Throwback to November 19-20, 2012

1. Once a book is removed from the shelf, no child is capable of re-shelving the book back into the correct place.

2. Incorrectly re-shelved books drive me crazy until I put them in the proper place.

3. Levar Burton was adorable back in the Reading Rainbow days.

4. Every day, at least one student asks me where the shark books are located.

5. The phrase “graphic novel” no longer means a torrid Harlequin romance.

6. The word “butt” always makes them giggle.

7. The comfort level of a beanbag chair is inversely proportional to one’s age and weight.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

We have been patient, my fellow Biden/Harris supporters and I, and late this morning, trusted news sources finally called the race for the Democrats. I am relieved to hear these results, but still worried about our country. We have many challenges ahead of us.

But for today, I choose to celebrate the Blue victory. (I know many of you started toasting hours ago…) Whew!

Husband suggested I make a reference to the Pennsylvania Polka, since I was dancing around the house. “He started in Scranton, he’s now number one! <<clap clap clap clap>>” but credit goes to more people than the voters of Pennsylvania.

Thank you all for voting. We are flying our American flag in front of our home today in honor of democracy.

A toast to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (a woman!! finally!) and may God speed.

Today’s drink is my version of a Bluebird cocktail.

In a shaker with several ice cubes, combine 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce blue curacao, and 2 dashes grapefruit bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass, and add a not-so-red cherry as garnish.

Monday, November 1, 2020

Tequila usually gives me a headache. Too much citrus has caused me to break out. Pineapple juice sometimes gives me heartburn. Too much salt makes my ankles puffy. None of these ingredients are perfect, but, they work so well together when I build this yummy cocktail. Sweet, salty, smoky, sour–all the flavors are appreciated, and all the flavors contribute to the success of the drink.

So yes, my cocktail today is serving as a metaphor for the final day of the 2020 Presidential campaign. If all the diverse elements of America come together, if all the votes are counted, we can continue to build an America that welcomes all “the flavors” into one large success story.

Am I stressed out about Election Day? Yes. Nothing coming from the current administration surprises me anymore.

Am I hopeful that sanity and calm will prevail tomorrow? Yes. I do have hope in the democratic process.

Am I preparing 2 different cocktails for the days ahead, pending the outcome of the election? Yes. One version is celebratory, and one is super-potent.

But in the meantime, here’s a toast to all the hard-working candidates, campaign workers, and voters. Together, we will make this better.

Today’s drink is my version of a Pineapple Mezcal Margarita. This makes a double–I may need it–or 2 drinks.

In a shaker, combine 2 ounces mezcal, 1 ounce silver tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce lime juice, and 4 ounces pineapple juice. Stir, and pour into a salt-rimmed margarita glass. Add ice cubes as desired.