In hot water

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Oh dear, that would mean I am in a difficult situation. I just looked up Wikipedia and it says , the phrase ..” originated in the early 1500s. It may refer to when you're cooking and you spill hot water or hot food. You would be in trouble.” Well, thankfully I am not in hot water but it’s the hot water that is in the hot water bottles. These bottles are made of rubber and filled with hot water and people take them to bed with them to provide warmth. I guess it is much like the hot brick that was used as a bed warmer in olden days. Central heating is a thing people in my part of the world have only heard of. That’s why, these rubber bottles are the ubiquitous way of keeping oneself cozy. My parents like one of these, especially near their foot in the winter. My mother also knits woolen covers for these bottles which keep the warmth much longer .So a big kettle is heated till the water is steaming and then carefully poured into the bottles. This requires a knack , to hold it properly and pour in the steaming water otherwise it’ll become too hot to hold. And, most of all care , should be taken to screw the top firmly so that there is no water spilled. Seems quite clumsy , doesn’t it? But all through my growing up and middle-aged days I’ve seen family members using it. Nowadays an electric hot gel pouch is available and my parents have been gifted at least four (at the last count).However , every time I go home, those new bed warmers remain untouched and I end up filling these hot water bottles. The ritual is a link to my past and I am quite content to do so. Have you ever come across these ? PHOTO: A couple of these hot water bottles at home