Our Monday was less routine than normal. It started off the same as any Monday. Work started to flow in and the temperatures were still maintaining their record breaking highs. September was officially the hottest on record, and although rain was in the forecast for tomorrow, tomorrow became the next day, and true to the well known phrase, 'tomorrow never comes'. Samantha collected me, took me into work, came swimming, and left early. At six o'clock, the routine changed. Samantha and Debra came into the office to collect me. Debra is Samantha's dad's partner. My term, which I hope will be taken by all in good faith, as it is meant to be, is 'Stepmom elect'. After initial hugs, I introduced her to Dana and they shook hands. It was a strange but somewhat pleasant moment, as we are 'all adults', and a lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge! The reason for the visit was that we were going to the range. Home Samantha drove me, and I got changed. We then headed to the gun range, and I was quite pleased to see that it was not particularly busy. We were early, but it was 'ladies night' so it would get rather crowded the later the evening wore on. Debra was told the rules, and we were asked to listen just to reiterate what we have heard before.
After about four rounds, I 'stood down'. There was a customer who had a weapon that emitted a sound so loud that even the lady with the .45 next to him jumped when it fired. I had enjoyed the experience, but I was starting to feel the pounding start in my head, and I knew it was time to stop. Debra came and stood next to me. She did not want to try a rifle, and also felt the overwhelming feeling that can consume you in such a small space. Samantha shot another couple of rounds, and we checked-out!
As Edward and Samantha's dad were out, we decided to have a real girly night out, and hit the town. Well, we went out for dinner, which was 'as good as' to me. It was such a nice evening. We then returned to Samantha, collected Sparks, his cage and his 'going away' bag, as he was coming to stay with me, again, for a few nights. I was not looking forward to the prospect, but had made up my mind not to stress too much!
Back at my house, the dog ran up to Dana, and Samantha set up the cage in my living room, should we need it. I was given a bag of food and a verbal list of instructions. Like at the gun range, I had heard them all before, but it was just reinforcement! "Dana. No human food!" came the order! "No", in Samantha mind meant, "I know you are going to sneak treats, so make them few and far between".
The ladies left, and I had to walk the puppy before going to bed. As the weather has been so hot, the summer insects are still flying around in full force. The dog waded through the grass, with me following. I do not have a retractable lead, so I am never more than about three feet away from the animal. If he goes on the grass, so do I! I could feel the nibbling as soon as I stepped on the green carpet, and wondered what it was that was making a meal of my toes. Hopefully, they were not too hungry. Perhaps they were vegetarian! The walk took the usual lengthy time, and eventually as suitable patch was found in a small patch of grass that contained a menagerie of starving beasts.
Up and down, the dog jumped. On the bed, off the bed. By the time my alarm went off on Tuesday, I was exhausted. Not only was I woken many times by Sparks, but my feet were burning and irritating. I would have to reconsider my footwear, or where I walked, although the latter was not as easy as the former. Without a sign, there is no way I could 'Keep off the Grass!'
Dana took the dog to work on Tuesday morning, and I checked one of my cookery books. Each time I use this particular book, it opens to a page that shows the picture of a dessert that looks very appetising. A kumquat Blintz Torte! However, although I had decided to make it, and had all the ingredients, for some reason the word 'kumquat' had been misconstrued for 'pineapple', and I had bought a whole fruit for the recipe. Fortunately, it was not crucial to the main recipe, just for the filling, and I set about the task of creating a masterpiece!
Dinner on Tuesday was 'leftovers', both for me and the insects that frequented the grass. The dog led me around the complex, and stopped in the deepest patches. I was rather concerned about snakes, as they are mostly nocturnal, and tried to stay away from the rocky crags. However, the landscaping in our complex is such that there are many rocks, and many places for Texas invertebrate to hide! We hiked on to various patches, and the dog sniffed for a considerable time. At the end of the walk, I was rather surprised that I still had toes, and covered my feet in a salve that promised to cure all ails relating to insect attacks! Flip flops were no longer a viable option. My feet vaguely resembled the faces on the adverts I saw as a kid, to promote treatment for acne!
I do not think I was dreaming about insects, but it was a nightmare that awoke me. I screamed. In fact I screamed for about five seconds, and woke Dana. I do not think I woke the dog, as I do not think he sleeps! He, like the snakes I try to avoid, appears to be nocturnal when spending time with me. However, he did appear to be concerned and (unfortunately) would not leave my side for the rest of the night, which of course meant that I could not move, as each time I did, he would show concern in the only way he knows how! Dog kisses! In order to avoid such contact, I had to remain perfectly still, despite the irritation in my feet.
