When Mamie and Poppy first realized that wine was not just a singular thing, (that it in itself is something complex and multifaceted) they resigned themselves to the fact that they would never know all there is to know about it; they recognized that it would have to be enough to just keep trying to learn more, enjoying sampling new flavors and experimenting with the pairing of different wines with different foods. They realized too, that they would never run out of ways to use wine in recipes, to share it with friends, and to try to pass on to said friends the joy of experiencing how variable the many flavor components can be, according to each of their tongues. When wine is slowly sipped and taken apart on the palate, certain flavors can spring to mind: jams, fruits, and sometimes even things like grass, bark, and as Mamie says, new carpet. Each person perceives something different. Fascinating!
The senses that we are blessed with are quite remarkable. Closely related to our sense of taste is our sense of smell. It is crazy how certain smells can bring back distinct memories, sometimes in a flashback that can give you memory whiplash!
It does seem that as we get older, this sense of smell is heightened as it relates to memory. Distinct smells can bring back feelings that can be rather comforting- or not. After being away from home, we were quite surprised that our house did not smell quite like home.
Right before leaving on our trip, we put down a new rug in our bedroom, and it had a strong smell of newness, chemical-like even, from whatever was used to treat the wool or the backing. We opened windows, and turned on the fans, and that seemed to have helped to air it out.
Also, before heading out, we mopped the floors with a new-to-us cleaning product, smiling about how it would be so nice to return home to a scrubbed-clean house. However, when we walked in the door after a two month leave of absence, we were surprised that we did not recognize the smell of our own home. We were feeling a bit grouchy and sensitive; it took a day or so to figure out that it was not only due to being exhausted from all the travel and work we did while gone, but also because we were feeling out-of-place and disjointed. Why? We missed the "smell" of home, and it jumbled our emotions. It is just amazing how our senses mean more than just the initial signal to the brain...the messages perceived are affected by them deep inside, one way or another, good and bad; sometimes we are affected indifferently. As for us, we set about a remedy; lighting our favorite candles, turning on some soft music, and making a familiar meal. Soon the house began to smell like freshly picked basil and rosemary, sauteing onions and garlic, and clothes just out of the washer began to clunk as they flailed around in the dryer, becoming a comforting sort of white noise. Yes, the feeling of being home was beginning to return!
Also, before heading out, we mopped the floors with a new-to-us cleaning product, smiling about how it would be so nice to return home to a scrubbed-clean house. However, when we walked in the door after a two month leave of absence, we were surprised that we did not recognize the smell of our own home. We were feeling a bit grouchy and sensitive; it took a day or so to figure out that it was not only due to being exhausted from all the travel and work we did while gone, but also because we were feeling out-of-place and disjointed. Why? We missed the "smell" of home, and it jumbled our emotions. It is just amazing how our senses mean more than just the initial signal to the brain...the messages perceived are affected by them deep inside, one way or another, good and bad; sometimes we are affected indifferently. As for us, we set about a remedy; lighting our favorite candles, turning on some soft music, and making a familiar meal. Soon the house began to smell like freshly picked basil and rosemary, sauteing onions and garlic, and clothes just out of the washer began to clunk as they flailed around in the dryer, becoming a comforting sort of white noise. Yes, the feeling of being home was beginning to return!
Of course, home is just not the same without our little fur kids. We are so happy our doggies were well taken care of by loving people, but this place sure seems empty without them. We will be reunited later this week.
Mamie and Poppy are so thankful to have the constant in their lives of each other. No matter where they are or what is happening, good or bad or indifferent, there is comfort in each other and their memories. It reminds them of the song, "Our House"....
I'll light the fire
You put the flowers in the vase
That you bought today
Staring at the fire
For hours and hours
While I listen to you
Play your love songs
All night long for me
Only for me
Come to me now
And rest your head for just five minutes
Everything is good
Such a cosy room
The windows are illuminated
By the sunshine through them
Fiery gems for you
Only for you
Our house is a very, very fine house
With two cats in the yard
Life used to be so hard
Now everything is easy
'Cause of you
And our la,la,la, la,la, la, la, la, la, la, la.....
Our house is a very, very fine house
With two cats in the yard
Life used to be so hard
Now everything is easy
'Cause of you
And Our
I'll light the fire
And you place the flowers in the jar
That you bought today
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