Two days in a row – I’m back on track after travel and visitor diversions from my daily writing pleasure. Along with it is the running, that was particularly difficult today. Both a very therapeutic routines to start my day, even though swimming was once part of the process. I guess I’m waiting for warmer weather, despite a good sweat this morning. My legs could also feel the strain of Chair Yoga, as I tried to work out a knot in my left calf. It feels good to relax in my office chair, hovered over the keyboard. 

I have admittedly not been supportive of my wife’s passion for cooking. Eating for me seems to be more a disruption of my schedule than a pleasurable experience. Shaky hands and a lack of appetite make me cranky at the dinner table. Food falls off my fork and I have to grip a drink with both hands. Eating makes me more conscious of these annoying inconveniences. I took often take for granite the fact that she works hard to make these delicious meals for an ingrate like me. Dinner guests are always more enamored with her delicious dishes, obviously important feedback that she needs. I tend to wolf things down and am still not used to eating a sit-down lunch every day, preferring to snack instead. Sweets tend to be the only appealing part of my innutritious diet. Even pizza, once an absolute favorite, tastes bland – maybe I need to add M&Ms rather than pepper flakes. 

I made the stupid mistake of complaining about being served two sandwiches instead of one yesterday for lunch, when I rarely raise a finger to help. “Just don’t eat it,” was her remark, when I hate to leave anything but a clean plate. I’m like a spoiled brat in retirement! Food is just not my thing while it’s her hobby – the more the merrier! Trying new dishes, shopping for groceries, collecting recipes, and even serving me somehow makes her happy. My only saving grace is that I will try and finish anything, regardless of her disappointment with how it turned out. I need to be more complimentary and appreciative of her phenomenal work, but I stumble once in a while. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!

For the record, we have officially changed “Matinee Monday” to “Theater Tuesday” to accommodate our busy schedules. “Trash Sunday,” “Meatless Monday,” and “Sunset Thursdays” remain on the calendar, although beach picnics have been limited by red tide issues. We do plan to see the movie, “Champions” with Woody Harrelson this afternoon, after last week’s disruptions due to visitors. Everything is now back on a routine that should continue throughout April. This includes mornings at the dog park, daily 5k runs, Aqua-fit, tap classes, chair yoga, date night, and bridge. We were even back to watching Lost last night, having finally reached the last season. I’m anxious to watch new episodes of Ted Lasso, Succession, and the Reluctant Traveler, rather than being totally “lost in Lost,” trying to keep up with flashbacks and fast forwards. We’ve been tied up in this show for months that seems like forever. 

Today is our “Limoges Anniversary,” dating back to a Bloomington, Indiana picnic when I presented my wife with her very first porcelain Limoges Box twenty-four years ago. Her collection has grown to well over 325 boxes throughout the years. I’m giving her Alice, from Alice in Wonderland, tying in with our recent trip to Disney World. The Disney characters are her favorite, but they are also the most expensive. This one I found on E-Bay, as I’ve tried to continue adding to the collection without breaking the retirement budget. She’ll be mildly disappointed that it’s manufactured by Dubarry rather than Artoria, but it will still be a pleasant surprise. It will contain the poem from Post #2290.

Baseball season officially begins on Thursday and the Final Four has been determined for both the men and women. It’s time to “Spring” from basketball to baseball. Egypt is also right around the corner, so I’m excited to finally see the pyramids. It’s been a trip long delayed by Covid and other factors. I’ve been watching some features on ancient Egypt on the History Channel in anticipation. Spring has sprung, with a lot to look forward to in the next few months. This afternoon, we’ll start with “Theater Tuesday.”

With an “Afternoon Delight” title like that, I know what you’re thinking. However, this is simply a free afternoon with nothing to do or no one to see. My wife is off playing drop-in bridge, and Tally is content in my chair. There is no one left to entertain, feed, or impress. My Indy friend is on the East Coast of Florida, and my wife’s family is driving to The Villages. No more overnight company is expected for two weeks, although a house full of women will be here on Thursday night. 

My Lafayette friend was scheduled for some prostrate surgery this past week, so I sent him a note asking what was more painful – the surgery or the Purdue tourney loss? He admitted to chickening out on the procedure that was kind of like a Roter-Rooter cleanout. I was curious because I’m considering some options myself. 

I once again failed to profit with any of my March Madness brackets. I also did not win the raffle at any of the Spring Training games, so it must be a sign to start looking for honest work. My son may take the pot with a coin-flip. It took that kind of luck to pick this year’s winners. 

I was supposed be watching my granddaughter this afternoon, but her mother got off work early. This is the second week in a row that plans have changed at the last minute. I did get a hug and see the disappointment on her face when she had to leave preschool with her mom rather than me. Plus, I got to see the new ring that my son presented to my daughter-in-law at Disney last week, a recommitment to their fourteen-year marriage. I’m glad to see their family all back together again, after threats of separation due to career aspirations. Now, it’s time for me to enjoy some Afternoon Delight.