Dear Diary,

I made myself get out of the house today. The aloe plant really does need a new pot and since the snowman deal paid this month's bills, I figured I'd run out of excuses. Not that Nevermore is pestering me. He seems content with a pat on the head whenever I pass the window.

I stopped in at June's shop to restock on protection salts and was in for a shock. Crane Renovations not only bought that product company Umbra, but is putting out their new line of necromantic supplies. This wouldn't be a big deal if it wasn't for the price tag. Their revivification salve is $199! It fits in the palm of my hand! Of course they don't disclose what's in it. I bet it gives you a rash.

Fact is, old and cheap works just fine for me.

Resurrection Mud

1 handful of waybread (plantago major, picked on a Wednesday, preferably a dark moon but I've not found that it makes a difference, dried and ground)

1 handful of witch beard (usnea, storm blown rather than picked, ground fresh is fine, collected on a Friday if able)

Graveyard dirt

Incense ashes from a holy day (every day is a holiday somewhere, right?)

Spring water (though some swear by water from a holy well. Galveston says to use storm water collected on a Thursday but he was raising dead warriors for battle.)

Necromancer spit (I keep a small bottle in my ingredients cupboard. I need to refresh that soon.)

Steep herbs in spring water for at least one hour. Mix with the rest of the ingredients until you have enough mud to cover the whole body.

...

Kate called and asked if we could go for drinks Friday. I assume its because she knows I get mine for free now. I said yes. It will motivate me to do some laundry.