Cozy Cabin Fever

In my last post I wrote that we have no weather here -- nothing but relentless sunshine. Naturally today it was pouring a gloppy California rain. All I wanted to do was snuggle up with a book by the fire. But we don't have a fireplace. As I browse catalogs, I realize that this fireplace fantasy is ubiquitous. Catalogs like Plow and Hearth abound with "cabin" tschotkes: dancing bear rugs, rustic lamps, full body bear pillows, freestanding electric fireplaces, etc. I don't quite get the bear angle. If I want to hug something big and hairy, I have my husband.

I do have scruples about excessive consumerism, really I do...but like Tiger Woods (what is it about the "woods" metaphors?), I must confess a transgression. Today, as a result of "cozy cabin fever," I bought something on Amazon that made my scruples stand on end, but even stiff scruples couldn't stop me. I ordered a Fireplace DVD to play on the big-screen TV, which is in the middle of our living room--where a fireplace would be if we had one. There you have it. I am guilty of stupid consumerism in the first degree. Sometimes a moth gets too close to the flame, and that's what happens to me with catalogs and online shopping. Meanwhile, the hot weather girl the meteorologist on Channel 9 says there will more rain at the end of the week. I can't wait for my crackling HD DVD to arrive! If Erik complains, I will simply point out how lucky he is that we don't have room for the freestanding electric fireplace. (Those start at $399 and go up to $999.) The DVD was only $15, so I really saved us a ton, hon.