“Okay. I leave for Maine in two days.” I said as I put the bowl of green beans on the table next to the platter of meatloaf. I sat down and looked at both my husband Steven and son Alex. “Can someone please remember to water my geraniums on the back deck?”
“I’ll do that.” Steven said as he took a scoop of mashed potatoes and put it on his plate.
“Great. Thank you.” I passed the platter of meatloaf to Alex. “It would also be great if someone remembered to fill the bird feeders and fill the bird bath for me.”
Steven looked over at Alex who shrugged his shoulders. “Sure. I can do that.” Alex said. “But if you fill them up before you go is it really going to need to be filled again? You’re only going to be away for six days.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You think I only fill the bird feeders once a week?”
Alex shook his head and shrugged his shoulders again.
“I fill them up every other day.”
“Every other day!” Alex turned around and looked out the window at the feeders. “With that much food, our yard should be full of really fat birds!”
“Hey.” I laughed as I shrugged my shoulders. “What can I say? We have popular feeders.”
I took a bite of my meatloaf then remembered. “Wait.” I covered my mouth while I finished chewing. “I’m also going to need the washer and dryer tonight and tomorrow, so please leave it open for me.”
Alex and Steven nodded.
I’d stopped eating and was trying to think of anything else I needed to remind them of while I was gone. “I feel like I’m forgetting something.” I said with a sigh.
“We’ve got this.” Steven said as he looked at my worried face. “Why don’t you just think about all the fun you’re going to have with your sister instead of worrying about us?”
“You’re right.” I leaned back in my chair. “Liz and I have been planning this trip for months. We’re going to have a great time.”
“See?” Steven said with a smile. “You’re practically in vacation mode already.”
“Oh wait.” I sat up straighter feeling concerned again. “I have to get my suitcase down from the attic and I need to get to the grocery store before I leave to make sure you guys have something to eat.”
“We’ll be fine.” Steven said. “You don’t have to go to the grocery store for us. We’ll figure it out.”
“And have you two at the diner every night?” I shook my head. “Not on my watch.” I got up and began clearing the table. “I’m going to clean up the kitchen, throw a load of clothes in the washer, and head out to the grocery store.” I began rinsing the dishes in the sink. “Maybe I’ll pick up a rotisserie chicken while I’m there. That way I can make you some chicken salad for your lunches.”
Steven brought his plate to the counter. “Would you please just relax.” He said as he squeezed my shoulder. “I’m telling you Alex and I will be fine.”
Ignoring him I looked over my shoulder at Alex. “By the way I have some packages being delivered next week. No one open them please. I’ve started my Christmas shopping already!”
Alex brought his plate over to the sink. “Summer isn’t even over yet.” He said with a laugh. “Why are you Christmas shopping already?”
“I always start my Christmas shopping the day after Christmas.” I said as I stacked the plates in the dishwasher. “This way I’m not going crazy right after Thanksgiving like everyone else.” I explained.
“Well, you tried.” Alex said as he looked at Steven and shook his head. “But it looks like her worrying is back and stronger than ever.”
Slice of Life 