DAY 10 – KW’S EXCELLENT HOLIDAY STAYCATION

Sunday – the final day of staycation, and now I have things I must do. I was up at 5:40. As soon as it was light, I loaded recycling into the Jeep and headed to Walmart for a battery to rectify the chirping smoke alarm. First, I shopped for a few groceries, and then headed to self-check. I was about to start scanning when I realized I had failed to pick up the battery. Duh! At least I remembered before I left the store. My mother used to say that she would buy everything but that for which she made the trip.

Replacing smoke alarm batteries is Mike’s job, but I was not going to listen to that chirp any longer. The smoke alarm in question was the one in the living / kitchen area at the highest point of the ceiling above the hutch. I got the ladder from the garage and inched along with the process. While I was up there, I dusted the top of the hutch.

The rest of the day was pretty much devoted to putting my sewing machine and supplies away. The cutting table is once again the kitchen counter.

About 3:30, Mike and Bess arrived. Bess noticed the swathed cypress trees before she was out of the car and sounded the alarm. “Bark-bark-bark-bark-bark,” she said. Later, she gathered her courage and examined them, discovering that they were cypress trees in disguise.

When Mike opened the slider, Bess bounded in, leaping over boxes of machine embroidery thread to greet me. “I’m home,” she said, “and I missed you.” I had no idea she cared so much. Her tail wagged for half an hour. We took her for a walk, and she happily strutted along the familiar route. As I cooked (yes, cooking once again), she begged for plates and bowls to lick. She was so happy to be home!

And that’s it. Staycation has drawn to a close. And frankly, I’m glad to get back to normal. KW

DAY 9 – KW’S EXCELLENT HOLIDAY STAYCATION

Saturday, and I was awake early and up at 5:30. Temp was about 40. It’s good that it hasn’t been really cold during my staycation. I was able to manage the wood quite well.

Mike called this morning to let me know he was on the road. He called again in the evening from Pocatello. He plans an early start in the morning.

Today I made leaves on organza with my embroidery machine. There just isn’t much to say about that. The project is a bit tedious, but I’ve made a nice start and will make more in the next couple of days. Holiday movies played in the background.

I also baked M&M shortbread cookies. And daughter Hallie called for a catch-up visit.

After supper, I took my shower, and when I came out of the bathroom in pajamas and slippers, I heard the unmistakable chirp of a smoke alarm. I contemplated getting dressed and going to Walmart for a battery, but it was late enough – and I was tired enough – that I decided to tolerate the chirp through the night. It won’t be the first time. KW

DAY 8 – KW’S EXCELLENT HOLIDAY STAYCATION

Friday – Can you believe it’s been a week since Mike and Bess left? Mike sent an instructional text regarding the weekend football games. I “tackled” setting up those recordings this afternoon.

I was awake and stirring around at 5:30 and on time for yoga at 8:45. Then it was back to the post office with the mailing to the Philippines. This time I divided the nativity figures into four envelopes – one for the mom and each of the kids. “Very nice,” said the same postal clerk. Total postage was $4.75 as opposed to $13.00+. Simple envelopes are the way to go. And while I was there, I purchased a sheet of Christmas stamps. I have some left over from last year, and we don’t need many.

Then it was on to Albertsons for a few things.

It was a dreary day, and it went by slowly. I read instructions and gathered fabrics and supplies for the next projects, but I just didn’t accomplish much today.

No gift today – so I shopped for digital patterns, and in the end, I didn’t buy those either. I still might, though, depending on the offer.

Mid-afternoon, I took myself for the customary walk. A light rain had begun and continued into the evening.

Supper was green salad and potato soup. I love a simple old-fashioned potato soup, but Mike doesn’t care for it, so I indulge in it when he’s away.

Nothing much happened today. Staycation is winding down. I’m ready. KW