Rain, Rain, Go Away

 

My friend Paula and I did one of our usual Chico runs for lunch and shopping. And it was pouring buckets. I have mentioned before how much I hate shopping in the rain. I also hate driving in the rain. I tend to get very grumpy in the rain. However…

 

Even though I went into this trip with a terrible attitude, it ended up just fine. I love our shopping trips. We always have a nice lunch (The Habit, this time) and I do enjoy actually being in the stores.

 

First stop after lunch was Costco. Got some yummy food stuffs and some adult beverages.

Next stop was Bev Mo. Always a fun place to shop. Got some more adult beverages and continued on.

Last stop was Winco. More food stuffs and another adult beverage.

 

Then it was homeward bound. Still pouring like crazy through the whole thing. Absolutely miserable to go from car to store and back again. BUT…

 

We got GOOD PARKING at all 4 stops!! Yes, we had to slosh through the rainy parking lot, but didn’t have to walk all that far.

 

Got home safe and sound (thank you, Lord) and we were done!

 

One of the first things I did after unloading the car was fix me a nice hot tea toddy with some adult beverage in it and watched TV before getting dinner going.

 

BTW, the adult beverages I got will last a LONG time…really. I promise.

 

Random Thought:

Ice cream alone won’t fill the emptiness of my soul…I need cake, too.

 

 

Making Tea: A Guide

 

It’s getting to be that time of year when you might want to end your day with a nice soothing cup of tea. Add a little lemon, sugar, cream, whiskey…whatever…

Here’s a few guidelines to follow…

 

1--Bargain with the local witch for her best copper kettle.

 

2--Be vigilant.

 

3--Take her second offer. There will NOT be a third.

 

4--Take the long road home, because there is no other road to take.

 

5--Pray you make it back safely.

 

6--Cross your threshold.

 

7--Cross your heart, hope to die. It is the humane alternative.

 

8--Shoo the goblin from the kitchen.

 

9--Open the taps.

 

10--Wait for the water to run clear. Try not to think about blood and sin.

 

11--Fill the kettle.

 

12--Ponder the meaning of ‘full’.

 

13--Close the taps. Offer thanks.

 

14--Ponder the meaning of ‘sacrifice’.

 

15--Light the stove.

 

16--Be prepared to sweet-talk the flames into existence. Fire is a fickle thing.

 

17--Set the kettle on the hob.

 

18--Boil the water until it screams. It will feel cruel. That’s because it is.

 

19--Unearth the bronze chalice buried in your garden among tangles of hellebore and rue.

 

20--Lose yourself on the way back.

 

21--Find yourself in the light.

 

22--Choose your tea. Chamomile for calm. Green tea for clarity. Deadly nightshade to purge yourself of your wrongs.

 

23--Steep for five minutes.

 

24--Flavor your brew. Honey and lemon for sweetness. Ginger and mint to soothe. Arsenic for revenge.

 

25--Sip your tea quietly. Keep your eyes closed. It is rude to peek.

 

26--Allow them to enter, to pervade, to absorb.

 

27--Allow them to guide you, but be wary.

 

28--They live in you now.

 

29--Treat yourself to a piece of cake with your tea. You deserve it.

 

30--You deserve this.

 

More guides

 

*How to feel again

*Nine things about being brought back from the dead

 

Disclaimer:

This guide is primarily for those of the British ilk. For Americans, just fill your mug with water. Stick a tea bag in it and microwave for 2 minutes.