The weather outside, all rainy and gray, matches my mood. I fear I’ve not spoken as gently to the children as I would prefer. I raised my voice to my daughter this morning when she expressed strong and conflicting opinions about which spoon she wanted to use when she broke her fast. My patience for their childish quibbles wears thin. I hold myself much to blame.
I stayed up late last night crocheting a head scarf for myself. I’d planned on retiring to bed early, but after the excitement of corresponding with their father by Skype, the children had trouble settling themselves for sleep. My daughter went to bed around 9:00 but my son was more recalcitrant. Buoyed by the vegan fudge I’d made earlier in the day, I let him play by himself while I crocheted. Periodically he would walk into the study, look at the blank computer screen and sign, “Daddy.” It was clear to me that his thoughts at that late hour were with his father. He finally settled to sleep while nursing at nearly 10:00. I stayed up another hour and a half finishing the head scarf and then tidying up, cleaning up the cats’ wastes, and checking the door locks multiple times.
I often chide my husband about how many times he checks the door locks, but in his absence, I’ve developed an understanding of the anxiety he feels around home security. As I lay in bed last night listening to my son’s gentle breathing, I had the feeling there was some breach I’d left unsecured.
My son awoke for the day before 7 this morning. This gave us an early start on our preparations for the day.
With the roads clear, we’re journeying to Murray to lunch and visit with friends. Perhaps my son will take his rest during the journey there or back.
This afternoon, a dear friend will watch over the children while I attend to some errands and catch up on my correspondence. I am grateful to have such loving help during this time. I pray my mood will benefit from the time away from the children.
I pray, too, that bedtime goes more smoothly tonight than it did last night. I’m weary and in an unsettled mood from lack of sleep.
Imperfect Happiness 
Don’t. Ever. Stop. Blogging.
It would leave a huge hole in the fabric of my day’s amusement and repose.
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My dear sister,
It has been at least a fortnight since we last spoke (ok not really,I just like to say “fortnight”) and I am troubled by your posts of late. I have much sympathy for your current plight, and wish fervently that you will not have to endure such hardships for much longer.
Would it cheer you, dear sister, to know that two packages shall be arriving by post at your door on the morrow? The kindly gentleman (or gentlewoman) of FedEx shall bring such gifts of merriment and good tidings as you have ever seen! Oh what joys await!
Be steadfast, oh sister of mine, and pass these dark days as best as you are able, amidst the checking of the locks and knitting of the winterwear. Oh, and your blender has not ere appeared so very fashionable….
Love ya!
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Ah, sweetest Sister! Your tidings are like an elixir to my parched spirit! I shall welcome the FedEx delivery person with open arms. (oh, dear! I must start a new scarf posthaste if I am to have it ready to give to the gentle person as a show of my gratitude for conveying the packages from your home to mine!)
Tell me, dear sister, would you recommend opening the packages immediately, or would it better keep the surprise for the children were I to keep the box sealed tight until they are tucked into bed, their sleeping faces cherubic above the counterpane?
How eagerly I await your news and the package you have sent! I will think of nothing else as I put the breaded fish fillets in the oven for supper this evening.
Until then, I am as ever your loving,
Sister
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I have recently begun to check door locks now that my children can open the door. Must admit that frequently the front door remains unlocked, or possibly locked from the inside with keys dangling on the outside. Back door used to stand open, except for the (unlockable) screen door all summer.
Anyway, just to demonstrate that there is balance in the world. You are doing some of the lock checking for my household. Just like you are probably eating some of the proportion of green vegetables that I should be eating, too. Thanks for that!
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I think I’m probably eating your share of fudge right now, too.
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Please continue eating my share of fudge! You can have Jeff’s share, too.
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