Mrs. Teabody Packs a Lunch

There is not a single vestige of light in the sky outside Mrs. Teabody's window. Were it not for lights scattered along country lanes and a cluster of brighter lights in the village below, Mrs. Teabody would look onto opaque blackness, Gentle Reader, and it is unsettling to think that all too soon Mrs. Teabody will be hurtling along though that blackness along the highway in her ancient motorcar. Mrs. Teabody shan't be greeting the dawn until somewhere close to the Susquehanna River. It is comforting to think that as she motors, much of the rest of the world will slumber on and Mrs. Teabody shall have the company of Mr. Paul Simon and Mr. James Taylor as accompaniment on her journey. All shall be well.

Mrs. Teabody has been sent a large amount of printed materials for this "training" and she has dutifully read, comprehended and promptly forgotten most of it. Of paramount importance to Mrs. Teabody on such an outing is looking smart and  enjoying meals taken afar. Mrs. Teabody has been promised via printed matter that she shall be served "donuts (sic) and coffee upon her arrival. Gentle Reader, Mrs. Teabody was not born yesterday, and she has no trouble summoning up visions of the presentation: stacks of flimsy and small styrofoam cups, a  massive stainless steel vessel dispensing hot, flavorless liquid. On a separate unclothed table will rest two over-sized boxes filled with portions of air and lard and sugar. The chocolate ones will taste exactly like the vanilla ones.

Mrs. Teabody shall have none of that as she is not fond of sweets prior to the noon meal, and she has made it a point not to drink from styrofoam for some time. Mrs. Teabody shall have her French press-type travel mug loaded with "Pride and Joy," her favorite Earl Grey, and she shall nibble discretely on some fine sausage from Mr. Strait's shop. For lunch Mrs. Teabody has a second travel mug loaded with "Casablanca Twist" and a lovely repast of Wisconsin sharp cheese, two thin slices of roast beef wrapped around avocado wedges with just a soupcon of   horseradish aoli and a pear, or is it an apple? It is the red one so most certainly an apple. And a small sharp knife. Mon Dieu! Mrs. Teabody may set off alarms . . .unless of course she generously offers cheese and fruit wedges to those looking on . . .which she will. For dessert: a lovely mocha truffle wrapped in its own little box. C'est magnifique!

Now Mrs. Teabody must complete her ensemble and prepare for departure wearing a very smart trousers suit with a snowy blouse and favorite boots and a new scarf from Tickle Your Fancy. Tres chic! No one shall mistake Mrs. Teabody for some hapless vagabond this day. Think on this the next time you must attend such a function and do take along your own repast so you can keep your good humor  throughout.
Adieu, Gentle Reader, Adieu.



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