Ice Box

My parents have had an ice box for as long as I can remember. While I was growing up (and I think still to this day) it served as the liquor cabinet. It may seem strange or dangerous to you that one would keep copious amounts of vodka, gin, schnapps, and various other hard liquors within easy reach of children, but it was normal to me. If I had wanted, I could have at any time guzzled a bottle of vodka or made myself a martini or stolen a bottle of Jack Daniel's for a friend's party.

But I never did. I knew the rules and I followed them. My parents were experts at instilling a healthy fear of and respect for them and their rules. That, and one sniff of any of these liquors was enough to send me in the other direction. Even as an adult I'm not a big drinker. I'll occasionally have a glass of wine and very occasionally a mixed drink in certain company, but I generally steer clear of alcohol, especially beer (blech).

While I didn't want the contents of that ice box, I have always loved that piece of furniture and wanted my own someday. Well, the same folks who generously gave me a bunch of teacups last month also offered their beautiful oak early 1900s ice box at a very good price (probably half what you would be able to get one for at an antique store or on eBay).

This lovely piece now sits in my dining room and is currently housing most of our board games, which we previously kept in the basement despite the fact that we usually play them on the main floor of the house. This will keep them on hand and at the ready.

Perfect timing as we enter the long, dark nights of winter.