No Words ... Intubated - May 25 - 31

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day 2015

Being the first Monday holiday of the year, it was easy to forget what day it was. Seemed more like a Sunday.

Up around 730am. The gkids, Rocky, Landon, and Olivia, were all three sleeping on the family room sofa. Landon was up and at my side while I prepared coffee. Right away, he asked me to make him an omelet. Poof, you’re an omelet! J

I made coffee for myself and then a cup for both Landon and Olivia since both were up and asking. Landon asks a question every couple minutes. Will you make me an omelet? Will you make me coffee? Can I play Wii? Can we fish? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Later, while walking Eiknarf with those two, I suggested that each of them only get two questions every 15 minutes. Olivia found in funny and quickly latched onto the “rule”. Landon pretty much disregarded my request, asking several times more for the things he’d already asked. It’s how he and Rocky are wired.

Nearing 9am, I opted to head out on my run before Mindy was up and downstairs. Later, after my run, Mindy shared that the kids were a little wild when she happened upon them downstairs while I was away. Of course nothing bad, though.

I made the kids omelets while also making oatmeal for Mindy and me. After breakfast, I headed out to ready a couple fishing poles for Landon and Olivia. It didn’t take but 2 minutes before Landon to reel in a small bluegill. And even though I insisted they only fish if they knew how and also planned to remove their own fish from the hook, I got stuck doing it. Even Rocky, who insists he knows how, flips out and draws his hand back as soon as the fish flops around in the least. J I think I took three or four off the hook over the next hour.

While the kids fished, I repaired the hose I have buried and running around the perimeter of the house. I guess I mistakenly left the hose on which was enough to exploit the splice I made in the same place a month or two ago. I was concerned how long it had been running, puddling, wasting water. When I found it, it was fully broken and gushing water. I keep an assortment of hose repair parts around, so I had it fixed likity-split.

Mindy and I headed to the hospital mid-afternoon. Dad had been moved out of the ICU but still in isolation which meant we still had to wear masks. He was awake and alert, sitting up in his bed looking over the meal they'd recently brought him. He expressed displeasure with how they left the tray pulled up almost even with his chin which left it almost impossible for him to work with the food. Mindy and I helped rearrange the rolling tray and the height of the bed until it was configured well enough for him to comfortably access his food.

The meal they brought was more like something you would feed a hungry teenager, not someone weak and fresh out of surgery. With a little help, he ate only the sorbet-like concoction. He was weak and spoke very slow, and his breathing looked extremely labored. We were there for perhaps an hour and left when he fell asleep.

 Tuesday,  May 26th

The first Monday holiday now behind us, everyone was up and off to school and work, this the last week of school for the kids. Mindy and I planned on meeting at the hospital, but hadn't yet nailed down a time when she left for school at her usual time of 730am. Both of us were very concerned with his condition.

I planned on going into the office for at least part of the day. I did my usual morning routine; meditation, internet, coffee, exercise and a run. Ran 4 miles. Ended up working from home. Mindy called at some point midmorning to share that she was heading to the hospital after her principal advised that she should go to be with dad.

Dad was moved back to the ICU during the overnight after complications with his breathing. The tried simply increasing his oxygen but eventually reintubated, I believe sometime mid-morning Tuesday. Mindy kept me apprised of his condition via text until I was able to free myself of work responsibilities, shower and get up to the hospital.

In the ICU we met RN Katie. Smart, nice and cute. Not long after my arrival, they whisked dad off for a CT scan. While he was away, Mindy and I hung out in the waiting room. We spent most of that day at the hospital with dad largely unresponsive, and I am pretty sure that it was a two visit day. We left for home still awaiting the pathology report, which would identify more specifically the type of cancer and thus steer the prognosis and treatment plan.

May 27 - 31

Dad was intubated and would remain so until his final day, hours, and minutes. We began this next phase of his hospital stay with hope, hope that dad would come home from the hospital well and live the rest of his life much as he had lived the last few years, waking each morning, going to breakfast, going to the casino, then spending time doing whatever he wanted. We asked the ICU staff, including nurses, doctors, and surgeons seemingly all the right questions. I don't believe even once did their answers prepare us for such a short number of days remaining.

Over the course of the next 12 days, however, hope began to fade when they were unable to isolate and solve an apparent infection causing his body temp to rise each night near 103.5 degrees. And while they were successful at managing it down with Tylenol, they never did positively identify its cause. The goal was to overcome the infection and then help him get his strength back before any chemo or radiation treatment.

His days in the ICU slowly but surely began to add up. And for all of us, the days began to blend together. As a result, we struggled to recall with certainty what happened on which day. Friends and family came and went, including visits from his dear friends Pete & Vicki Simsic, his sister Ruth and two of her kids, David & Elizabeth.

How Can This Be? May 21 - 24

Thursday, May 21

A gloomy, cool day  in late May. It was cloudy, cool and breezy. In fact, felt more like March. Ran 4 miles. Work from the Hilliard office. Made a run to Wal-Mart at lunch time where I bought a couple more colorful calibrachoa, one as a replacement for another that died already. I guess when one plants as many flowers as we do, best to plan on some collateral damage.

 Bella opted out of gymnastics, instead electing to stay home and play with Makayla. Mindy made fresh green beans rotisserie chicken for dinner. I ate more veggies than meat. After dinner and clean-up, I opted to get the new basement TV and cable box set-up. Didn't take long at all to get the cable connectors crimped on and the box hooked up. I did, however, struggle a little getting the stand installed correctly on the 55" TV. The instructions were weak. After stressing out  for 20-30 minutes I got it figured out, but like a few reviews I read, the large screen leaned uncomfortably forward by as much as an inch and one half. Not only that, but once I ran the set-up I discovered that the cable box wasn't activated. Got a pop-up advising that I call Time Warner. Oh boy!

Had to call twice after the first call dropped due to poor cell service in the basement, but then again, we get crappy cell service upstairs, too. Sam finally got my new cable box activated. Picture looks incredibly sharp, and far more true HD that our family room TV, but it's only 720p.

Still uncomfortable with the screen leaning forward so much, I began to tinker to see if maybe the screws on the stand could be further tightened. I carefully supported the screen with one hand while attempting to tighten the two phillips screw at the stands rear. It looked as if the mount wasn't seated correctly on the stands. Snap! Even though I tightened carefully, I heard a snap and the screen suddenly rocked back easily. My heart sunk. I was sure that I'd just cracked the mount or possibly even ruined the stand. Now the two rear screws had at least another 1/4" of play to tighten down. But on closer inspection, there didn't seem to be a crack or break. Instead, I suspect a small plastic impediment was prohibiting the mount from seating correctly onto the stand and the snap I heard was it breaking off. Once I retightened the two rear screws the screen sat tall, plumb and erect. :)

As 9pm approached, I plopped down on the carpeted floor and watched the last few minutes of a Big Bang rerun and then the start of the NBA semi final game between Golden State and Houston. Mindy came down briefly to let me know that she was retiring to bed.

Sometime that evening I learned that dad was back in the hospital after experiencing extreme weakness to the point that he told Bobby that he wanted to go back to the ER. They planned on doing a full torso scan. Bobby planned to remain there with him.

Friday, May 22

Partly sunny near 70 forecasted, which was a welcome change for the two prior days. I ran three miles and planned to work from home.  I sent brother Bob a text asking for an update on dad's condition. He responded pretty quickly that there wasn't an update yet. It was around 2pm when he sent a thorough update, essentially sharing that they were taking him into surgery to install tubes into his lungs to drain fluid and to get a biopsy. I sent the update to my brothers, Mindy, mom, and daughters.

I worked straight through the day until about 230pm when I headed out to address the weekly lawn chores. The grass was as thick and lawn as it's been all spring. I raised the blades on the mower decks to 4". I planted a few flowers too. I was admittedly nervous about dad's procedure.

After finishing the lawn I opted to give the BM'er a bath. It needed one badly. As usual, it cleaned up real nice. By the time I finished, the kids were home from school. Mindy was home around 345pm. Still no update on the outcome of dad's procedure. I decided to give the Accord a bath too. Jimaken came to pick-up the kids around 4pm. They were heading to Toledo for a soccer tournament, which would go through Monday if Jacob's team kept winning. I can't think of a more miserable way to spend the Memorial Day weekend. :) Mindy watered the front flowers while I put all the my lawn tools away.

