A Simple Antidote

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a plumber we could call to stave the flow of all this rotten news?  And all that was required of us was to find that dog-eared corner of the Yellow Pages that leads us to Onslaught Sewer and Drain, Open 24 Hours a Day?

Onslaught, indeed, ironically punctuated by Christmas lights strung from the thirsty branches of the tree out front.

. . . but maybe those lights aren't so ironic after all.  Maybe they are the secret antidote, the flickering oasis that feeds and fills us.  That's what I've been telling myself these days.  Those lights are the reason I head downstairs in the pitch dark each morning, making a beeline for the Christmas tree. Like some sort of extension-cord Yenta, I clumsily introduce male and female plugs and cords as they gather underneath our Christmas tree with all of their untapped potential.

"Let there be light."

The bigger the bad news, the more important the little things. I know this.  We all do.  But it bears repeating.

Here, then, is my recipe for a good, quiet life, despite everything.  Please forward to 20 friends, sending it to the first name at the top of the page.  Actually, they don't have to be friends.  In fact, maybe it would be better if some of them were people you don't even like.  Anyway, if you could just do this in the next 48 hours, you will be amazed what arrives on your doorstep within the week.  Please don't break the chain!

Good-Life Stew. . . The perfect antidote for a cold, hard day
1.  One Dog (any brand will do)
Note:  if you don't have a dog, you can pet someone else's.  And, while I've never tried a cat, I've been told that they make a fair substitute, although I'd remove the nails first.
2.  One Good Friend  (again, any brand, as long as it's good)
Note:  Some people like to add several, but you really don't have to.  I find that if there is good marbling, one friend packs plenty of flavor.
3.  Four Cups of Fresh Air
Note: It's really important that you get fresh air.  Check the expiration date, if you're not sure.
4.   One Roof, preferably over your head
5.  A Handful of Songs
Note:  There are all kinds of songs out there.  Make sure you choose a few that you like, ones that won't come back to haunt you in the middle of the night.

Mix and warm over the stove, until stew begins to bubble.  Turn to Low and let simmer.  Feel free to add spices liberally (or conservatively), according to your preferences. Enjoy!