El Paso II

My hombre braved the big mall and crowds and traffic, just to make it to the Apple Store to buy new video software. En route home I asked him to stop at the store and pick up milk and honey. He called from the store.

That was the first time he left home today, nearing 5:00 p.m. Three things I asked him to do today: replace a pendant light bulb I really need to cook by (and I had one on hand) that I couldn’t reach; walk the dog; and go to the store for two things.

Upon returning he walked the dog and stepped in a dog mess because there have been no bags out here or irresponsible owners or holiday caretakers don’t give a darn about picking up after their pooches. That really irks me, that people don’t pick up. He’s just had me wash everything he was wearing (yes, Val the Vet) and just took a 30-minute shower while dinner is in the oven.

I really don’t want to write something nasty about all of the people who make our lofts work, but so many things were left undone before they took off for the holidays. Simple things like doggie bags and paper towels and toilet paper for residents and their guests during a long weekend, in the public areas.

This is our second Christmas here, out of five. During the latter portion of the week, we basically were meringue mushrooms sitting on a chocolate hazelnut buttercream yule log cake, so far. Now we have a weekend but are still getting over this cold we got from different places starting at Thanksgiving. Personally, I’m working on pneumonia and am sitting up, here, in the middle of the night so as not to fill my lungs with fluid. ‘Tis time for drastic measures, Whole Foods beckons for Wellness Formula.

Even though this is a semi-transient locale, some of us actually stay here for the holidays. I’m even learning how to make latkes. So we need the people we pay to prep this place when they close things down.

Anyway, my cowboy Knight in Shining Armor took a bullet tonight. He’s picked right up and started all over again and looks forward to dinner. Yes, this man in near middle age has never changed a diaper in his life. I’ve done at least a few hundred. Icky stuff is out there. Cowboys deal with the situation, make their peace and go on with life.

Hopefully my Jim will be able to, as all he did was essentially step in a dog patty (and he grew up on a dairy), grow from this experience and see what mothers and cooks and veterinarians and nurses and others go through every day, without whining.

Yes, he’ll get a good dinner this evening: ham with grainy mustard and honey; scalloped potatoes and a salad. And we care for all the people who make our lives easier, pleasant and interesting. Hope you enjoyed the sales today – I stayed away. Dee

ps He’s watching Alton Brown on dips, loves the science of it, not the cooking. OK, he’s redeemed, except he did wash his leather driving shoes in the shower and they may never recover. D