18: Al's Vacation: June 25
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to: Al Temple June 25 (20 days ago)
subject: GLORIOUS
Al,
I haven't felt this glorious since our wedding day. That was 35 years ago.
Yes, I promised to love, cherish, and obey. Maybe that's why we're still together. Or maybe I'm an optimist.
Can you imagine? Last night was our first time apart since you took a wrong turn and didn't realize anything was wrong until you crossed the state line. I won't even ask why you didn't figure that out sooner. C'mon, Al. Six hours of driving and you still thought you were on your way home? The market is a 10-minute drive from our front door. Plus, you finally came home with two bushels of apples instead of a carton of milk. I thought my head was going to explode. I should have left you then.
I woke up this morning to an immaculate kitchen, just the way I like it. I didn't have to wash any dishes and pots you threw into the sink after I went to bed. (Really, Al. The dishwasher is right next to the sink. If you can't reach that far, at least rinse everything off.)
I woke up this morning to a clean and quiet house. I didn't have to pick up the trail of dirty clothes you left behind you on the way to the shower. I didn't have to turn off the TV after you left. I even threw out six months' worth of magazines and newspapers you kept promising you'd get around to reading.
And guess what, Al? I finally found my grandmother's sterling silver ladle I've been asking you about for the past five years. You left it in the bag of dog kibble. I appreciate you helping out, but Gracie is a Chihuahua, not a St. Bernard. No wonder she looks like a four-legged sausage. She's on a diet, starting today.
Why bother to send this email? It's the same old things I say to you all the time. Writing it down won't make a difference. Besides, you won't read it anyway, just like you don't read shopping lists.
Shirley
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Al Temple June 25 (20 days ago)
to me
My darling Shirley,
You don't know how much I miss you and how much I'm looking forward to coming back home. I should never have agreed to such a long vacation. Three weeks in the Florida Everglades is too much time away from you.
My buddies aren't very nice to me. Can you imagine? I came out of the shower to find my dirty clothes, utensils, dishes, pots, and gum wrappers piled on my bed. Why didn't they just put it all away? I guess I'll have to wash the bedding, if I ever figure out how to do it.
Well, it's time to go fishing. I'll write more later.
Love you,
Al
- Writer