Bob sent me a text just before 5pm asking that I give him a call. The news was startling and bleak. Mindy saw me talking on the phone and came close. I did my best to minimize any emotion. Agreed to meet Bob at the hospital at 9am Saturday morning where we would talk with the surgeon who performed the procedure. There wasn't any reason to go up to the hospital that night since Dad would be out of it until sometime Saturday. As soon as the call was over I shared the sad news with Mindy. As I understood it, not only did they find lung cancer, but said that his right lung was completely incased in it and on his liver too. Said they believed it to be advanced stage 4. They still didn't know the type. We wouldn't know that for a couple of days. Once they determine that then a treatment program can be designed. Needless to say, Mindy and I both had a good cry.

With such sobering news, I didn't think I was up for going to CBC where we planned to meet Joe & Peggy to discuss Ashley's wedding ceremony. However, before making a final decision, I told her I wanted to take a shower, which I needed regardless of our evening plans. Like they often do, a shower left me feeling refreshed physically and emotionally. And after further consideration I decided an evening out with friends might be just what the doctor ordered. Mindy reached out to neighbors Pat & Lisa who agreed to meet us at CBC too. Thinking it was near 645pm when Mindy and I headed out.

Arrived before the others and still many parking spots available. Equally, there were plenty of stools available at the bar which is highly unusual, especially on a Friday. Opted for a new CBC small batch IPA called Thunderlips. Very hoppy and one I would classify between their bottled IPA and Bodhi. Kevin and Vince tending bar. Kevin quietly shared that he and his wife recently divorced. He didn't elaborate much, just said it was better for both of them.

Our friends arrived a little after 7pm. We had a beer at the bar and moved to a table about 30 minutes later. Dinner with friends was a nice diversion from the thumping news I received earlier that evening, like therapy. Enjoyed three beers in total. Mindy drive home. Pat, Lisa, Joe and Peggy were said to be joining us at our house, but Joe & Peggy didn't come after all, Told Pat that they were too tired. Joe's said to run out of gas fairly early these days. :)

We showed off and used our basement for the first time, spending about an hour or so there with Pat & Lisa. Thinking it close to 11pm when they headed for home. We needed to be at the hospital at 9am, meaning I needed to be up no later than 7am realistically.

Saturday, May 23

Not sure the exact time when I woke and headed downstairs. It was sunny and warm though. I wasted little time enjoying some coffee then heading out for a run. The plan was to meet Tommy and Bobby at the hospital at 9am where we would meet dad's thoracic surgeon to discuss his diagnosis and prognosis. Needless to say, I was nervous and scared.

Parked at a meter out front. Met the brothers I think on the 4th floor ICU. Not only was dad in ICU but was in isolation too, after testing positive for an unknown bacteria, which the doctors later said might be TB. Even though they said the chances were very slim, they weren't taking chances. No one was allowed in without being masked. We waited in the waiting room for a while and eventually decided to enter ICU on our own where we meandered to dad's room which I would liken to a fishbowl (all glass wall). Again, his room was closed off with a warning sign. We glanced through the glass. He was asleep, intubated and looked about as content and peaceful as he has in a long while. Dr. Vaidi, the thoracic surgeon, met us in the waiting room a few minutes later to review dad's diagnosis. He words were very measured as he delivered the news, I suppose being careful not to cause shock or undue pain.

The plan was to remove the breathing tube and slowly bring him around until he was comfortable on his own. And then as soon as the bacteria scare was lifted, take him to a room off the ICU floor. So many days past that one, my recollection may be a little skewed, but I think we headed home for a few hours with designs on meeting Bob and April at Dad's house to clean it up a little in preparation for his homecoming, which they said could be by the end of the following work week. We planned on returning to the hospital later that afternoon when Dr Vaidi said he would likely be coherent enough for visitors.

At home we were soon visited by Ashley and Olivia. Playing with GD Olivia was great therapy, so full of energy and enthusiasm, not to mention that she adores me unconditionally. We played for a couple of hours, and because it was so warm and sunny, we played in the hose. I soaked her good. :) We met Bob and April at dad's place around 2pm. They had already been there for a few. The goal was to clean but also rid much of the unnecessary clutter. Bob & April spent quite a bit time sorting through dad's collection of canned goods, tossing out what was expired, which amounted to quite a bit. Dad's always been a bit of a hoarder and with Sheila's passsing I guess he had no one to reel him in. He some much stuff, but not only that, several items he had many multiples of, like flash lights, DVD players, a couple even still in the box. In his family room alone, I'm quite sure he has at least three different sound systems.

We spent a good three hours sorting, tossing, organizing and cleaning. I made a run home to get our picture hanging kit so we could remount the fireplace mirror that had come down for one reason or another. I got a call from dad's sister (aunt Char) wanting an update. At the time, dad wasn't aware of his diagnosis so we were careful and measured with any news we shared. I only shared that we were awaiting test results but that they thought it might be cancer. The thought of sharing that news was difficult and certainly didn't seem real.

Sticky and dirty after three hours of cleaning, Mindy and I headed home for much needed showers. My best recollection tells me that we drove the BM'er to Side Swipe Brewing. We were hungry too, but never did eat dinner. It was a gorgeous starry, evening.

Sunday, May 24

The plan was much the same as Saturday, run, shower, then head up to the hospital. And once again, the plans was to meet Dr Vaidi at 9am in the ICU waiting area.The most important point being who, how and when to tell dad of his diagnosis. I wasn't looking forward to it at all. In fact, I was very nervous, full of anxiety and afraid, let alone sad. I must've mulled over the initial encounter a thousand times in my head never once coming to terms with how we would handle the discussion.

Dr Vaidi, a Romanian,  is easy to like and possesses excellent bedside manner. He shared right away that dad was doing good and conscious. He validated that dad didn't yet know his diagnosis. Collectively, the three of us - me, Bob, Mindy - agreed that Dr Vaidi should tell dad about the cancer. For one, I didn't feel capable and wanted dad to have the full picture. Then, once he had the news, we would be head into the ICU to be with him. Complicating the plan, however, was the fact that he remained in isolation due to the unknown bacteria scare. Told us it better to communicate via phone through the glass. Oh boy!

After about 10 minutes, Dr Vaidi returned to let us know that he had explained the diagnosis to dad and that he was alert and looking forward to seeing us. Said he took the news about as well as could be expected. Nervously, I knew I had to find the strength and courage to walk into the ICU and face dad. I felt like a coward. Through the glass wall, we waved and gawked, eventually agreeing to call his cell phone. Bob talked first, exchanging pleasantries and what not. Bob then offered to pass his phone to me, but I was too choked up to talk and shook it off suggesting instead that Mindy talk. She talked with dad for a minute or two, eventually handing the phone to me. It was hard, my voice quivering, but I managed to smile and chat. Not really knowing what to say, I shared that it felt ridiculous to be looking at dad through glass and likened it to visiting the gorillas at the zoo. And in true Dad fashion, he immediately began imitating a gorilla, scratching his side and then acting as if he was playing with his excrements. He laughed. We all laughed while also crying. Touching moment I won't soon forget. Right then his phone died cutting off our only means of communication. He motioned with a wave that he wanted us to squeeze in close together so he could see us better. Apparently the sun's glare made it hard for him to see us.

We didn't stick around long. Dad needed rest. Darwin & Connie were hosting a bday party for Lane who recently turned 15. We head to their place around 730pm with Jacob and Bella as well as three of our grandkids (Olivia, Rocky, and Landon).  We had fun. Mindy left earlier than I, taking all the kids home with her. I stuck around for another hour or so, eventually getting a ride home from Connie. A little drama to close out the night. Their son Lane wanted to go fishing at the river with friends, but when Connie & Darwin refused, he shouted at his mother and took off on his bike in a huff.

May Flies

May 2015

Does anything beat beginning the month on a Friday? The weather during the first half of the month was better than one could ask. The month’s high temps started out in the low 70s and then quickly warmed into the 80s with lots of sunshine. And all that nice weather was a boom for the local gardening centers.

We had the carpeting installed in the basement on Friday, May 1^st. The crew showed up around 9am and were done before 11am. I think there were three of them. They did a nice job. The carpet looks and feels spectacular. Believe me, very happy to be wrapping up the long-planned basement project just in time to move attention outside to the yard.

