Approaching Storm

Edgy, I occupy myself with a book pretending the storm will veer away. But the rumbles get louder and the first blitz of lightning etches the black sky. New England summer storms sometimes blow in like a pack of snarling wolves – teeth exposed, mouth dripping saliva, eyes glazed, backs arched. If like me, you squirm in an ambivalence of dread and fascination. Nature in turmoil and fury is always a great show – if you’re brave enough to sit it out at a window seat (with the option of drawing the drapes if the action gets too graphic or menacing). Finally, the growling pack scatters and the show fades out, drifting off like an off-key high school brass band. Breathing is easier now, though after-effects linger like like a sticky residue on the body. I then convince myself a drink is in order – to loosen the tenseness. What will it be? After all, it was no feeble storm. And shouldn’t a drink be equal to the occasion? Champagne, then! And who better to share the experience with than the widow herself, Madame Clicquot!* *née Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, Widow Clicquot or Veuve Clicquot, known as the "Grande Dame of Champagne", was a French Champagne producer. She took on her husband's wine business when widowed at 27. Born in 1777, was widowed at age 27. Of tough character she establish a name that went on to achieve celebrity among French champagnes.