Wednesday, January 20, 2021

For this woman, it’s been a long four years. For this child of immigrants, it’s been a long four years. For this lover of Mother Earth, it’s been a long four years. For this advocate of justice and equality and equity, it’s been a long four years.

And now a beloved family member is actively battling CoVid-19.

Whew! I have been tired and often despondent. And I have been waiting for today. I have been looking forward to feeling more hopeful and more optimistic that our democracy is not dying.

Since I am a political junkie and a life-long Democrat, I took the day off from work so I could watch the entire Inauguration Day unfold in real time. Today, I have cheered and I have cried. Today, I have felt grief and I have felt joy. The prayers, the music, the singing, the poetry, the ceremonies, the speeches, the parades–I watched it all. And the day has been surreal, compared to other inaugurations–everyone is wearing a mask, there are no crowds, and armed National Guard members line the streets.

President Biden has so much work to do, so many crises to solve. Vice President Harris has made history, and every move she makes will be scrutinized. Our nation needs them both to succeed in their new jobs. Our nation needs to allow them lead us to unity.

I just read President Biden’s tweet: “It’s a new day in America.” Best wishes to President 46, and to our beloved country.

I would be remiss if I did not use Marker’s Mark 46 today! This is my version of the Merry Berry Buck Cocktail, from the Maker’s Mark website.

In a shaker with ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon, 3/4 ounce lemon juice, and 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass. Top with 3 ounces ginger beer. Add more ice, and a lemon wheel and frozen cranberries for garnish.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

In Fall 1982, I spent the semester as an intern in the United States Senate in Washington, DC. I would go on to become the president of my university’s chapter of the College Democrats, but I put my political leanings aside and worked in the office of a Republican, Senator Dick Lugar, for three reasons: 1. He represented my home state of Indiana; 2. His office had a well-respected internship program; and 3. He was then the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and I was studying international politics. The Senator was a wise man and a moderate. Yes, I rolled my eyes occasionally when I heard some partisan rhetoric, but I never felt like the enemy, or felt unwelcome, or felt demeaned and disrespected. Oh, I suspect the staff knew I was a Democrat, but I was there to help my state and its constituents, and to learn—I indeed learned so much!–and the Senator’s staff was happy to teach me, and happy for the free labor, too. The relationship was cordial.

On my lunch hour, I would take the Capitol subway from the basement of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to the US Capitol. Back then, the general public had freer access to most parts of the building, so I would roam the side hallways, admire the statues and paintings, gaze out the windows onto The National Mall, and sometimes pop up into the Senate Gallery to see what was being debated. I loved to stand in the middle of the Rotunda room and look up at all the detailed artwork. I felt the building–and all the history within–deserved reverence. Reverence. The Capitol is a temple to democracy, as far as I am concerned. Over the years, over my many subsequent visits, as I grow older and wiser, I feel even more reverence toward the Capitol and all it symbolizes.

When I think that the 9-11 attack had likely targeted the Capitol, I get a cold chill down my spine.

And yesterday, January 6, 2021, I got a series of cold chills down my spine. I felt the same outrage I felt after 9-11. But this time, the temple had been desecrated by thugs, by domestic terrorists. Our current president had incited a riot. I was not surprised that violence erupted (yes, I live in Charlottesville, and I know what happened here). But I was surprised that the Capitol was so easily breached. And then I was angry at the insurrectionists. Very angry.

I was relieved that Congress reconvened so quickly, and that Joe Biden was finally certified as the winner of the Electoral College vote. I was relieved to hear that the vandalized areas of the Capitol were being rapidly repaired.

The physical scars may be removed, but the images that the entire world saw? Those cannot be removed–and should never be allowed to be removed–from our collective consciousness and from our country’s history. We must never neglect to protect our democracy from threats, both foreign and domestic.

Today I am still angry, and heartbroken, and anxious for our nation.

I did gulp down quite a bit of wine in front of the TV last night, and tonight I am calmer, and I made a cocktail to savor and not gulp.

This cocktail is often called a “Madras,” so I chose it for the play on words it provided, i.e “Mad Rush.”

In a shaker with ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 3 ounces cranberry juice, and 1 ounce orange juice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Twist an orange peel over the drink, and then reserve the peel for a garnish.

Thursday, December 31, 2020

GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE to 2020!

New Year’s Eve is usually a time for introspection and goal-setting. But I am not really in the mood. In 2020, I wrote more blog entries than in all past years put together–I was writing daily at the start of the pandemic–so that’s enough. I have consumed a crazy amount of alcohol, chocolate, and comfort food–I was drinking daily at the start of the pandemic–so that’s enough. The writing continues to be good for my mental health, but the drinking and eating and weight gain have not been good for my physical health. My resolution, therefore, is to strike a better balance in 2021.

