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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

On Seeing Clearly

Thought for the day: See as much as you can, I guess. Rachel Carson said most of us go through life 'unseeing.' I do that some days... I think it's easier to see when you're a kid. We're not in a hurry to get anywhere and we don't have these long to-do lists you guys have. [Jim Lynch- The Highest Tide]


Yep. It's that time again.  Yet another month has slipped through our fingers, and as you can clearly see by that nifty badge on the left, it's once again time for our monthly IWSG posts. As always, thanks to our fearless leader, Alex Cavanaugh, for founding this fine group, and thanks to all the other nurturing guys and gals who've helped turn it into the thriving community it is today. I'm telling ya, this group offers better support and lift than the world's most expensive bra. (No pesky underwires, either!) To join this super supportive group of writers and to see links to other participating blogs, please go HERE

It's April first, (No fooling!) and for the past, I dunno, eight years or so, I've taken the month of April off from blogging to concentrate on writing and editing, but here we are at April's front door, and I still haven't decided whether to take a break or not. So tell ya what... if I show up, as usual, I reckon I decided to hang around. If I don't? Don't worry. I'm just fine, and heck, who knows? I might even be writing. (What a concept!)

[image courtesy of pixabay]
The pandemic that's been gathering momentum this past month is on everybody's mind these days, so it only makes sense that this month's question is about COVID-19:

The IWSG's focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?


[image courtesy of morguefile]
Thanks for asking. Because of the medical stuff that's been going on in our household for quite some time, staying at home ( except for obligatory trips for chemo and radiation) is a verrrrry easy order for us to follow. It helps that we thoroughly enjoy each other's company, but we also like to eat. And I like to cook. Which means, even though I keep a well-stocked pantry, it was clear that a trip to the grocery store was in order. Fortunately, our local store instituted an old farts hour last week.(Um, NO, they don't actually call it that...) On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we oldie but goodie folks can now shop at 7AM before the younger folks gain entry. Cool, huh? So I planned to go last Wednesday.

[image courtesy of morguefile]
I must confess, though, I was a tad uneasy about the whole thing. See, my night vision isn't so hot, and at 7AM, it's still plenty dark here. In the past, I've had so much trouble seeing in the dark, I'm ashamed to say Smarticus had to drive us home from the hospital after one of his surgeries. We were supposed to leave the hospital in the early afternoon, but they kept him in recovery much longer than expected, and by the time he was discharged, it was way past midnight... and very dark.  I tried to drive us home, but it simply wasn't safe, so I had to pull over and let him get behind the wheel. Since that awful experience, I had some eye surgery that's definitely helped, but I hadn't had an occasion to test my ability to drive in the dark since then... until last week. In the house, I make sure to flip light switches on so I can see my way safely through the house at  night... but how was I going to manage outside???


I went outside. So far, so good. I go out early every morning to get the paper, so that was no problem.

It was too dark to see the buttons on my fob, so I fumbled the key into the door lock and got the door open. Eventually.

Buckled in and started the car. No problem.

Then... BIG problem. I couldn't SEE!!! Not a thing! I mean NOTHING!!!

I turned on the high beams.

Nope. Still couldn't see. I wasn't exactly in panic mode at that point, but I was a teensy bit upset. I mean, I needed to go to the grocery store, but Smarticus needs his sleep. I did NOT want to wake him up just to take me to the store...


                                                            Then I started laughing.
[image courtesy of morguefile]
The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. [Helen Keller]


                                              What a DOOFUS! I had it all ass-backwards!


               When I stopped laughing, I removed the sun screen from the windshield.


I could see just FINE. I still can't believe I did that. How could I be so dumb? (Don't answer that!)

The trip to the store was uneventful. Actually, it was kinda nice sharing the space with the handful of other seniors who were there, even though a lot of the shelves were woefully bare. (Would you believe even the frozen Brussel sprouts were completely sold out?!)






