I’m taking a holiday today.  It’s Easter Monday – so that qualifies as a legitimate holiday to my thinking. I know I haven’t a particular need to declare a holiday, given my unobstructed state of retirement and general indolence.  Nonetheless I have duties, daily obligations from which from time to time I prefer to distance myself.  Foremost of those commitments is my daily cycle.  But I am now awaiting the production of a replacement tricycle of my current defective model. The retail agent advised the day before last that I might expect something by Tuesday (tomorrow) – though regrettably I’m inclined to think it may be later in light of the agent’s expressed staff illnesses.  For today however I prefer not to contaminate the existing trike, leaving it under lock and key so to speak (it’s a padlock) until its removal.

Though it is cool today, it is dry.  That’s all the capital I require for a pleasant country drive. My proposal is to extend the usual route (to Stittsville and back) by going to Arnprior then returning on the backroads through Renfew County and Pakenham Township. My expectation is that the roads will be quiet. It’s not a particularly sunny day and the trees are not yet green.

For me the more compelling reality is that I am greatly restricted in what I can and wish to do. The perpetual decomposition of my mechanics has forced me to reckon with  the undesirable truth. Roaming about – in a context other than a tricycle or automobile – is prohibited. Walking to the bathroom is an effort, if you’ll pardon my vulgarity. And while I don’t wish to sit all day, I exonerate my immobility by walking to and from the subterranean garage (though not until after having gulped two Tylenol Arthritis pills).

While acquainting myself with these moderate indulgences I preoccupy myself with other manners of expression – one of which (the piano) is now in the past. I am left with photography and writing, both of which I confess consume me liberally. Of course I attempt to cultivate a skilful manner in both paradigms but all that matters is the absorption.  This morning, while struggling to pull on my black compression stockings, I contemplated what I might do for people stuck in the hospital, without family or friends nearby. It was a generosity short-lived because once again getting around is the issue. It affects everything, including both notably artistic gatherings at museums, galleries or theatres.

Part of my intemperance concerning my current circumstances is naturally its contrast to the past when for example walking about Montepulciano, Paris, Sarasota or Longboat Key was an entertainment. Modification and limitation are now the rule. To complement this disparity I am doing whatever possible to loose the 20 lb. bag of potatoes I am carrying every day. I’m taking pharmaceutical aid in addition to limiting my in-take and diet. I believe it is having small and as yet unnoticeable effect but I am confident.  I am determined to make it work because I believe that weight loss is the only conceivable manner in which I can contradict arthritis, neuropathy and spinal decay.