Because I’m Holding Out Hope

I will begin with an apology. Those of you who are disappointed at the lack of a real winter can blame me.  It’s my fault. I realized this evening that my daughter and I had not yet made this year’s rice socks. Winter has been holding back on us because Mother Nature knew we weren’t ready. Well, we’re ready now. So bring it. Bring. It.

If you’re doing a snow dance, also, you must make a rice sock, too. They’re just the thing to keep you toasty when the white stuff starts to fall. I apologize for the quality of the photos. My camera is misbehaving.

Here’s what you need:

White No-nutritional-value Rice  (about 1.5lb per sock)                                                                                                                                                            Sharpie                                                                                                                                                                                                         Lavender (optional)                                                                                                                                                Long sport sock  

You'll need this stuff. That's LAVENDER, thank you very much.

Step one is optional. If you decide to decorate the sock, however, it’s kind of important to use a Sharpie or some other permanent marker. Rice holds moisture, so using a washable marker means your design will come off. Usually on you.

Do yourself a solid. DON'T use washable markers. Don't ask how I know.

Step two is not optional. I like giving people choices, but if you skip the rice, all you’re left with is a sock. With a drawing on it. If it’s a sock puppet you’re after, that class is down the hall to the left.

If you just happen to have a hearing enhancer laying around after your over-the-hill birthday party, it makes a great funnel!

Step three is optional, as well. We like to add lavender because it adds such a sweet aroma. We buy ours at a local shop that sells herbs and spices in bulk. I think it cost $2 for the quarter ounce we used. We may grow some ourselves this spring.

 

The whole house smells like spring. I think. I'm still sick.

Now just tie off the end.

I can't tell if it's out of focus or if its markings have stretched.

And stick it in the microwave. For a sock this size, 90 seconds-2 minutes is a good range to start with, depending on the microwave. Remove carefully by the tied end. These things really do get hot and can burn your fingies.

Yes. That's a scorch mark on my microwave. It's what happens when you nuke something with the foil still on it. One of these days, my whole entire family will know that.

These little beauties hold heat for a surprisingly long time, and since it is moist heat, they’re great for soothing sore muscles. Now you’re ready for cold weather, too! Someone make the popcorn and pass me some hot chocolate!

***Becoming Cliche is not responsible for burns, scalds, lack of common sense, or bad artwork.