911 – WHAT’S YOUR EMERGENCY

I was in the middle of a dream when my phones wake up alarm went off. I was still groggy as I fumbled to reach for it on the bedside table. I turned off the alarm and was trying to put it back on the table when I missed and it clattered to the floor, its protective case breaking away and sliding across the room.

“Oh, yeah. Good morning.” I sighed as I tossed the covers off of me and quickly grabbed the phone and the case, put them back together before taking my bathrobe from the end of the bed, putting it on and dropping my phone in its pocket.

I was still not fully awake as I went out to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Filling the kettle at the sink a loud, high pitched sound was coming from my pocket. Putting the kettle on the counter-top I pulled the phone out of my pocket and saw that an emergency SOS 911 call had been made. “NO, NO, NO.” I cried as my heart began to race and without thinking I hung up.

Immediately the 911 dispatcher called back. “This is 911 we just received a call from your phone.”

“I’m so sorry.” I said in a shaky voice. “I have no idea how that happened. My phone was in my pocket and it just went off!”

“Okay. Ma’am. Can I have your name please?”

“Of course.” Once I’d given my name I apologized again before hanging up.

My husband Steven came into the kitchen. “What was that noise?” He asked as he rubbed his eye with the back of his hand.

“I accidentally called 911 and hung up.”

Steven stopped rubbing his eye and looked at me. “You hung up on 911? You’re never suppose to do that.”

“I know!” I cried. “I just panicked!”

“Well, I’m pretty sure you can expect the police to be here soon.” He said as he reached in the cabinet for his coffee mug.

“Really?” I went and looked out the front window. “The dispatcher didn’t say anything about that. She just took my name.” No cars were in sight so I went back into the kitchen to finish making my tea.

Steven shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think it makes a difference.”

While the water was heating up I went back to the living room waiting for the police to arrive.

Several minutes later no police had arrived and I was taking a sip from my cup when I missed my mouth and spilled hot tea down the front of my robe. “Okay, that’s it!” I put the cup on the counter-top and took off my robe. “I’m going back to bed and starting this day all over again!”

Steven looked confused. “Don’t you have work today?”

“Yes. But first I’m climbing back in bed, pretending to go back to sleep and ‘waking up’ all over again.” I had done air quotes with my fingers when I said waking up.

I stormed back to the bedroom and tossed my soggy robe on the floor before climbing back in bed and closing my eyes.

Steven had followed me and was leaning against the door frame taking a sip from his coffee mug. “When would you like me to wake you up?” He asked.

I halfway opened one eye. “Two minutes please. I can’t be late for work.” I pulled the covers up under my neck, closed my eyes, and waited.

PEEP PARTY

“I’m seeing another sign that summer is on it’s way!” I called out to my son Alex as I stood by the kitchen window looking out at the bird feeders.

“What’s that?” Alex asked as he came into the kitchen with an empty glass and headed for the sink to refill it.

“The goldfinches are back!” I pointed to the back yard. “There must be a dozen of them at the feeders!”

Alex came over and stood next to me. “Looks like a bunch of highlighter markers flying around.” He laughed.

“Hey. I never thought of that one.” I looked over at him. “They always remind me of flying marshmallow peeps.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Maybe because they always come back around Easter.”

We watched as a chipmunk ran under the feeder to collect the seeds that had fallen from above.

“I could spend hours just watching all the action that goes on in our yard this time of year.” I sighed.

Alex went over to the sink and started to fill his glass.

“Wow! I wasn’t expecting that!” I cried as a red headed woodpecker crashed into the feeder making all the goldfinches fly to safety in the nearby pine trees. “I think you’re looking for the suet feeder my friend!” I pointed over to the other side of the yard. “It’s over there!”

Alex had finished filling his glass and set it on the counter. “Do you want me to open the window so he can hear you better?” He reached over to the window and started to laugh.

“He heard me.” I said as I pointed to the woodpecker who left the feeder and was now pecking at the suet.

Alex shook his head. “Total coincidence.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Maybe.”

I headed for the back door.

“Where are you going?” He picked up his water and took a sip.

“I’ve got to get the bird bath ready for them.” I looked over at the hooks on the deck that held the hummingbird feeder during the summer. “I should probably get those ready, too.” I clapped my hands together. “They’ll be looking for some sugar water any day now!”