After all, the true seeing is within. [George Eliot]
                                                                   
[image courtesy of unsplash]
                                                        It's a relief to know I can see well enough to drive safely in the dark now, but I need to do some serious inner seeing to figure out if I'm ever gonna finish the trilogy I started a while back. I think what I have so far for Book Two is really good, but it's been more than a year since I've even looked at the unfinished manuscript. Now that most of Smarticus' treatments are (hopefully) behind us, it's time to decide: to write... or not to write. If you don't hear from me for the rest of the month, that might mean I'm writing again. Or it might not. Who knows? I might be alphabetizing everything in my china cabinet and washing my spices. Or something like that. Either way, know that I'm okay. And I'm no longer afraid of driving in the dark.




                                                                  How about YOU...?     



                                  Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

[image courtesy of unsplash]







56 comments:

  1. What a funny story, although it must have been terrifying at the time, to think you couldn't see anything. Glad it all turned out well. Stay safe, well fed, healthy and happy. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Fortunately, the moment of blind stupidity didn't last long, but I was pretty horrified for a second there. :)

      You take care of yourself, too. Hugs back atcha.

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  2. I am very glad that you can see.
    Smiling here. I think we have all had similar lapses. Years ago I came home from work very tired. We had stopped off to buy milk on the way home. When we reached home I took off my shoes. It was only when I discovered (despite several attempts) that my shoes just didn't fit into the milk compartment in the fridge that I realised I had hurled the milk under the bed as I went past. I got lucky. It was still intact.
    Whatever you choose to do in April, have a heap of fun, laugh a lot and stay safe.

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    1. Thanks. Me, too. :)

      Thanks for sharing your story. Good to know I'm not the only one having those kinds of lapses. I reckon as long as we can still laugh at them, we're doing okay.

      Thank you, sweet lady. The same to you.

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  3. You better be writing!! You promised a follow up. You said you found interesting information about the reform school that's going to be in the next book. Right? Or am I crazy? If I am, it's the anticipation that is driving me nuts.

    Do they have the online shopping for groceries? Our Walmart and Kroger have it. The first few weeks, I wasn't using it so the elderly and immune-impaired could get the slots, but a friend assured me Kroger was hiring extra people to fill everyone's orders. I'm all for hiring people, so I'm clicking and picking up again.

    My dumbest blonde moment was when I was working as a caring social worker. Pens were a hot item, so I was used to the pens at my desk disappearing. Our supply lady was scary, but she liked me, so she gave me an entire box. I was so excited to be able to take notes as I talked on the phone without searching for a pen. But by then end of the day, I was once again without pens. I was furious. People were stealing my pens right out from under my nose. I went to the secretary to vent and she told me to check my hair. I had my hair in a sloppy bun and there had to be twenty pens sticking out of it where I'd stick it in my hair to talk and then forget and grab another. I looked like a freaking porcupine. I learned a valuable lesson that day- never blame people without proof. LOL

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    1. HA! Believe it or not, I thought of you when I started toying with the idea of throwing in the towel, because you once told me how annoyed you were with another gal who quit on her trilogy after you'd read the first book. :) Yes, you're right; I got some outstanding background information from some of the women who were in that reform school in the fifties, and it'd be a shame not to make use of it. We shall see. (I wouldn't want to be the cause of any nuttiness on your part...)

      Yes, there is online shopping & delivery available here, too. Our daughter has been using it, and it'd probably be the smart thing for me to do, too, but for now, I'll continue to put on a mask and keep my distance as best as I can. I've been shopping at the same store for a long time, and the people who work there are like friends, so for now, I'll strap on a mask, keep my distance from the other old farts, and do my best to lift the spirits of the folks working there.

      HA! I love it! I'd love to see a pic of you with all those pens shoved into your hair... (Good thing Youtube wasn't a thing yet...)

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  4. Hi Susan - delighted to read this ... you always manage to bring a laugh to us - I'm so glad though that you're able to see in the dark once more. Great things are happening ... so much support out there between us individuals (or family units) ... and good you're doing your bit by letting Smarticus sleep in ... take care, enjoy your cook-ins ... all the best - Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. I'm glad my idiocy tickled your funny bone. :) Yeah, I'm reeeeeally glad I can see well enough to drive in the dark again, too.

