GOOD-BYE LITTLE FRIEND

“How’s Gary doing?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

My son Alex was standing at our butcher’s block where our fish tank is, watching our Beta fish, Gary, slowly swimming around.

“Not too good.” Alex said as he put the fish flakes back on top of the tank. “He wouldn’t eat this morning.”

“I’m sorry.” I looked at Gary, who’s brightly colored scales were beginning to dim. “He’s a little old man now.”

“Yeah,” Alex sighed. “I remember when you brought him home.” Alex shook his head and laughed. “You had the biggest smile on your face as you held out the cup he was swimming in with one hand while you took a sip of your Chi tea with the other.”

I had to smile as well. “I do seem to make some pretty crazy purchases when I’m hyped up on sugar and caffeine”

“That’s for sure.” He went over to get his cup of coffee. “Remember that time we were in the mall? You had barely finished your Chi tea when you insisted I buy some snow pants.”

“Hey. They’d predicted that it was going to be a really snowy winter!” I cried. “I was just worried about you staying warm.”

“It wasn’t like I was going to be going out in the snow to play! I was in my twenties!”

“Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But I guess that was a Chi tea fail on that one.”

I looked over at the tank as Gary slowly swam to the bottom of it and settle down next to his pineapple house. “But Gary was certainly a Chi tea win. He’s been a fun little friend.” I looked over at Alex. “Remember how frantic he was when we first got him?”

“He would almost jump out of the water when I would feed him.” Alex went over to the tank to take a closer look at him.

“He was an absolute beast when I was trying to net him so we could clean out his tank.” I added.

“He was quick.” Alex agreed.

Gary started to move around in the tank and began to come up to the hatch at the top of the tank.

“Quick! Get his food!” I cried. “He’s ready to eat!”

Alex put his coffee cup down on the counter and went over to the sink to wash his hands.

“We don’t have time for that!” I handed Alex the food container. “We’ve only got a second!”

Alex quickly opened the container and took out a pinch of the flakes. Opening the hatch he sprinkled the flakes on top of the water.

Gary ate some of the flakes then floated back down to his pineapple house.

“YES!” I cried as I turned to Alex and raised my hand for a high five.

Alex give me a high five as he put the flake container back on the top of the tank.

My husband Steven came into the room. “What are you two celebrating?”

“Gary ate his breakfast!” I said as I gave Steven a hug.

“He’s a little fighter.” Alex added as he picked up his coffee cup once again.

“He definitely is.” I said as I went over to the tank to watch him as he settled in for a little nap.

SAVE THE LEFTOVERS

My husband Steven and our son Alex were sitting at the dinner table. I passed Steven the bowl of rice. “By the way, I made extra rice so we can have it tomorrow with a beef stir fry I’m making.”

Steven took the bowl from me and began serving himself. “Wow. There’s a lot of rice here.”

I was confused. “That’s because I made extra for the stir fry I’m making tomorrow.” I repeated.

Steven nodded his head and passed the bowl to Alex.

It was the next day, when my stir fry was almost cooked, that I went to the refrigerator to get the leftover rice. Moving items out of the way I searched the shelves.

Steven came into the kitchen. “Boy, something sure smells good.”

“Have you seen the leftover rice from last night?” I was still searching.

“I had it last night with my soup.” Steven said as he went over to the pan on the stove and gave the stir fry a mix before before reaching in to grab a slice of green pepper.

“Ugh!” I slammed the refrigerator closed. “I told you yesterday that I was going to use that with tonight’s dinner!” I stormed over to the cabinet to get the bag of rice out. “Now I’ve got to make a whole new batch.” I slammed the bag of rice on the counter and angrily tugged at the drawer where the pots were.

“I’m sorry. I heard you say you made extra.” Steven took the pot out of my hands before I could slam it on the stove. “I must of stopped listening after that. Don’t worry. I’ll make the rice.”

“It’s not just that.” I sighed as I turned the stir fry off and leaned against the counter. “I try and plan meals ahead of time, making extra pasta or vegetables so I can use it in another meal and they just keep disappearing before I get a chance to use them.”

