The thing I like about blogs is that I can write about all the little stuff that would never come up in an email or a phone call.
Like this guy.
He’s been sitting on the top of bannister in our entry way for the past four days. Same spot without moving.
I’ve been sleeping in the living room for the past week (yes, with the spiders). Not due of any marital discord, but because Charles has a horrible cold.
It used to be that we’d share our colds with each other:
“Here honey, have mine”
“For me? Oh you shouldn’t have!”
But then Charles figured out that we didn’t actually have to pass these things to each other. I wasn’t very happy that first time when I lay snivelling on my death bead, my hand stretched out for sympathy, warm soup and a snuggle as Charles hoovered at the door, keeping his distance.
I did get my soup and gentle cooing from afar, but no snuggles. Certainly no kisses. And separate sleeping quarters for the remainder of the cold.
But the thing is, it worked! For the first time in many, many colds he didn’t get it too.
So now it’s standard practice. For the past several days I’ve run to the video shop, cooked up soups, and delivered a series of hot toddies that I watch him sip from my place at the door.
The worst bit about it is that it feels like I haven’t seen him in ages. Like he’s been on a business trip somewhere. And I’m really looking forward to when he gets back.
Three days ago I looked up to discover at least 75 tiny spiders on the ceiling in lounge room. Charles says they must have hatched together, dozens and dozens of brothers and sisters. Not only do they give me the heebee jeebees -but every once in awhile one drops down on me as I’m innocently sitting at the computer.
Why not just vacuum them up? Because Charles doesn’t believe in killing them and insists we guide each one out one at a time.
Last night we came home and found another palm-sized one on our wall. Ho Hum, you say. That’s old news, you say. But this time, see, he brought a friend!
Charles managed to coax Large Hairy Spider A outside but Large Hairy Spider B was way too high up. So we went to bed. At least all of this spider action in is the lounge room/guest bedroom.
This morning, the big one is no where to be seen. Plus, as I gaze up now I can only spot about 20 of the tiny ones remaining.
Charles reckons the big one ate most the little ones.
Anyway, please feel free to come stay with us here in Australia anytime. Our home is your home!
It’s Saturday afternoon and we’re at Charles’ sister’s house watching the kids for the day. It’s muggy and a bit overcast and there’s been lots of running around the house and jumping in the pool.
Just now the kids are watching a bit of TV and Charles is reading on the couch.
He looked so sweet sitting there that I plopped down beside him for a moment.
“Charles Vousden Young, I love you.”
“Thank you, petal”
Looking at him, I realized how familiar he has become to me.
“I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time with anyone.”
“I haven’t either he said.”
And at that very moment, like a special effect out of Vampire movie, a deep ominous crack of rumbling thunder rang through the sky.
My grandma never let me see her smile when her dentures were out (no matter how much I begged). But when they were, her cheeks were extra soft to kiss and at night there was a glass on the counter in the bathroom where the mysterious teeth soaked in some sort of fizzy solution.
These days, thanks to the snore guard, I too have a glass on the counter in the bathroom and I’m very happy to report that after a short search I have found my Grandma’s trusted brand, Polident.
And now it comes in mint!