(This is a slightly-edited repeat of one of my most popular blogs, first published about five years ago. With COVID-19 dominating our thoughts these days I thought this perspective might help a little bit.)
When I woke up in our warm, comfortable bed, looked over at the bedside clock-radio and saw that it was showing the time, I knew that the power was on, our furnace was working, and it was time to get up.
I could smell coffee so I knew that Anne had been up for a while.
A visit to the bathroom confirmed that there was lots of water pressure.
As I put on my robe to go down for breakfast I realized that I was feeling great with no sniffles, aches, or pains.
I glanced out the bedroom window and saw that the weather was fine.
When I arrived in the kitchen Anne greeted me with a smile and a hug.
She, too, was feeling great with no sniffles, aches or pains.
My favourite breakfast was laid out for me.
The newspapers had been delivered on time.
All our major appliances were working and there was no need to call an electrician or a plumber.
When I sat down at my computer, internet access was instant and remained uninterrupted throughout the day.
When I went down to the workout room in our basement I was able to do my stretching routine without any twinges or cramps.
Then I was able to do fifteen miles on my stationary bike while watching one of my favourite TV news programs.
Later, when I turned on the shower there was lots of hot water and still lots of pressure.
I didn’t cut myself shaving.
I had a tasty lunch.
I had an uninterrupted hour-long nap.
Although there wasn’t anything on TV in which I was interested, I had crosswords to do, books to read, and a number of saved television shows from which to choose.
The weather was fine all day.
Our two sons, their wives, and our four grandchildren were all well.
We had an enjoyable dinner at home, after which we watched Jeopardy and a couple of our favourite shows.
No fire trucks or ambulances had to show up at our house.
Waste and recycling had been picked up.
As we got ready for bed we were both still perfectly healthy with no sniffles, aches, or pains.
We knew we had everything we needed for the next day.
I set the timer on the bedside clock-radio and inserted a relaxing Solitudes CD to lull us to sleep..
There were no late-night telephone calls.
What a wonderful day!