Fiona
Toronto, Ontario
October 3, 2022

The other day I, too, didn’t get out of bed.  This was not an existential moment in keeping with one of my favourite Russian books called Oblomov, about a nobleman who decided to spend the rest of his life in bed.  In fact, there was absolutely no particular reason, neither medical nor emotional; rather, I just felt an overwhelming desire to indulge in a rare sense of lassitude. My life has been blessed in that I have seldom faced the morning with dread (medical issues notwithstanding) as my work and family life have brought me nothing but joy and satisfaction, so I was, fortunately, never driven to call upon that deeply instilled Protestant work ethic to launch me into the day.

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In retrospect I don’t imagine there was ever a time when getting out of bed was easy. The imperative may occasionally have had a visceral draw  – say, if there were a cheerful component to the day’s agenda (like going for lunch or buying a new car).  Otherwise getting out of bed is normally about as enticing as having to brush one’s teeth after dinner; that is, a duty to be fulfilled.

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It is befitting that our communion at table today was at the Pelican Seafood Market & Grill on Bank Street in Ottawa.  Over ten years ago we and our hosts Alana and Jay (and their erstwhile French bulldog Max) first met on the North Atlantic shores of Hilton Head Island, SC. At the time of our fortuitous introduction we hadn’t any idea that we all hailed from Canada, much less Ontario and even less from Ottawa. You see, the evocation as I rode upon my bicycle and they ambled upon the beach near Coligny Beach Park was their French bulldog Max who instantly put me in mind of our former French bulldog Munro. I stopped to ask if I might pat their little dog.

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Yesterday we brunched at the golf club with my niece Jennifer and her close friend and colleague Charlotte.

I had always recognized my niece’s affection for animals (including humans) in distress. She and her friend live on a farm in the country where they are among other things combining this natural affection with equine therapy.  My niece has ridden her own horse since she was a child.

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it’s not just about getting there; it’s about getting it right. That means the objective is on one level different for each one of us; but it also means we have to be satisfied with what we’ve achieved and how we did it. What makes this task easy is that there is no one to tell you what to do or how to it.

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Everyone whom I have encountered today, whether while bicycling, while awaiting the elevator or by email, has unanimously proclaimed the rapturous magnificence of this autumn day! My singular communication with a new acquaintance has bountifully introduced me to an equally unique poet named Gerald Manley Hopkins (1844 – 1889). He is reminiscent of John Keats (1795 – 1821) even William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616).

Thrice the brinded cat hath mew’d.
Shakespeare, Macbeth.

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Nothing says autumn quite like the taste of a crisp apple! Every year we’ve made a habit of frequenting MacLaren Orchards on the Burnstown Road in nearby Renfrew County for the express purpose of replenishing this invigorating store. Today we introduced our pre-scheduled visit there (we had already ordered product on-line) first by dipping into Antrim Truck Stop in Arnprior for what was undeniably a healthy man’s breakfast though in fact it was labelled on the menu as the Hunter’s Variety Breakfast.

https://maclarenorchards.ca

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We were hit today with a storm of activity surrounding our upcoming residential shift across the river. Previously I had anticipated that today’s direct address of the move would not have transpired until the middle of October (by which time I expected the developer would be certain that the new building was habitable). It turns out that our mover wished to have a more proximate assessment of the affair.

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Proverb. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. A person who goes to bed early and wakes up early will lead a more successful life.

According to a study published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology, people who wake up early tend to be more productive than those who sleep in. Early risers are also more confident, positive and assertive. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to succeed.

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Eventually we begin to run out of household provisions and supplies. Our innutritious but gem coloured environment with Oriental rugs underfoot and the collection of prints, paintings and gleaming paraphernalia becomes noticeably lacking, just too clinical; artistic but threateningly metallic. Certainly not fibrous or what one would call wholesome. The shiny mahogany furniture sustains the millefiori, the crystal decanters, the lamps, the vase and the carriage clock. But the denuded pantry renders a stark and dissonant image if not replenished. Rummaging the freezer for possibilities is seldom the answer – except perhaps for exotic hors d’oeuvres.  Bread and peanut butter is filling but unlike beer it fails to constitute a healthful diet. Then there are the pharmaceuticals – arthritis pills, razor blades, hair shampoo and bath soap.  In the past liquor was on the list too. I used to buy the stuff by the case. In any event, the inescapable fiat this morning was grocery shopping.

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