A better start today

I saw the flowers on Kingsmill Avenue in slanted light at 8:15.

In the park I heard voices I've missed for weeks: a grosbeak's nasal cry, a great-crested flyctacher's insistent wheep! A waxwing crowd of gentle, gregarious whistles bustled from one treetop to the next. Two chickadees on a mullein stalk told me a richer tale than usual: "Chick-a-burble!"

Beside the river I befriended a black cat with tiny green burrs dotting her coat. I know where she lives. She had wandered far. We kept company for a hundred metres before she left the trail, blending into the undergrowth. We must each stick to our own path, enjoying pleasure while we may, but not letting it distract us.

Comfort food

It's time for some comfort food.

I was good and followed my schedule today. In fact, this afternoon I did something I should have done long ago: I went to the CODA office and filled out forms to get some help starting a job search and setting up a small business. I have an interview with an intake worker on Monday.

Not only that, I had a healthy salad for lunch, so I can afford to reward myself with something that sticks to the ribs and the insides of my arteries.

Mom often made this recipe when I was a kid, and I can't think of any food that puts me in a better mood. I have known myself to ingest an entire casserole in one sitting. This is the one-night stand of dinner entrees: easy, quick and satisfying, but you might regret it.

Just what I needed tonight, though. I only ate half of it, with green peas. It's supposed to serve four.

( Big biscuit hamburger bake )

The Friday Five

1. What housekeeping chore(s) do you hate doing the most?

I used to resent all housework because my fastidious parents nagged me constantly. I only learned to clean and tidy things to appease other people. That resentment carried over into later life and other relationships. It has taken five years of living alone to learn to do it for myself. I'm happier and more creative when my place doesn't look like a war zone, and when I'm comfortable having friends over. I don't really hate any housework now, but many people would still consider me a slob. Oh yeah, I hated changing kitty litter, but now my parents have adopted the cat.

2. Are there any that you like or don't mind doing?

After years of not having a vacuum cleaner, I finally got one for my birthday. It's a Kenmore upright. What fun!

3. Do you have a routine throughout the week or just clean as it's needed?

No routine. I tend to let things slide, but they slide a lot less than they used to. I usually have to do a blitz if one of my friends or the kids are coming over.

4. Do you have any odd cleaning/housekeeping quirks or rules?

I'm less inclined to let dishes pile up when my daughters are around. Having someone else to look after helps keep me focused.

5. What was the last thing you cleaned?

I washed dishes and put away laundry after breakfast this morning.