Alex came out to the kitchen. “Something sure smells good.”

“Well, dinner’s not going to be for another twenty minutes.”

“I forgot and ate the leftover rice.” Steven said as he began to pour the rice in a measuring cup.

Alex went over to the drawer, pulled out some blue painters tape, and handed it to me. “I keep telling you to use this. I put the date on it and tape it to my containers in the fridge.”

Steven looked over as he poured the water in the pan. “I think that’s a good idea.” He nodded over at the tape. “When it’s late and I’m hungry I forget what’s being saved and what isn’t.”

“You’re right.” I said as I took the tape from him. I opened the refrigerator and began putting piece of tape on all the containers I wanted for other meals. “Anything with blue tape on it is off limits!” I called over my shoulder.

Satisfied that I’d gotten everything in the refrigerator I moved to the pantry.

Several minutes later I returned to the kitchen. “I think I got everything.” I sighed as I put the tape back in the drawer. I looked over at Alex. “I feel a lot better. Thanks for thinking of it.”

“No problem.” He patted me on the shoulder.

“The rice is ready!” Steven began spooning it in the bowl.

“Perfect.” I turned the heat back on the stir-fry. “This should only take a few minutes.”

Steven put the bowl of rice on the table. “I forgot my water glass in the living room.”

He came back with his water glass in one hand and the television remote in the other. “Why is there blue tape on the remote?”

I looked over and smiled. “Because there’s a movie I want to watch later and I’m claiming the television.”

Steven looked over at Alex who shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know what to say.”

MOMENT ON THE LIPS

I was standing in the kitchen by a large unopened box of candy when my son Alex came into the room.

“Are you finally going to open that?” he asked, pointing to the candy.

I sighed. “Not yet.”

“Wow! You’re certainly showing a lot of willpower.”

“It’s not willpower at all.” I pushed the box away and walked over to the tissue box on the counter. “It’s this stupid stuffy nose!” Pulling out a few tissues from the box I turned and faced away from him while I blew my nose. “It’s been going on for weeks now.” Tossing the tissues in the trash I went to the sink to wash my hands. “Can’t taste it so why waste it.” I finished washing, turned the water off, and pulled a couple of paper towels off the roll.

Alex laughed. “Well, that’s a catchy saying! Can’t taste it so why waste it!”

“It’s true! But…” I tossed the paper towel in the trash and held up my finger as I began to laugh. “When I can finally taste again I’m going to go with the saying of ‘a moment on the lips forever on the hips!” I began shaking my head still laughing. “And I’m not going to care in the least because I just want to taste chocolate again.”

“Why don’t you go to the doctors?” Alex leaned against the counter as I went to the refrigerator and took out the water pitcher.

“What’s a doctor going to do?” I poured myself a glass of water then held the pitcher out to him. “You want a glass?”

“Sure.” Alex reached into the cabinet and grabbed a glass and handed it to me.

“It’s not an infection. It’s a stuffy nose that comes and goes all day long. My body just needs to fight it on it’s own.”

Alex took a sip of water before putting his glass on the counter top. “Hasn’t it been going on for weeks?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Yeah, but I think it’s getting better now.”

“You’ve been saying that for a while.” Alex reminded me.

“It is getting better. But the recovery is just moving at snail’s pace.” I shrugged my shoulders again. “But this stuffy nose has come with a perk!”

Alex laughed. “Really? What’s that?”

“I went through the entire holiday season and didn’t gain a pound!” I grabbed my glass and went into the living room where my husband Steven was sitting on the couch.

“I wish I could say that.” Steven said as he moved over to make room for me to sit down. “I’ve got a couple of pounds to lose from the holidays.”

“I’ll be right with you once I can taste again.” I put my glass on the coffee table and sat next to him.

“Why don’t you go to the doctors?” He asked.

“I just asked her the same thing.” Alex said as he sat in the chair across from us.

