Welcome to AvantaLand

A few weeks ago, when it was so hot hot hot the asphalt melted, I noticed an elderly gentleman standing in the middle of the sidewalk in front of my house as I drove into the garage after work, just standing there with his head down. Concerned he might be feeling the effects of the heat, I rushed in the house to get him a glass of cold water. By the time I got back outside, he was halfway up the street, walking slowly. I ran after him and offered him the water, explaining I was worried when I saw him standing motionless there in front of the house. He explained that he always stops there. He walks from his house a certain number of steps, then turns around and goes home. He thanked me for the water, and continued on his way.

Yesterday evening, spouse and I were unloading groceries from the car when my new friend walked past. I called out a hello. "Hello!" he said back, and then he said, "Young lady, do you use rosemary when you cook?"

"Yes," I said, "it's one of my favorite herbs."

"Well, I have a big rosemary bush I'm trimming up. I bring you some."

"Thank you! We love fresh rosemary."

This afternoon, my front step was nearly covered in what must be the largest "sprig" of rosemary I've ever seen. The man must have cut off half his shrub and left it on my doorstep. Spouse and I spent a good hour stripping the branches of more rosemary leaves than we can use in a year, and there's still several branches left to share at work tomorrow.

My house smells wonderful!

Some rosemary, indeed.

Currently snuggled on the sofa with spouse, watching one of our favorite baaaaaad flicks, Army Of Darkness. Next up, a made-for-SciFi Channel World Premiere, Alien Apocalypse! Break out the popcorn. We're in B movie heaven this evening. Ah, togetherness. You and me against the world, baby!

I cried as the pastor put ashes on my forehead. Again. Sheesh, Communion Sundays and Ash Wednesday and Christmas and Easter and when singing certain hymns. They're getting used to seeing me bawl by now.

I shouldn't be so flippant about it.

My gratitude is so deep that it expresses itself through tears. I consider my life a gift from God, even on the bad days. Sobriety will do that for you.

That gift card from Bed Bath & Beyond arrived today. Guess where I'm going after work?

Due to a unanimous response, my computer nows see the internet through Firefox. Thank you for your help. I hope this will be a much better experience.