Good for What Ails Ye

Heading out from the office in the middle of the remnants of Jeanne this afternoon. Bucketing rain. Six blocks over and one block down from the Metro, a wicked gust catches my umbrella and breaks its spine. Result: a thorough soaking.

On the other end of the Metro, I still need to stop and pick up a few things. Result, further soaking.

So. After the kids were put to bed, I took a hot shower and popped in my copy of Lawrence of Arabia. A great flick, not the least because of Alec Guinness's portrayal of Prince Feisal. One of my favorite Guinness quotes from the movie:

For Lawrence, mercy is a passion. For me, it is a matter of good manners. I leave it to you to decide which is the more reliable motivation.

Choice.

As I had hoped, all those images of sand, sun and lack of water warmed me right up.

Years ago, I read Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom. I don't really recall taking anything away from it aside from the impression that the man was a raving egomaniac.

UPDATE: Despite all measures, it looks as if I've picked up the cold going around after all as a result of my ducking. So much for the virtues of cinematic healing.