From The Past: May 16, 2008

Years ago when Kevin and I smoked cigarettes, I would burn candles when company was coming over to cover the smell of the cigarettes. Although candles can be very fragrant, it took a long time for them to permeate the air.

This is how I learned about the power of incense. I bought incense cones at first, however when I saw this tree which uses sticks I knew I had to have it.

Even though we no longer smoke, I continue to burn incense. It’s great for covering up food odors. You know, when you’re cooking the food and eating the food, it smells good. However, it can be unpleasant to smell these same odors after the dishes are done, the kitchen is clean, and your stomach is full. I don’t enjoy smelling fish, roast, bacon and many other foods once they have been consumed. Maybe I am just weird that way.

I bought this container years ago at Kirklands to hold the sticks. It was probably intended for something else, but works perfectly for this purpose.

My sticks are kept as snug as bugs and they have never lost their wonderful aroma.

One other great thing about incense is, unlike a candle, you don’t have to worry about blowing it out later. It burns down and goes out by itself.