Both of us now being ‘four score’ years of age, we never thought we’d go back to doing what we had to do when we were in our 30s. Back then, we had to ‘child-proof’ our home. We had three little ones that could get into trouble if we didn’t child-proof everything. And then, the children grew up and moved away. No more child-proofing – we thought.
However, years later, in 1998, I once again had to child-proof my home. The access to the basement stairway had to be blocked off. Cords for any appliances and the telephone had to be secured. We’d have no idea where our shoes or slippers would end up if they weren’t put away properly. For some reason, any newspaper left unattended could be shredded.
When we had three children, we never had to take them for a walk three times a day. They soon learned to amuse themselves, even play together. Not so with our 1998 arrival. She was so tiny when she was born, but she never grew to be more than 17 pounds. Her language comprehension was amazing, but her ability to speak never progressed beyond moaning, whining and other utterances. Despite that, we always knew what she wanted and what mood she was in.
After all, how much more could one expect of an American Eskimo miniature! Ever since she died in 2010, there’s been an empty spot in my heart and an absence of enthusiastic greeting when we enter the doorway – even though we may have been away for only a few minutes.
I thought that all the things I’ve described from the 1970s to 1998 were never to be repeated. However, on February 16 of this year, everything was changed by a knock at the front door. What arrived was not of our doing.
We were soon back to ‘child-proofing’ our home. Once again, access to the basement stairway had to be blocked off. Cords for appliances and the telephone had to be secured. Newspapers and books could no longer be left on the floor. Our shoes and slippers had to be put where they belonged.
Living with a eufy RoboVac 11S robotic vacuum cleaner, with intelligent Boost IQ Technology, model T2108, is just like having three young children or an American Eskimo pup in your house. However, as he roams about the house, he does the vacuuming. Just like a toddler, he frequently needs to have what he’s ingested cleaned out. Then, off he goes again.
(Robo was a surprise birthday gift from Charlotte, Juliet’s daughter, who lives in Powell River, B.C.)
