I have failed. I have tried for decades to convince the PTB* to exchange the work week with the weekend. That is, give us five days for the weekend and two days for the work week (and, of course, be paid the same pay for two eight-hour days as I earn for five.) LOL, hasn’t worked yet.)

This past weekend was no exception to the “crammed” but productive life I lead.

Saturday morning began with a warm and cozy snuggle with the spouse. Then up-and-at-em by 0530 to take a three-mile walk with a friend. When I arrived home, I prepared my usual homemade special gluten-free waffle and hot cereal for my spouse, while I had a piece of toast and an egg. (I can’t stand the gluten-free stuff, but my spouse cannot have gluten when he is still suffering from the relapse of his illness.)

By the time I cleaned up the breakfast dishes, it was time to pick up the first of two groups of lovely LOLITS** to take them grocery shopping. The fun never ceases.

When I got back from that regular routine, I donned my work boots and did a repair on my own house to help water drain off one of our decks. Accumulating debris from melting snow had dammed up the drainage and could potentially damage the deck, so I resolved that.

While in my work duds, I went to three sr. pal’s homes to do some minor home repair jobs for them. I was home by 11:30. Just in time to prepare homemade gluten-free pizza for my spouse. The whole process takes 90 minutes, but he loves it so that I truly enjoy making it for him.

After lunch, it had warmed to a mild 62F (16.7C). My Harley had been in the shop for two weeks (major snowstorm in between delayed any thought of picking it up earlier.)

Because my spouse still cannot drive, I took the bus to the Metro and was met at the Metro station closest to the Harley dealership by someone from the dealership to get a ride to the shop. After a frustrating 90-minute wait, my bike was finally ready. When they originally brought the bike out to me from the shop, it had not been fully re-assembled and was covered in layers of dust and dirt. I had to send it back to be put back together and washed.

I rode the long way home, spending about an hour riding. Unfortunately, road spray from salty, melted snow covered my bike, so I had to spend about another hour cleaning it when I got home.

Saturday dinner of roast beef, potatoes, and a salad was enjoyable — and yes, I cooked it entirely at home. Typical of us. We do not go out to eat and I do not use shortcuts like prepared meals.

Evening, a typical Saturday at home, involved watching whatever my spouse had recorded on his Tivo, and just sitting with him, holding his hand. Off to bed by 9; I’ve never been a night-owl.

Sunday morning, daylight was an hour later due to the change of time to DST, but my usual routine of a warm snuggly snuggle began at the usual oh-dark-30. Got my spouse fed early and I was out the door on a mission. Picked up two more LOLITS for an early encounter at the grocery store. I was hoping my spouse would join us, but he is so fatigued, he remained at home.

After the thrill of grocery shopping was completed, including food for our pantry, I went to a niece’s house for a brief visit — yep, aboard the Harley. Celebrated her son’s 12th birthday, then home by noon. Prepared lunch, then cleared the decks (actually, cleaned the kitchen island) and began a culinary adventure.

I bake bread every weekend to have for sandwiches for my lunches during the week. I also prepared a buttery dough for a treat… later.

While the dough was chilling as the recipe required, I peeled, cut, and otherwise prepared all the veggies to go into a pot of my famously favorite chicken soup. When the soup was simmering, I got back to the dough.

I rolled it out and my spouse cut 4-inch (10cm) circles of dough. Edged the circles with egg white. Added a dollop of jam, then folded them over into half-moons to make mezzalune (half-moon sweets, like cookies, Italian style.) Applied more egg white to the outside and dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Baked 40 minutes and out they came — tremendously delicious, homemade treats!

Meanwhile, the spouse and I enjoyed the chicken from the soup, he had some veggies, then the soup after. Yum! This soup is absolutely guaranteed to cure him. I have faith!

Here is a picture of our kitchen island with the results of the culinary delights of the afternoon’s production:After this late afternoon feast, my spouse and I sat down to go over our finances, which I do with him each month. We moved some money into longer-term savings and ensured all bills were paid (we never carry balances on credit cards or have long-term debt.)

When the thrill of reviewing our finances was complete, we retired once more to our basement leisure room. While he watched more drivel on TV, I showered, then I sat with my laptop and computed more income tax returns for some of my senior pals who I offer to do that for each year.

Soon enough, off to bed. Another busy work-week looms ahead, quickly.

This is a glimpse into our gay lifestyle. I mean, our typical mundane weekend routine.

Life is short: enjoy being busy with friends, family, and home life.

*PTB: Powers-that-be
**LOLITS: Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes (an endearment).