It would be inaccurate to say that the holiday is over. Although Canada Day (yesterday) spluttered to a necessary though unforeseen dénouement amidst the thunder and torrential rain, today is only Thursday, enabling a convenient mooring to Friday and the upcoming weekend. My suspicion is that many people have grasped onto this first week of July as an opportune occasion to undertake a vacation. The heat wave so nicely identifies the cherished summer window.

But commerce is not completely muted. I am seated in the showroom of Reid Bros Motor Sales in Arnprior. It’s nine o’clock in the morning. I’ve been here since 7:30 am, the first to arrive. I’m awaiting installation of a replacement module for WiFi; plus routine maintenance at 24,000 Kms. The Service Agent and I comically agreed – after momentary reflection – that an oil change is not required for my fully electric vehicle.

Many Canadians will measure their performance in the upcoming months by the leisure nature of their exploits. It is well accepted that between the middle of Canada and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on either side of the continent there will be palpable movement. Unless one is bound by the exigencies of children or employment, these summer months are not considered the most opportune time to holiday. We have accordingly set our sights upon the Gaspé in mid-September (though even then the bookings require planning, perhaps reflecting the growing retirement population).

Years ago when waiting for mechanical service, I would have insisted upon a “loaner”. In fairness I was offered one. Now however I have the  unhurried privilege to await completion. Comparing a 2-hour wait with getting a loaner is in my circumstance no contest (it takes me 40 minutes to get from here to home). Besides, the attentiveness invokes an air of productivity in spite of my languishing appearance.

Doing something, anything, has become an overt challenge when imperilled by immobility. The imperative is to remain seated. This in turn has confined my options to reading, writing, tricycling and driving. Sunbathing is now mostly a thing of the past (I avoid reflective surfaces and nonchalant exposure). It is my fortune to be satisfied with those operative restrictions.