“It’s still only April.” He reminded me.

“It’s never too soon.” I scooped up the bird bath that had been stored on the deck and headed for the yard. “Hey, do you see that?” I called over my shoulder and tipped my head towards the birdhouse. “The chick-a-dee’s are already making their nest!”

Alex came out and stood next to me. “They sure are busy.” He said as we watched the couple take turns bringing small twigs into the house then quickly flying away to collect more.

I laughed as two squirrels chased each other around the base of an oak tree as fast as they could. “Even the squirrels are cute this time of year.”

“Wow. That’s saying a lot for you.” Alex raised his eyebrows. “You usually hate squirrels.”

“Maybe I should wait on the bird bath.” I put it back down and backed up. “I don’t want to break up the peep party at the feeder!” I whispered.

Almost a dozen goldfinches, one on each post, were busy eating the nyjer seed I’d filled it with.
“That’s their favorite.” I whispered again.

“Is that what they told you?” Alex whispered back, looking concerned.

“No.” I looked over at him with a confused look on my face. “That’s what it said on the bag of seed.”

PLEASE FLY AWAY

I was sitting on the couch, completely engrossed in my book, when there was a loud bang against the picture window just inches from my head.

“What the heck!” I dropped my book and got up on my knees to see what had hit the window.

When I didn’t see anything unusual I got up to investigate further.

Walking out the front door I passed one of the rocking chairs and saw a robin laying on its back, his little feet sticking up in the air as he panted for breath. “No, no, no, no.” I whispered as I tried to decide what to do. He turned his head and looked at me. “I’m so sorry little man. I don’t want to scare you.” I said as I slowly backed away.

Once I was back inside the house my son Alex came out of his room. “What was that noise?”

“A robin crashed into the picture window and now he’s laying on the porch.” I went over to the window again to see if he was doing any better. “Nope. He’s still on his back.” I looked over at Alex. “What should we do?”

Alex shook his head as he came over to see. “Maybe he’s in shock and just needs a few minutes to get his act together.” Alex backed away from the window. “He hit the window pretty hard if I could hear it in my room.”

Alex went into the kitchen as I stood vigil at the window. “He’s still panting pretty hard and he’s still on his back!” I called out.

“Just give him a few minutes!” Alex called back.

I sat back down on the couch and picked up my book but soon realized I was reading the same sentence over and over again. I stood back up to see how our bird friend was doing. “Oh! He’s standing up now!” I called.

“See? I told you to give him a few minutes.” Alex came back in the room taking a bite from an apple he was holding.

I watched as the bird wobbled around, his footing unsteady. “He’s not going anywhere anytime soon.” I said sadly. “I’m pretty sure he’s given himself a concussion.” I looked over at Alex. “Birds can get concussions, right?”

Alex shrugged his shoulders as he took another bite. “I don’t see why they couldn’t.” He looked out the window. “He’s pretty rocky on his feet but at least his panting has slowed down some.”

“Take your time little guy. We’re here if you need us.” I called out to him.

Alex looked over at me with a confused look on his face. “We are?”

“Well, I mean we’re here to cheer him on.” I looked back out the window. “You’ve got this!” I called as I pumped my arms in the air.

Alex laughed and shook his head. “Being someone who’s had concussions I can tell you that’s definitely not going to help.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “That’s all I’ve got.” I looked back out the window. “Hey! He’s gone!” I cried.

“I told you he just needed a few minutes.”

“Oh that’s just great.” I sighed as I left the window and headed for the kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” Alex asked as he followed me out to the kitchen.

I pulled some paper towels off the roll and ran them under the water. “I guess he was shook up enough that he left us a little gift before he took off.”

IN LIKE A LION OUT LIKE A LAMB

“Okay. I have to say I’m really glad my least favorite month of the year is done.” I said with a sigh as I leaned back against the couch and put my feet up on the coffee table.

“Why’s March your least favorite month?” My husband Steven asked as he stopped and stood next to me.

“Because it’s still winter and by March I’m completely done with winter!” I explained.

“But March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. It also has the first day of spring in it.” He reminded me.

“Still not good enough.” I said crossing my arms. “Now we’re entering April showers brings May flowers month and we’ll still get some chilly weather.”