“Listen you two. I’m fine! It’s a stuffy nose. In some ways it’s been a blessing!”

Steven looked confused. “A blessing?”

“It’s kept me out of all the treats that have come into the house these last few weeks.” I looked over at Steven. “I figure by the time I can taste again you’ll have gone through most of them and I’ll only have that box of chocolates to worry about.” I pointed to the box on the counter.

“Well,” Steven laughed. “I’m happy to do my part.”

JANUARY ORCHID

I’d been at the grocery store and was bringing in the bags when my husband Steven met me at the door.

“Here, give me those.” He reached out to take the bags from me. “Are there any more in the car?”

I turned around to head back to the car. “Just my little ray of sunshine to get me through the next few months.”

Steven brought the bags into the kitchen and was unloading them when I walked in carrying a beautiful purple orchid. “My annual New Year’s orchid plant!’ I said as I held it up for him to see, turning the pot around so he could view it from all sides. “Isn’t it beautiful?” I couldn’t help but smile as I went into the living room and placed it on the exact same table I always put it on in January.

I came back to the kitchen and started helping put the groceries away.

“What do you mean it’s your annual New Year’s orchid?” Steven asked opening the cabinet and putting the loaf of bread away.

“What do you mean?” I opened the refrigerator and put the milk carton away. “You know I get an orchid plant every year after I put the Christmas decorations away.”

“I do?” Steven shook his head as he folded the empty bag and placed it on the counter-top.

“Seriously?” I couldn’t believe he was asking that. “I make a big deal out of it every January! Saying how, after the holidays, the house seems so empty. How much I need a pop of color with something blooming to get me through the winter while I wait for signs of spring?”

Steven shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, well I’m glad you got it.”

I shook my head again. “You really don’t remember an orchid on that table every winter?” I was pointing to the table in the living room.

Steven shook his head. “Not really.”

I couldn’t let it go. “You literally turn that light on every morning for me.” I was pointing to the lamp right next to the orchid.

“Well, I don’t want you to have to come out to a dark house every morning when you get up.”

“And I appreciate that! I really do!”

By now our son Alex had come out to the kitchen. “What are you two arguing about?”

“We’re not arguing. We’re having a discussion.” I pointed to the orchid. “I picked up an orchid and your Dad doesn’t remember that I get one every January to brighten up the house.”

Alex looked over at Steven who just shook his head and sighed.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better I don’t remember you getting one every year either.” He went over to the refrigerator and opened it.

“Really?”

Alex pulled out the water jug, put it on the counter and got a glass out of the cabinet. “I mean, I guess I’ve seen one over there before.” He poured the water into the glass. “I just didn’t know there was a schedule.”

“Every January!” I cried. “Right after I put the Christmas decorations away!”

“See it’s not just me.” Steven said as he came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “But it’s pretty just like you.”

“Nice save.” Alex laughed as he put the water jug back.

SUNRISE IN 2025

My husband Steven and son Alex and I were finishing up dinner when I glanced over at the Christmas tree. It was looking a little bare now that the gifts weren’t under it anymore. “Another Christmas in the books.” I sighed as I ate the last forkful of salad on my plate.

“It was a nice one.” Steven said as he reached over and took a stalk of asparagus from the serving plate, folded it in half, and popped it into his mouth.

“It was.” I agreed as I looked over at Alex. “Any plans for New Year’s Eve this year?”

Alex shook his head. “Not really. I’ve never been big on New Year’s Eve.”

“Me either!” I looked back at Steven. “I know we’ve been to some really nice parties over the years but I think you guys know I’m more of a stay-at-home kind of gal.”

“Seriously?” Steven said with a laugh.

“You don’t like parties?” Alex began to laugh, too.

“Okay. Fine.” I was shaking my head and laughing at myself as I stood up and began stacking the plates. “I think everyone knows I’m not a big party person.”

“Last New Year’s Eve I found you asleep on the couch by ten.” Steven said as he collected up the glasses and came into the kitchen behind me.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” I placed the plates in the sink and turned on the water. “Forcing myself to stay awake just to say Happy New Year at midnight seems silly to me.”

