Normal

            I have spent much of my life wondering what normal is. 

            Patsy Clairmont, Christian humorist, claims that normal is simply a setting on the dryer.  I am inclined to agree with her.

            After decades on the quest for normal, only now do I think to check its definition:  “usual, typical, or expected.”  I could have saved myself many questions.

            At least I am assured that my present life is not normal.  (Somehow “not normal” sounds more reassuring than “abnormal.”)  But I knew that before checking any dictionary.  Consider these facts:

• ·        On a daily basis, I open the gate to the perimeter fence and provide walking entertainment to John’s youngest cougar, Talina.  She loves it when I carry things.  I love to tap her fence and have her leap up at me.  She really got into me swinging an empty laundry basket today.

• ·        To do our laundry, I must walk partway down the driveway to the shop where the washer and dryer are located.

          Someday, I hope to normalize my life by getting a washer and dryer here in the house.

But then there wouldn’t be any reason to swing empty laundry baskets for Talina to attack.  I guess my normal setting will have to stay on the shop dryer.