I left my Volvo Cross Country station wagon and Donna Reed license plate in California.

I could have used it yesterday when I revisited the role of Long Island’s version of Donna Reed.

There are mornings out here that feel like they’ve been quietly borrowed from an old episode of The Donna Reed Show with better coffee and worse traffic.

For those not in the know, The Donna Reed show was a very popular sitcom that was on from 1958-1966. It was the first sitcom to feature a mother as the central character, breaking from the father-centric family sitcoms of the era. Donna multi-tasked her way through the day, solving most of the family’s issues with an even handed, loving and gentle balance.

I started the day at 5am, selecting my husband’s wardrobe for his business meeting in the city.

Before 7am, I performed morning ablutions, put a wash in, made breakfast for family and doggie.

I loaded them both into the Volvo substitute and headed towards the tiny train station where the real world begins again somewhere between the platform and the 7:45am to the city.

Kiss, Wave. Next.

The train pulls away, carrying ambition westward. I turn the Jag back toward the hamlet, where the lawns are still perfect and the day is just getting started.

Finnley and I glide through town with that quiet understanding that this whole scene is equal parts charming and absurd. A little nostalgic theater.

I returned home, folded the laundry, swept the patio.

I then headed out for a long walk with Finnley.

Upon my return, I donned my calico print apron and prepped meals for the week.

Later, as the sun began to set, I awaited the call for pick up.

Despite not fully assuming my past role of a full time business owner, performing school drop off, pick up, after school activity chaffeur and homework monitor, I was jettisoned back to the old days.

Somewhere, Donna Reed is smiling.