“A lot of people love it.” Alex remarked as he put the forks and knives in the sink.

“Well, I’m not one of them.” I began rinsing the dishes. “The other morning I got up to go to the bathroom and when I got back into bed I couldn’t get back to sleep.”

“I hate when that happens.” Steven said.

“I know! I was wide awake at five AM.” I placed the dishes in the dishwasher. “But, I did get to watch the most beautiful sunrise out our front window while I was drinking my tea. So, that was a plus.”

“That certainly puts a positive spin on getting up early.” Alex agreed and he took the plastic wrap out of the drawer.

“That’s what I’m trying to say. I honestly would rather say good morning to the New Year with a sunrise than say hello at midnight when I’m exhausted.”

“So, is that what you’re going to do this year?” Alex asked as he wrapped the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator. “You’re planning to set your alarm so you can wake up and see the sunrise?”

I began shaking my head. “I never said that.”

Alex looked confused. “Isn’t that what you just said? That you’d rather see the sunrise on New Year’s Day than be up at midnight?”

“I did. But that doesn’t mean I’m setting an alarm.” I dropped the cleaning pod in the dishwasher and turned it on. “If I wake up on my own and see the sunrise that’s fine.” I leaned against the counter crossing my arms. “But if I’m truly being honest my absolute favorite way to celebrate the new year is being able to sleep in.” I went over and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek. “That definitely beats watching the ball drop at midnight or watching any sunrise.”

I looked over to see Steven nodding his head. “I’ve got to agree with you on that one.”

READY, NOT READY

My husband Steven and our son Alex were at the dining room table playing a game of backgammon when I passed by them holding a freshly made, steaming cup of tea. “Finally! I’m ready to relax.” I said as I headed to the living room.

“Good for you.” Steven said as he moved a piece on the board.

I placed my cup on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. Reaching back to adjust a pillow behind me and putting my feet up on the couch I grabbed a blanket, tossed it over me and tucked myself in. “It’s finally here!” I sighed as I reached for my cup of tea and looked over at the tree with all its wrapped gifts underneath it.

“What’s finally here?” Steven asked as he rolled the dice then looked over at me.

“Everything’s done and I get to sit down and enjoy the holidays.” I couldn’t help but smile as I held the cup in both hands, warming them, as I took a sip. “The tree looks so pretty.”

“I’m glad you’re getting a chance to enjoy it.” Steven said as he moved his piece on the board. “You’ve certainly been busy these last few weeks.”

“Last few weeks!” I had to laugh. “I’ve been working on this Christmas since last January!”

Alex was nodding as he rolled his dice. “Why do you always start so early?”

“You have to if you want to get it all done.” I put my teacup back on the coffee table and reached for the book I’d been reading. “I’ve checked everything off my list. Everything’s purchased, wrapped, and waiting for the big day!”

“You’ve even gotten all the grocery shopping done?” Steven asked as he rolled again.

“Everything that I could buy early.” I opened the book and dropped the book mark next to me.

“I just have a few fresh things I need to get at the last minute, but I’ve got it on my list so I won’t forget.”

“Well, you enjoy some time to yourself. You deserve it.” Steven said as he went back to his game.

“I do.” I said to myself as I scanned the page to see where I’d left off.

I’d just settled back when Steven looked up from his game. “Hey, did we get anything for the kids next door?”

I picked up my book mark, placed it back in the page, closed the book and couldn’t help but sigh. “Nope. I forgot.”

“But we always get something for them.” Steven reminded me.

I pulled the blanket off and tossed it over the back of the couch. Slowly getting up I looked over at them while they played. “When you say we usually get them something I’m pretty sure what you really mean to say is I always get them something.”

Steven nodded his head and laughed. “Exactly! From both of us!”

I slipped on my shoes and went to get my coat out of the closet.

“Where are you going?”

“Shopping.” I sighed again as I reached for my purse. “Seems like I’m not done after all.”

