Too Much!

This morning, after the initial 12-point inspection and servicing of the feline members of the household, I sat on the screened porch and watched the squirrel circus performing acrobatics on the bird feeders. These cirque d'écureuil performances put me in a happy mood on most days. Today was not one of those days.

Is it possible to get too much of a good thing? As illogical as it sounds, I'm convinced that it's true. In fact, that's the situation I find myself in. You don't need to be reminded that we recently moved to Wilmington from Durham. When I say "we" I mean Ms. Wonder, three cats, and me. Sorry, I can't leave it at three cats, I must tell you that they are, reading from left to right, Beignet, Sagi, and Uma Maya.

So what's the problem, you probably wonder. It's too much of a good thing; that's the problem. Don't roll your eyes like that. Too much of a good thing is not only possible, but it's also common. Too much pie, too much alcohol, too much sun, shall I go on? I didn't think so.

Wilmington has 12 different districts to explore and each of them is filled with delights that demand attention. Then there's the seaside. The port city alone has 3 beaches and within a 30-minute drive, there are 3 more to the east and another 3 to the west. See the problem? I have work to do and I can't be traipsing around every day having fun in the sun.

And yet I can't resign myself to working at home and missing out on all the exploring. You're probably wondering why I haven't taken up the issue with Ms. Wonder, the go-to gal for all perplexing problems. She knows everything, of course, and always has a ready solution.

Well, I did take it up with her and she wasn't helpful. I don't mean that she was stumped. No, she was up to her neck in a soup cooked up by her employer, which I will not name but I'll give you a hint: It's a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. I'm sure you can guess the name.

When Wonder isn't available, I usually find inspiration in the lives of historical figures of great renown. Napoleon would have done whatever he wanted, of course, but that sounds more than a little self-centered and quite risky. Now that I think about it, considering Moscow and Cairo and whatnot, perhaps it's time to take Napoleon off the list of historical F's of great R.

Catherine the Great would have chosen a path that would benefit the most people. Women always seem to have a more balanced and sensible approach to life's moments, don't they? Now let me think; benefits the most people. What could that be?

So you see my point. What to do? I'd phone you and ask for your opinion but I'm sure that you're quite busy this Wednesday afternoon. Let me give it a bit more thought and I'll get back to you. I'll give you an update on that Napoleon question too. In the meantime, enjoy the day.