One of the great advantages of managing my own schedule is that I could have a day like today. Christian called me late yesterday afternoon to say that his sink stopped up and wondered if I had something that could help that. Told him that we would start the day today with whatever I had on hand. He also asked that I bring up my chainsaw and blower so that he could get started on his yardwork project. This morning I left the house about 9:30 and spent a good part of the day at Christian's house. Some of the day was consumed in the pesky drain that would not open up, and all of the time was spent watching, playing, and enjoying Alli's interaction with her world.
What made it a great day was being accepted and included in the goings on as they are getting their house arranged -- as a member of the household. Jamie and I went shopping at Walmart -- which they are remodeling at the moment--while the progress of our trip was for miscellaneous plumbing parts, Jamie helped me find a birthday present for Allie. I bought her her own cell phone –manufactured by V-Tech-- which not only talks to her but also has a potential for teaching numbers and other simple concepts. We also tried out the new PizzaHut big pizza with 16 servings. One of the great things with Jamie and Christian is that they are always willing to try one of the latest fast food offerings. We were all surprised and pleased with the the taste and quality of the item--even Allie found it tasty!
About two o'clock I reluctantly left Evans Drive, and headed back to Tampa. I still had the shirts to do to finish up the laundry from yesterday and had hoped that maybe the hub that I ordered would come in. The shirts were waiting for me–the hub was not.
I know that my task now is figuring out how to be alone. Thanks to the kids, I am learning that does not mean being lonely, nor does it mean that there is not plenty of opportunity for me to be a part of others lives–it's just very different or at least unfamiliar right now. Based on today, I say it was a good day–and a good lesson–and a real privilege to be a part of another household for four hours with something to do.
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