It’s cold. I’m sitting at home in front of the fire with my dog, Humphrey. I try not to drink a lot when I’m home alone now that I’m single. I don’t want to become yet another cliche, but….
I decided I wanted some wine. All I have in the house is a $40 bottle of red I’ve been saving to share with friends. I sat here and thought for a bit trying to decide if I wanted to venture forth to the Bestway Grocery up the street. Or go to bed and watch TV or read. Or have a glass of good wine in front of the fire with my dog….
For some reason, my grandmother and her habits popped into my mind.
That is really not unusual. When she died, almost 40 years ago, I moved into her house while I was “finding myself” and deciding on the next direction for my life. I remember working with my Aunt Goldie to clean out the house of all her stuff. And painting.
Whenever anyone in my family died, we immediately redecorated. It was our therapy. Goldie and I painted most of the rooms in that house. I still have the genetic trait that when someone dies or leaves, one paints. One redecorates. It’s just how we do things and deal with enforced change.
But…the thing I remember most is that she had all these brand new, unworn clothes, unused towels, new sheets– all kind of new things- still wrapped up and saved. So many “new” things still in the packaging. She came from the generation where one used things until they wore out and saved the “good stuff” for another day. We gave so much stuff away…
I’ll never forget seeing one of her neighbors wearing a dress we had given her for Christmas one year…
I thought of all that…
And opened the wine.
My Southern Gothic Life 
Good post that reminded me I’m one of those people who saves things. Lately I’ve been trying not to do that, given my age and the fact that there’s no reason to expect the future will be worthy of my saved things. I needed the kick in the butt, since I don’t much drink.
Scott, Your stories are delightful! I am waiting on that best seller to appear in the New York Times or possibly a movie review of your Southern Gothic Life. Never wander out to the store unless absolutely necessary! Looking forward to your next family remembrance. Brenda
On Sat, Feb 5, 2022 at 8:24 PM My Southern Gothic Life wrote:
> Scott M posted: ” It’s cold. I’m sitting at home in front of the fire with > my dog, Humphrey. I try not to drink a lot when I’m home alone now that I’m > single. I don’t want to become yet another cliche, but…. I decided I > wanted some wine. All I have in the house is a ” >
Thanks so much! You are too kind….
Love it!! YES, open that wine!!!
Scott, I picked up the local magazine at Harris Teeter recently and thought why is Scott not submitting articles? I love your stories and I am sure other people would love them. Enjoy the weekend. Brenda Luther
On Sat, Feb 5, 2022 at 8:24 PM My Southern Gothic Life < comment-reply@wordpress.com> wrote: