Winter has been brutal this year. Recently we
got six inches of the white powdery substance in Cleveland, TN. I know if you
live above the Mason Dixon line in the North Country, six inches sounds pretty
slim. The northeast got a record one hundred plus inches and the people in Minnesota,
who have only two seasons, August and winter got your share as well. However
people in Florida and California continue to enjoy those mild days of 60+
degree golf weather days. Normally in the southland the chances of snow is
pretty much slim to none, with only threats of snowfall but mostly cold rain.
Last year in middle Georgia there were actually two pretty good snowfalls where
the snow stayed around a day or so. Now this excited the children as they
dreamed of a snow holiday and playing in the cold wet substance with the snow
man and snowball fights. The snow cream was pretty good as well, but it is best
to get it before the kids begin their play or it may have a darker color when
you make it. I love seeing the pictures that are taken of the beautiful snow
while it is falling and after it settles on the rooftops and yards. I actually
made several videos and pictures to share on the social media scene, because
like a kid I enjoy the snow too. Unlike the powers to be in the middle Georgia
area, schools and businesses in east Tennessee did not announce closure until
the night before to ensure that the weather would be dreadful enough to warrant
a holiday. I have seen times when the weather person would say that a chance of
snow was very possible and the schools in middle Georgia would shut down. Much
to their chagrin, no snow fell within 100 mile radius of the nice 40-50 degree
weather and the kids got a free day at home. In the east Tennessee area, the
roads heading into the mountains can be pretty difficult to travel when it
begins to ice and snow, so adjusting the school and work schedules are a must
when the weather looks to be horrific. One thing is certain, when the news begins
reporting that the weather is going to be or has a pretty good chance to be dreadful,
the grocery stores are swamped with shoppers gathering all the needed food
items. Milk, bread, eggs anything they can get before the shelves are emptied.
One thing that has always amazed me when it comes to icy weather and erratic
grocery shopping is of course those items that go first. In some instances if
the power goes out due to ice and heavy snow, the eggs and milk are rendered
useless unless you want cereal. When the electricity goes out the appliances
seldom work and standing on the deck frying bacon and eggs on the grill in icy,
snowy, subfreezing weather doesn’t seem like a pleasant task. My idea of winter
weather grocery shopping consists of Twinkies, potato chips, Chex mix, cookies,
and anything that can be eaten without much work involved. A big bag of Fritos
and I’m the “Frito Bandito.” I can
usually go to the store get my shopping done and not worry that the items I am
in need of will be sold out, because it does not involve bacon, eggs, bread,
and milk. This year I saw a first when it came to stocking up on must have
items before the ice and snowfall. The news reported on a liquor store that had
an increase of $5,000.00 in sales and they closed an hour early due to the
weather. Everything from Bourbon, Scotch, Vodka, beer, of all kinds, and wine
were being carried out by the bag full. I guess if the power goes out these
items can be used as an insulation to keep one’s body within human temperature.
This winter, however, we did not lose power
so the shelves and refrigerator was stocked with all the items purchased before
the mad shoppers appeared, we had plenty to eat. I do enjoy having those
Maxwell House coffee moments throughout the cold winters day. When I think of
coffee it brings back memories of my mother who was an avid coffee connoisseur.
I imagine that is where I get my love of the caffeinated beverage that I drink
straight, black and hot the way my Mother would drink her coffee. Maxwell House
has a slogan that says, “Good to the last
drop,” my mother would always say, “and
that drops good too.” I started my love of coffee at the age of sixteen
years, the same time I began my career in the retail shoe business. I was asked
out to coffee by the store manager and I politely let him know that I did not
drink coffee. I remember his words clearly as he looked me in the eyes, “If you
are going to be in shoes, you got to drink coffee.” So, I ordered a cup, added
a lot of sugar and drank up. Over the years I discovered that it was easier to
learn to drink it black, adding sugar and other condiments took too much time
and effort. I guess some might call that last phrase being lazy, however when
you first awaken and the pot is there, pouring and drinking is easier than
pouring, mixing, and drinking. One trick I learned from a manager I worked for
in Greensboro, NC, if you add a little salt to the black grounds before brewing
it will cut some of the acid in the brew. This allows for a smoother, more
enjoyable cup of java. Now days there are some that drink this terrific
commodity not hot, but over ice. I have yet to develop a taste for coffee in
this way. If I want my caffeine over ice, I will pour myself a large glass of
southern nectar, Sweet Tea.
All in all, variety is what makes the world
go round and people can sure attest to the fact that we are different and have
our own ways of tackling things in everyday life. Whether you want to drink you
coffee loaded with sugar or cream, over ice or with a shot of Bailey’s Irish
cream that is definitely your prerogative. The main thing is that we enjoy each
and every day that is given to us and we should never condemn or judge another
as to how they choose to live that day. The weather person says there is no
chance for snow or ice in the coming days and my pantry shelves are stocked, so
I am ready for that coffee and afternoon snack. As always remember:
“Life Happens”
No comments:
Post a Comment