To that end, we wasted little time. Ordered 9 yards of mulch to be delivered on Saturday, May 2 (3 yards playground mulch, 6 yards of Absolute brown hardwood). The weather was ideal – low 70s and sunny. Unfortunately, despite asking for an AM delivery, they didn’t show until the end of the day and somewhere close to 530pm. Same delivery guy as last year. Despite their lateness – not his fault – I tipped him $9. That was all the cash Bella and I could scrape up at the time.

Despite the late delivery, I didn’t let the day slip away without accomplishing much. For one, the backflow water meter guy came by for the annual inspection. And because the mulch delivery was late, I was able to better fine tune the beds. But even more so, the late delivery afforded me the opportunity to power wash the deck. That's something I didn't know when I might get to prior. I finished just before the mulch showed up. Earlier, as I was contemplated such a task, Mindy and I joked that as soon as I started the mulch would show up. Because it arrived so late we opted to wait and spread it all on Sunday. And as fate would have it, the weather was forecasted to be even nicer then – 78 and sunny.

On Sunday, May 3^rd, we made mulching a family affair, asking both kids to help. Grandsons Rocky & Landon came over Sunday too, so we put them to work as well. Rocky and Jacob took turns driving, dumping the tractor trailer. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen Jacob work so hard. Between the five of us, we managed to spread all the mulch in about 4 hours. We went with bulk this year, too, which is a change. For the last several years we’ve been buying bagged mulch for the beds. The thought being that it’s easier to manage bags around the yard even with the tractor and trailer. We ended up with about 3/4's of a cubic yard of mulch leftover, and that’s after laying it on thicker than years past.

 For the past few weeks, we we'd been having home WIFI issues. Sometimes it worked, while other times it failed. And after a late night troubleshooting session with Time Warner, I confidently had it isolated to our own router. So after spreading all the mulch and dropping Bella at the mall with friends, I ventured over to Bestbuy where I bought a new router. Didn’t get around to replacing it for another 4 or 5 days. When I finally did, all of our WIFI issues were in the rearview. Hoorah!

May 4-8

The first full week of May was much warmer, sunnier than normal. The temps reached into the mid to upper 80s Wednesday through Saturday. In fact, it was downright hot. Friday, May 8^th, after knocking off work around noon, I stained the deck, but pretty much just the horizontal surfaces. The railings and posts still look great. Took just a little more than 2 gallons. Wore my special deck staining attire just for Bella – an old pair of Jams! J

Kidless weekend May 9 & 10. Also Mother’s Day weekend. Couple that with the extraordinarily nice weather, the garden centers were ridiculously busy. But because I was determined to get a lot of planting completed over the weekend, we braved the crowds for two trips to Straders on Riverside. Sandwiched in between was a trip to Ohio Mulch to buy 10 stepping stones for a front flower bed project. Did all of that Friday afternoon.

Visited Wolf’s Ridge brewing taproom the evening of Friday, May 8th. Hadn’t been in for a couple few weeks. After a brief visit there we stopped at Sideswipe taproom on our way home. And then once home, we headed over to visit Pat & Lisa. Hung with them until almost midnight.

Saturday May 9

We met Ashley, Steven, Olivia and Joe & Peggy at Milestone 229 on the river for brunch. Joe’s going to officiate her wedding so we wanted them to meet. The weather was summery – sunny and mid-80s.Olivia took full advantage, playing in the fountains in her sundress.

Not wasting anytime, Mindy and I made a trip to Sam’s Club later that afternoon hoping to find just the right entertainment cabinet to sit below our eventual basement TV. Somewhat surprisingly, Sam’s Club had the only one that caught my eye, at least online. Trouble was, it wasn’t supposedly in-stock at our Sam’s Club yet since it was so new. We made the short drive anyway and much to our surprise, they had one. However, at first the associate said all he thought they had was the display model, which they offered to sell us. But after checking their inventory he said there was supposed to be one in a box. Took him a while to locate way up high on the shelves but he found it for us.  Obviously we liked the display enough to make the somewhat impulsive purchase.

Not only is this entertainment center solid antique oak, but it sits about a foot higher than most others too, which will afford us the opportunity to place a TV on it via a stand in lieu of a wall rack. Very heavy! Lucky for us, a gentleman walked up just as we were trying to get it into the Pilot. At home we employed a “roll the box” end over end technique and then used furniture moving pads to slide it to the basement stairs where we let it carefully slide down the carpet.

Mindy left to run some additional errands. While she was away, I got busy out front planting flowers. I also took the time to wrap her Mother’s Day gift from the kids. Planted a flat of waxed begonias and a few new hostas while also placing the 10 gray gorge stepping stones we bought the day before. I placed roughly where we tore out the 20 year old dying repanden yews. It was hot – about 88 degrees and very humid. Worked up one heck of a sweat.

We talked about going out but ended up simply hanging on the deck enjoying the summer like weather. Kenny & Chrissy had a small gathering at their place, including Ben & Ryan. We headed down to hang with them around 9pm. Partied until midnight or so.

Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day

Up early on Mother’s Day, and before Mindy was up, I fetched her bright colored Adirondack chairs from the shed and placed them on the deck with bows. I didn’t plan to have her open the gifts from the kids until later once they were home.  Said she loved the colorful chairs.

After a run, I spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon planting flowers out front. Managed to sink numerous perennial summer bulbs, too (more cannas, gladiolus, ^%&&&). I paid $18 for a large jug of this concoction that you shake into flower beds that’s supposed to keep critters like squirrels, rabbits, deer and raccoons out of the flowers. I took the trouble to spread it into all of my beds and pots. After a couple of days, it became obvious that it doesn’t work on squirrels. Those damn things are digging up our beds and pots with fury – literally hundreds of holes.

The plan was to spend Mother’s Day with Mindy’s family at nephew Joe’s. Expected there near 4pm, and each family was asked to bring a pizza. We opted for Minelli’s. The kids were home around 3pm. Just before we left for Joe’s the kids gave Mindy her Mother’s Day gift – two colorful hummingbird feeders with brackets to mount against the bay window trim.

Nice time at Joe’s sitting out back under the shade tree where we enjoyed pizza, salad, and then dessert. Hung out until 7pm or so.

The following work week:

Monday & Tuesday, May 11 & 12

The work week promised a midweek cool down with the high temps dropping into the 60s with rain. Still in the mid 80s on Monday with decent rain & thunderstorms – good for the grass and flowers.

I think it was Tuesday when we learned that dad was urged to head directly to the hospital by his arthritis doctor after being diagnosed with pneumonia, in a lot of pain, and feeling generally miserable. I think Mindy was trying to reach him when Bobby answered his cell phone and shared the news. It didn’t sound good. Among other things they found nodules on his thyroid and lungs.

We made plans to go up to the hospital on Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 13

It struggled to get beyond 60 degrees on Wednesday. I planned on heading up to the hospital midafternoon but work was so overwhelming that I wasn’t able to put that plan into action. Instead, Mindy and I headed there around 615pm. Beyond what I learned the day before, I’d heard nothing new.

New shoes (Born loafers) arrived that day via UPS. Cool! 630pm by the time Mindy and I left for the hospital. Dad was curled up in the fetal position and asleep. Freaked me out a little. He woke almost immediately. Must say, the weakest, sickest I’ve ever seen him. He filled in some blanks where he could.

When a nurse came in I asked why they were involving an oncologist. She matter of factly shared that they believe he had cancer, which was the first I’d heard that. Moreover, I didn’t think dad had that information prior either, at least not that matter of factly.

I later learned that the pneumonia onset without a cold coupled with the nodules was their tell-tale sign of cancer, Anyway, I did my best to downplay any emotions felt at the time for dad’s benefit. As it was, it was still unconfirmed, though dad later talked and acted as if it was a foregone conclusion. Never heard him so down before. Dad was noticeably tired so we headed out after an hour or so.

Headed to CBC for a beer and perhaps some food. Enjoyed 2 Bodhi’s. Ran into a couple former co-workers. Hung with them throughout our 2 hour stay. Enjoyed a salad and a few chicken wings despite cutting way back on meat and dairy over the last couple of weeks. Left for home near 920pm.

Thursday, May 14

My plan was to work from the hospital on Thursday so I could intercept the oncologist and hopefully get a better feel for dad’s diagnosis and prognosis. Shortly after a run brother Bob sent me a lengthy text sharing that dad didn’t want me to do that. Already set-up to work from home.

Around lunch-time I showered and headed up to the hospital but not before a quick run to Sam’s Club to scope out TVs. Online I found what seemed like the ideal set for the basement. Wanted to scope out that and other options. Sam’s Club had both Amazon and Bestbuy beat on the same models by $50 or more.

