The Princess travels

I recently returned from a work conference in a faraway city, where I spent most of my time being in the wrong building, getting on the wrong elevator, and wondering why, when I clearly was not using all the little shampoos and conditioners and other freebies in my hotel room, housekeeping kept stocking more little shampoos and conditioners and other freebies.

Not that I am complaining. We do not receive mysterious deliveries of little shampoos and conditioners and other freebies at home. And the Hero, attentive though he is, is not in the habit of bringing me a lovely dinner on a tray as they did at the hotel, but if he did, I am sure he would not charge $33 for a burger and fries. So it all evens out in the end.

This conference took place in the South, which is known for its hospitality and homestyle cooking, in which white bread features prominently. At least it did in the hotel and conference center, where mornings traditionally began with an egg and cheese biscuit. Not every morning, of course. Some mornings there was an egg and cheese and bacon biscuit, whereas other days we were treated to an egg and cheese and sausage biscuit. 

While I was away the Hero kept a close watch on the house, particularly the contents of the fridge and freezer. One night by phone he inquired about what was involved when I cleaned the house. "I always make sure I at least clean the bathroom," I said, thinking we would start small.

"Right. Clean toilet."

Here we expanded upon the other items generally residing in a bathroom, ours included, that also needed attention. Tub. Counter. Sink. Floor. Etc.

"Okay," the Hero said gamely.

My co-workers were impressed with his initiative, and the next day they inquired of me how the cleaning was going. I said I would ask when I called him in the evening.

"How's the cleaning?" I asked him that night.

"It's not Saturday yet," he answered quickly. "I'm going to clean on Saturday." There was a pause. "Do I need to wash any clothes?"

More points with the co-workers. And me.

All in all, it was a good conference. I came home to a fairly clean house, and even some food remaining in the fridge and freezer. ("I had KFC one night," the Hero confessed.)

Now I can relax until next year's conference, and more white bread.