      You're right. In the midst of all the scary stuff going on in the world, there are many many bright spots of people caring for other people. I hope that sense of unity outlives the virus.

      Cheers!

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  5. That's funny, not remembering the window sunscreen.
    We have the early hour for seniors to shop also, which is a problem for me because I don't wake that early anymore. I roll/fall/stumble out of bed at 8am or later and there's no way I'm leaving the house al the very least until 9am. Besides, most of the seniors are looking for toilet paper and the shelves are still bare.
    I emptied my pantry this morning, checking what I had, (plenty for now) and what I needed, (very little), then I rearranged it all so like things are together, as it used to be. So at least one corner of my home is now tidy.
    Good luck with your trilogy.

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    1. Yeah, it was pretty funny. I didn't realize I could be such a ditz.

      I inventoried and rearranged our pantries and freezers, too. Seemed like the wise thing to do before venturing to the store. Too bad you can't make yourself rise a bit earlier, so you can take advantage of the senior time slot. Maybe you could set an alarm? I'm sure you could manage that once every couple weeks or so... The added bit of safety is well worth it.

      Thanks. Take care.

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  6. I'm amazed that the frozen Brussel sprouts were sold out. What is the world coming to??
    I'm glad that you were able to solve the windshield blindness mystery. I really do have night blindness and wouldn't dare drive after dark. This is what caused me to go over the cliff in Arkansas when I was moving to Tennessee (I don't know if you, or anyone, remembers that fiasco).

    Can it really be April already? Everyone needs time off from blogging, and hopefully you can finish the trilogy, but your posts are missed when you're away.
    I blog mostly to convince myself I'm still alive....

    Take care and Big Hugs.

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    1. Yeah, I know, right? I like Brussel sprouts okay, but they're still the least-liked veggie around, I'd say.

      I do remember your accident, but I forgot it was caused by night blindness. Scary. So you understand why I didn't drive my hubby home from the hospital. It wasn't the best thing for him to do so soon after neck surgery, but it was definitely safer for him and everyone else on the road. Having the doctor remove the scar tissue from my post-cataract surgery lenses made a huge difference for me.

      Yep, April. Hard to believe. Then again, the thick layer of pollen coating everything here tells me it must be true.

      Take care, cowboy. A big virtual hug right back atcha.

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  7. Thank you for that laugh! I almost spit out my coffee. :)

    Be kind to yourself with the writing. Maybe you'll write a bit then "wash your spices." :)

    Wishing you both the best!

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    1. You're welcome. If you laughed, my job here is done. :)

      Good advise. I will, indeed, be kind to myself. (You do the same!)

      Take care, sweet lady.

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  8. Now that's funny! Needed a laugh this morning.
    In the middle of all this, who really wants to risk a last meal of frozen Brussel sprouts? They are disgusting!

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    1. It's not nice to laugh at old people. :) (Yes, it is, especially when we deserve it!)

      I KNOW... I couldn't believe all the frozen Brussel sprouts
      were gone! Not that I would've bought any... Smarticus would rather go hungry. Made we wonder who bought them all, though. Might've been ONE person... it's kinda fun to create a profile of who that person might've been...

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  9. We have had the senior shopping hours for about three weeks but it is still too dark at that hour for me drive. We were doing delivery but are now doing pick-up as that is quicker and My Retired Man gets to drive around for a bit. As much as you like seeing people, you should consider doing the same. Stay safe.

    I could “see” myself doing what you did and having a panic attack. However, things like that do make for great story. Keep smiling and keep us laughing, dear Susan.

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    1. I'm sorry you have night blindness, but at least you can relate to how I felt when I had to let my poor husband drive home from the hospital after his neck surgery. I felt beyond awful, but it was the better of two very bad choices.

      Yes, ma'am. I will consider it.

      Take care, sweet lady. And you keep smiling, too. Hugs.

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  10. lmao well at least you solved the blindness issue. We all do things we kick ourselves for later from time to time.

    Hopefully you can finish or at least get a good bout of alphabetizing in.

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    1. Yep, that was one easy solution. :) I didn't kick myself for doing it, though. Too hard to bend my knees that much...

