Posted tagged ‘sloth’

“Nothing irritates me more than chronic laziness in others. Mind you, it’s only mental sloth I object to. Physical sloth can be heavenly.”

January 20, 2012

Last night’s dusting of snow barely covered the backyard. Under the trees had no snow at all. Now it is melting and all I hear are drops from the roof. When I went to get the papers, I saw paw prints on the driveway. I wondered about them. Might the coyote be back or was it Cody, Gracie’s friend, walking to the school bus stop with her family?

The birds are swaying and spinning with the feeders, and they remind me of a carnival ride, the sort which always made me sick. I filled the feeders yesterday in case we get snow tomorrow. I’m not ready for snow, even the paltry 3 to 5 inches predicted. It may turn to rain, and I’m holding on to that. This winter has spoiled me.

I need new slippers. These are too well-worn. My feet get cold unless I wear socks. I remember never being cold. At night I used to put the temperature down to 58° and it was never higher than 66° when I was awake. Partly for the animals and partly for me, the night is now left at 62°. Even then Gracie tries to steal the covers and Fern huddles or sleeps on my hip. I hate that but mostly I’m asleep and don’t notice. My heat is programmed up to 65° at 7 then up to 68° at 8:30. I tend to sleep late so the house is warm when I wake up. Yesterday I had a fire going all afternoon. I sat in the living room with my book and my laptop, but mostly I watched the fire burn. It was mesmerizing. It was also one of the best fires I’ve made. My father would have called it a Hollywood fire, like the ones in the movies, because it burned so evenly and so long. The house smelled wonderful.

I haven’t been out much this week. My house has been the hub of activity though activity may be just a bit too strong a word. I did clean two rooms, change the litter boxes and my bed and folded and brought upstairs the wash that had been in the dryer since last week so maybe activity works even though I usually think whirlwind and activity go together. Maybe I’ve just lowered my expectations. Since folding the wash, I haven’t done anything. I guess I’m considering my current state of sloth a reward for such exertion.

“In the morning I woke like a sloth in the fog.”

November 21, 2011

Today just couldn’t shake off the damp of last night’s rain, and it’s cloudy and dismal. The birds aren’t even here to distract me as the feeders are all empty. Only a snoring Gracie is giving the day any life.

I have chosen today as a not to get dressed day. I’m going to fill the feeders, make my shopping list for Thursday’s desserts, go on-line and order some Christmas presents and then organize some photos on my Mac, the original ones from my Peace Corps days. On Saturday I hauled into the house 30 pounds of dog food so my back hurts a bit, another perfect excuse for staying home and taking it easy. Did I mention the headache?

If you’re thinking today’s musings lack any inspiration, you’d be correct. My memory drawers seem to be stuck closed, and I have no ambition. Moving my fingers on the computer is about all I can muster. I think a little sun would help and maybe a chocolate chip cookie or two. I took something for my headache but chocolate has a far more miraculous effect.

On Saturday I called Ghana and talked to Florence, one of my former students. I have been calling a different student every couple of weeks so we can stay in touch now that we have found each other. Florence wanted to know when I was returning. I wished I could say in a month or two, but I think it will be at least another year before I can fill my coffers with enough money. When I give them the date, I’m hoping more students will arrive from other parts of the country so we can have a giant party. Let the beer and the pito flow! Bring out the kelewele and the Guinea Fowl.

“In the morning I woke like a sloth in the fog.”

November 21, 2011

Today just couldn’t shake off the damp of last night’s rain, and it’s cloudy and dismal. The birds aren’t even here to distract me as the feeders are all empty. Only a snoring Gracie is giving the day any life.

I have chosen today as a not to get dressed day. I’m going to fill the feeders, make my shopping list for Thursday’s desserts, go on-line and order some Christmas presents and then organize some photos on my Mac, the original ones from my Peace Corps days. On Saturday I hauled into the house 30 pounds of dog food so my back hurts a bit, another perfect excuse for staying home and taking it easy. Did I mention the headache?

If you’re thinking today’s musings lack any inspiration, you’d be correct. My memory drawers seem to be stuck closed, and I have no ambition. Moving my fingers on the computer is about all I can muster. I think a little sun would help and maybe a chocolate chip cookie or two. I took something for my headache but chocolate has a far more miraculous effect.

On Saturday I called Ghana and talked to Florence, one of my former students. I have been calling a different student every couple of weeks so we can stay in touch now that we have found each other. Florence wanted to know when I was returning. I wished I could say in a month or two, but I think it will be at least another year before I can fill my coffers with enough money. When I give them the date, I’m hoping more students will arrive from other parts of the country so we can have a giant party. Let the beer and the pito flow! Bring out the kelewele and the Guinea Fowl.