During our recent polar vortex, I was stuck in my house for so long, I started to hear voices. It begins when I wake up.
Bed: “Whoa, where you going, John, it’s only 7 o’clock. C’mon back, I’m still warm.” As I turn back toward the bed, there’s a voice from downstairs.
Kitchen: “Yoo hoo, coffee’s on!” I stagger down the stairs.
Bathroom: “Better stop in here first.” After I fill my first cup, I hear a voice from the living room.
TV: “Turn me on, turn me on, Fox News has another breaking Clinton scandal.” I sip cup after cup, watching a parade of bad news and polarizing political discourse.
Bathroom: Clearing throat, “Isn’t it about time we get the show on the road?” I start to fill the bathtub.
Kitchen: “It’s me again – you haven’t had your banana yet.” As I drop the peel into the container, the Garbage speaks up, “Better get me out of here, before I smell any worse.” I pull on boots and shuffle out to the alley.
Bathtub: Alarmed, “Hey, hey – did you forget about me?” I shut the overflowing water off and hear a muffled voice from the medicine cabinet. “Psst, I’ve got an antacid, think you might need it, after that burrito last night.” All cleaned up, I climb the stairs to face my toughest chore.
Sock Drawer: “Hey, we’re in here. Bet you can’t match us.” Sure enough, it’s like playing Concentration. Each time I think I have two identical ones, I see their subtle differences. After settling for close-enough, I finish getting dressed.
Shirt: “I don’t want to complain, but I’m way past retirement age. Are you sure polyester is still in?” It’s finally time to start work.
Computer: “Important e-mail – oh sorry about the spam.” I click on the e-mails but the computer interrupts me. “Facebook, get your Facebook! And don’t forget to check Linked-In!” After staring at photos of food on Facebook, I find out 37 people want to connect with me on Linked-In.
Computer: “Isn’t it time we get some work done?”
Kitchen: “Ice-cold water in the fridge. Got to keep hydrated.” Returning with a bottle, the computer won’t shut up about all the reports and articles I have to write.
Ed’s Way: Shouting from half a block away, “I think you need a break and you haven’t made your daily visit.” After buying more bananas, pork chops and a newspaper, I realize with a sinking feeling that my social life for the day is over. I can practically hear the computer screaming when I get home. But first, Mail: “Bill, bill, bill, flier, coupon – sorry, no check.” At the end of the work day, the familiar voices begin.
Kitchen: “Better get in here. These pork chops aren’t going to cook themselves.”
Bed: “First a nap – dinner can wait.” You guys are driving me crazy I think, as I take out the pork chops. After real conversation with my wife, the voices start up again.
TV: “It’s time to watch ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ again.”
Couch: “Sit here, it’s soft.”
Fridge: “I have some cold ones inside; they’re not going to drink themselves.”
Car: Sternly “Either call me in, or put me away?”
Bed: “Why don’t you come up and read your book? I promise it will put you to sleep in five minutes.”
Detective Novel: “Hey, I heard that.”
John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com
