That's OK Seed you can blame me. I have a strong back. I can take it.
My post was not about enjoying time alone with the wife gone. It was about taking advantage of an opportunity to get some stuff done in the kitchen at a time it would not inconvenience my wife. Having over 5-1/2" of rain so I couldn't get much done outside anyway was a factor too.
I can't say I particularly enjoy the times when the wife is gone, but it doesn't depress me either. I did not get married until I was over 30 so I can handle feeding myself, laundry, and generally taking care of myself. I still do a lot of that anyway. It's always good when she does get home. Before her father died she would make several trips each year to take care of him, but she doesn't leave me that much anymore.