By Bonnie Brown
Columnist

So, this is how my day begins. I stumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, and yawn and stretch and try to come to life.  Okay, so I mimic Dolly Parton in my wake-up routine.  

After we’ve finished coffee, checked the weather forecast, and a small dose of the Today Show, it’s time for breakfast.  Tom and I always play the game of “What do you want?”  “I don’t care, what would you like?”  And it’s a repeat of the day before of a toasted English muffin, fruit, and yogurt along with the second cup of coffee.  

After a quick kitchen clean-up, we then part ways as he goes to his home office to check email and read a bit.  Most mornings, our little dog Carly accompanies him to the office to get a quick nap.  

I head to the bedroom and begin the what-to-wear-today process.  As soon as Carly hears the closing of drawers, she abandons Tom and comes to be with me as this is also her glam time.  She lies on the bed and watches as I apply makeup and tame my hair.  Then it is time for her brushing.  She likes this routine, and I must admit, I enjoy this time too.  

After Tom is dressed for the day, he is out of the house to Planet Fitness.  I’m not so sure if it’s the workout he enjoys or the opportunity to just get out of the house for a while.  Thankfully, he doesn’t mind doing an errand while out and about and often brings us some lunch upon his return.  

Throughout the morning, Carly has been very watchful to see if her other doggy friends are out and about.  If there is any movement at all outside, she is on the alert.  She is very mindful of the UPS truck making its rounds in our neighborhood.  She has a growl and a bark for the UPS truck and driver should we have a package.  She hardly raises an eyebrow at the FedEx trucks, but the UPS really riles her for some reason.  

I usually try to plan the day such that I have some productive time.  Perhaps a little housework, a load of laundry with some easy listening music in the background.  This phase of the day passes quickly, then it’s time for lunch and the midday news.  Or, as Tom refers to it as the crime report. 

We are so blessed to have such excellent law enforcement here in Oxford and therefore, less crime, especially compared to neighboring towns.  

After lunch, it is time to tune in to my “story” to see what has happened since yesterday’s installment.  The sequence of events turns out so very slowly that I often think there should be more action in the plot.  And Tom seems to be able to predict each storyline as if he wrote it!  

Then the remainder of the afternoon is up for grabs. Maybe a little reading or writing for me, and Tom always seems to find some ballgame to watch.  Then as the afternoon progresses, there’s likely to be some napping.

It sounds as if each day is the same, but of course it never is.  The routine suits me, and I am grateful for every day’s blessings.  Hope your day is filled with smiles and laughter!