Just One More

… for the road … for now … for later.

Addictions. Dependencies. Cravings. Vices (for some). They’re hard to control, much less conquer.

A one-upon-a-time fan of Ruth Rendell, I found a copy of her 2008 “Portobello” in the building’s lounge library. Snatched it. Am devouring it, but slowly. She has a gift for getting into people’s heads—the obsessions, doubts and reservations. The darkness.

Eugene, one of the main characters, develops an addiction to no-sugar-added Chocorange candies. Half the book, it seems, revolves around his desire to consume these sweeties, his guilt for wanting (having) to, and his reasoning and justification for doing so. Who else but Rendell can do this AND maintain a reader’s interest?

That got me to thinking about my own. The one true addiction: salt. I over-salt EVERYTHING. At least I used to. I am most pleased to say that three weeks ago, I managed to cease salting everything. Went cold turkey. …But I suppose I’ve acquired a replacement: a salt-free substitute to enhance flavor. Mrs. Dash—Garlic&Herb, in case you’re curious. 

To each their own. And on that note, think I’ll return to my “temporary” addiction of the moment, finishing “Portobello” and finding out how many more Chocoranges Eugene sucks back before he triumphs over his addiction … if he indeed does.