Our son Alex came into the room. “What are you two arguing about?”

“We’re not arguing. I was just telling your Dad that March is my least favorite month.” I moved my legs so that he could sit down next to me. “Your Dad was trying to cheer me up by telling me that March comes in like a lion but out like a lamb.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that one.” Alex nodded as he sat down.

“But then I reminded him that April showers brings May flowers.” I arched my eyebrows trying to make my point.

Alex was quiet for a moment before he said. “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.”

I looked at him confused. “What’s that got to do with what were talking about?”

Alex shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “I thought we were listing weather sayings and I didn’t want to get left out.”

I looked at Steven and began shaking my head before looking back at Alex and began to laugh. “Well, now that you mention it, it does sound like we were just saying random weather sayings.”

“Exactly!” Alex said as he began nodded. “Do either of you remember any more weather sayings?”

I thought about it for a moment and began shaking my head. “Nope. Can’t think of another one right now.”

“Wait.” Steven said. “I remember these two.” He paused for a moment. “What about, circle around the moon, rain real soon or clear moon, frost soon?”

I was confused again. “I get the circle around the moon one but what if it’s a clear moon in the summer? Is frost still coming?” I asked.

“Hey.” Steven said with a shrug. “Not all weather sayings make sense.”

I shook my head and must have looked annoyed because Alex quickly jumped in. “Can’t we all agree that we’re glad winter’s over and spring is here?”

I nodded again. “I can get behind that.” I stood up and began walking into the kitchen.

Steven followed me. “You know, Mark Twain always said, “Everybody talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it.”

I stopped, turned around to face him, and started to laugh. “Where do you come up with these things?”

Steven smiled as he tapped the side of his head with his pointer finger. “I keep it all up here.”

AI OR NOT AI THAT IS THE QUESTION

I was scrolling through Facebook when a video popped up of an adorable little monkey, dressed in pajamas, looking into a bowl. The little guy paused for a moment, looked at the camera, and the most beautiful smile came across his face. “He’s adorable!” I cried. “I want one!”

My son Alex came into the room. “What are you talking about?”

I started the video from the beginning and held the phone up for him to see. “Isn’t he the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?”

Alex looked confused for a second. “That smile isn’t real. That’s AI.”

“What?” I watched the video again. “No it’s not! It’s real!” I argued.

Alex shook his head. “I’m telling you. It’s AI.”

“But he’s in pajamas and everything!” I shook my head in disbelief. “He’s real. I know he is!”

“The monkey might be real. But that smile isn’t.” Alex took his phone out of his pocket and began typing. Once he found what he was looking for he held the phone out to me. “It’s a rhesus macaque monkey. That’s what their smile looks like. I used Chat GPT to find it.”

“What’s Chat GPT?”

“AI.”

I looked at the phone. “Fine!” I said as I went back to scrolling. “Let’s just agree to disagree.”

Several minutes later the same monkey popped into my feed. This time not only did his beautiful smile happen but he slowly took his two hands, shaped them into a heart, and held them over his head.

“Oh, come on! Now that’s not real!” I cried. “No monkey is making heart hands!”

Alex came back into the room. “Do you believe me now?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Okay. Maybe I was wrong about AI.” I held up the phone for him to see it again. “But I still want one.”

“You’re not going to take care of a monkey.” Alex started to laugh. “You forget to clean out the Betta fish tank!”

“But look at how cute he is.” I said with a pout.

Alex laughed again. “I don’t think it’s even legal to own a monkey here.”

“What? Seriously?” I switched from Facebook to Google and began typing.

Alex looked over my shoulder. “You know Google Gemini is going to answer that.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s another AI.”

The answer popped up. “Oh, that stinks! Only some states ban owning monkeys and our state is one of them.”

My husband Steven came into the room. “Our state is one of what?” He asked.

Alex looked over at him. “Mom saw an AI video of a monkey and now she wants one.”

Steven looked at me. “You’re not serious are you?”

“Not really.” I said as I pulled up the monkey video again and showed it to him. “But you’ve got to admit he’s adorable.”

Steven shrugged his shoulder. “I guess.” He looked over at Alex. “It certainly looks like AI to me.”

“Okay. AI detectives.” I sighed as I went back to the video. “A girl can dream can’t she?”

