BY CHRIS MILLSPAUGH
“It’s a beautiful day outside, I think I’ll stay inside.” This quote keeps me focused during this coronavirus crisis. And, now, in order to lend a helping hand, here are some activities that my cat, Myles, and I explore to avoid ennui.
What’s That Sound? This fun escape from reality can be played at any hour of the day or night. We hear a sound in the house, look at each other quickly, arise and go searching frantically for wherever the unknown noise that has interrupted our reverie is coming from. I follow Myles, who has superior senses, all over the place, upstairs and downstairs, until we are satisfied that we know what it is and from where it has emanated. Then, satisfied, we return to what we were doing. (Haha.)
Keyboard Challenge. The game begins when Myles, for whatever reason, decides to jump upon the computer keyboard. We then record the image on the screen, copy and paste it to an email and send it to all our Facebook friends. Not only does it shake me up, I am able to laugh when I imagine folks saying, “Now, what was that post for?” (Good times.)
Tag in the Dark. This is a game I usually lose yet, nonetheless, really enjoy and am determined to win one day. It begins with loud meowing from different rooms totally in the dark. The first one who slaps the other’s leg wins. (What fun.)
Binge Washing. No, not binge watching, like when one explores a Netflix TV series all weekend. This is binge washing whereas I wash every piece of clothing in the area and pile the clean items from the dryer on top of Myles, who rolls and dives throughout. (He loves the heat.)
Phone Fun. Whereas I call telemarketers in India at their homes and ask them, “Why so silent nowadays?” (Myles listens and gurgles)
Forward Ho! I forward bills from companies to other companies around the world. What a delight! (Myles licks all the stamps.)
In-House Census. A game that can be played quickly and always ends when the total number hits two. (Odd but educational.)
Litter Box Roulette. I clean the box, put in new litter but leave one item of solid waste inside. Myles finds the item, scoops it out and we both laugh and laugh. (A knee slapper.)
Oops-a-Daisy Trip to the Bathroom. First, I draw a chalk outline around Myles asleep in the hall. Then, gently move him, dress up as Morgan Freeman and trip over the outline on the way to the bathroom. (Imaginative fun.)
I hope this makes you realize that “Pandemic Pandemonium” can be time-consuming and fun.
Now, it’s time to set the clocks back to Nov. 4, 2016, and retire from game day.
Nice talking to you.