And the Rain Softly Falls…

When I get to feeling “mentally interesting” as my father likes to call me these past few days, one of my joys is camping out. There is just something so grounding and comforting about curling up in my sleeping bag and reading a good book with Maggie by my side. Last night, found me in a similar situation. It poured rain all night and that sound of the loud patter of those raindrops upon the fabric of my tent was music to ears. I often wistfully realize that I would be perfectly happy living year round in a tent in a warmer clime. I like that connectedness with nature that not having four walls surrounding you affords. The rain becomes a comfort and not some nagging occurrence of Mother Nature that keeps you locked indoors.

I trudged down to Fat Albert’s after breakfast to buy two packs of cigarettes. I just cannot live without it, it seems. I picked a terrible time to try and quit ALL my addictions. I wanted some comfort on Christmas day. I know. Admonish me.

“I thought you had quit,” Carolyn’s old friend and co-worker asked me.

“I did,” I replied as I scrounged up the change for two packs of cigarettes.

I was a quarter short. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a quarter and placed it upon the counter.

“Merry Christmas,” She said with a broad grin.

I then walked the mile back home in a pouring rain smoking cigarettes with my umbrella in hand. A Good Samaritan stopped in her car on the way home and asked me if I needed a ride. Being a small town, everyone knows my father.

“You sure you don’t need a ride?” The lady asked again as I declined.

I think she felt sorry for me as my jeans had gotten soaking wet from the driving rain we are experiencing today.

“I am fine and enjoying my wet walk,” I replied with a smile. “Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

I then swung on by the shopping center were the gang hangs out to buy some Sir Walter Raleigh Tobacco for my tobacco pipe. Alas, they were closed and none of the gang was to be found out and about today. I could have used a long, stupid conversation with Big S or some of George’s antics today. I also missed my family and all their incorrigibleness today as well. I hope they get home soon and call me.