Driving across town to Joe on Wednesday was somewhat interesting. My feet felt as if they were going to burst out of my shoes, and my eyelashes felt as if lead weights had been attached to them, pulling them down in an attempt to close the lids. The bags under my eyes could have carried all the excess luggage I take when flying home, and my brain was cursing my body for disobeying the order to remain horizontal. I was, in short, a mess! I had made some biscotti with the extra dark chocolate Joe had bought me back from Peru, and offered Joe and his staff a sample. The roasters were roasting and I did not stay long, due to the workload and the heat. The constant hum and humidity made me feel like I was back in the gun range, and I knew I had to exit before collapsing. It was not a good feeling! I returned to work and received a text from my manicurist, Michele. She was asking for clarification on a picture she had sent. "Are they ginger or graham crackers?" They were 'Digestive Biscuits'. She asked why they were called 'digestive'. I had to look it up! Apparently, the original recipe was made by pharmacists, and contained bicarbonate (baking) soda to aid digestion. I told her I would see if I had any in my stack of goodies to bring to her to taste next week
As humid as it was, the pool was not as warm as I had expected on Wednesday evening. I swam before putting the finishing touches to dinner, and once my guests had left, after devouring the 'pineapple' blintz torte, I took the dog for a walk. Shoes are a good idea when walking in insect infested grass, but boots would have been better. Ankles are fair game when toes are protected! I could almost interpret the buzzing and clicking. "She's here! Kids, dinner's ready!"
Counting down the days until the return of the puppy parents, I drove myself to work on Thursday, after making some quiches and a frittata. Of course I was late! Despite having cleared my desk on Wednesday before leaving, I came into a pile of work. Once again the heat index was over 100, and the pool was a welcome respite. I chatted to Raul for a while, and he asked me if I had been offended by something he had said on Tuesday. I assured him I had not. In fact I was unsure as to what he had said on Tuesday. I remembered he had looked serious and I had said 'pardon' many times, but after a while I did not want to offend him by constantly reiterating that I did not understand a word he was saying. He seemed happy, and I was left wondering what on earth he had told me! Friday finally came and I bounded into the office singing, "Two more nights. Two more nights". I felt as if I could have obtained my 'rock climbing badge', if I was still in the girl guides, (if they had a 'rock climbing badge',) due to the route the dog had taken me the night before. The long slope at the side of our building is surrounded by grass on one side, and it slopes down, very steeply from my neighbours car port to the tarmac. Along the grass are risen tree roots, and of course, rocks. Having four feet to leap and balance, the dog gets up and down easily. Up is not a problem for me, but down is much harder. Although it is not exactly high, perhaps three feet, and I do not need grappling hooks, I feared for my life! Or at least my skin, as if I had fallen, it would not have been a pretty sight. Any part of my ankles that had not been bitten, up until then, received the 'inclusion' treatment, and those who had not been to the party earlier in the week were certainly making up for it now. Someone among the insect community had given the order to 'take to the air', and my left arm had become victim to many more critters teeth.
I took the dog out several times on Friday. Grant had walked him first thing in the morning, and I had seen him at the far end of the four buildings that comprise our block, in high grass!
Saturday morning was welcomed with open arms. Or at least an
After picking up the essentials, I went to the Dollar Tree. As I entered the strip centre, I noticed a new shop, an Indian supermarket! I parked the car and went in search of adventure! The produce was exciting and new. There were a lot of herbs and spices, and a lot of traditional 'British' fare, which were probably a consequence of the years before independence. Despite the allure, I restricted my purchases, and promised myself to come back another time. Among my purchases were some digestive biscuits for Michele!
After the Dollar Tree, I drove to Costco. Once again, I wandered around as free as the bird that was in the rafters. I sampled everything that was on offer. "A gluten free, crust free, quiche", aid the lady. "A frittata", I responded! What next! I drove home to put away my shopping, before going out to the pool, and relieving my itching feet.
My new book was not as compelling as the previous two, but I read nonetheless. Swimming and reading into October is not always a certainty and despite longing for cooler weather, I wanted to make the most of it while I could. One other person came down for a short while, but I was on my own for most of the afternoon.
Dana and I left the dog and went out for dinner. I would have stayed at home, but I was desperate for a meal that did not involve whining and whimpering as I ate. However, upon my return the grass beckoned! I started to think that it would be safe, as there was nothing left upon which to feast. Even if the creatures found an uneaten spot, it would be too small to munch upon. In fact, it would barely be enough for a snack for one, let alone a family. It was hardly my fault if they did not save enough for a famine! I felt some movement but nothing bit. I danced around the complex, with the dog on his lead. "Last night. Last night", I sang! Samantha had messaged to say they were on their way home, and would probably land just before midnight. In fact, their flight was very early. Not early enough to come and collect the quadruped!
The dog was collected, and I spent my afternoon by the pool on Sunday. "What do you do in the winter", asked KC, one of my neighbours who came down poolside with her sister and brother-in-law. "I bake", I said. I wondered when that would be. Although we are expecting a cool down during the first half of next week, the temperatures are due to rise by Wednesday. I came back to the condo and told Dana I could not wait until 10:30 tonight. "Why? What's happening then?" he asked. "Absolutely nothing!" I replied. No dog walk. Just nothing!
Samantha's dad goes home on Wednesday, and I doubt there will be another 'girly night' before he goes, but I am sure I will catch up with Debra when I go home at Christmas. Civility, who'd have thunk it, as they say here!The sun is going down, and I am enjoying the freedom. It is amazing how five days could last so long! I am sure there will be a time when I am not so negative, but that will be ........... another story!
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