Sometimes, when things are quiet like they are now, with all three of the older kids away from home and the baby sleeping peacefully in her carriage, I get so caught up in enjoying the silence, in being able to exhale, finally, that I forget to do any of the things I’ve been meaning to do when I get a free moment.  It’s only when everything starts to come to life again, and the opportunity has passed, that I think, Man, I really should have gotten something done when I had the chance.

On the other hand, those times that I do make the most of the occasion to cook and clean and take care of other miscellaneous tasks in peace, I can’t help thinking wistfully, later, of having missed the chance to sit mostly idly, with only a book or the computer and a cup of coffee to occupy me.

Oh, to have it both ways …