“Sure.” Steven said as he walked into the kitchen. “As long as it stays in your dream category.”

I looked at him as he walked away and stuck my tongue out at him.

“Hey, that’s not nice.” Alex said.

I quickly looked over at him. “Oh!” I said with a grimace. “Sorry about that. I forgot you were still in the room.”

Alex patted me on the shoulder. “Look on the bright side.”

“What’s that?”

“It won’t be long before you’ll be able to own a robot monkey!”

STACK OF BOOKS

I was sitting on my bedroom floor with a stack of books in front of me when my son Alex peeked his head around the corner. “What are you up to?” He asked.

“Just picking out the next book I want to read.” I put the book I’d been holding next to me and picked up the next one. “So far I have three on the not-right-now-pile and two on the strong possibility group.”

Alex came over and picked up one from the not-right-now-pile. “What’s wrong with this one?” He asked as he read the back cover.

“Nothing.” I glanced up at him. “But I just finished reading a historical novel about the holocaust and I’m looking to change it up a bit.”

I tossed another one on the strong possibility pile. “I love picking out a new book.” I said as I picked up the next book and hugged it to my chest.

Alex laughed. “I can see that.”

“Feel free to read any of these when you want to.” I offered as I waved my hand over the books around me.

Alex laughed again and shook his head as he dropped the book he was looking at back on the pile. “You and I have pretty different tastes in books.”

I nodded my head. “True. You’re more of a non-fiction, tech kind of reader.” I lined up the few that were in the running for my next read. “So which one of you is going to win?” I said as I tapped my finger to my lips.

“Aren’t you eventually going to be reading them all?” Alex asked.

“Yes.” I looked up at him. “But every once in a while I get a book that I just don’t find interesting and I have to push myself to finish it.” I pick up one of the contenders and scanned the back cover again. “I’m on a streak of good reads right now and I don’t want to mess that up with a dud.”

“I don’t understand.” Alex looked confused. “If you don’t like the book, just put it down and start a new one.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because once I start a book I have to finish it. Even if I have to skim pages and skip ahead.”

“Are you serious?”

My husband Steven came into the room. “Serious about what?” He asked.

“Once Mom starts a book, even if she doesn’t like it, she has to finish it.” Alex told him.

Steven looked over at me.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s a thing with me. I’m very serious about reading.”

“Well, when you’ve picked out your next book to read do you want to go out for lunch?”

“You’re it!” I grabbed the first book I could reach and tossed it on the bed.

Alex laughed. “That was fast.”

“Hey, I’m also very serious about not cooking.” I stacked the books back in a pile and pushed them next to my nightstand. “I’m ready!” I said as I stood up. “Where do you want to go for lunch?”

BUD HUNT

“Where’d you go?” My son Alex asked me as I was coming around from the side of the house.

“I’m on a bud hunt.” I said as we both headed for the car.

“You were checking to see if the daffodils have come up yet, weren’t you?” He laughed as he opened the car door.

“The green leaves are poking through but no buds yet.” I sighed as I put the key in the ignition.

“It’s still March.” Alex reminded me as he pulled his seat belt across his chest. “It’s not even officially spring until the 20th.”

“But we’ve had some warm days so I guess I’m just getting anxious to start seeing more signs that spring is on its way.” We backed out of the driveway and I pointed to the neighbors’ weeping willow tree, its leaves now a chartreuse color. “See, that’s what I’m talking about! One of the first trees to show signs that spring is on its way.” I looked over at Alex. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Alex pointed to a tree further up the street that had a hint of deep red on its branches. “There’s another one getting ready to pop.”

I looked up to where he was pointing. “That’s a silver maple. Another one that has early buds on it.” As I slowly drove down our street I was busy scanning the neighborhood for more signs. “See? It’s not too early to start checking.”

We passed a neighbors’ lilac bush.

“I see buds starting on that one!” Alex said as he looked in his side mirror back towards our house. “That’s funny I didn’t see our lilac with any buds on it yet.”

“We have a purple lilac and theirs is white. I noticed it a few years back that theirs always blooms a few weeks ahead of ours.” I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head. “I have no idea why.”

We were out of the neighborhood and out on the main road. I pointed up to the leafless trees we were passing. “All these trees are covered in wisteria vines. It won’t be long before clusters of purple flowers will be hanging from them.” I looked over at Alex. “They’re definitely one of my top ten favorite scents.”

