Times are tough. You see signs of it, nearly everywhere. Groceries sometimes costing more than you can afford. Parents sometimes eating less so they can feed their children, plus pay their bills. People flocking to food banks. They’re having a hard time surviving in this strange economy.
Recently I found myself staring in disbelief at the advertised price of a head of cauliflower. $10.00! Are you kidding? |
I’ve never actually been on a big cruise. A ferry doesn’t seem to count. Day trips don’t quite meet the bill of total relaxation and pampering experiences.
Memories during this pandemic time are long. The thought of being stuck for weeks on a cruise ship full of viral illness makes it all sound quite unappealing. It seems a stretch to compare this to the cauliflower experience, but there you are.
Sometimes life is routine, filled with the daily grind of sameness. You do think fleetingly of getting away from it all, just for a week or so. The idea of seeing different places, meeting different people, and doing different things, pops into your head quite often.
My short and lovely land cruise!
There is a certain reassurance in spending precious time with your loved ones. Suddenly the cares seem to lessen. I can’t say melt away. Not quite that. But their tenderness, caring and pampering go a long way toward that.
Their understanding of fatigue that I could never have imagined before Covid is a total blessing. Suddenly, for a whole week, I am released from the daily tasks in life. No cooking, cleaning, laundry, or gardening. Just peace!
The ability to elevate my leg when resting is just a relaxing joy. After Covid, I had a leg thrombosis.
The first time I went to my family, my daughter looked me in the eye, before she spoke.
“Mom, we need to have a very clear idea of what is expected of you.”
She can be very firm, almost to the point of being bossy.
She continued.
“If you feel like sleeping the entire day, please do it. Your favourite food will be cooked and brought to you. Likewise, if you want anything special to drink.
“The kitchen is forbidden ground.
“We will chat and laugh with you when you’re here. Your family will crowd around, because we love you.
“Just think, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on your beautiful little great-granddaughter!”
Family laughter is so much fun!
They just knew I’d love to bake for them, so they place all the ingredients I’d need in such high cupboards, there’s no way I could reach them!
It’s called forced relaxation, and I’m getting good at it.
It’s like I would imagine a cruise to be, just pampered luxury, only it’s free.
I’m not allowed to pay for anything. They’ve never said so. but it’s well understood. They have gently reminded me I’m on a fixed income.
My family has turned on the love. The price of that can’t be measured. I get to relax for a whole week. I call it my land cruise experience!
What would you most enjoy if you had the opportunity of a land cruise?
Spring onions
This week, it’s in the sunroom. It is the way I store my spring onions, in a little container of water. It doesn’t have to be plastic. It doesn’t have to say Tim Horton’s on the side. Just a bit of water, and those onions will grow. No gradual decay in your fridge.
Keep cutting for your cooking, and it’ll just keep on growing