My wife took the summer off from her job in a local tutoring program. You would not necessarily know it. When we were in Connecticut the last week of June, she received a call from a parent over an issue. This is not a singular event. When we were out at a concert at Albany’s Palace Theatre a couple of months ago, the same thing. We’ve gone out to dinner at restaurants at least twice in 2026, and she has to take a call.
Am I jealous? Nah, it’s important work. Okay, maybe a little bit jealous.
Her primary non-work task is taking care of her mom, which is surely a part-time job in its own right. She’s my MIL’s primary health care and fiscal proxy. All of MIL’s mail now comes to our house; just sorting it can be a task. In the spring, my MIL had to go to the hospital for a couple of days, then to a rehab center for nearly two months. Should MIL move to another facility? (That’s a whole ‘nother conversation.)
My wife also has had some personal financial decisions that got shoved to the last minute.
Define “fun”
Someone asked us what we’re doing for fun this summer. Other than going to the annual family reunion we just got back from, and seeing one concert, I’m not feeling it.
We ought to tackle the storage units we got for MIL’s stuff a couple of years ago. The house needs deep cleaning. These do NOT feel like “fun” tasks.
My wife has about a month remaining on her “vacation.” Maybe something will pop up. The picture of Mark Twain FLIRTING with my wife – or maybe it’s the other way around! – happened because we were going to the celebration of life of the ex-husband of a good friend, so we left for Hartford, CT, a couple of hours early. (I’ll have to write about it.)
Anyway, it’s my wife’s birthday today. I THINK we’ll do something fun today. Last week, she had an appointment every weekday. No, we’ll do SOMETHING; after all, it’s also our lunaversary.
I wish your wife a Happy and Healthy Birthday and the two of you, a Happy
“Lunaversary.” I fully understand your wife’s commitment to her work and especially, all that she has to take care of for her mother, since I am currently doing similar work for my wife and years ago, was legal guardian for my younger brother, after my parents died.
Still, the two of you need to make the best of things and enjoy your lives together, because that’s the way it works for both of you!
Happy birthday to your wife!!
Happy belated birthday to her!