I did a lot of stuff yesterday and boasted about it and, hey, I’m not upset about doing that. Somebody has to pat the mulch-toter on the back (and don’t forget the lawn mowing). Today, I am a dud; I am plopped on my sofa with my feet in front of a space heater because it is 51 degrees outside, cloudy and damp. If I had an “e” handy, I wouldn’t even attempt to stick it onto my dud self, because it is comfy being a dud today. Let someone else be the cool dude.

Oh, dear, here she is. Sophie, Rose’s assistant counselor, and right now Acting Counselor since Rose is visiting the Ohio Redoubt.

 

Sophie is giving me the eye and a bit of advice, which comes across differently than when Rose does it.

Make something of this day, you dud, before I whack you upside the head with my sneaker.

Say, doesn’t that little Sophie body look nice and soft? Almost like a pillow.

Oh, wait, she is getting a phone call from Rose. She’s listening and looking at me and listening and looking at me. There she goes to check the manual Rose left for her. Her little mouth is pursed up and her brow a bit wrinkled but she’s nodding and telling Rose, “Okay.”

Ah, what a sweet face is turning to gaze at me with heartfelt affection . .

So, little AmeliaJake, just think how one day when you’re sick or older and want to be up doing something. Why, you’ll look back on this day and regret the heck out of being a dud. Feel the vibrant power that still resides in  your 62 year old body. Now get up and be . . .  AMELIAJAKE.

 

Okay, okay, I see your point. You’re right. I’m up and getting myself going. Sophie, Rose would be proud of you.

OVERHEARD WHISPER: Yeah, well the sneaker maneuver would have been more exhilarating.

***
Sophie has two business cards. This is the one Rose doesn’t know about:

Sophie’s Counseling – THE BUSINESS END