L U N A T A L K with Eva Moon

Bathtub of the Black Lagoon

September 3, 2009 on 2:57 pm | | In General Musing

They swarmed from the blackest depths of their hidden tubular lairs in swirling, foetid masses. Like a scene in a horror movie, the woman floated nude and serene in the water, not suspecting the horror that lurked only inches from her unprotected flesh…

I’ve been a fan of tub soaks ever since we uncovered a huge antique claw-foot tub in our first home, a 1911 bungalow in Los Angeles. It had been walled in to make a “modern” shower enclosure. We immediatedly ripped it out and muscled it into the kitchen where we painted the outside with deep green boat enamel. We had the feet re-brassed, tiled the bathroom alcove with shiny terra cotta and reinstalled it in its former location with period brass fixtures. With no heat in the house beyond a wood stove and a small electric space heater it was a favorite hangout when the weather turned chilly.

Now I have one of those spa tubs. It’s deep, big enough for two and surrounded by enough unattractive pink tile for a forest of candles, a wine glass and two curious cats. Even better is the skylight directly overhead. It’s a special treat on a winter night to loll in steamy, fragrant water watching snow slowly obliterate the view.

Do you have a spa tub? Do you still use the jets? You do at first, but if you don’t use them like every day they tend to get a little, um, murky. I know you’re supposed to run water and vinegar through them periodically, but really. After a while, it’s easier to just enjoy a quiet soak. It’s been years since I’ve used them.

Until last night - when a certain person accidentally leaned on the button.

Holy Mother of God. I may become a shower girl from here on out.

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• Sibling Revelry
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