I was standing at my kitchen sink and looking at the window as I washed dishes. The wind was blowing, leaves were falling and it looked like rain. Immediately I remembered an episode of Winnie the Pooh. Here is a little clip that describes this day.
Today is a day off from work. I can't explain how needed this day is - for two reasons. First - the rule in this blog is to talk about things "I like Best" and the description of how needed this day is, would only get me worked up and mad and would go on and on. Second, because I literally I can't, (the word literal just struck me funny.) If I were to break the rule of the blog there aren't words to make sense of the matters.
SO ANYWAYS...... Back to my wonderful day off.
I recently unpacked my bread machine. It has been packed up for at least 4 years. The new house has a place to keep it in the kitchen so I have pulled it out and used it 3 times in the last week. This morning I made coffee cake. Turns out I think it is easier to just make coffee cake in the oven than the bread maker. It was delicious though.
I decided to to take a walk. After all, this is my favorite weather and I had a few errands to run in walking distance. Walking out the door put an instant smile on my face as I saw the dark clouds and smelled the smell of freshness and cold. I passed a locally owned coffee shop and the smell of coffee surrounded me. It was thick and warm and bitter. I eyed the people enjoying their hot treats but kept walking.
A few minutes later and I was in front of the courthouse where tiny petals covered the sidewalk. The sweet fragrance brought me back to my first job for some reason. I couldn't identify why. My first job was in a small gourmet market and it had wonderful smells. From the old wood stove they still used, fresh coffee and cinnamon rolls, produce and cardboard packaging. Today if I walk into a Trader Joe's I smell some of those smells and it brings back good memories.
I passed the courthouse and found myself close to some local eateries. A few chain restaurants are found in the same proximity but the flavors coming from the brewery and bakery/cafe were dominant. Even though I lived here, I felt for a brief moment I was in a different city.
The clouds were getting darker by the minute. I thought for sure before I got to my first destination the clouds would break open and drench me. (Not that I would mind. I could always go home and get dry and warm.)
I finished my errands and headed back home the same way I came. I lingered by the petals on the ground by the courthouse trying to identify just why they reminded me of my first job. I was not successful in finding out. So far I had felt a few drops hit my face. The wind was blowing my hair in all directions, but I was warm enough in my sweatshirt. I rounded the corner to my house - it was in sight. Two big raindrops hit me in the face. Within minutes of getting safely inside, the drops turned into constant rain fall. I opened my door and took a big whiff. The wet earth so fragrant. I can't wipe the smile off my face.
I have now had lunch and will put on a rain coat and head out for the errands I couldn't walk to. I think I will pick going to a winery to buy a bottle of my favorite wine for our anniversary this weekend and choose not to go get an oil change. I want to get home and be comfee. I will make a hot chai, sit by the fire and watch the rain fall while I start a new book and a new project (which I will probably blog about later.) Then I will start dinner. One of my day off favorites. Butternut squash enchiladas. (I will probably post a pic or two).
I hope you enjoy a day off soon, just as I have done today.
