Sometimes life interrupts our plans. Some days (or weeks) there are so many distractions that I can’t write, edit, or revise. Sometimes several such weeks happen in consecutive order. Welcome to my world!

We’re getting ready to remodel our kitchen and bathroom. This project has been nothing more than a dream for many years. We’re taking the plunge! It’s going to happen! For what seems like weeks, we’ve been making decisions and packing up material possessions. Trips were made to Goodwill and other charities. Dishes were taken to Replacements Unlimited in Greensboro, North Carolina, and sold. It feels good to declutter once in a while. Our new mantra is, “If it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it!” That isn’t easy for a card-carrying pack rat, but I have made tremendous progress.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have prepared for the remodel, lost a first cousin to COPD and pneumonia, and had family come from out-of-state for a week. Last weekend was our chance to take a deep breath, relax a little, and reorganize ourselves for the coming construction.

Saturday night the clothes dryer broke, but Sunday went without a hitch. Late last night the washing machine sprung a leak, the freezer completely defrosted and we spent a couple of hours throwing away thawed food, and then we realized that the air-conditioner wasn’t cooling the house. It has been my experience that calamities often come in threes. I believe this sudden rash of four unexpected breakdowns within 48 hours is my new personal best. It is a record that I hope will stand forever.

Today I got up early after three hours of sleep to call two repair people and to wait for their return calls. It is now late morning. I have transitioned into waiting for them to arrive. It would be nice if they did not arrive at the same time as the kitchen planner, but that might be asking too much.

The day will come when I will look back on May of 2015 and laugh. Today is not that day.