Arrived at the hospital near 1pm. No results yet from the fluid oncology test and dad too weak for the biopsy. He still wasn’t eating, his appetite completely gone to the point that the thought of food made him ill. He only nibbled lightly on some fake ice cream. Still not sure what it was. No nutritional info on the cup. While on a restroom visit, I noticed another patient enjoying an Ensure at her bedside. And Ensure is loaded with protein and calories. I asked Dad if he’d like one of those. Yes. I went to ask the nurse if he could have one. She agreed to fetch him one in the flavor of his choice – strawberry.  And before I left they offered to bring one with every meal moving forward. Bob arrived before I left.

Mindy picked up Chipotle for the kids. I prepared homemade fried rice. Aside from under cooking the rice, it was delicious (read the rice prep directions incorrectly). I picked Bella up from gym. Very excited about school field day come Friday.

While she was out and about, Mindy picked up 2 six packs of Ensure for me to take to dad.

Friday, May 15

Temps heading back up to 80. Yippie! Mostly sunny too.

Headed up to the hospital around noon. Before heading up Bob called and shared really good news – the fluid results came back as negative – no cancer. However, he wouldn’t be fully out of the woods until a biopsy could be performed but that would have to be after he gets his strength back. They were now attributing all of his symptoms to his R.A. meds.

He looked perhaps a little better but still weak, sick and very tired. Drifted in and out of sleep during my brief visit. Made sure he was aware of the good news test results. He was. Left him with a six pack of Ensure and a tube of Ritz crackers. Headed for home.

Mindy’s school was hosting a summer carnival. She enlisted the help of Bella and Makayla to join her after school. Originally, Jacob was going to go to, but negotiated his way out of helping. He then made arrangements to visit a friend up in Dublin. I agreed to take him.

Mindy and the girls left around 4-430pm. Jacob and I left around 530pm. The plan was for Mindy, Bella and I to go to Barley’s later. After dropping Jacob at his buddy’s house, I stopped at Darby Creek nursery where I bought a flat of raspberry zinas. Not always easy to find in flats. I was very happy about that. While in the checkout line, I ran into a former Time Warner co-worker – Julius. He recognized me first. Hadn’t seen each other in 20 years!

I watered flowers out front as soon as I got home. Ben sent a text sharing that he and Ryan were up for Barleys if we were. I returned that we’d be heading there but not until 730-745pm. Agreed to meet us there. Turned out, Mindy didn’t even get home until 740pm. Our turnaround time was pretty quick. Mindy, Bella, Makayla and I left for Barley’s near 8pm.

Enjoyed our Barley’s visit. Not liking much of what was on tap of theirs, I opted instead for the guest tap – White Rajah. Learned last visit that the new brew master is habitually tweaking their old recipes under the same name. Bad move, dude! If you’re gonna change it, rename it. Sadly, even the White Rajah tasted off. I’m thinking their lines need cleaned. ???????  Trying to stick with my new earing plan, I opted for a salad and some hummus and pita. Left for home near 940pm. Would have invited Ben & Ryan over but both Mindy & I were really tired, and I needed to be fresh for the Jeff Beck drive and show Saturday.

Saturday, May 16 - Jeff Beck PNC Pavilion Riverbend Music Center, Cincy, OH

Mostly cloudy, warm and rainy Saturday. The high reached mid 70s. Up for at least an hour before Mindy. Didn’t go on a run until she was up and we’d spent a little time together on the deck. Darwin and I planned to leave for Cincinnati near noon. Lindsey was dropping off Grandson Rocky just as I was finishing up my run. Apparently wanted to come over and hang out.

Enjoyed some oatmeal for breakfast, and even made some for Mindy, who prior shared an aversion to oatmeal. She liked my new concoction (plain oatmeal topped with raspberry jam and walnuts). After breakfast off to pack and ready for our one-day getaway.  Darwin sent a rash of texts starting around 10am eager to leave. My plan all along was to head out near noon just as he and I had discussed a couple of times in the week leading up to the show.

Ready to go by 1120am. I took a few minutes to decompress. Mindy would be going to Rene’s wedding shower later that afternoon. After that, I wasn’t sure what she and the kids had planned. It was spitting a little rain about the same time that I was backing out the driveway.

Picked up Darwin near noon. We were stopping in Grove City to pick-up his brother-in-law, Brian. Made decent time heading down I-71S and 275East across the river to our hotel (Country Inn & Suites) in Wilder, KY, which is the first exit across the river.  No problem with early check-in. We didn’t bother carrying in our stuff. Instead, we headed across the parking lot to the Mellow Mushroom for some lunch.

There we enjoyed pizza and beer. I believe it was a first visit for each of us. Decent – about 20 taps and lots of pizza options. Our had sliced whole tomatoes, fresh jalapenos and mushrooms along with a little meat and cheese. And by the way, I’d already resigned myself to eating poorly on this little trip.

Hung at the Mellow Mushroom for a couple of hours. Spent an hour or so in our room before connecting with Uber for a ride to the show back across the river at the PNC pavilion/Riverbend. Good deal! William showed up in a new Sonata. It was $11 for the three of us. What a deal!

Didn’t realize it prior to our going there, but Riverbend is located at Coney Island. Lucky for us, the PNC venue is fully covered, so despite a rainy forecast, it wouldn’t be raining on us. We arrived 5-10 minutes ahead of the gates opening. Older crowd – similar to say, Todd R.

While standing in line for pricey beers, we were called over to the PNC “private” tent where a guy coaxed us inside for less expensive beer, free snacks, tables, chairs and a bathroom.  All that was true but he only took cash and the chips were stale. We stayed for one beer. Darwin and Brian were drinking at a much faster pace than I. That beer was my 4^th. Soon they’d both double my intake.

We headed to our seats near 8pm. At the time we weren’t aware of a warm-up act. He was good. Young, lefty playing upside down just like Jimmy Hendrix. At intermission we went for more beers and again were coaxed to purchase our beers from the PNC tent guy – a $1.50 cheaper than the kiosk just outside the tent. J All three of us bought commemorative t-shirts.

Jeff Beck came on 845-9pm. And while our purchased seats were in row 5, they were at the far side, and seats which Darwin didn’t care for. He suggested we head back and up a little to unused center section seats. Not really a bad seat in the house. We took those center section seats which is where I remained for the show’s entirety. Brian eventually headed back to our original seats while Darwin headed down to be even closer. By then he was feeling no pain. J

Jeff Beck was awesome! Arguably one of the world’s greatest guitar players. He played until 1030pm.  He was frequently joined by Wet Willie vocalist, Jimmy Hall, who sounded a heck of a lot like Van Morrison, in fact so much so that I was surprised that it wasn’t him.

After the show ended it was time to Uber our ride back across the river to our hotel. Darwin was a bit aloof so I asked if I could do the deed via his phone. Soon hooked up with Uber driver Randy in his Honda Accord. Said he was 13 minutes away. Well, the lot packed with cars and under a mass exodus, I wasn’t sure how we’d ever connect. He called a few minutes later and we used voice and car horn navigation to find one another. J

Good deal. $12 to get back to our hotel. Not really supposed to tip but I did anyhow. Flipped him a $10 spot. After getting back to our room, Brian and I walked across the street to Gold Star Chili for some food. All of us were hungry. Darwin opted to remain in the room but asked that we bring him something back. Sure thing.

Those two ordered 5-way chilis while I went with 4 cheese coneys. They were good but tiny. Hit the spot regardless. After woofing down my chili dogs, I was quick to sleep.

Sunday, May 17

Out of bed near 730am, I was quickly into my running clothes and down to the hotel lobby for coffee ahead of a run. After plenty of overnight rain, it was very warm and muggy, sunny too. Not wanting to run on a busy highway, I kept my run to the half mile or so loop off the main drag taking about 6 laps or 30 minutes or close to three miles. Ran up one heck of sweat. And one direction was almost all uphill which is always a challenge.

Back in the room near 810am, Darwin and Brian were still sleeping. Once they woke I asked about breakfast. Neither was too interested in the buffet. I was. I headed down alone. I didn’t eat much – a few scrambled eggs and potatoes. I wasn’t down there too long.

I’m guessing that it was near 10am when we left the hotel for home. It was sunny in Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati but according to Mindy, dark clouds and raining at home. L Easy drive home. Dropped Brian then Darwin. Must’ve been near noon when I arrived home.

