When all of this quarantine began, I tired quickly of the daily routine. I was in a rut. Even the few new things I tried didn’t work. I just slogged through my days. At sometime, I don’t remember when, the carping was lost in the background. It was just gone. What had been routine, a rut, became ritual. I take pleasure in each part of my day starting with the papers and a pot of coffee. Today I added a bagel with cream cheese. I enjoyed this deliciously tasty morning breakfast while I read both papers and finished the crossword and the cryptogram. So far the day has been perfect. I’ll see what the afternoon brings. I’m always hopeful.

Today is warm and the sunlight is the brightest in a while. It shines on everything with almost a yellow light. Every now and then there is a small breeze which moves only the ends of branches. The birds are loud. They know a great day.

Last night I watched West Side Story. I am not especially fond of musicals but West Side Story is one of the exceptions (1776 is another for July 4th). I mentioned Rocky Horror and The Wizard of Oz the other day so add them to the list. Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, there are far more. Willy Wonka is another. I watch it every time it is on, the Gene Wilder Willie Wonka. I have always loved Singing in the Rain. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without musicals. I love The Muppet Christmas Carol, Holiday Inn and White Christmas, but my favorite of all is Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas, Muppets all. I saw 42nd Street and My Fair Lady on stage in London. I went only because it was London. They were good. I loved the sound of tap shoes in 42nd Street. I bought the record when I got home. Many songs are just the cadences of the dancers wearing tap shoes. That makes me laugh every time I hear it. That’s the list of musicals, far longer than I anticipated. I think Christmas skewed the line. I guess I’ll have to say I like musicals, movie musicals, not so much stage musicals. There could even be more. I’m still surprised with this list.

Yesterday was a sloth day, my first in a while. Today I have to vacuum the cats’ room which will scare the heck out of both of them. I always try to steer them under the bed where I wouldn’t go with the vacuum. Sometimes that works. I go as quickly as I can. I also clean the box and give the cats fresh food and water. They are demanding critters. Seriously, I have been meowed at by Jack who wanted more treats. He was serious.

Henry has changed. He wants attention, and I oblige by scratching and patting him. He’s become a bit of a licker mostly on my hand. He needs to get to know other people, to be socialized. He is a sweet dog, a good boy, when he is with me. He is a big love with a wiggle butt and a whacking long tail. I hope all of this transfers to other people, but his barking at the door is uninviting. We’re working on that.