Live and Learn

by sonomasojourn

Smokey and I have been here for two days now; she is practically stuck like glue to me. That was fine yesterday, when I spent most of the day in bed with what I thought was the flu but which Alexis suggested might be a norovirus infection when I told her today that I felt better (which meant that I didn’t have the chills and body aches anymore), although my stomach was still upset and I was spending a lot of time in the bathroom. I just looked up the definition (and causes) of norovirus infections and she might be right; she has, after all, spent a lot of time lately in hospitals because of Aunt Ann, so I’m sure she’s up on the latest diseases that can severely impact the elderly. Oh – wait! Hospitals and nursing homes (“gracious retirement living communities”) are particularly susceptible to norovirus because of the way it’s transmitted (if you need details, check mayoclinic.com); is there a connection between my sister being in those environs and my being sick? Of course, it could have just been a plane load of people flying across the country from one of the hotbeds of the flu epidemic (Boston) and an unfortunate contamination during those six hours in the air.

Whatever the cause of my malady, I slept through yesterday and last night and woke up today eager to get some groceries and pick up little things needed for the house: ice tea pitcher, tissues, paper clips, toothpaste. A quick check online for thrift stores in Sonoma, and I was off to the races. I found most of the things on my list (pants hangers, small glass bowls, two bath towels any color but white, ice cube trays, martini glasses – there is a cocktail shaker here, but no martini glasses!) at the Republic of Thrift and the Church Mouse and realized almost immediately upon entering the stores that I could have come out here having packed practically nothing. With the money I would have saved in shipping costs I could easily have purchased duplicates of almost everything I had sent ahead. I can’t bear to think about how much money that is exactly and so I don’t — I just remind myself that it’s a lesson learned. I hope.

I stopped at Mary’s Kitchen for soup to bring home, and while I was waiting for my order I saw on the menu a Mountain Cuvee by Gundlach Bundschu, a Sonoma winery whose family member just happens to be my landlord. Of course I took this as yet another sign that I was destined to make this sojourn — I had to have a glass whether I liked it or not because it was serendipity all over again (remind me to tell you about the quarter in the living room tray). So I sat at the old polished bar and sipped slowly. I definitely enjoyed the serious yet easy-drinking red blend, loaded with lush black plum, blackberry, and milk chocolate flavors, with accents of black spice and fresh tobacco (just saying…) but I knew it would be at least another day or two before I could sit back and truly, fully savor the juicy, creamy and round mouthfeel with soft tannins supporting generous fruit.

I’m not sure if Smokey is feeling homesick or if she is trying to make me feel better, but she has been everywhere I’ve been since I came home. Those of you with cats know that as sweet and cute as that can be, it also can be difficult to generate leases for summer rentals when your cat is half on your lap, half on the keyboard, and challenges you with piercing green eyes when you stop rubbing her head as you make notes on your follow-up sheet.

Right now, though, she’s gently snoring on my feet as I write this; she reluctantly moved down my legs because her peaceful rest on my stomach was disturbed as I typed with two hands (usually I accommodate her naps by using only one hand, which means typing with only one finger because she is usually partially draped over my arm and I don’t want to disturb her). Sometimes I believe she drapes herself over me and/or the keyboard to let me know I should take a break. I never think it’s because she’s just being a pain…

Live and learn: life is good.