Mindy asked that I do a Sam’s Club run with her. I agreed, but not until I rehung one of our hanging flower baskets that fell from the tree I had it hanging in. The stub of a branch it hung from broke away in the overnight storm. Took just a few minutes to rehang it. Soon Mindy and I were off to Sam’s. The plan was for her to get the food items she wanted while I went for the basement TV.

Much to my dismay, they appeared to be all out of the Smart Samsung  55” TV model that I wanted. Just my luck. However, just as I was willing to walk away an associate came up asking which model I was looking for. Turned out, they had just moved it. Pointed out the floor model and subsequent stack of boxed inventory. Sweet!

I had the TV purchased and loaded in the Pilot 10 minutes prior to Mindy’s call that she was ready to checkout. Uh, already waiting in the car, dear.  I was alarmed when the watermelon she bought rolled around in back banging into the rear door every time I would accelerate. Yikes!

Once Jacob and I carried the TV to the basement, I took a brief rest on the sofa before heading out to plant some zinas. Our afternoon was soon chalked full of activities. We were going to Jacob’s 3pm soccer game in Dublin, stopping by my dad’s to drop off some Jello, and then going by Joe & Rick’s to trim some dead branches from their large shady maple tree.

I planted flowers until 220pm. Walked down to see Kenny’s new boat. Still negotiating with the current owner. Took it out for a test drive where it would only go in reverse. Nice boat, though! Just as Mindy and I were walking back to our house it started to pour and I mean pour! Hey, that meant my newly planted flowers were getting watered in. J

We left for Jacob’s soccer game around 240pm. Figuring I would be sweating later when trimming Joe’s tree, I opted to hold on a shower until later. Arrived a Darree Soccer fields just before 3pm. Very nice, of course. My first soccer game since December. This time they won 1-0 and against the previously unbeaten state champs.

Home just after 5pm, we quickly loaded the stuff for my dad and the tools for Joe’s. Dad asked that we only drop off the Jello and not visit for feeling so bad. Said something about Archie being inside too. That’s dad. Mindy walked the Jello and fruit to the door where she met dad. We didn’t stay longer than a couple minutes. Both kids stayed home, by the way.

Arrived at Joe’s near 540pm. Wasted little time getting busy on trimming the dead branches from his tree. I brought my chain saw and folding arbor saw. I opted for the folding arbor saw, thinking I would save myself the trouble of dirtying up my chainsaw. In retrospect, we ended up cutting out four 3-4” branches and then cutting those into manageable pieces/sections. And in so doing worked up one heck of a sweat. Think humid! Enjoyed a little glass of iced while wine. Joe said it was rhubarb wine. Very sweet!

After finishing trimming the tree, we didn’t stay too long . After all, Mindy wanted to get home and start dinner. Now well after 6pm, everybody was hungry. We were having grilled chicken legs, salad, fresh brussel sprouts, and grilled zucchini.  It was good. Think it was near 7pm when we finally sat to eat.

Last week I negotiated a new Time Warner cable package with an additional cable box, HBO< and fast internet all while paying about $15 less per month. We gave up their whole house DVR service and a couple channel packages we never, ever watched. I felt good about it. We tuned to HBO during dinner just to see if it was working. Hadn’t checked prior.

After dinner and clean-up, which took until almost 8pm, I went horizontal on the sofa watching some HBO. Can’t recall what I was watching because more than anything I used it as a sleep-aid. Worked great, too. Mindy headed for bed just before 9pm. I stayed downstairs on the sofa until about 930pm dosing in and out of sleep.

May 18-24

Monday May 18:

Up near 635am. Partly sunny. Expecting a high in the upper 70’s, although another midweek cool down in the offing with highs around 65 Tues-Thurs. Walked the dog about the time the kids set out for the school bus. Left for a run around 8am. Ran 4 miles.

Working from the office. Arrived near 10am.

Made a lunch time run to Lowes where I bought a few more plants: Blue rush, double knockout red rose bush, two purple dahlias.

At the office until 5pm. Jacob had another soccer game at Darree field, but Mindy and I opted not to attend given the timely rain. A storm hit the local area near 5pm and was expected to stick around through about 630pm. Rained hard at times.

I was a little discouraged to learn that Mindy was making fried pierogis for dinner. Definitely not on my list of healthy choices. Unfortunately, my expressed disappointment left her agitated with me. I ate only the salad and then warmed leftover Brussel sprouts and squash from Sunday. Oh, I ate a chicken leg too, even though meat isn’t on my list of healthy choices these days either.

After dinner and clean-up, I planned on hooking up our new TV but didn’t. Instead, I took an evening nap from the sofa. Slept on and off until about 9pm. I then watched the movie Mall Cop. Funny movie! Headed to bed around 11pm.

Tuesday, May 19

Up near 625am. Promising a high of 68 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Nice! Left for a run around 8am again. Ran 4 miles.

Enjoyed oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. Still made the pug an egg. Working across town, but worked from home until 1030am. Joined a weekly meeting from home at 10am.

Arrived across town near 11am. Gorgeous morning! Not a cloud in the sky. Plan was to finalize monthly report for Wednesday’s presentation. Worked on that until our standing 1pm meeting. Left that meeting with a few more to-dos but none unexpected.

Spent the rest of the afternoon on some other critical stuff and ended up at the office longer than I suspected I might. Headed for home around 415pm.

Called mom on the drive home. Sounded good, but still over the top worried and upset with brother Glenn for refusing to take her calls or respond to her emails. She asked about dad’s condition as well as the rest of the family. Ended call once in the driveway.

Inside, Mindy was on the phone with Rene. She had her on speaker phone so she could multitask. The plan was to drop Bella at gymnastics just before 6pm and then rush over to St. Mary Magdalene to watch Rocky’s championship baseball game.

The evening was noticeably cooler than earlier in the day. A cool breeze blowing in from the NW. A few clouds moved into the picture as well.

Dropped Bella near 555pm and made it to Rocky’s game bottom of the 1^st inning. He was playing shortstop initially. Behind 1-0. Games go 6 innings. His team tied it up 1-1 but soon fell behind again 2-1. Rocky scored to make it 2-2 with what he referred to as a home run but really a single with three throwing errors. He scored again top of the 6^th after hitting a double then getting caught in a “hot box between 2^nd and 3^rd, ultimately forcing another throwing error which allowed him to score. Unfortunately, they still lost 4-3. Rocky pitched a couple innings, too. Did well. Not sure who was more worried, Rocky or Lindsey. I want Rocky to play well and win, but view it far more important that he becomes a good teammate, leader and sportsman. He doesn’t always listen to his coach.

The clouds thickened during the game, and the few times that the sun ducked behind the clouds, it was downright chilly. Glad I brought along a jacket. And like the last game we watched, Mindy had to pull Landon aside and correct his poor manners and behavior. He’s becoming a handful when it comes to his response to his momma. His latch key teachers were there to watch the game too, and brought he and Rocky Wendy’s. However, I heard more complaining than gratitude which didn’t resonate so well with Mindy and me.

At home near 735pm. It wasn’t until we pulled in the drive that I realized it was almost time to go after Bella. Mindy suggested she’d go get since she wanted to make a Wendy’s run. She asked if I wanted something. No. While she and Jacob were away, I prepared fried rice: brown rice, carrots, celery, snap peas, and red onion. For added flavor I used honey and light soy sauce. It was really good!

By the time dinner was over it was 830pm. I spent about an hour at my desk doing a little work and also doing a little surfing from my home PC. Headed for bed around 910pm where I tuned into the NBA western conference finals – Golden State versus Houston. Watched for maybe 15 minutes before falling asleep.

Blogging late April

Weekly highlights: April 20 - 26

The week promised lots of rain and much cooler temperatures, a letdown after such nice weather over the past 10 days. But it is spring so expecting anything less would be unwise.

Ordered basement carpeting from America’s Flooring, right around the corner from our home. Not only were they offering a high quality product but also at a great price and weren’t padding the total square footage to make an extra buck. Told us that they’d most likely be ready to schedule install in 5 days

Mindy developed a cold early in the week. At first she thought it was allergies, but I could tell otherwise.

Tough work week with a couple late nights. Presented a monthly and quarterly service review meetings, too.

Monday, April 20 

Woke extremely tired and didn’t want to get out of bed. Near 640am by the time I finally got up. By then the kids were just about to head out for the bus stop. Not only was I tired, but also achy and sore from the weekend’s yard work.

