This week the chosen theme was pirates or pirating in any sense. Quotidian is an unusual word and means ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane.

Jessica and Bob sat down at their Toscana extended dining table with gray wash finish. Jessica recently acquired this gem at Pottery Barn. She considered it quite the find actually and it was the perfect complement for the faux distressed photo collage frame she picked up at Pier One.

She spent all afternoon searching Pinterest to locate the perfect set of family photos she could print for the frame. She made sure she selected a variety of images to represent as many different fun family activities as possible. She had a picture of a family at the beach, another of a group strolling through the city. A BBQ photo and one of a family playing Monopoly filled out the corners. She found the perfect Thanksgiving image for the center of the frame. A perfect table set with the perfect turkey surrounded by multiple generations of smiling family members.

As was her habit, she asked Bob about his day at work. He spun a fascinating yarn of budget meetings and quarterly reports, tossing in a bit of water cooler gossip for humor. He was getting better at putting in detail, it really made the stories believable. He reminded Jessica he had a golf game this coming Sunday. They engaged in an earnest discussion of the merits of allowing the boss to win vs playing his best. She in turn reminded him that he had been promising to clean out the garage three weeks running so he better see to that on Saturday.

They retired to the living room, watched their favorite Wednesday night shows on TV and wrapped up with the nightly news. As they were getting ready for bed, Jessica once again broached the subject of children. She strongly felt they should have two. A ten year old boy and a seven year old girl would be perfect. Surprisingly, Bob agreed. He explained his change of heart. Children would add a new dimension to their nightly activities. And besides, it was expected they would have a family by their age. Jessica clapped her hands, she knew just where to get some.

In the morning, Jessica donned her apron and prepared breakfast. Two poached eggs, white toast with jam and butter. She had just finished setting the plates, napkins and utensils at the breakfast nook when Bob strode into the kitchen. He was having some difficulty with his tie, would she help? He was having trouble getting used to the Windsor, he was more accustomed to tying a handcuff knot. Jessica quickly tied the perfect knot. She dusted off his shoulders and bade him to sit down for breakfast. Just as they began enjoying the wonderful food, there was a knock at the door.

They both stood and walked to the front door. The knocking was getting louder and more insistent. Bob opened the door, a cross look forming on his face. “We have another week. You are not allowed to disturb us!”
The sergeant stood looking down, his hat crumpled in his hands. “I am sorry sir. I wouldn’t be here but an alert just went out. There is a flare-up 10 klicks outside the wall. Your infiltration team dusts off in ten. Your gear is prepped and ready at the heliport. And ma’am, you are requested at the stockade. A new batch of captives just arrived and need some convincing.”
Bob turned to Jessica for one more moment of the dream. “Honey, I’m off to work. The firm is having an emergency, you know how it is.”

Jessica pecked him on the cheek, “I understand dear. Have a good day.” He sprinted out the door throwing off his tie and suit jacket.
She stepped outside and grabbed the sergeant’s arm as she pulled off her apron, tossing it back through the door. “Tell me about the prisoners, what do we have?”