      Hopefully. Something tells me you'd appreciate the honest-to-goodness alphabetical order of my rather sizable collection of herbs and spices. Take care.

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  11. Glad it was just the screen :)
    You and Smarticus stay well!

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    1. HA! Yeah, me too. :)

      You take care of yourself, too.

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  12. Now that was funny! Glad it wasn't your eyesight after all. Stay safe!

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  13. The supermarket sent with our delivered order fresh Brussels Sprouts At 16 bucks a kilo instead of those frozen at $6-50 per kilo. the perils of ripping one off when one is restricted to home delivery was made abundantly clear.
    B T W. My rendering of not Three but Two OLD L L l IN THE L has been published on Elephants Child Blog.

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    1. Our store still had fresh Brussel sprouts, but they aren't in much demand here. I'm glad to hear you're having your groceries delivered. I guess I'm going to have to consider doing the same, but I reeeeeally don't want to.

      BTW... Cool! I'll go check them out. :)

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    2. I love brussels sprouts, we used to call them fairy cabbages when I was little, but the frozen ones are awful, too soggy. Fresh ones steamed until just tender are better, with a dab of butter.

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    3. I like Brussels sprouts just fine, but my hubby isn't a fan... but if I chop 'em and saute them with bits of bacon and onions, he barely knows what he's eating. HA

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  14. I lauughed out loud! I can so relate to doing something like that. Also to not having much night vision. Stay safe!

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    1. Good! If you laughed out loud, my mission is complete. :) Sorry to hear you have trouble seeing at night. It seems to be a problem for a lot of people. You and your family stay safe, too.

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  15. Going blind is no joke...but then again you made this hysterical (and a good ending).Believe me, I have many duh (fake) blonde moments. Our grocery stores are back in good shape except for paper products. More choices than broccoli thank goodness.
    Glad you and Smarticus are being smart, staying safe, and laughing.
    You're the best!

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    1. Yeah, that was a beaut of a blonde moment. To make matters worse, it was also very foggy that morning... not that that's an excuse. Obviously, my BRAIN was even foggier! :)

      Our stores are slowly clawing their way back, I think. I'll find out firsthand next week, I reckon.

      Thanks. You ain't so bad yourself, kiddo. :) Stay well.

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  16. Greetings again from still very cooold and wintery AB, friend Sue. Am still healthy and working my shifts. Good to see that you and loved ones are well also. If I am not working , I hunker down, cook, read, listen to music and spend time with Thunderbutt:) Love, cat. https://www.youtube.com/embed/uDSOOlNeC8s?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0

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    1. Greetings back atcha. Thanks so much for sharing that video! It looks like Thunderbutt likes his catnip as much as our girls do. It cracked me up when he kept pawing your hand out of the way. I dunno exactly what that was cooking on your stove, but it sure looked good. (Too bad Youtube can't share smells, too!) And seeing that globe made me smile, too, because I imagined you closing your eyes, giving it a spin, and letting your finger land on the next place you'll travel. :)

      I'm so glad you are still doing well. Let's keep it that-a-way. Hugs.

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  17. That sunscreen (snafu) made me laugh out loud! I, too, have near-total night blindness, but hope it will lessen after eye surgery (TBA). Aside from the stress factor, when the time changed last Fall I knew it was time to quit my p/t job -- or risk wrecking my car.
    Knock wood, yesterday was my last Wal-Mart excursion. Can't escape the feeling I'm living in a Stephen King novel.

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    1. I hope the surgery improves your night vision, too. Mine has never been great, but the lenses that were implanted after cataract surgery had gotten progressively clouded. A little zapping with a laser, the arrival and blessed departure of some scary-looking black floaters, and I'm MUCH improved.

      You're right. I think we all feel like we're trapped in a King or Koontz novel. Let's hope for a happy ending.

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  18. LOL!

    If I get so bored I clean and organize my spices, someone send help.

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    1. HA! Well, to tell the truth, I have so many spices and herbs, I've always kept them in alphabetical order. It's a lot easier to find what I'm looking for that-a-way. :)

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  19. Awesome that you braved the darkness, and we've all done something like. Goodness knows I've had my share. Hope you're all doing well and staying safe out there! :)

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    1. We're hanging in there, and I hope you and yours are, too. Hunker down!

