Listen to the sounds of silence, people. There are no children in my house. Notta one. I can’t remember the last time I was in this house alone. I honestly don’t know that it has ever happened, come to think of it. I hear only the new Vampire Weekend album I just downloaded for four bucks.

Oh, and I keep imagining I am hearing one of my children yelling. I expect to look out the window and see that Robby has escaped from his second day of pre-school and walked home. But so far I am still alone in the house and there has been no phone call stating that I must come and retrieve my inconsolable, screaming child.

He had his first day last week and did well. I could tell by the way he was acting that he wanted to have fun, but had to play it up while I was there. It sounds like I was right; as soon as I left he was happy and played for the rest of the morning. Then school was canceled on Friday because there was ONE INCH of snow. I will refrain from comment.

Today there was a quick field trip to a local market, which I attended, and then walked him back to class, where he said bye several times and then settled in to play.

I could get used to this - both kids at school twice a week. Intriguing. What to do with myself?

I know I should be productive, and I had several errands that needed to be completed. But I tell you what, as soon as I got out of the school without incident I just ran straight home. Half of my coffee was sitting here waiting for me, just where I left it, and here I sit . . .