The Tale of Two Shrubs

This weekend, my husband trimmed two large shrubs that grow on the side of our house.  I was his assistant and pulled cala lillies from around the shrubs.  Unfortunately, I did not expect to find the abandoned liquor bottles that were hidden in the plants.  During my active alcoholism, I considered myself a sneaky genius for hiding places. 

My husband made certain I saw (and counted) each container.  I knew it was important that I acknowledge the insanity of my active addiction.  The containers told the story of how my drinking progressed.

• Ten empty miniatures- I would often drink a miniature when I arrived home before I entered the house.
• Two empty liter vodka bottles- I would often hide a bottle outside and would sneak out for shots.
• Six empty wine bottles (small one serving) bottles- My attempt to transition from liquor to a "lesser evil" source of alcohol.
• Three wine coolers- Desperate attempt to suppress withdrawal symptoms and never successful.

It felt good to purge another forgotten hiding spot.  It feels good today to not need a genius hiding place.