would take care of the French toast once she was up and downstairs a little later.

I spent time online both for pleasure and work right up and through Mindy putting the finishing touches on the French toast. She asked if I wanted some too. Said I did, but not until later, once I was back from my run. Bella came downstairs in shorty-shorts and a tiny shirt. Uh, it’s only 40 degrees outside, I declared. Mindy quickly asked Bella to head back up and go with long pants and a jacket.

Bella wasn’t too enthused with the French toast, but apparently knew better than to complain about it to her mom. Instead, as soon as Mindy was out the door she shared as much with me. But once she doused it in powdered sugar she was able to eat it.  Apparently Bella’s used to the more decadent variety we often make with thick cut French bread from the deli.

I headed out with the pug after meditation and stretching. I happened upon the school bus gang congregating as we finished up our walk. I stopped to chat with them. Funny, me being at the bus stop without Bella. She didn’t come out until the bus made its way past our house.

Once Bella was gone, I headed back home where I quickly readied and left for a run. It was still quite chilly, but already far warmer than it was just a half hour earlier. I ran the full 4 miles. Interesting observing the concrete guys rebuilding all the corner sidewalks in the back of our subdivision. They’re adding those rubber pads at the ramps. It looks like they’re going to repave once the walks are fixed, too.

Back from my run near 845am, before heading inside I went right around back and watered the new grass seed where the trees were removed. With the sunshine and 70 degree temps later in the day, I wanted to make sure the seed was ready to start growing with vigor.

Inside, I woofed down two slices of French toast. Bella was right, it didn’t have much if any flavor. I ate it plain, not wanting to add syrup and the additional sugar to my diet. I worked from home for another half hour or so before getting a shower and heading across town. By the time I left the house it was absolutely gorgeous, sunny and 60 degrees.

Barreling east on 670, I couldn’t resist the urge to stop at DeMonye’s Greenhouse near Johnstown Rd and 670. It’s tucked back in there quite nicely, and they always have lovely stuff, perhaps even nicer than Oakland Nursery and Strader’s. Those that have read me for a while know how much I enjoy being at the nurseries in the spring. It feels so good and so right! I browsed several aisles as well and bought a couple lovelies. I wasn’t there long. After all, I need to get to work.

I finished my trek out 670 and north on 270 to the Easton area. There were a few up close parking spots, and even though the weather was ideal for a long walk in, I took one of the up close spots. Customer moved someone into my make-shift cube. Yikes! I went and found the manager I interact with most and he quickly got me set up in his team’s new area. Sweet!

I spent a couple hours working before the early start to our standing 1pm weekly meeting. We started at 1230pm instead and even provided lunch, though I didn’t put in my request from Panera. I brought my own salad, nuts, and water. However, once in the conference room, my peer that went after the food said he gambled and got me a salad topped with chicken breast and avocado. Wow, that was nice. It was enormous and tasty, though the avocado a bit much.

The meeting went until almost 2pm as expected. Good session. I had a 3pm and 415pm call on my calendar. As such, I planned to finish my work day onsite rather than at home. As such, I stayed pretty busy for the rest of the afternoon, not getting out of the customer’s location until 5pm. I talked with Mindy between my calls, not sure what the weather was like since I was in the lower level and hadn’t been outside since 1030am or so. She said it was gorgeous – sunny, warm and 74.

The drive home was lovely. Got there just a few minutes before Mindy and Bella were leaving for gymnastics. Bella and I agreed to make a stop at Dairy Queen on our way home, something I promised for all of her hard work Saturday and Sunday. Mindy and I agreed to eat leftovers once she was back from dropping the peanut. While Mindy was away, I tinkered on my PC and changed into comfy shorts and wrinkled t-shirt. At the time I lost sight of the fact that I needed to go after Bella. I’d have to change into something more presentable before leavin’ the house. I didn’t really care but Bella would be mortified me showing up at the gym in essentially my PJs. 

Mindy had pasta leftovers while I had pork roast and wings. I heated mine on the pizza stone. Yum! One of the concrete contractors sent me his estimate via email. Came in a little higher than I thought it might but only by 10%. He’s also the one that said he couldn’t do the work until mid-July, though, too. I am not in a huge rush. Plan to evaluate three estimates and then decide.

The time between dinner and needing to go after Bella flew by. I asked Mindy if she was going with. Nope, staying home. OK. I changed into clean sweat attire and left near 715pm. Mindy suggested I take the BM’er at Bella’s request. I thought about it but didn’t want to move the Accord or jostle what was in the trunk. I took my Accord.

Arrived with a few minutes to spare. Watched patiently from the bleachers, looking around wondering if the woman Kelly’s husband had the affair with might be present. I don’t think she was. But that’s an entirely different story. Soon Bella was finished. At Mindy’s suggestion, I waited for Kelly to walk out of the gym then congratulated her for finishing the half marathon on Saturday. She seemed upbeat.

