Introduction There’s something special about waking up at home after a weekend away. The sheets feel different, the coffee hits differently, and the sound of the washing machine humming reminds me that everyday life is back. Today, I got an especially dramatic start – courtesy of our cat.
This morning, our cat launched a full attack on my feet sticking out from under the blanket. Before 5:00 AM. Of course I woke up immediately. That little rascal knows exactly how to get me out of bed – just to get his breakfast.
Still, waking up at home after being in the motorhome is a lovely feeling. I do enjoy our trips in LVL^2, but there’s a comfort in coming home, unpacking, and slipping back into the rhythm of regular life.
Unpacking the Motorhome – Our Routine
We’re a good team when it comes to unpacking the motorhome. I gather everything from inside, and my husband carries it all into the house and puts things in the fridge. The whole process takes maybe fifteen minutes. After that, I usually settle into the sofa for a bit – but not before checking on our greenhouse and garden.
Yesterday, everything needed a good watering, but I left it until the evening.
Birthday Celebration for My Mother-in-law
Once the unpacking was done, we shifted gears – my mother-in-law turned 81, and we had a little party planned. Showers, getting ready, and picking up our eldest daughter before heading off to Gothenburg.
We made a quick stop at Torp to buy the final gift – a warm, long cardigan to go with the two knives we had already bought (a bread knife and another one she had mentioned needing). She often feels cold, so a cozy, knee-length cardigan seemed perfect.
The party was lovely. She served Swedish sandwich cake and gluten-free options for us, along with Budapest roll and Schwarzwald cake. We were twelve people gathered – a rare occasion due to the distance between us.
Home Again – and a Message from the Neighbor
We got back home around 7:00 PM. Everyone was tired. We watered the garden and sat out on the patio. Just being.
On the drive home, my neighbor messaged me. Her YouTube channel had gained more views, and she mentioned that her son missed me. They had gone swimming, but he didn’t want to go into the deep water without me there. I think we’ll sort that out – he’ll be ready for deep-water swimming before winter arrives. I know he can learn.
My our little girl also mentioned that he had probably knocked on our door while we were away. She finds it unsettling when someone knocks unexpectedly, so she waited. Eventually, she saw him return to his house across the street.
A New Children’s Video About Emotions
Speaking of my neighbor – she recently uploaded a new video to her YouTube channel. She makes short educational films for young children, and they’re truly lovely. The latest one is about emotions: what feelings exist, how they feel, and how they affect us. It’s not every emotion, of course – but it’s perfect for young kids.
The washing machines are calling again. It’s not even 6:00 AM, and I’ve already done two loads of laundry – mostly from the weekend trip. I also washed our swimwear, because we’re probably going swimming today.
Closing Words Thanks for joining me on this Monday morning. Maybe you were woken gently, maybe not. However your day started, I hope it gives you both energy and space to just be.
Reflection: It’s in the contrast that we notice what we truly enjoy. A quiet Monday isn’t boring after an adventurous weekend – it’s a soft landing. And maybe that’s what everyday life is really about.
”Live today, right now. Yesterday rests in history, and tomorrow waits out there in the distance. Right now is what matters.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Do you also have a furry friend who “helps” you wake up? Share your best or worst pet alarm moment in the comments!
Have you celebrated someone recently? What’s your favorite gift to give a loved one?
Have you seen my neighbor’s new children’s video? Let us know what you think – she loves hearing from viewers!
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An unusually ordinary morning. A husband who was awake before me. And a cat who’d been out all night – even though he’s not allowed to. In our home, the roles are clear: I’m the lunch lady and the cleaner, my husband is the cozy corner. But sometimes, routines shift, and then it becomes clear just how much space a little meow can take in our hearts.
An Awake Husband and That Darn Cat
I’ve been awake for a while now, but it was an unusual morning here at home. Not because the cat was lying on top of me to wake me up – he always does that, I’m the one who feeds him. Not even because he jumped up on my legs and patted me with his paw to remind me about breakfast. No, what was unusual was that my husband was already awake.
That happens rarely. Maybe three or four times in all our years together. But today was one of those days.
And I know why.
A Restless Night with the Cat
Findus – my husband’s little cat, his darling and best friend – had been outside all night. Something he absolutely isn’t allowed to do, according to my husband. The cat usually comes in by the evening, but last night he never showed up. And he already seemed a bit under the weather before he went out, which made my husband even more worried.
So there he sat, awake and anxious, with worried eyes and his heart in his throat. Waiting. Listening for every sound. I fell asleep long before he did, so I don’t know how long he lay there listening for the cat. That’s why he was up before me this morning.
Morning Routine with Cat – and Milk in the Coffee
When I woke up, the cat was lying on me as usual. I got up, pressed the button on the coffee machine, poured in milk – and the cat started pawing my legs. Breakfast time. I went to his “pantry,” an IKEA drawer, grabbed his food, and walked toward his bowl.
He attacked my hands as I lifted the bowl – as he always does – and then gobbled his food down. Afterwards, he clawed at the living room chair, meowed, and wanted to go out again. I opened the patio door. He stared at me. I closed the door. He stared at me again. I told him it was raining. Then he slowly approached, his tail waving gently. I opened the door again. This time, he went out.
A Love Story Between a Cat and a Man
The cat isn’t just a pet in this house. He’s my husband’s baby. Meow-meow. Prince Findus. Yes, he probably has ten nicknames.
If anyone ever hurt the cat – my husband would be there like a front-line soldier. He carries the cat inside, dries him off, takes care of him. Me? I’m just the sidekick. I clean, feed, scoop the litter boxes, and try to stop the cat from sneaking in with half-alive prey.
My husband gets the cuddles. The cat seeks him out, purrs in his lap. I just get the shadow of their bond. Jealous? Not of the cat – maybe a little of my husband, who escapes all the work but still gets all the love.
Oops – I guess this turned into a cat post! I was actually going to write about my neighbor.
Want to read the next part where I talk about my neighbor’s YouTube channel, AI as a coworker, and what I really meant to write about? Click here to read Part 2: A YouTube Channel, AI as a Colleague – and Newfound Knowledge
Thank you again for reading my blog. It means more than you know.
Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Reflection:
Sometimes it’s those little shifts in everyday life that speak the loudest. Like who wakes up first. Or who waits by the door. Love can look like a tail waving in the rain – or a glance between a man and a cat.
Carina Ikonen Nilsson ”Live today, right now – yesterday rests in history, and tomorrow waits in the distance. Right now is what matters.”
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