I am Cornered; A Captive.

A few days ago, I had a estimate on a privacy fence and the fella doing the measurements told me that their company was two months behind completing jobs. He told me that it's the busiest his company had been in the 17-years he's been with them. He theorized that people have been in their homes more due to the pandemic and they look around at things and decide on changes and/or improvements. I believe the gent is correct and his thought even supported by my own behavior.

My wife and I returned from Florida on March 9, just about the time the 'coronavirus-hit-the-fan.' Since then, I have filled the auto with gasoline only two times; we don't go as in normal times. We don't eat out in restaraunts. We don't take day trips or weekend jaunts to visit our children. We are stuck at home.

Since I'm not spending monies on the aforementioned activities, I rationalize expenditures on the following: (1) Wild bird seeds and exotic feeders for Finches, Song Birds and Hummingbirds. (2) I am on first name basis with Wayfair agents after buying three patio umbrellas and two yard fountains. (3) this year's flower planting cost set a personal record and now I look to create a 'compound' with a six foot high privacy fence. Some say, "You're losing it." Kinder folks opine, "He's eccentric."

The unfortunate reality of this backyard fantasy escape will end with falling leaves and winter snows. It is then that the emotional frustration and anxiety will set in. I will be 'inside' the house instead of outside. I will be answering the endless soliciting telephone calls from every charity under the sun. I will get frequent reminders about an auto warranty expiration on a vehicle, which was totaled in an  accident nine years ago. I will turned down numerous freebies from cruise company's, casinos, resort hotels and United Healthcare's 'Home Nurse Visit Program.' I will also hear from Rachael regarding my credit card and hear from Social Security that somebody in Southwest Texas is engaged in suspicious financial activities using my Social Security number. (I hate it when that crap happens).

If I buy half of what's offered from telephone solicitors and commit to the plethora of $19 per month television pitches, i.e., St. Jude's (my wife already commits), ASPCA, Shriners, Wounded Warriors, local police fund, State Police Association,  Sheriff's Association and humane society,  I will deplete my monies for going South for the winter if and when this virus evaporates. And I've learned that when packing to go South for the winter, I should take 'half' the clothes and 'twice' the money.