We all have little rituals surrounding many of the things we do on a daily basis.

Annie and I were no exception. Over time, we developed certain rituals that also became special times which we shared with each other, that had profound meanings beyond the ritual.

One of our favorite rituals involved rain storms. Depending upon the time of year and the weather, we had two distinct rituals that we embraced whenever we found ourselves together in rainy circumstances.

If the weather, and also the rain was warm as it usually is in the summertime, we would throw on some not so special clothes and take long walks in the rain. If we were near a forest, it would be even better. Nothing beats walking in the rain in the forest holding hands with the person you love, listening to the birds and other animals as they enjoy the rain and the free baths.

However, if the weather and the rain was cold, we had an entirely different ritual that we would enjoy if we could take the day off from our routines.

On cold, rainy days, we would throw off our clothes and snuggle together in bed for most of the day.  We would take turns telling each other about our dreams of how our lives would progress together, and take turns pleasuring each other in every way we could think of. There were many days we never left the bed until it was dark and hunger forced us from our little nest.

So, this week there are several storms hitting us here on the west coast. These are cold weather storms with a lot of rain and wind. Not the kind of storms you can walk around in and enjoy.

In the intervening years since I lost Annie, I always try to go to the beach if it is warm out and the rain is warm, so I could sit in the sand, and stare out west as far as I could see. Further than I could ever see, is where Annie now lies.

But, this week, the storms are cold and unwelcoming. I left my bed so I could write this today, because there is no Annie for me to tell stories to or to pleasure, and the bed is a cold and unpleasant place for me now on cold stormy days.

It would be wonderful to find another person to share these storms with for a few hours. But…it is doubtful that will happen.

My memories of my time with Annie will have to suffice.