Reading "Bird by Bird" and watching my new Roomba

When I retired I thought time, long stretches of it would flow like a river, un-dammed into my life. Instead I find all sorts of other things clog my days, my hours my minutes. Why does that happen?

I remember the time in my childhood, especially the summers. It was broad as the Mississippi flowing by calm and deep. It made me calm and clear headed. I want that back but I do not want to give up my clutter. So I sit reading a chapter of a book, watching my new Roomba torment my Corgi. I sit writing this blog listening to the TV tell my about germs in my kitchen. I listen to books while weeding my garden.

Can I go back to just one simple thing at a time? Am I better off now? Should I retire to a cabin in the woods Walden like? My dog says no, she would be lonely.