I write science fiction and fantasy, and I love to read it. M y mother used to get so mad at me if I watched a scary movie because I’d have nightmares and then she’d have to get up with me. I still do that. What is it with people who loved to be scared? Now, I am a great Stephen King fan and love to read his work. But who knew my Rumba vacuum cleaner could be a nightmare!

As kids we were allowed to watch The Jetsons on TV. Fantasy and comedy cartoons, not horror, and they stuck with me. When my husband bought me a Rumba vacuum cleaner, I was in heaven. I could pair it with my phone, but that seemed a little too technical. Instead, it had two buttons on top, “clean” and “dock.” Simple commands for a complicated machine. So, we set up the new automatic vacuum cleaner and I named her Rosie after the Jetson’s maid who was always upset at the messes she had to clean up after the family.

I could sit and read, write, watch TV and the Roomba could do the work.

Then one night, at about 2 am I woke to a noise, and the Rumba was busy vacuuming beside my bed! I had used it the night before and it went back to the dock to recharge. Evidently, fully charged in the night, it decided to vacuum again! I had to turn on the light, find my glasses, and push the “dock” button. Then she went home and back to sleep. She was taking care of business!

She needed a hard reboot, like we all do sometimes. She’s better now. She will still do her work for me, and all her filters are clean. She’s still on the job when I need her. But I hope she never wakes me up again. Just clean during the day, dear, rest at night.

What are you reading, writing, supporting, or creating this week?