If You Visited Me Today

You would find that my home smells like Mr Klean.

I just vacuumed and washed the floors. You would be impressed, until you notice that my burst of energy had not translated into doing any dusting.

You would likely comment on how long my hair is getting … thinking to yourself that it’s much grayer than usual … and yes, I have lost weight.

Thank you for noticing.

I would bake up a batch of white chocolate, macadamia nut cookies that I found in the freezer yesterday. The forgotten cookies were from my last pre-plague outing to a country market.

They will make an expected treat today.

I would offer you a coffee or herbal tea to wash down the cookies, but we would likely be inspired to raid Gilles’ Armageddon supply of wine, and start a bit of day-drinking. You might question whether Gilles will notice the missing bottles, but I know there is plenty more hidden downstairs.

We all had our priorities when we prepared to hunker down for isolation. This was his.

We would compare notes on how we’ve managed over this first month of self-isolation, and our conversation would get more animated as we kill our first bottle of wine.

You would notice the proliferation of rainbows cast by the crystals hanging in my kitchen window. We would both smile at this simple joy.

You might ask where Theo is, but he had quickly scurried outdoors when the vacuum cleaner started. By now he’s snoozing in a sunny corner after patrolling the yard for suspected interlopers into his territory.

He doesn’t realize he’s shooting blanks and the other animals in the neighbourhood simply aren’t getting his message to stay away when he ‘sprays’ the yard.

I would be eager to show you my little basement studio where I’ve been spending most of my time in a messy, creative haze. This period of forced isolation has proven to be a perfect time to learn, practice, and practice some more.

But sadly, now you have to go. We’re both a little tipsy so it’s a good thing you’re not driving.

It’s been so nice to talk to someone in person and I miss you already … but there will still be plenty of wine for the next visit!