“Remoted – Hybrid” – Day 644 (Monday)

Through focused effort, the volume of stuff in the freezer has been reduced to a manageable level. Being assaulted by the tidal wave of frozen goods upon opening the door will not be missed, and being able to see what is inside is a welcome change. 

This morning’s hurried excavation yielded a small container. It was unlabeled, just like all the others, because I always think I will remember what is in them. It was a little hard to tell what was inside, but fingers were crossed and it was hoped it was the last bit of the Thanksgiving meat and potato stuffing. If not, it wasn’t like I would starve. In case of emergency, there is always Subway across the street from the office. 

Windshield frost.

I thought I hit the remote start button on the fob to warm up the car, but it didn't start. This wasn't realized until I was walking up to it in the driveway. I sat in the car waiting for it to warm up and admired the frost on the windshield. That's how I went from leaving early to barely leaving on time. 

Luckily, the freezer guess was correct and at 11:15 I dined upon a small portion of stuffing, while thinking how great it would be if it was in a sandwich of fresh bread with turkey, mayo, and cranberry sauce. Oh well. 

The office was quiet. Emails were read and dealt with and work was done. Conversations were had via the Teams chat feature and live and in person. Then it was time to go home.

Ice box.

While returning the trash bin from the curb to the front of the house, two brown boxes sealed with tape emblazoned with the Amazon name were spotted on the step to the deck. There was a half inch of frozen snow on either side of the boxes, and the smaller box perched atop the crusted frozen cover on the first box, suggesting it had arrived later. 

With a small amount of swearing, the bottom box, which was firmly frozen to the step, was pried off. The tape on the box was suggesting the opportunity to "smile more" but I wasn't quite feeling it at the moment. 

I have no idea when these arrived, but at least the box that froze to the step wasn’t totally destroyed by the snow/rain/sleet of whatever day that was. Time is all a blur lately. Thank goodness for trash day, or the boxes would still be out there. The usual lengthy rant about delivery people not leaving packages in the enclosed porch and chiseling the frozen stuff off the box at the sink so I could open it is on hold. It's time to be grateful for the surprise gifts and the fact that they weren’t damaged. Well, that I know of, I haven't totally opened the contents yet.

According to the various lists littering the house, today was day three of baking. Instead of making supper, the fourth treat was made, another cracker bark recipe, featuring Saltines this time. The kitchen has been productive. Potato chips were eaten directly from the family size bag afterward and it was considered a meal. In just a couple more nights, the sweat shop sweet shop can close for another year.