Stuck at Home (It’s Not All Bad)

The truck went in for service early in the morning and did not plan to return for almost forty-eight hours. I told myself that since I was stuck at home without wheels, I might as well make the best of it. We store enough provisions to last much longer than two days, but feeling somewhat trapped, I prayed the minutes would at least glide gently, not crawl laboriously. (please, God)

First things first, I downed a bowl of grains for a.m. nutrition. (boring bran) Next, I played “dentist” with a bristled stick and blue mouthwash. (minty cavity protection) After that, no more stalling because there were miscellaneous, domestic chores to complete before the fun began. (wash, dry, fold, repeat)

Forgive my witty particulars in parentheses because it is sometimes an effort to entertain at my age. (elderly enjoyment) Being retired means time is my own, which I can exploit with unrefined creativity by fashioning words into an opuscule while at the same time, growing shrewdly older. (good-bye workforce!) I have more time now and more choices than I need, yet somehow, I am discovering more items on my docket. (bucket list expanding)

With gasoline prices sky-high, I am grateful that most of my hobbies do not require a trip to a fuel station but only a short plod to the fridge. (or recliner) Plus, I can order yarn, e-books, and both brain and jigsaw puzzles to be delivered for free. (webs minus spiders) Before the internet and cell phones became prevalent, we had to mark time with conversation when we lost electricity. (Geez Louise)

Many of the hours during car curfew, however, I spent in front of my computer meeting a self-imposed writing deadline. (no exception today) I paused twice to brew and drink tea, using the last loose leaves from a gifted, monthly subscription. (thank you, Firstborn Son) I saved one of the best for last: Rooibos #3, savoring every warm sip that floated smoothly down my throat. (heavenly red bush herbal)

I nourished my brain with a healthy lunch break, too. (apple, tuna, and whole wheat crackers) Then I topped it off with a wholesome frozen dessert filled with calcium. (nothing beats chocolate chip mint) Even though I ate out of the carton, I can proudly say that I left enough for another jumbo serving. (stress-free diet only)

Sometimes I write for hours with barely any interruptions except laps to the lavatory. (no carpal tunnel so far) Other times, like this first day of pickup patching, I write in spurts: brainstorm/snack; research/exercise; type/dine; edit/email; proofread/e-Shop; submit/imbibe. (a pint of porter?) Thus, I found myself on my exercise bike, pedaling away composition cobwebs and pumping up my heart with workout tunes. (“I Will Survive”)

After a quick shower and a simple dinner, I executed a swift edit and a final review before submitting my words to a current contest. (crossed my fingers) Finally, it was time to relax and sip some of that dark brown ale mentioned above, except I was more in the mood for sweet, redberry wine. (a pony glass of port) Despite having no set itinerary, the day was productive and satisfying, and the drink soaked and soothed my body and soul. (Amen)

Unfortunately, by bedtime, I had developed a faint migraine and tried reading a bit before giving up and turning out the light. (French Braid, Anne Tyler) When I could not fall asleep, I got out of bed and added lavender oil to the diffuser sitting on the nightstand. (thank you, Second Son) I lay quietly for nearly an hour before getting out of bed again to reheat my herbal shawl in the microwave. (quilted therapy)

Within minutes, I was back in bed wearing warmth on my shoulders and a leftover mask from a long plane ride over my eyes. (Hawaii was awesome!) Still, I could not fall asleep until I asked my bed partner if he would please roll over and snore in the other direction. (thank you, Love) Sleep came eventually thanks to a king-size bed, a weighted blanket, and a dose of painkillers. (how blessed I am)

Morning arrived quickly, though, bringing balmier weather with it. (hurray, sunshine!) The guy who breathed loudly in his sleep headed outside to retrieve yesterday’s mail while I started slow-cooker veggie bean soup. (no, we are not vegans) Just another day stuck at home with the love of my life and a streaming service. (it’s not all bad)

Past, present, or future, I am not really stuck at home. On the contrary, I am home by choice because I like it here. The amenities are excellent, the menu is divine, and the entertainment suits me perfectly. (thank you, Sweet Lord)