As a result of feeling tired and achy, I didn’t get out the door for a run until 830am or so. Trimmed my mileage to just three. Rained through most of the run, but was light.

Worked from Hilliard office, arriving around 1010am. At lunch time I made a run to Home Depot and Lowes to get all the supplies for installing the basement kitchen sink (mounting, plumbing, and drain). Sadly, I couldn’t get everything I needed at Home Depot. They were out of the 1.5” PVC trap kits. Fella said the contractors building the apartment project directly across the street were buying out lots of their inventory. I had to get the trap kit from Lowes.

Agreed to have leftovers for dinner, more chicken and noodle casserole.

Tuesday:

Come Tuesday morning I was feeling a lot better. The weather was a lot nicer than Monday too, A little cool, but sunny. I ran 4 miles, leaving the house again closer to 830am. Originally I planned to work across town, but our 1pm meeting was canceled due to numerous vacations so I ended up working at home. Felt good.

Spent my day completing both the monthly and quarterly service reviews as well as assisting a peer with some complex reporting. My boss got a hold of me late in the day asking if I could help further with a high profile deadline. Sure. That amounted to me working until about 930pm. As a result, Mindy ran Bella to and from gymnastics.

As for dinner, Mindy cooked a pork roast in the crock pot. Delicious.

Wednesday:

Rainy and raw on Wednesday, the high temperature barely reaching 50 degrees. For the first time in a while, I was up on a work day ahead of Mindy, and I headed out on a run before she was even done getting ready for school. Ran 4 miles.

1030am monthly presentation across town. Arrived with plenty of time to spare, somewhere close to 930am. Presentation went well. Around 1pm I made a run to Home Depot. I hoped to find a special board I needed to make the garage entry door repairs. Sadly, they were out of stock. Not giving up hope, before heading back to the office I popped in Lowes which is a few miles up the road, and part of the  Easton mall shopping area. They had the specialty board – a ½”X2.5” poplar scant. I also picked up brick molding kit.

Spent the afternoon helping a peer complete a project. Didn’t feel well for most of the day. At times I thought I might even earl. Never did, though. Happy when the end of the day came. With both Mindy and I feeling under the weather, we agreed to bag date night and simply relax at home.

Enjoyed leftovers for dinner. I had a pork roast wrap. Mindy enjoyed chicken noodle casserole.

Thursday:

Woke to widely scattered frost and 27 degrees, easily the coldest it’s been in several weeks. It was mostly sunny, so it warmed things quickly, though it never got above 48 degrees. I ran 4 miles in what turned out to be a lovely run.

I would usually work in Hilliard on Thursday’s, but we had our quarterly presentation scheduled across town for 2pm. As a result, I worked from home the first part of the day. Spent almost an hour on the phone straightening out our cell phone bill. It’s been messed up ever since we added Bella to the plan.

Left for Easton near noon. Worked for an hour or so before heading up to the large conference room where the presentation was being held. I knew my boss was coming in so I waited for him in the lobby.

All in all, the meeting went well. I felt a huge sense of relief having it behind me. Must've been around 330pm when I packed up and headed for home. And because it was still relatively early, I gambled and took 670west. Heavy traffic at the 670/70 merge but otherwise a quick drive home.  Talked with Mindy along the drive home. She was on the road for home too. Asked if I would drop and pick-up Bella from gymnastics since she was still battling a cold. Sure.

Despite feeling under the weather, she still whipped up dinner – chicken breast over rice. It was good. Left for gymnastics around 545pm, which any other day would be plenty early enough. However, the 70west on ramp was closed due to an over turned semi so we had to take the back way (Wilson, Fisher to Phillipi). At rush hour that is always a pain, especially once near the casino. Dropped Bella 10 minutes late.

Getting back was a lot better. Bought a new Kindle book this week, Power Foods for the Brain by Dr. Neal Barnhardt. Spent the next 75 minutes reading. Left to fetch Bella at 740pm. The 70west on ramp was opened and traffic nonexistent. As a result, I arrived at the gym with 10 minutes to spare. Been quite a while since I was inside. Watched Bella and team practice for a while.

Our drive home was quick. Because she was under the weather, Mindy was already off to bed. I did some more reading.

Friday:

Friday was sunny and in the upper 50s, but after Thursday’s chilly temps, it actually felt warm midafternoon. Unfortunately, the weekend forecast, and more specifically Saturday, looked horrible. Expecting heavy rain and temps below 50. I guess a silver lining would be forcing me to get more work done in the basement.

The recorded morning low was a chilly 25 degrees. But by time I left for my run (815am) it had already warmed above freezing and the sun left me feeling so much warmer than it really was. Like most Friday’s, I ran just three miles.

After a rather hectic work week, Friday was extremely laid back. I was able to get some of my time back. After my run I worked for about an hour and then headed to the basement to get started on the sink install. I wisely cut in the water valves first, figuring it far easier without the sink in the way. Aside from a very minor drip on the cold side, it went flawlessly. One extra crank and the drip stopped.

Next, I cut the 1.5” drain stub coming through the wall and installed the threaded nipple. Next, I cracked open the Delta faucet and installed it in the sink before dropping it into the counter top. That installed rather easily. Finally time to drop in the sink but only after running plumber’s putty around the perimeter. You may recall, I installed the clips on the sink a week or so prior. Tightening the clips was a trick. Not only were the screws hard to reach, but they turned stiffly too. What I really needed was a longer phillips screwdriver.

While installing the trap I determined that I needed to extend the straight piece of the trap into the stub out nipple. Crap. I needed another 4” or so. I had no choice but to make an unplanned Home Depot/Lowes run. I opted for Lowes where I struggled to find the extension but ultimately did. While there, I picked up a trim ring for the 1.5” stub out to give it a more finished look. I also picked up an 8” inch phillips.

I had to cut the extension to size and also the tail drain, but all that went quick. Done by 11am. I went back to work for a while revisiting the job after an hour or so. Much to my dismay, there was a drip or two of water coming from the trap. Crap! It was already as snug as it could possibly be, but I went ahead and reinstalled it. Took only a couple minutes. I tested by letting the water run for a while and then filled the sink about half way before allowing it to drain. No leaks.

Around 330pm I headed out to cut the lawn. Because I edged and whacked last week, I opted to skip that step this week. Did 85% of the mowing with the tractor. As a result, it took no more than 45 minutes for all the mowing. Mindy and the kids were home at their usual times. It was a Jimaken weekend. Mindy and I didn’t have firm plans for anything, but with her being sick, I wasn’t sure we’d be doing much. That morning she said she felt awful. I was a little surprised then when Mindy said she felt better and wanted to go out.

After the kids left we agreed to pay a visit to CBC. I hadn’t been there for about a month. I was showered and ready to head out around 545pm. Mindy must’ve sent a text to Vince because she knew he was working. For the past couple days Mindy and Ashley had been going back and forth about the wedding shower. Ashley’s bff, Brittany K. has been blowing her off of late, and has made no such effort to organize one. In fact, Ashley shared that she was out as the maid of honor. Mindy agreed to step in and organize a wedding shower, but until Friday Ashley was unsure whether or not she wanted to have one. Oh boy! That, apparently all got worked out Friday afternoon/evening. Ashley gave Mindy the green light.  Mindy planned to have it at CBC and would work out the details with Jenn that evening.

The lot was full. Had no choice but to find a meter across the street. Happened upon Aubree and Matt on our way in. Word was Aubree decided not to take the engineering job with Ford in Detroit and instead accepted an offer with Net Jets locally. She sounded much more at peace with the decision. And Matt seemed happy too. After all, he was going to have to quit his CBC chef gig in the move.

Few stools were available at the bar so I stood while Mindy sat.  A kind gentleman offered me the stool next to Mindy. Few IPAs on tap. I opted for a White Rajah and so did Mindy. Soon ordered risotto balls too. Mindy chatted with Jenn at length, working out the details for Ashley’s wedding shower.

The bar remained busy for a solid two hours. The crowd sustained as long as I’ve ever seen it. All totaled, I drank 3 White Rajah’s. Mindy had just the one. I think Mindy’s cold spoiled her appetite and drinking palette.  I wasn’t that hungry but was looking forward to some wings. Mindy ordered bread and a salad. Wings were tasty! Thinking we left for home  around 830-9pm. As we neared the Hague Ave exit, Mindy mentioned that we should’ve visited Sideswipe Brewing’s taproom. I offered that we still could. I was surprised when she agreed, especially given that she wasn’t feeling 100%. Agreed to pop in for one.

