Tom's ruffled feathers

I told you I would let you know why Tom got his feathers all ruffled a little while back. It was basically because he is an over protective worry wart who needs to ease up on me although he might tell it differently. But who are you going to believe, him or me? LOL!


As I said the other, day we have had a wonderful summer! We have traveled a bit, had guests visiting us. I have enjoyed being on the water skiing, swimming and boating. I have enjoyed all the activity and people at the river. My only complaint this summer is Tom working. A complaint I have perhaps voiced once too often. Tom had told me he had heard all he wanted to hear about it one evening but the next morning I fell into general grumbling as he got ready to leave. He left alright! He left stinging handprints all over my bottom!

“When I say ‘that’s enough’ Cassie Jane I mean it. I’ll not listen to any more.”

Old devil! But I hushed and confined my complaining to Sue and Kate and Allie. But about two weeks ago my anger at his working flared up again. Tom had been working extra days and some late hours trying to get ready to take the month of September off. While that might sound nice in theory I say that if he would just stop working he could have EVERY month off – but I digress.

Around four thirty that afternoon I got a call from Tom’s secretary. “Miss Cassie, I hate to tell you this but Mr. Duff asked me to call. That video conference that they have been trying to get scheduled is on for tonight. He said to tell you he knows he won’t be home until after eight.”

“Angie NO!” I fumed. “I was counting on him coming home early tonight.”

“I’m so sorry. But they just got this worked out. No one was really expecting it to be today. It just worked out where everyone could be here.”



I was doing a slow burn! “And why couldn’t he call?” I asked “Oh never mind” I snapped “Tell him I said fine.” I hung up and sat staring at the phone. I was having trouble pinpointing just why I was so angry. Thinking back now I think I was just lonely. Sue and Steve had been gone for a week. Kate and Andrew and the kids had just gotten back from vacation and they were busy with back to school activities. Lonely and I do don’t do well together.

I tried reading a while, I finally turned on the TV but in my anger at that time I just needed activity. A bike ride I thought – the perfect thing. Willow and I started out at a fast pace. Willow love our rambling walks but she adores a good run with the bike.


The wind was blowing hard and it was just what I needed! It felt wonderful! We must have ridden for nearly forty-five minutes before returning. I felt much better but still restless. I wasn’t ready to sit down to a solitary meal and an evening of television.

Willow and I went to the back yard where I really began paying attention to the weather. The wind was still strong, I knew there was a storm up river somewhere, the wind was coolish. I enjoyed watching the moss in the trees whipping in the breeze. Finally my eyes settled on the choppy water. The color was deepening the water looked angry as it thrashed about– and I had to be out there!

Tom is adamant that I not go on the water alone and I almost never do – I always have at least Willow with me. Perhaps not what he meant but he should learn to be specific. I changed from shorts into jeans, made sure I had my phone and we headed for the boat. Despite what Tom may think I am not reckless. When it’s only Willow and I, I always wear a life jacket and so does Willow – one especially made for her.


The sky was darkening to the west and I was excited. A storm was exactly what I was in the mood for! I eased away from the dock, puttered slowly to the center of the river and then opened her wide up! That’s what I needed!! The wind, the roar of the motor, the rough water – the boat was fairly skipping on the surface only to occasionally slam back down. It was exhilarating! And I was off!


More soon…