“Remoted” – Day 441 (Monday)

The gray, cloudy, wet, and very un-summery weather all weekend was the opposite of the weather that graced the area during the workdays last week. Instead of rummaging for summer clothing options, Friday saw three spring weight layers. On Saturday, the winter base layers and sweaters were resurrected for both human and dogs. The heat was turned back on and it was quite depressing. Warmer temperatures are due to return Tuesday, proving that Mother Nature has a hell of a sense of humor.

Torture mask.

Sleep patterns were destroyed. Friday, after the doctor’s office with tetanus shot and cemetery planting with the hard labor of digging out the dense grass growing against the headstones there was a nap that dominated most of the afternoon. Bedtime occurred close to the normal time, but edged later on Saturday, and Sunday was a record-breaker at 1:30. I can’t remember the last time I stayed up that late, but the real mystery was why I was thoroughly awake and still watching Netflix and playing stupid phone games that late.

Moose attempted to get things back on track at 5:45 Monday morning with the shrill barking to go out for the preliminary pee, then again at 6:45 with the final notice to get and produce food. Once up and caffeinated, the day kicked into gear. There was the application of a charcoal peel off mask intended for pore cleansing. The thick, messy goop akin to liquid asphalt was spread on and for 30 minutes I sat on the couch while it dried, awaiting the magical moment of removal and the reveal of newborn-fresh skin.

According to the lofty claims on the label, “charcoal acts as a magnet to gently draw out deep dwelling dirt.” Apparently, there was some damn deep dirt, because the brutal and vicious peel-off process felt like every layer of my skin was coming off. Holy crap, that stuff needs a warning label. 

Eggplant, sweet potatoes, and acorn and butternut squashes were brushed with olive oil and roasted in a rousing culinary feat that managed to not trigger the smoke alarm. This fulfilled the dual goals of weekly food prep and warming up the house with the glory of the 375-degree oven. 

Pan full of veggies and
Field Roast sausage.

Hours of shows were binge-watched. Floors were swept. Dishes were washed. Brownies were consumed. Supper was assembled of Field Roast Smoked Apple and Sage plant-based sausage and various vegetables. It was quite tasty. Basically, it was a normal Sunday, except it’s Monday, making it the perfect setup for one of those confusing short workweeks where the days are all jumbled and calendars show their value.

At 7:00 pm, as a brilliant grand finale to the long and dreary weather of the weekend, the sun blasted through the clouds for the final 1.25 hours before descending for the day. Maybe it was a quick dress rehearsal for the week. The plentiful rain caused the grass and faux-grass to suddenly grow enough that mowing will be required soon. It was originally on the weekend list of exciting tasks, but the rain prevented it from happening. Now it tops the list of things to look forward to during the week. Oh goody.