Like the week before, we were the only customers, though the owner of Thurn’s eats stopped in with his son about half way through our brief visit. I was slow with my lone IPA. Enjoyed talking with Craig and the Thurn’s. I graduated H.S. with his cousin, Amy. Headed home around 945pm. We headed for bed around 10pm but watched a little TV – the Bruce Jenner interview. I fell asleep.

Saturday:

As advertised, the weather took a dive. The temperature dropped and it rained hard for most of the day. I don’t think it made it out of the 40’s. Lucky for me, the rain held off long enough for me to get my run in under cloudy but dry skies. Thinking it was near 845am when I headed out the door. Mindy was still in bed sleeping.

I was a tired and cranky for the day’s entirety. I’m sure it has as much to do with the four beers I consumed Friday evening as much as anything else. I checked the basement p-trap again and once again it was dripping from the same place – right at the transition from the trap to the wall tail. I took a few minutes to redo the connections then ran water and filled the sink to let it stress the drain. No leaks at the time but this same pattern occurred the two previous times too.

Mindy made me an egg sandwich shortly before we left to go sofa shopping. It wasn’t until we exited 270 onto Tuttle that I suggested we should’ve stopped by the carpet store to pick-up our sample to ensure the two go well together. Mindy offered that we go back. Meh!

More often than not, Mindy and I shopping for something significant, like furniture, is a challenge. Going in, we agreed that we wanted a sectional-type sofa design and we also loosely agreed that loose back cushions were out. Right away we found one we liked both in design and material. Soon we were joined by a sales associate whose name I can’t immediately recall.

I quickly offered that we had size requirements/limitations that the set we were sitting on and liked did not meet. Not only was it too long in one direction, but we soon learned that it was too tall to meet the 29” wide basement door opening criteria, too. The sales lady soon offered that we should measure minus sofa legs given that they’re removable for the purpose of delivery. She also suggested we go loose back cushions to which I promptly refused. Under her breath, Mindy snapped at me for being so sharp. J

I reluctantly followed Mindy as the sales lady pointed her to a few options that she thought might work. The two she showed us were covered in what I’ll deem as hideous material and color which made it hard for me to become amenable. Once again, Mindy gave a disapproving glare at my reticence.

Not convinced the structure we were looking at would fit the 29” door opening restriction, I asked the sales lady if she had a measuring tape.  Sure did. I measured and found it to be just under 28” high. The cushions rose about 4” higher than the back support but would crush down easily enough. We looked at a few more options before going back to the first one that met the size criteria. I eventually warmed to the possibility once the sales lady showed us the custom configurable options that would meet dimensional requirements as well as pointing out that we could have it covered in any material we liked. She also pointed out that a new sale started on Sunday and that it would save us a couple hundred dollars.

It was just before 2pm, the time that America’s Flooring closes on Saturdays. I called Ed to see if he would be willing to stick around  a few extra minutes or long enough for us to swing by and pick-up a sample of our carpet. He agreed.

Poured rain most of the drive towards home and the carpet store. Ed was just about to leave when we showed up. The only color sample he had was a 6”X 6” square. That would do. We took it home along with the sofa material sample and looked them over in direct sunlight and then in the basement where they’d live together. Despite the small samples, we liked the combo.

Mindy suggested we continue our shopping and head back out to look for a kitchen table. After snacking on some Triscuits, I was sorely in need of a nap so I went horizontal on the sofa for about 90 minutes. I might’ve slept for 30 minutes. The rest of the time I spent relaxing watching an ESPN story about a 1960s transgender tennis player, Renee’. Interesting. Surprised I hadn’t heard of her prior.

Around 4pm, Mindy and I headed back out destined for the Kitchen Table store up near Easton. Mindy also wanted to check Ashley Furniture after nephew Joe shared that he saw a table there that had the industrial look Mindy was hoping for.

As the name suggests, the Kitchen Table store is all about tables and has plenty of options. We found two we liked, one in clearance, which was our favorite of the two, and another on the regular floor. The clearance table was more expensive but also of higher quality. Both were high counter tables with four chairs and in a dark wood finish. The clearance also includes a leaf. Neither had the industrial look Mindy was hoping for, but she said she could live with the clearance table.

We left for Ashley furniture which we Googled and found was just a mile or less down the road in Easton proper. Largely disappointed with their offerings. They had just a few tables and none anywhere near the quality or design we were looking for. 

Jacob Turns 15, Visiting Sideswipe, Yard Work in Earnest

Happy 15th Jacob!

April 13-19

Warm start to the work week. Reached a high of 78 on Monday.  Extraordinarily stiff presumably from all the yard work over the weekend. Opted to run just three miles on Monday. Tuesday through Thursday I ran the usual four. Heavy rain was forecasted all week. Didn’t get nearly as much as they promised but it did rain a little each and every day. Pretty much hit and miss.

After Monday’s warmth, high temps hovered around 65 through Thursday, finally breaking into the 70s again on Friday, or just in time for the weekend. It was Jacob’s birthday week. His actual birthday falling on Thursday. Date night Wednesday, Mindy and I visited Barleys for the first time in 3 or 4 weeks. Since our last visit, they’ve changed the menu. Turned out only a minor tweak. I had just one beer, the Fortune Teller porter. Enjoyed K.C. wings along with sharing one of their new appetizers, pork egg rolls, with Mindy.

Work-wise, I worked from the Hilliard office on Monday and Tuesday and then at my customer’s campus Tuesday and Wednesday. I worked at home on Friday. That was a godsend. The weather turned absolutely gorgeous - sunny and 74.

I had a rare, dull headache most of the day Wednesday, and one that wouldn’t completely go away even after choking down a couple Advil. The same dull headache plagued me again Thursday only this time it was accompanied by a mildly sore throat and body aches. Uh-oh! I wondered if I was coming down with something.

I ended up taking an hour long nap in the recliner as soon as I got home, and then when Mindy was ready to head off to the Bone Fish Grill for Jacob’s birthday dinner, I declared myself unfit for dinner out. I headed up to bed where I spent the rest of the evening watching TV from bed and drifting in and out of sleep. I got up for about 15 minutes when they got home to enjoy some of Jacob’s birthday chocolate pie.

I woke sluggish again Friday but after skipping calisthenics and sucking down a quick cup of coffee I felt like myself again. I put in a lot of extra hours during work week so I took some unofficial comp time Friday, essentially spending the afternoon in reactive mode (there and available if needed). Near lunch time I headed out to knock one of my spring projects off the list – painting the trim on the garage return.

Two years ago we removed most of the English ivy from our home’s front stone façade but left it intact on the garage return. Last year’s brutal winter killed most of that foliage so we pulled all that down last spring.  The little feelers left the trim looking bad even after sanding and power washing. Friday was the day to address it once and for all. I removed the down spout and sanded and scraped and then repainted the trim and eve. Took about 2 hours start to finish.

Next, I temporarily disconnected the basement vanity drain assembly so I could raise the granite top an inch or two, enough clearance to apply a bead of adhesive. Didn’t take more than 15 minutes. Glued the back and side splash too. All that remained was to caulk the joints with clear silicone. Planned to get to that sometime over the weekend.

Took care of a few work related matter during the middle afternoon, including the week’s administrative tasks. By then the weather was incredibly nice. Ideal for touching-up the deck furniture with spray paint. I scraped and sanded away all loose paint, and then made a run to Home Depot where I picked up another can of special spray paint.  The kids were getting off the school bus just as I was back out the drive. I reminded them of the need to complete their homework and chores before play.

Took about 30 minutes to touch-up the table and chairs. Looks so much better and for just $7 worth of paint and about an hour’s labor. By the time I finished, Mindy was home from school. I spent the next hour or so edging the rear flower beds while also chatting with Mindy. I felt like I accomplished quite a bit in one afternoon.

Jacob was going to his girlfriend’s house to celebrate her birthday. He and she share the same b-day – April 16. Bella asked if she could go to the Chiller. Mindy left it up to me. Why not? We hoped that a friend’s parents could do either the drop-off or pick-up. After balking at doing dinner at the Dublin Rusty Bucket, Mindy went ahead and ran Jacobella to their destinations while I got a shower.

While she was away, I surfed Sideswipes website confirming their taproom hours. Yep, opened on Friday evenings 4-10pm. I’ve been wanting to check it out for a while now. When Mindy got home I shared our my thoughts on a venue. She was open to trying Sideswipe. Close to 8pm by the time we headed out.

