Mouse the cat fell in the toilet yesterday. She likes to jump up on the tank, but she slipped, fell in the bowl for a second, and the lid dropped on her just as she was leaping out. She made it out ok, but there was a lot of cleaning going on for a while.

The weather here has taken a brisk turn, but it's still sunny. It isn't supposed to get out of the 30s today, and it was in the 70s this weekend. I think both of these are unusual temperatures for this time of year, but anything goes in NC. If we could just get a little snow and have a few snow days...

I have recovered from my holiday illness, but now it seems Val might be coming down with something. Per Malena, here is the cure for what ails you:

A Clint Bajakian

Bring the following ingredients to a low simmer in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Once simmering take off heat right away.

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup apple cider
1/2 cup orange juice

one herbal tea bag
pinch of cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey

While the drink is heating on the stove, preheat a large mug (using hot water from tap for example) and pour the following contents into it.

3 jiggers hearty booze (bourbon, dark rum, Canadian or Irish whiskey, etc)
one envelope Thera Flu regular flu medicine powdered drink mix

When simmering, remove pan from heat and pour contents over booze and Thera Flu powder, stirring well.

Assume comfortable propped position on couch in front of TV with blanket on legs and sip. You will be asleep in roughly 20 minutes.

NOTE: Alcohol amount should vary from none to plenty depending on exactly how the user feels. For some symptoms, a non-alcoholic drink is better as it will not worsen certain feverish tingling sensations that may be present. Also, instead of an entire Thera Flu envelope, a half envelope may be used for some drinks depending on the effect desired.

I suggested just substituting booze for all of the other ingredients, but I guess there might be some benefit to the actual medicine and vitamin C in the real recipe.

Off to work I go...