Good Gracious!

Almost before the ink of my first blog was dry I came down with a "Bug" of some sort! Oh dear, not a good way to start. However, the bright winter day yesterday pushed back the nastiness that had impaired my desire to write and to gain strength. Thus, I grabbed my dogs and walking stick and went striding around the local farm park. I was determined to blow out all of the negativity that came with my sickness.  I was going to get muddy. 

As the snow had been melted by steady rains over the past days, it was understandably mushy. Getting muddy is something that absolutely appealed to the child within me, despite the consequences of mud-caked paws and boots. I just couldn't help myself.

We began with good intent on the wet, yet clean, concrete path. However, the green messy edge of the lane called us. I had to gently persuade the dogs that this was a "walk" as opposed to pee-mail stop and sniff.  A little further down the path we came upon a small and enticing entrance path. I mean you can't just idly walk past an invitation to an adventure, right?

So my two furry companions and I veered into the entrance and almost immediately sank into slosh. Two steps in brought us to a sharp curve that wound around to the semblance of a river bank. The winterized bank appeared not entirely sure where it should begin and where it should meet the rushing water. The confused branches and debris that lay in disarray were quite clearly trying to decide whether they should continue to grip precariously into the sodden earth.   After all, it may be easier for them to just let go and take their chances in the dashing stream.

We swished and we sloshed.

We wanted to continue but it soon became clear that we were muddy enough and so we returned to the safety of the clean concrete path.

One beautiful Great Dane, three Spaniels, and a rather handsome Grey Poodle later, we were halted by a small herd of white-tailed deer. They are always a welcome sight to me unless I'm behind the wheel. They are unquestionably graceful and they always encourage my mind to appreciate their quiet elegance.  About two hours later we surfaced from the path and made our way home.

My cheeks stung with health and I was once again invigorated. Rather than resting, there was work to be done. Paws had to be washed and boots had to be cleaned.  The reward at the end of these toils was a candle-lit tub.

My two darlings (children not dogs) were firmly ensconced with their significant others, and there was nothing left to do but take a bath. This was an annual event for me. No, it's not that I only bathe once a year, it's my ritualistic "end of year" bath. The one that comes right after receiving the most thoughtful holiday gifts from family and friends. The candles, the bath salts, and sweet-smelling new books.

I lit small candles and turned off the electric lights.  I brought in a speaker and played enchanted Tavern harp music with Fireside Crackling. I poured wine into a small red glass and set it down within comfortable reach.  I slowly sprinkled perfumed Epsom, rose petals, lavender seeds, and bubble mixture into the steaming tub. The preparation was done.

I toe-tested the water first before slowly stepping into the tub and sinking into the surfactant foam.  My book choice was "Wolf Hall" which is a persuasive depiction of Thomas Cromwell by Hilary Mantel. My beverage was a rich and dark-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon. My Guidelines remained constant.

Guidelines:

Submerge,

Float,

Cleanse,

Recline,

Read,

Sip,

Rinse and Repeat for a long time.     

It was then time for bed.  Feather pillows beckoned.  It was time for bed. To sleep perhaps to dream.  Tiredness washed over me, but I was happy.  I am happy.  More later. Merliz