Sideswipe is located nearby off McKinnley & Harper Rd on Scioto Harper Rd, in an industrial park. At almost at the very back of the industrial park, a small sign lead us directly to the location. The garage door was up. Craig, the owner operator, was the only person there. We spent an hour or so enjoying a beer and getting to know Craig. Seems like a great guy. A couple others popped in but just long enough to pick-up a growler. Before we left we bought a growler of their IPA and a pint glass. Enjoyed it. We’ll go back.

We left there at 930pm to go after the kids. We picked up Bella first. Arrived at the Dublin Chiller near 945pm. Mindy had to go find her. Her phone apparently died. We headed south on Cosgray into Hilliard and Alex’s house. She lives in the same subdivision where Mindy and Jimaken built a dozen years prior. Got home a smidge after 10pm.

I ate some leftovers. Just what I can’t recall. Mindy was off to bed almost immediately. I joined her a few minutes later.

Saturday & Sunday April 18 & 19

Up near 7am. It was a gorgeous morning. Clear blue skies and already in the mid 50s. Expecting a high near 75. Earlier in the week the forecast looked bleak. Glad it changed. We would be hosting Jacob’s b-day party at the house around 4pm just as we have for the past nine years. I can’t recall a nicer weather forecast. In fact, most of his b-day parties have been in less than desirable conditions – cool, rain and mud. Ugh!

I enjoyed coffee for an hour or so before heading out on a run. I also put the glass inserts back in the deck table and put the new cushions in the chairs. I was very much looking forward to a day working in the yard. There were two major chores I hoped to complete. One, picking-up, cleaning up the rear flower bed edgings. Two, I hoped to complete the lawn chores.

Before doing any yard chores, I wanted to run a few errands, including getting mower gas, a stop at Lowes, and a quick stop at Ohio Mulch to check out their mulch offerings. Headed out around 10am, stopping for mower and Accord gas first. Next stop Ohio Mulch. Too crowded to get out and check out the quality and color of the brown mulch. Perhaps another day. Onto Lowes.

At Lowes I returned the incorrect jigsaw blades I bought a couple weeks ago when I bought my new saw. I also picked up a kit of 14 different correct blades. More specifically, the kit included two blades specifically designed to cut laminate, which I need to cut the hole in the counter top for the basement sink. While there, I bought six colorful cushions for our deck bench surround. Lastly, I made a stop for a large bag of ice.

I failed to mention that the growler we bought from sideswipe brewing Friday evening exploded spraying about a pint of beer in my backseat after rolling around on our drive to pick-up the kids. My car smelt of IPA! Before doing any yard chores, I took a few minutes to clean-up the inside of my car.  I vacuumed and scrubbed the carpeted floor mat then cleaned the leather seats. Took about 20 minutes. Time well spent.

Time to work in the yard. I opted to whack and edge first. While whacking around the bridge rail I noticed what looked a lot like an animal carcass floating along the pond’s edge. On closer inspection, it was either a raccoon or beaver. The fur was covered in moss/algae. Probably been in there since winter. When I poked it with a stick the fur peeled off too easily. Ugh!!

First time edging along the new service walk and wings. Looked real nice. Push mowed around the yard’s perimeter. Tractor mowed the rest. Lawn’s looking really lush. Once my mowing was complete I blew the beds and walks clear. With the lawn looking good, I fetched the trailer for my Deere and pulled up alongside the rear beds where I picked up Friday’s edgings. Easier said than done, since micro roots for the red maple near the deck lurk just beneath the top soil and spent mulch. In other words, the edgings don’t come up easily. In fact, it‘s harder than the edging itself.

It was 320pm by the time I finished my yard work. I felt really good about all I’d accomplished, which was far more than I envisioned. Gloria was already at the house helping Mindy ready for Jacob’s party. Lindsey dropped off the boys just before I headed up for a shower. I asked the boys to help me a little – one, chase the geese out of the front lawn and then asked them to Windex the glass entry doors. They did neither. J

By the time I was out of the shower party guest were already showing up. Fair to say I got every possible minute out of my day. Dad showed up, which pleased Mindy much. He hasn’t made too many family birthday parties past. All of Mindy’s siblings and their families showed as did a few of Jacob’s buddies.

Along with a table full of snacks, Mindy ordered pizza and picked up Cane’s chicken tenders. I planned to enjoy a couple of beers but not until later. After all that yard work, I was crazy hungry. Because the weather was so nice, the party was both inside and out. Darwin and his young boys showed an hour or so into the party. Said Connie and Lane would be joining us soon. They showed perhaps another hour later. By then I cracked open my Sideswipe growler of IPA. Lane stopped by after working on his mini bike. Man, he’s grown and matured a whole lot over the last year.

Thinking it was near 7-8pm when most of the family departed. Darwin shared that he planned to have a bonfire in his backyard later that evening. Mindy and I agreed to pay a visit once all of our guests were gone and the mess cleaned up. I washed all the party dishes while Mindy stowed the food.

Thinking it was near or after 10pm when we finally headed to the McVey’s. Darwin’s buddy, Rick was there, the two of them already out by the fire. Mindy headed inside to talk with Connie while I hung outside with Darwin and Rick. We had a ball! I popped in to say hello to Connie. Ended up talking to she and Mindy for a while before heading back out.

Brought five beers in my cooler. Drank four of them, sharing one with Rick. Had to be near midnight when Mindy came out advising that she was heading home. I was still having fun and opted to stick around a while longer and walk home. Mindy wasn’t thrilled with my choice but in the end agreed. She was gone too long when I sent a text asking her to come get me. As I exited the fire pit area, I tripped over the 1’ high stone wall scraping up my left leg pretty good. Mindy pulled up just as I walked out front. Fair to say that I was feeling no pain. After woofing down some leftovers I headed up to bed.

Sunday:

Despite not feeling 100% Sunday morning, I was up before 8am. The weather forecast called for increasing clouds, wind, and steady rain by 2pm. Still expecting a high around 70 degrees, though. Hoping to complete even more yard work, I planned to knock my run out as soon as possible in hopes of getting out in the yard ahead of imminent rain.

Ran three miles even before Mindy was up. She was up by the time I got back. She acted surprised that I was no worse for Saturday nights’ wear. I made a couple eggs before heading for yard work. Outside by 10am. My number one goal was to pick-up the rear bed edgings. Took an hour or so. Dumped the pile out back. Next I used a weed digger to pull up the wild patches of new grass growing in the flower bed on the east side of the house. Most of that a byproduct of seeding my service walk last fall. That took a good 30 minutes.

Still ahead of any rain, I had enough time to edge the front beds and do a mulch-ready bed cleaning. All that’s left to edge is the westside flower bed. Feeling ahead of the game! Mindy had a change of heart and decided to grocery shop that afternoon. Originally said she was going to grocery shop on Monday after school.

It began to spit rain around 130pm. Without me asking, Mindy brought in all the deck cushions. And because it was getting really windy, I put down the patio umbrella and tied it closed with a bunji cord. I headed inside ahead of the inclement weather.

Before showering, I thought it a good idea to head to the basement and cut the hole in the laminate  counter top for the sink. I was both eager and nervous, having never done it before. However, I felt confident in my tools as well as the videos I watched a month or so ago. I took my time, taping off the outline of the sink with masking tape on Saturday. To cut the hole I move the top to the floor elevated about a foot of the concrete. New jigsaw and laminate blade worked flawlessly. And perhaps the best tip I got from the Youtube videos was to screw in a support board across the laminate so the cut-out piece wouldn’t drop and tear.

Next, I made sure the sink sat into the opening and then installed the 8 clips. That took some doing. Frustrating, but finally got them installed.  I considered making a Home Depot run to get the rest of the plumbing materials necessary to complete the full install (p-trap, drain tail, sink strainer, etc). In the end I decided instead to call it an afternoon, figuring I could stop at Lowes/Home Depot on Monday during lunch. By then it was 4pm. I headed for a shower and then some couch time.  Mindy was home from the grocery around 430pm.

Rained on and off most of the late afternoon and evening. Mindy made one of my favorite dishes for dinner – chicken noodle casserole. Yum! Jacob, by the way, had a soccer game in Cincinnati that Jimaken took him to. He picked him up around 11am. He got home around 630pm.

Relaxing evening at home. Jacob and I watched Last Man on Earth come 930pm. Funny!  To bed soon after.