Steven got up from the table and came over to give me a hug. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. I’m glad you did.” I grabbed my car keys off the counter top and headed for the front door. “Does anyone need anything while I’m out?” I called over my shoulder.

“Well…” Steven was opening the front door for me but saw the look on my face and stopped. “Nope. We’re all good here.”

I was walking toward the car. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“We’ll be here waiting!” Steven answered. But before he closed the door he leaned out again. “I’ll even have a fresh cup of tea waiting for you when you get back if you want.”

“That would be nice.” I smiled as I opened the car door and looked over at him. “Maybe when I get back I’ll finally be able to enjoy it.”

CHEERS

“Are you kidding me!?” I cried out as I stepped off the bathroom scale.

“Is everything alright in there?” My husband Steven called from the other side of the door.

I opened the door and cinched my bathrobe tighter. “The holidays are only beginning and I’ve already gained a pound!” I went over to our closet and began looking through my clothes. “I guess I should break out my ‘fat’ clothes for the rest of the season.” I sighed.

“It’s only a pound.” Steven tried to reassure me. “I don’t see any difference in you.”

“That’s not the problem.” I said as I tossed an over-sized shirt on my bed and went to grab some sort of jacket to camouflage my ultimate weight gain. “I haven’t changed my diet. I’m eating exactly what I always eat and here I am already packing on the pounds!” I tossed my hands up in the air in frustration.

“You haven’t changed anything in your diet?” Steven asked as he sat on the bench at the end of our bed and began putting on his shoes.

“Well, I did eat a lot on Thanksgiving but that was weeks ago. It shouldn’t be showing up now.” I pulled out a pair of jeans and tossed them on the bed next to the shirt.

“So, it wouldn’t have anything to do with the glass of egg nog you have every night after dinner?” He gently reminded me.

“What?” I turned around to look at him.

He was holding both hands up, palms facing me in surrender. “I don’t want to start a fight.”

I sighed again. “I forgot about the egg nog.”

I’d gotten a quart of egg nog right after Thanksgiving. It was my winter treat that’s only in the stores this time of year. After dinner I’d pour a small glass, put in a shot of brandy, and curl up on the couch to read. It was my favorite way to unwind this time of year.

“But how can an inch of egg nog in a glass put on a pound already?” I asked.

“Hmm…” Steven raised his eyebrows. “That’s a tough one.”

I cinched my robe even tighter as I headed for the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator I took out the carton of egg nog and began to read the side of the carton. “Holy smokes! It’s 190 calories for half a cup of this stuff!” I called out.

My son Alex came out of his room. “What are you talking about?”

Steven came down the hallway. “Your Mom’s upset because she’s gained a pound and there’s still a lot of the holiday season left to go.”

Alex took the carton from me and began to read the nutritional facts. “This stuff is horrible for you.” He began listing everything in it.

“Okay, that’s enough.” I said as I took the carton from him. “That’s why it’s called a treat.” I reminded them as I put the carton back in the refrigerator.

I turned to face both of them. “A quick little reminder you two.” I pointed in the direction of the living room. “Later tonight I’m going to be sitting on the couch with a delicious glass of egg nog, reading my book.”

Both of them were nodding their heads.

“And I don’t want either of you to remind me of what was said this morning.” I looked at Steven and then at Alex.

“Not a word from me.” Steven said as he looked at Alex. “What about you?”

“What if I just say ‘cheers’ when I see you?” Alex asked with a laugh.

I stared at him not saying a word.

Alex stopped laughing and cleared his throat. “Not a word from me either.”

SAVE THE RIBBON

I was in my bedroom wrapping Christmas gifts when my son Alex walked in. “STOP! DON’T COME ANY CLOSER!” I cried as I scanned the bed to see if any of his gifts were still out and unwrapped. Once I was satisfied that none of his were I breathed a sigh of relief and looked over at him. “Sorry about yelling like that. I’m a little preoccupied with wrapping.”

I began digging through a container that held all my ribbons.

