“Remoted” – Day 409 (Thursday)

In a too-long stretch of time where it feels like every day I am mad at something, today’s star studded hit list includes the clanging of metal. The volume and intensity led to the conclusion it is from two streets away at the bridge being rebuilt on Beaver Street, and my heartfelt sympathy is extended to the people in the homes right next to that project. It has been periodic over the past 13 months, and over the past couple weeks it has been almost daily, beginning between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., and stopping in the early afternoon. 

Produce!

The clanging would be the perfect soundtrack for an industrial documentary, but is less perfect for other lines of work, especially those requiring any level of concentration. Layered over the noise from outside the house is the ever-present tinnitus inside my head, which randomly runs in hyperdrive, and has been exceptionally non-stop this week. At least three times, the urge to cry or drive a spike through my head over the noise was nearly overwhelming. There have been other things that ticked me off, but to list them all would just trigger a painful reliving of it. I really miss the stretch before 2020 where I could shake things off more easily.

The produce box arrived today, a day later than usual, but an email earlier in the week provided notice of the delay. Not a single thing was broken, which felt like victory after recent deliveries, and the box was only slightly soggy despite being left outside on the deck in the pouring rain. It was strategically pushed against the door to the enclosed porch, making it hard to open from inside. You know, the door to the dry, sheltered space that would protect a cardboard box during a torrential downpour. But maybe that is just me being all house-proud and logical.

Supper!

The fresh and vibrant produce inspired a supper of sauteed onion, green pepper, mushroom, tomato, fresh basil, garlic, vegetarian fake Italian sausage, and macaroni. It was a magical fry pan supper whipped up in about 20 minutes, which is my favorite kind of meal. Well, except for maybe meals someone else cooks for me. 

The grocery items in the produce box included cocoa chocolate truffles which have miraculously managed to remain unopened for six full hours now. The dark chocolate covered bananas were opened and are really yummy. Those will not last long at all.