As promised, Bella and I made a pit stop at Dairy Queen. She asked if we could simply get our treats and take them home. No, sorry. I got the same as last time, a medium chocolate cone dipped in chocolate. Bella matched me save for getting vanilla ice cream. We sat out on the patio where it was still very nice – perhaps just a wee bit chilly.

We finished our treats and headed for home near 8pm. While Bella headed off to the shower, I changed back into my PJs then snuggled into one of the living room recliners for some reading. I read until my eyes got heavy, not once trying to fight the urge to sleep. I fell nodded off but woke after maybe 5-10 minutes for a longer bout of reading. Headed to bed with Mindy around 940pm.

Concrete Deal

In bed and asleep near 8pm Sunday night, I woke rested but my legs (hamstrings) still extremely sore. In fact, stiffer than they’ve ever been. Holy smoke! No doubt the mulching did me in. I wondered if I’d be able to do push-ups because my wrist and arms were sore too, but I was able to push through any pain.

Expecting rain with a high only in the upper 50s. At the time it was cloudy and cool – 45 degrees. Getting past Monday, the weather is expected to improve dramatically – 80’s by Wednesday. Took Mindy coffee then relaxed with internet and coffee until about 635am. Meditated, stretched relatively early. Was out the door for my run by 650am. Early on, I made the decision to curb my run to just three miles. I hated to but knew it was the right thing to do. And actually, my hamstrings loosened considerably during the run.

I was back ahead of Mindy’s departure, and promptly leashed up the pug for a walk. It was definitely chilly, and certainly didn’t feel like May. Back home just in time to see Mindy off to work. Heck, it was like old times. I ate my breakfast then headed off to the shower near 745am. I was quick with my ready. In fact, I was downstairs again shortly after Bella headed out. Rather than rush right off to work, I took the opportunity to enjoy another cup of coffee first. Relaxation!

Left for the office near 830am arriving about 15 minutes later. My boss was on vacation the week prior. We spent a few minutes catching up. I overheard a conversation he was having with Sears regarding a riding mower he bought that’s malfunctioning. It didn’t seem to be going well, though he did a fantastic job of keeping his cool.

I really wanted to make a Strader’s run at lunch, but also needed to work from home from 3pm so I could meet a couple concrete guys to get estimates on driveway extensions and service walk around to the deck. I forgot about a 2pm call on my calendar until it was too late. I ended up blowing off any plans for lunch and instead headed for home at 130pm so I could join both my 2 o’clock and 3 o’clock calls. No sooner did I arrive home when I got a call from one of the concrete guys sharing that he wouldn’t be able to be there until 4pm, which unfortunately was the same time interval that I set aside for the other concrete guy. Oh well, no secret that I was planning to get more than one estimate. Who wouldn’t?

Joined the 2pm work call, which was relatively brief, and then another at 3pm. That call lasted about 35 minutes. Wrapped up well ahead of either concrete guy showing up. King concrete showed up first, right at 4pm. He was very matter of fact. Went over the job then he wheeled it off getting the exact dimensions. I asked a couple questions: When will I get the estimate? And if chosen, when can you do the work. What about the irrigation system? Said I'd have the estimate in a couple of days, and that his team couldn't do the work until mid July. He also shared how the payment works: 20% when contract signed, 30% the day they start, then the last 50% upon completion. Sounded fair given that they need to schedule the resources and concrete delivery.

The next guy, Butch Bando Concrete showed up while King was still there. Actually, I figured it a good thing, see the competition. Lyn was the estimators name, and he was very chatty and a nice guy. He went over the details of the work and took similar measurements. Said I would have the estimate via email by the end of the week and that they could do the work in June.

Mindy wasn't home until much later. She was grocery shopping after school. Both kids had explicit orders to thoroughly clean their rooms when they got home from school. Jacob came down around 415pm asking if he could go outside. Said his room was completely clean. Without checking I granted permission to go play. Bella had Makayla over. They played in her room until Mindy called to let me know that she'd need help carrying in the groceries. I hollered for the two girls to come help. The four of us attacked the task in a hurry.

Mindy soon shared that we'd be having burgers for dinner. While she prepped dinner I did a little more work. She asked me to grill. No problem. Near 545pm she fired up the grill and I took over. The burgers weren't just plain ordinary burgers. Instead, she painstakingly stuffed them with a number of things. They were very large, too, just like I like them.

Blondie (Makayla) was going to stay for dinner, but Kenny soon beckoned her home to clean her room, I guess. Sound familiar? :) The burgers were done in about 10 minutes. I was worried that they might not be done enough in the center given that they were so thick, but in the end, they were perhaps just a tad over cooked, at least to my liking, I like them to be light pink inside.

Mindy out did herself. By far, these were the best grilled burgers we've ever made at home. Even though we toasted the buns, they weren't quite up to the challenge. Aside from the bun, they were dynamite. Surprisingly, Bella ate all but a perhaps a bite or two of hers. It had to be nearly 1/2 a pound, too. The kids is really starting to put the food away. Seemingly eats constantly, and especially in the evenings up until bed.

We weren't up too late. Again, Mindy and I were still tired from a weekend's worth of heavy-duty yard work.