“It’s the ‘save the ribbon’ box’” He laughed. “I’ve got so many Christmas memories of us unwrapping presents and hearing you say ‘Don’t forget to save the ribbon!’ as you’d hold out your hand before it would even touch the ground!”

“Hey, this box has saved me a lot of money over the years and your presents always look nice.” I pulled out one ribbon that was too short for the package I was working on. “Darn it. That would have looked pretty on that.” I rolled it back up and put it back in the container. “What’s up with you?” I asked as I pulled another ribbon out of the container and watched as it unraveled across the bedroom floor. “Definitely too long.” I sighed.

“Nothing’s up with me.” He watched as I began rolling the ribbon back up. “I was just checking to see if you needed anything.” He pointed to the ribbon in my hands. “Why not just cut that one to size?” He asked.

I looked over at him with a horrified look on my face. “Because I might have a bigger package that would need a longer ribbon. That’s why.” I shook my head at his total lack of ribbon saving skills.

Alex shook his head. “Well, if you don’t need anything…”

“Wait. I didn’t say that.” I cried. “Do you want to help me wrap?”

“I was thinking more along lines of seeing if you wanted me to get you a glass of water.” Alex said as he was slowly backing out of the room. He pointed over to the bed. “I know how much this stresses you out.”

I’d pulled another ribbon from the container and unrolled it. “Ah… this one might do the trick!”

Just then our doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Alex said as he headed down the hall. “I’m expecting a delivery from Amazon.”

“Hey, if it comes in a good box save it!” I called after him. “I can always use a good box this time of year.”

Alex came back a few minutes later holding up a box. “Is this one good?”

I looked over at him. “Of course.” My hands were busy trying to finish tying a bow so I pointed with my chin to the pile of empty boxes I already had at the foot of my bed. “Just toss it with the others.”

Alex tossed it with the half a dozen other boxes. “Where’d you get all these boxes from?”

“I’ve been collecting them for the last month.” I held out my wrapped gift, giving myself a moment to admire my work before handing it to Alex. “Can you put that under the tree with the others I’ve finished?”

“Sure.” He took the present and was almost out of the room when I stopped him.

I was back looking through the ribbon box. “You know, maybe I will take a glass of water when you get the chance.”

“Sure. I’ll be back in a second.” He held up the present. “I told you I’m here to help.”

“Not with ribbon hunting you’re not.” I laughed.

“Nope.” Alex laughed. “I’d never match your wrapping skills.”

I quickly looked up and started to laugh. “You’re really good at that.”

“At what?” Alex pretended to look confused as he walked out of the room.

LET THE SEASON BEGIN

I was standing on a kitchen chair while my husband Steven handed me our ‘good china’ dinner plates. “Awesome dinner.” He said as I put the plates back on the top shelf of the cabinet.

“Thanks!” He reached for my hand to help me down from the chair. “Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror you know what that means, don’t you?” I asked.

Steven sighed. “It’s time to bring all the Christmas decorations down from the attic.” He put the chair back by the table.

“It’s our family tradition!” I cried.

Overhearing what we were talking about our son Alex came into the kitchen. “Do we really have to do that today?” He asked as he rubbed his stomach. “We just finished eating Thanksgiving dinner! I’m too full to start lugging boxes.”

“Why do you question this every year?” I asked as I walked into the living room. “You guys just bring the boxes down from the attic. I’m the one who does all the decorating.” I sat down on the couch and realized with all the cooking and cleaning I’d just done that my back was hurting a bit.

I leaned back against a pillow and put my feet up on the coffee table. Looking over at the Christmas tree that we’d put up the week before, I smiled as I watched the lights reflecting off the ornaments. “I kind of like the fact that we put the Christmas tree up early this year.”

“That was all your idea.” Steven said as headed for the linen closet to get the pull down stick for the attic hatch.

“You know, maybe we can wait on the rest of the Christmas decorations for now.” I rubbed my sore back.

Alex and Steven froze. “Are you serious?” Steven asked.

