From John Updike, RIP

He was not one close to my heart simply because I have read v. little of his works, but he cannot help but be admired for his literary stature and output. I always find myself a little sad when any author dies.

“The miracle of turning inklings into thoughts and thoughts into words and words into metal and print and ink never palls for me.”

--from The New York Times

I have found...

that a martini in the afternoon makes life infinitely better.

This is neither booky nor boozy, but just completely awesome

And I am inexplicably in love with Jemaine.

An apathetic couplet

I could've said this better
but whatever.

Okay, scrap that

I tried that idea for The Motorcycle last night, but while good, it was a bit too medicinal for what I was going for. So today, the afternoon cocktail is The Dirty Pickle, which I have appropriated. It is simply a martini with a miniature dill pickle for a garnish instead of an olive. But I am calling it The Motorcycle (to be pronounced motor-sickle), in honor of Arlo Guthrie.

Drink of the day + experiments

Starting off today with a Pink Gin. Don't be fooled by the title--it's not as girly as it sounds, is an old British standard from the 20s, and apparently was started by sailors. Simply line a chilled martini glass with bitters and add chilled gin (shaken or stirred is find). Garnish with a lemon peel. The color actually ends up more orange than pink, and it is a great before dinner cocktail--not too sweet and livens up the palate.

Two experiments with drinks that I'm working on:

1) The Motorcycle--a take off from the Sidecar which will probably be made with scotch, lemon juice and bitters and served over ice.

2) The Railroad--will probably include bourbon and apple brandy. Named after an inspirational dream I had where Barack Obama travels through time with my friends and gives me hope.

starting with a piper posey

because it's just time.

This is not a political blog--

But yesterday was the last day of George W. Bush's presidency.

And today is the first day of Barack H. Obama's. And that means a lot to me. This whole journey, culminating in today, has been liberating, fascinating, and at times beautiful.

And in the spirit of this blog, and my endeavors, here is it said by another--much better--writer about the (part-time) writer that now holds office:

Christopher Buckley, before and after the speech.

love and lobsters

jesus came from heaven
to earth
on a suicide mission
to save our souls.

but who will save the lobsters
from being boiled alive
and gobbled down with butter?

With apologies to William Carlos Williams

Men in Suits

how much depends
upon

men in suits
yelling

exchanging make-believe
money

inside a shiny
building.