Alex laughed. “I know. You pick some every year and put them in the kitchen.”

“They only last a few days in water but it reminds me of our old house with the wisteria right outside the kitchen door. I’d have the windows open so I could smell them while I was cooking.” I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s not exactly the same, having them in a glass of water next to the sink, but it’s a close second.”

I opened my window a few inches to feel the cool breeze. “Ever since we moved the clocks ahead last weekend I’ve just gotten more and more ready for spring to be here.”

Alex reached over and patted me on the shoulders. “It’ll be here before you know it.”

“Well, it’s dragging its feet!” I called out the window. “Bring on the sounds of some spring peepers, please!”

CLEAN SHEET NIGHT

I’d been busy doing laundry most of the morning. When the load with my sheets came out of the dryer I threw them on my bed, planning on putting them on later.

Hours went by when I finally went back in my bedroom and was surprised to see that the bed had already been made.

“Alex!” I called to my son. “Did you make my bed?”

Alex came into the room. “It wasn’t me. It must have been Dad.”

I went to find Steven who was sitting at his desk going through the mail. “Did you make our bed?” I asked.

He looked up for a second from the letter he was reading. “Yeah. I was getting something out of the closet and I saw the sheets on the bed.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I figured I’d save you some time and put them on for you.” He placed the letter on top of a pile and picked up another piece of mail.

“Seriously?” I went over and hugged him around his neck. “That’s so sweet of you!” I gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He stopped what he was doing and smiled. “Hey, I’m glad I could help.”

“I can’t tell you how happy that made me when I walked in a saw that I had one less chore to do today.” I sat down on the edge of his desk. “I was just reading an article that said that there are five types of love language.”

Steven nodded his head. “Which are?”

I began listing them with my fingers, starting with my thumb. “Physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, gifts, and quality time.” I held up my pointer finger. “I’m pretty sure I just found out that ‘acts of service’ is one of my favorites!”

Steven laughed as he got up from his chair and gave me a hug. “So you’re saying me making the bed is better than if I bought you flowers?”

“Oh, I never said that!” I laughed as I stepped back and patted him on his chest. “I think all of them are my favorites!”

We could hear the buzzer go off on the dryer.

“Well, that’s my cue to put another load in the washing machine.” I turned to head for the laundry room but quickly turned back to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m serious. That was a really nice surprise. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He sat back down at his desk.

I was headed for the laundry room when I heard him call out. “Do you want to get some take-out for dinner? So you don’t have to cook.”

I stopped in my tracks and turned around. “Really? I was going to make chicken but not having to cook would be awesome!”

“Consider it done. We’ll order from the diner.”

I couldn’t help but do a little ‘happy dance’ on the way to the laundry room. “No cooking and clean sheet night without having to make the bed!” I pumped my fists in the air. “Best day ever!”

I could hear Steven laughing. “You’re sure easy to please.” He called out.

“Chicken Parmesan that I don’t have to cook!” I called back. “Heck yeah! I’m easy to please!”

MADE FROM SCRATCH

I had just lined up a half dozen mason jars on the kitchen counter when my son Alex came into the room.

“What are you up to?” He asked as I began pulling spices from the cabinet.

“I’m making homemade ranch, taco and gravy mixes.” I shook the container of chili powder to make sure I had enough. “I’m going to start with the taco mix.” I opened the drawer and took out the measuring spoons. “I’m going to double the recipe so I won’t have to make it as often.”

I pulled out the cumin, onion powder, and paprika, checking their expiration dates before putting them next to the mason jars.

Alex picked up the chili powder and looked at the lid. “I’m glad you’re checking the expiration date first.” He started to laugh before he put the spice with the others. “That’s new for you.”

I had to laugh myself. “That’s because I’ve always counted on you to do that for me.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I prefer to use the sniff test instead of a date stamped on a lid.”

“But when spices get older they lose their potency.”

I shrugged my shoulders again. “To each his own.” I began measuring each spice before tapping the measuring spoon on the edge of the jar. I looked back at the recipe card. “Can you get the garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper?”

Alex opened the cabinet and took out the containers, giving the expiration date a quick scan before putting them on the counter.

