Autumn

Autumn

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Alone

It's so quiet in my house. The only sound is the whirl of the ceiling fan and the tick of my tide clock as it counts down the hours to the next high tide. I am alone.

It isn't bad, being alone. Many hate it. They can't deal with solitude. Most feel they must fill the lonely hours with activity as a means to occupy the empty space of lost companionship. I deal with my status of temporary bachelorhood as an opportunity. It gives me a reason and purpose to think, listen, and tackle small projects otherwise taken with partnership of husband and wife.

This blogpost is a fine example.  I'm been slack of late in the stewardship of my blog and blog friends. I have a valid excuse yet will not use it as such and must sincerely apologize for my lack of posting and failure to comment on your blogs in kind.



My lovely wife and companion has packed and traveled  north into the great state of Georgia to visit her mother. After I preformed routine maintenance to her car, she gave me a kiss and was gone.

Yesterday, after work, I made a quick run to our local Publix and stocked my larder with various foods that required little prep but offered great satisfaction to one befitting my status. Chips and salsa, summer sausage, bread and milk, always, clam chowder. I also snatched a box of chicken wings as they were on sale at half price. I'm set for the weekend.

Now I have a full day of aloneness. I'll soon retreat to my garage and continue with my current restoration project. It'll kill the rest of the day. Then, after a good shower, I've a new novel to read, that is if I can convince my feeble altered mind to concentrate long enough to stay focused upon the words. If not, well, there is always Netflix as a last resort.

The birds are singing. Somewhere, far off, I also hear a leaf blower. The ceiling fan still whirls and pushes air, the tide clocks ticks, and I hear my little inner voice begging me to stand and work...guess I should give in and do as it tells me.


Stephen



19 comments:

  1. Listening to the birds can be a good renewal of perspective. :)

    Please don't apologize for your lack of comments, life happens. We're still here.

    Blessings to you and prayers sent up for sweet wife to have safe travels.

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  2. Ah...to be alone.

    I haven't had a minute alone for six months. I envy you.

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  3. Phyllis (N/W Jersey)October 7, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Ah, time to one's self - a true, true treasure! I can just sit outside and marvel at the beautiful mountains. Or, alone with my thoughts, take a walk in our woods. Finding pretty leaves to press and then put into frames makes for a very fine afternoon! A fresh pot of coffee on the stove, a comfy chair, a new book and the fireplace aglow is a good way to wind down the day. 'Hope you enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Phyllis, I did enjoy my weekend. It was nice, though, to have her home once again.

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  4. I get that on the weekends at my shop sometimes.. Music in the background and tinkering. Enjoy it Stephen :)

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    1. John, with all my tools loud hum it's hard to listen to the radio...thanks, my friend.

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  5. Great post. Sometimes a little alone time is ok. Have a good day.

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  6. A few years past I remember reading about some guy in Tokyo who was found after something like 20 years in his apartment dead. The first thing I thought of was how that seemed impossible I mean in 20 years a landlord or someone would have went in there right?

    Then the phone rang and I thought. How is it this guy gets 20 years of peace and I can't even take a day off without someone bothering me?

    Enjoy it Brother!!!

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    1. Talk about your hermits...that is hard to believe. Strange. Thanks, my friend.

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  7. Alone can be a good thing. But sometimes it is hard to get used to.
    My dearest went away for the weekend and with one 20 yo coming and going and maybe here and mostly not.
    And one soon to be 18 yo, who seems to have been out and about also.
    Is been a quiet weekend.
    But I look forward to this her return this afternoon..
    Have a big crock pot filled with chicken and rice simmering away and some Brussels sprouts to make soon.

    Did you know Christian Brothers makes a brandy called
    "Honey'?
    Whoa....is that some good stuff...

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    1. Apple brandy is very good too...thanks, my friend.

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  8. I hear you. I tend to cherish my "me" time too. In part because I know its not a permanent situtation.

    To me its like taking a trip someplace interesting. I love finding new places to explore. In the end though, its always nice to come home. I've come to realize that Mrs. Paladin is home to me. When we are together again its like coming home :)

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    1. Alone time sure screws with my daily routine...but once in a while its nice. Thanks, my friend.

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  9. It's good to spend a little time with yourself every now and then. Gives you a chance to figure out who you are and where you're going.

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    1. I seem to always lose myself..neither know where I'm headed nor where I've gone. Thanks, my friend.

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  10. Enjoy your little stretch of solitude Stephen. I spend most of my time in the fall in solitude. Well not really, as I have my dogs with me and they are great company. The rain has stopped here now and the most stressing thing on my mind is where I am going hunting in the morning. Hope you find peace in your solitude and your work on the stove.
    regards
    Dan

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