Is This Our New Normal?

Mike and I are true empty nesters now.  Our children are grown, have graduated from college and grad school, live in their own homes, and have grown-up jobs.  We moved to a new town due to my husband's job in July of '23.  We are renting this duplex.  It's small and easy to keep clean.

At 4:10, my cell rings daily.  It's my husband, asking what I am doing.  Of course, I am usually still with students and desperately trying to get as much done in those last moments of the day as possible.  It is amazing how quickly my mind works when I have those quiet moments (or at least, moments where students are occupied).  I can accomplish so much.

When I arrive home, I am greeted with the smell of a home-cooked meal, permeating our little home.  Mousse and Maggie and Paddy meet me at the door, wanting to go outside, our usual routine.  After the twenty minute drive home, this is my time to relax.  I put on sweats and a tee.  Dinner is ready so we both sit at the table to eat.  We speak about our day, but sometimes, we just eat in silence.  Mike usually cleans up the kitchen while I finish eating.  This is a new thing.  He seems to want to do it all.

Recently, I have begun walking in the evening.  The sun is out longer so it is a nice time to be outside.  Not too hot.

We usually end up in the living room, searching the channels for something to watch.  Mike is on his phone:  email, TikTok, YouTube, whatever keeps his attention.  We talk periodically but are mostly silent, in our own bubble.  Eventually, we make our way to our room to sleep.

Are we the old couple now?  Is this as exciting as it gets?  Is this our new normal?