River City Connections — 2026-01-23 (Patreon)

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MAKING A HOME by Cindi Curtis

I worked at Michael’s condo for half the day. It was tough to say goodbye and leave, but I had things to do.

Yesterday, Michael received a delivery from my mom. ALL of my clothes, via UPS. She had used a vacuum sealer and boxed them up. I don’t know how much she paid to ship them, and she said not to ask. So, here’s my public thank you to her and Dad. I’m so lucky.

After leaving Michael’s, I stopped at the Comcast store and got their DIY box to set up the internet in my new home. It’s pretty much plug and play, so I’ll be up and running (and if you’re reading this, then it worked).

After that, I thought I’d hit the Walmart Neighborhood Market. As you see, I caved in and got a Keurig! No regrets.

But…

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people crammed into one store. There was pretty much no bread or milk. I managed to get a half-dozen organic eggs (which was all they had left). To be honest, it looked like the place had been looted.

I managed to pick up enough to say I have food in the house, but I have to tell you, the crowd and the mood were unpleasant. I ended up stuck in an aisle behind an elderly man, unable to go forward or backward because of the crowd.

He turned to look at some canned corn and must have noticed I was tense—he smiled and said, “Change what you can. Cope with what you can’t, right?”

That washed over me nicely, then he pointed at the Keurig. “I’m a fan. I used to do French press… you know… for the experience and ritual…”

I felt myself lighten. “Oh, I love French press! Why did you stop?”

He shrugged. “About a year after my wife died, I broke the piston thingy. I’ve been trying to uncomplicate my life, so I didn’t replace it. Less is more sometimes, right?”

I nodded, and we finally got out of that aisle.

Eventually, I checked out and made it home. I think shopping on Friday afternoon is now OFF my list of things to do. Thankfully, the man’s words held back my anxiety—”Cope with what you can’t.”

I should get that on a coffee mug!

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