“I think I am.” I adjusted the pillow behind my back. “The tree seems to be enough of a Christmas fix for me right now.” I looked at the two of them standing in the hallway under the attic hatch. “I’m granting you two a reprieve from attic duty.”

“Really?” Steven said as he quickly headed back to the linen closet to put the stick away.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Alex said before he ducked back into his room.

Steven came over to the couch to sit next to me. “I’m proud of you for not rushing the Christmas season.” He said as he patted my leg.

“Don’t be.” I said shaking me head. “I’m too tired to do all that today.”

Steven leaned back against the cushions putting his feet up on the coffee table next to mine. “You’ve got all weekend to get the house decorated.”

“Who said anything about the weekend?” I looked over at him. “It’s going to be the day after Thanksgiving! I’m already running late.”

I got up and began gathering all the pumpkins, Pilgrims, and apple baskets that were scattered around the house and put them on the dining room table before heading back to the couch. Sitting next to Steven again I pointed the the table filled with our Fall decorations.

“And that’s how I’m going to motivate us to do it all tomorrow.”

“How’s that going to motivate us?” He asked.

“I can’t possible serve any meals when the table is filled with all that!”

Steven had a surprised look on his face before calling out. “Hey, Alex.”

Alex came out of his room. “What’s up?”

“We’re getting the boxes down from the attic first thing tomorrow morning.”

Alex looked confused. “Why?”

Steven pointed to the dining room table. “Mom’s not cooking until the table gets cleared off.”

Alex looked over at the table and smiled as he nodded his head. “Nicely played.” He said before looking over at me. “Nicely played.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

PERFECTLY PACKED

My husband Steven and I had just gotten home from a four day vacation. As we were wheeling our suitcases up the front sidewalk our son Alex was at the door to welcome us home.

“How was your trip?” He asked as I gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek in the doorway before pulling my suitcase into the front hallway.

“We had the best time!” I said as I looked at Steven as he came into the house to see if he agreed.

Steven was nodding his head as he went to give Alex a hug and kiss. “It really was great.”

I began rolling my suitcase down the hall to our bedroom with Steven and Alex following me. “I can’t wait to unpack and relax on the couch!” I sighed as I put my suitcase up on my bed, unzipped it and pulled out a plastic bag filled with our dirty laundry. I took the bag, went over to the hamper and dumped it in. “Well, I’m done unpacking!”

I looked over at Steven as he pulled my makeup bag from his suitcase. “No you’re not.” He handed me the bag.

“I meant I was done unpacking the suitcase I brought in.”

“Well, you’re not done unpacking this one.” He handed me the book I’d been reading and the needlepoint piece I’d brought with me. “There’s plenty more to unpack in this one.”

I looked in his suitcase and saw several small bags with the different souvenirs we’d purchased. “Don’t you just love when you’ve perfectly packed for a trip?”

Alex was sitting on the edge of our bed. “What do you mean by perfectly packed?”

I pointed to Steven’s suitcase. “Not one item of clothing left in there. Everything we brought we used!”

Steven handed me an umbrella. “We didn’t use this.” He reminded me.

I took the umbrella and tossed it on the bed next to the other things that still needed to be put away. “But it did drizzle one day while we were there. So technically it counts as a needed item!”

I pulled my empty suitcase off the bed and put it by the door. “I just need to spray them with Lysol before you put them up in the attic.”

Steven put his now empty suitcase next to mine. “Okay. Just let me know when they’re ready.”

He went into our bathroom to put his toiletries away.

I sat next to Alex on the edge of the bed and began looking through the souvenir bags. “You know it really was a great trip.”

Alex looked over at me and began to laugh. “Are you still talking about your packing skills or are you going to tell me about the actual trip?”

“Hey!” I said as I gave him a small swat on his arm. “A perfectly packed suitcase is a skill some people never acquire.”

“Okay, congratulations on your packing skills.” He said as he rubbed his arm. “Now what did you do on the trip?”

“It was so much fun!” I cried and proceeded to tell him all about it.