Homework

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.

In accordance with what I presume is a reflection of the Protestant Work Ethic we propelled ourselves early this morning – a Sunday – to one of our local grocery stores.  I mention the work ethic because it nourishes the paramountcy that one should address what must be done. The theory as I read it is that by first discharging life’s imperatives, one ultimately succeeds to complete one’s ambitions. Sounds Protestant to me. I can’t imagine the Papists undertaking such a hapless stance in preference for outright success otherwise directed and followed by repentance and forgiveness. The Church of England alternative is to fritter away one’s resources without calculated purpose and even less likelihood of achievement. And with only a glass of sherry to boot!

We thus delayed the frittering this morning until after the grocery shopping.  Parenthetically I haven’t a glowing account of grocery shopping. Yet once I am attached to a shopping cart and pointed into the aisles, the endeavour is endurable. I am always amused to discover how the check-out clerks handle things.  Predominantly the cashiers are local students, frequently the grandchildren of former clients.  I consider it simple to identify the winners in this crowd.  For example the more promising zealots have a cheery disposition and go out of their way to enquire after one’s health.  If one is lucky you get a clerk who knows how to pack things carefully. These are all indicia of burgeoning success.

Our reward for this morning’s perspicuous dedication was brunch on the patio overlooking the first tee at the golf club. Blueberry pancakes, maple syrup, bacon and sausage!  Once again we aligned ourselves momentarily with the staff.  In this instance we learned of the opportunity to support a young lady intent upon attending Algonquin College where we have an acquaintance who is a senior executive. My eldest niece is a graduate summa cum laude of Algonquin College. I know of many others who have attended the college both as students and as professors.  Indeed I once delivered a credit course in contract law as part of the business school.