Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – November 4, 2004

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – November 4, 2004

The First Cocooning Day Of The Fall

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – November 4, 2004 – It’s here – on this damp, cold November day, I’m forced to admit that it’s time for hot chocolate, a brandy by the fireplace, warm socks and wool sweaters. It’s a scarf and gloves day. If I hadn’t had prior commitments, I’d have stayed indoors all day.

Even the birds and Trouble the black squirrel recognized the subtle difference – they arrived at the feeder late and left early. The wind had a damp bite and the rain was cold and dense, so unlike Tuesday’s light drizzle. I had errands to run and an appointment at my doctor’s office later in the afternoon for my annual flu shot. I wore a light slicker that kept out the rain but not the shivers. I didn’t even think to take gloves with me – it’s just too early in the season for that – or so I thought. By the time I parked and walked to my destination I was chilled. Once inside, the warmth was a welcome respite from the outdoors.

I did a bit of early Christmas shopping at one of my favourite haunts on The Danforth, then headed off to the Silver Dollar store for tissue paper, ribbon and gift bags. They always have a superlative selection and I like to support the little Chinese lady who owns it. The sum total of my purchases was $63.20 and she bowed to me and said, “I’m so grateful for your big sale. Sometimes on cold, rainy day I don’t sell very much”. I was happy to have helped make her day.

Then it was downstairs to another little, family owned store that I visit every year. I am never disappointed – I always pick up a couple of great gifts there. Today was no exception. My final stop was for the old intra-muscular flue shot. It hurt like hell for a few seconds and then an hour later my arm felt feel sore and achy, but that’s a small price to pay to avoid whatever nasty surprises the flu bugs will bring this year.

How dreadful to be felled by influenza. Historically it’s one of the world’s great levellers, and Canada is fortunate to have sufficient quantities of the flu vaccine. Now in Dubya Land, it’s another story, but I’m sure George is getting right on top of that health issue, now that he’s been freshly re-anointed, I mean elected, for a second term as the President of the world’s most powerful country.

I got back home about four o’clock and spent the rest of the day doing research and preparing a client presentation manual. I had my trusty little electric heater at my feet and a wooly sweater around my shoulders. A hot cup of tea sat on my desk and I sipped it as I worked. Outside my office window more leaves were being chased to the ground by the wind and rain.

The only exception in my garden is the red Japanese Maple I planted this past spring. The cold weather has turned the foliage from a dull red to a stunning scarlet and the leaves haven’t started to drop yet. This little, decorative tree is a fall treasure. I’d have planted two if I’d known how wonderful it would look at this time of year. It’s a joy to see it’s cheerful presence in an otherwise dull and browned garden.

It’s now seven o’clock and the dancing flames in my fireplace have made me forget the dull, dark night. I have curled up with my book club selection – No Great Mischief – and I’m going to wile away the evening hours with a good read. Augie has already taken centre stage in his favourite cold, weather spot in front of the fireplace. Ziggy is curled up on my pine blanket box with one leg hanging over the edge and a soft, muffled purr emanating from his little grey nose. I unfolded my fringed, brown and gold throw from the arm of my sofa and tossed it over my feet, then snuggled down to read. A shot of good Scotch at the ready.

It’s a cocooning evening – one of many to come – as Canada settles down to pass the late fall and winter months in restful fashion. We slip into step quite quickly once we have an excuse to come in from the cold, and what better reason could there be than a rainy night, a warm fire, a snoozing cat, a dreaming dog and all the comforts of home!