Evergreen

I've owned this dress so long, I can't remember where it came from. My guess is it wasn't all that terribly vintage when I bought it-a few years out of date, perhaps. Over the years, I've considered getting rid of it (there are more years it won't fit, than years it will) but something keeps me from sorting it into the "donate" pile. Your guess is as good as mine. I own nicer dresses, and certainly have more flattering things to wear, but here I am, decade after decade unable to part with a polyester dress in a strange shade of green that holds no value for me, sentimental or otherwise.

This dress is made from the old, heavy style polyester that doesn't breathe-at all. It has a lining which helps to prevent clinging, but also adds an extra bit of suffocating heat to the overall experience of wearing the dress. Part with it? Don't be silly.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage dress-No idea where I bought it, or when (probably late 70's/early 80's)
Green bangle-Salvation Army
Black bangle-Goodwill
Vintage tote bag/shopper-Goodwill
Boots-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-K Mart
Cameo ring-Jordan Marsh circa '92
Fragrance-Vintage perfume concentration Emeraude

We're expecting our first hard freeze tonight, and I'm not sorry to see the warm weather go. Between the viscous onslaught of pirate bugs and the ragweed season from hell, I'm looking forward to resuming outdoor activities I've had to curtail. I spotted the first Dark Eyed Junco at our ground feeder today, so you know the cooler weather is here to stay.

Speaking of feathers...

My eiderdown bit the dust last year (after 25 years). It had numerous patches, but I was tired of waking covered in feathers, so that was that. Last weekend I bought a down-substitute comforter at K Mart for $45.00 that so far seems like a nice replacement...and the budgie has stopped giving me dirty looks when I come downstairs in the morning covered in white tufts of down. I'm sure I won't get 25 years from the replacement, but I'll no longer traumatise Xerox the budgie so I get points for sensitivity. I still haven't turned on the heat, but I might need to tonight-we'll see. My Dad wouldn't turn on the heat until Halloween at the earliest, which can be rather cold in Chicago. He felt years of working outdoors in all weather, "Built character." He was a character, that's for sure. On the farm we'd sometimes need to stretch the propane between deliveries which could be unpleasant, but nothing on the scale of what I endured living with my dad. Danny seems to take after him, walking around in an undershirt complaining it is too warm in the house!

This seems like a good time to share a very simple hot cocoa recipe.

3 cups milk (any kind you like)
2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Dash of vanilla
Marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream as required

In a heavy pan, combine the milk and chocolate. Over medium heat, whisk until milk is warm and the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat, add vanilla and pour into mugs. Adorn as desired. You can use more chocolate if you're feeling generous.

How do you take your cocoa?
Marshmallows? Whipped cream? Ambergris (I shit you not, it is a "thing")? Do tell.