When I’d gotten all the spices in the jar I put the lid on and gave it a quick shake to combine all the spices together. “There!” I said as I held the jar out to him. “Taco seasonings without all the preservatives and things I can’t even pronounce in it!”

I handed the jar to Alex. “Now let’s do the ranch seasoning next.”

We gathered all the ingredients together and put them in another mason jar. Giving it a quick shake I put it in the cabinet next to the taco mix.

“Now I just have to do the gravy mix and we’re done.” I pulled out the ingredients and then stopped and looked over at Alex. “I had to change this recipe a little bit.”

“Why?” Alex said as he handed me the bag of flour.

“Because you’re suppose to add bouillon powder to this mix but when I went to the store get some they were all loaded with a long list of preservatives.” I shook my head. “How’s that suppose to be better for you?”

“So what are you going to do instead?” Alex asked as he handed me the measuring spoon.

“When I’m ready to use it I’ll just mix the dry ingredients with some beef stock instead.” I put the lid on the last one and gave it a quick shake before handing it to Alex to put in the cabinet.

“Okay.” I quickly brushed any powder left on my hands over the garbage can. “I think I’m in the mood for some tacos tonight.” I looked over at Alex. “What about you?” Alex got the taco mix we’d just made out of the cabinet and handed it to me. “Sounds good to me.”

“We’re not going to use this one yet.” I took the jar from him and put it back in the cabinet. “I have a few of the store bought packets left that I want to use up first.”

Alex laughed. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely.” I took the packet from cabinet and gave it a quick shake. “I want to eat healthier, but I also believe in not wasting money.”

A RESOLUTION I CAN KEEP

“I think I’ve found my New Year’s resolution for this year.” I said as I stepped back and admired the kitchen drawer I’d just cleaned out.

My son Alex came into the room. “You know it’s almost March, right? I don’t think anyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions anymore.”

“Exactly! That’s because no one can keep one past January!” I pulled open the glass storage container drawer. “I cleaned this out a few weekends ago and now I’ve moved on to the junk drawer.”

“Which junk drawer?”

I pointed to the one that used to keep all the take out menus, birthday candles, batteries, and bird identifier books. “This one didn’t make any sense.” I opened the drawer to show him what I’d accomplished. “But now I’ve decided it’s the bird books, binoculars, and birthday candles drawer!”

He looked back at me. “Where’s everything else?”

I pointed to the garbage pail where stacks of take-out menus were on the top.

“What? You threw out the take-out menus! Why?” Alex went over to the garbage pail to see the dozens upon dozens of menus laying on top.

“When was the last time we used one of them?” I asked as I put my hands on my hips, ready to justify my action.

Alex thought about it for a second before he shrugged his shoulders. “That’s true.” He looked over at several items that were laying on a paper towel on the counter top. “What’s that all about?” He picked up what looked to be some kind of filter.

“That’s the I-don’t-know-what-it-is pile. I’m waiting for your Dad to let me know if he recognizes any of it.”

My husband Steven came into the kitchen. “What do you need me to recognize?”

I pointed to the items on the paper towel. “I found those in the drawer I just cleaned out. Do I need to save any of those?”

Steven picked through the pile finally holding up a long plastic tube. “We need to keep this.” He said as he handed it to me and started to walk away.

“Wait!” I called after him holding up the item. “What is this?”

“I’m pretty sure it goes with the food processor.” He called over his shoulder.

“The food processor?” I looked more closely at the tube. “What’s this have to do with the food processor?”

“I can’t remember right now. But we need to keep it.” He said as he walked out of the room.

I looked over at Alex. “Okay.” I sighed as I tossed it back in my newly organized drawer. “But this is exactly how a junk drawer continues.”

“Hey.” Alex patted me on the shoulder. “I think this resolution is really working for you.”

I smiled. “You do? Thanks.”

He opened up the spice cabinet. “Wow!” He could see all the spices lined up in size order, each label facing forward. “When did you do this one?”

“Last night before I went to bed.” I reached over his shoulder to adjust one of the spices. “All the expired ones are in the trash and everything else is lined up ready to use!”

Alex nodded his head. “I’m really liking this.” He looked over at me and smiled. “So when do you think you’re going to clean out the freezer?”

I shook my head slowly back and forth. “Baby steps, Mister. We’re on baby steps right now.”