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  20. Experiencing similar things to you, my dear, not the night blindness as much as the driving places I'm afraid to drive to for treatments, surgeries, etc. How quickly we discover we are stronger than we think. Sending you healing thoughts. I too took part in the "senior" shopping hours and found the store way to crowded for my liking!

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    1. You're right. Crises like serious diseases have a way of proving how much stronger we are than we ever would've believed. We soon realize that we can and will do whatever it takes. My heart goes out to you. While you're taking care of your hubby's needs, don't forget to take care of you, too, okay? Hang in there. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way, too.

      Huh. I guess the seniors in our area must be "lazier" than the ones in ours... there weren't many of us at the store at all.

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  21. Thanks for the chuckles, Susan. Glad you're trying to stay safe. I tried online shopping and curbside pickup. it was great and inexpensive. ($5 plus an optional tip to the shopper). That was so easy. Despite the inconveniences, we're nowhere near what NYC is going through...though Michigan is 3rd in the nation with cases. Stay safe.

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    1. What's going on in NYC is nightmarish. I truly hope it isn't a sign of more to come in other cities.

      You stay safe, too.

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  22. Thanks for the laughs. I hope you and yours are safe and sound. Thanks for the Joey clip, too. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. You're welcome. :) I'm glad you liked the Joey clip. I thought it'd be perfect, so I was really tickled to find it on youtube.

      Take care, and hunker down! Greetings back atcha.

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  23. My night vision isn't great either, and I no longer drive at night, so I understand the struggle. Glad to hear the surgery made it better for you. Glad to hear you are safe and well.

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    1. Poor night vision seems to be more common than I realized. I can't even blame mine entirely on old age, though, because it wasn't all that swell when I was younger, either. But yes, the surgery to remove the scar tissue definitely helped.

      Thanks. You take care, too!

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  24. Hi Susan, Love the sun shield story! We also have trouble driving at night. My Aunt & Uncle have lived in the same house for about 20 years, and a few months ago we had to walk up and down the street in the dark until we were finally able to see their address. Glad your eye surgery was a success. How did you manage to squeeze that in? I know you’ll continue to take good care of Smarticus, and please don’t forget to take care of yourself too!

    Julie xo

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    1. Hi-ya, Julie. Yipes, as more and more people are telling me about their own night blindness, now that I can see better, I'm gonna have to worry about the other people driving around me. HA

      You take care of yourself, too, kiddo. Now that you're healthy again, let's keep you that way. :)

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  25. I've looked for my glasses on my head, my keys in my hand, and the phone I was talking on before. Thankfully these things do not happen often, but lawdy bee they do happen. Have fun whatever you decide to do (I secretly hope it's writing but that's just because I like to read what you write). :)

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    1. Yeah, I reckon everybody has a "senior moment" every now and then, even if they aren't actually seniors. :)

      Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate the encouragement.

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  26. LOL, you tell a good tale! But what a good laugh, and yep a great senior moment. Thanks for sharing!
    I walked into the bedroom the other day, turning the light off behind me. Total darkness, my ass almost hit the floor before I got the light flipped back on. Me, in total darkness. Nope, I lose all sense of place. I'm like you I try to have night lights to lead the way, this time by shutting it all off as I moved forward my eyes had no time to adjust and find the pricks of light that did exist.
    Hope you're having a great week!

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    1. Yeah, it was definitely a senior moment. Thankfully, it didn't last long. :)

      Partly, I flip on light switches as I walk through the house after dark so I can see better, but it's also partly because I don't want to step in any "surprises" left by one of the cats. Or trip over one of their toys. (They NEVER put them away!) Or trip over one of THEM... :)

      So far, so good. I hope you're having a super week, too.

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  27. Thank you for making me laugh!
    Since I'm a freelance translator who works from home, I don't really feel any difference in my everyday life. I don't go out anyways, lol.
    I'm glad you're doing well!

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    1. Laughing at an old lady's woes, are ya? (I'm glad to hear it.)

      Take care.

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