We still have a long way to go to get back to “normal” and I am ready. Very ready. What a long, strange trip it’s been.

I named today’s drink after Washington Irving’s protagonist, because on most days of 2020, I wished I could just take a super-long nap and wake up when the pandemic was over. I could sleep and be oblivious to the sorrow, the pain, the stress, the worry…but that’s a coward’s way out, really, and I don’t get a choice. I am in it for the long haul. I am grateful to all of you for the love and support.

Today’s drink is my version of a cocktail called “A Long Winter’s Nap,” and I made SIX of them, and will be delivering FOUR of them to neighbors, so we can toast the New Year together later via Zoom.

First, make an infused maple syrup, if you have the time. Combine 2/3 cup of pure maple syrup with 2/3 cup of water, and add 3 star anise, about a dozen peppercorns, a 1 inch piece of peeled ginger root, and 5 cloves. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Chill overnight in the refrigerator. Strain before using.

For each drink, combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce infused (or plain) maple syrup, and 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a stemmed glass, and garnish with a slice of lemon and a star anise.

Cheers to 2021! Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Tonight I am taking a short break from cocktails and enjoying a lovely stout (“Santa’s Cookies”) brewed right here in my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, by Champion Brewing.

I admit, the cute and seasonal name attracted me to this beer originally, but then I sampled a pint–it is yummy. So Husband and I purchased multiple cans to give away as gifts. We also purchased Virginia peanuts, Virginia maple syrup, Virginia jams, Virginia wines, Virginia rum, and more Virginia beers–you get the picture–because we wanted to support our local economy. So far, no complaints from the gift recipients.

Shop local, support small businesses and restaurants, and tip generously.

Friday, December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas! And here we are again, at Christmas. The 2020 version will be remembered as unique. For many of us, these holidays simply aren’t as merry as they were in past years.

But as I see on social media and as I hear from family and friends who have contacted me, we are all making the best of our specific situations.

Trees were put up and decorated, nativity scenes were lovingly displayed, gifts were purchased and given with joy, and Santa came down as many chimneys as he could–after all, Santa did get a green light from Dr. Fauci, right? Whew!

I hope all my family and friends found reasons to celebrate today.

My cocktail today is my version of a Peppermint Martini. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 1 ounce clear creme de cacao, and 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps. Shake well and strain into a glass.

Merry Christmas!

Throwback to December 1, 2014

1. The high temperature for Charlottesville is expected to be 63 degrees.

2. I still have Thanksgiving leftovers.

3. I still have to put away the Thanksgiving platters.

4. I still have to launder the Thanksgiving tablecloths.

5. I still have to put away the bedding for all the Thanksgiving guests.

6. I have only received about 10 Christmas catalogs in the mail.

7. I have not started fretting about all the cards I need to send.

8. I have not started worrying about the gifts I still need to buy.

9. I have not started obsessing about the cookies I need to bake.

10. I have not started panicking about all the decorating I need to do.

Throwback to December 16, 2014

1. Hanging out with new girlfriend.

2. Decorating the Christmas tree.

3. Shopping for presents.

4. Writing his list for Santa.

5. Browsing Youtube for cool Christmas videos.

6. Trimming his fingernails.

7. Making an inventory of snacks available in the kitchen.

8. Chatting with Dad about cars.

9. Reading emails from colleges he is not the least bit interested in.

10. Almost anything else.

AND

Things That I Would Rather Be Doing In Place of Working At The High School During Exams, The List:

1. Almost anything else.

Throwback to November 26 through December 22, 2013

1. Youngest Child is vacuuming and dusting his room. Of his own volition. Without expectation of reward.

 2. Today’s cost to fix Youngest Child’s vehicle was $20.

3. College Girl called home! We heard her melodic voice for 4 minutes and 45 seconds. She did not call to ask for money, and she did not call to report any bad news! She was happy and animated! (Yeah, OK, so it was a butt dial, so perhaps this really is not a miracle.)

4. Contrary to what the Richmond PD believed, Gainfully Employed Son’s vehicle was not stolen, after all!

5. I found Youngest Child’s I Pod in the bottom of his tuxedo bag, where it has apparently been since the choral concert on October 14. Child gave me the biggest hug ever, because he thought it was lost forever, and he was far away from having enough funds to replace it. And Santa had not planned to get him one, either.

6. Youngest Child admitted that he danced with a few girls at the AHS Jazz Band dance last night. College Girl (who sat in with the band along with a few others alumns) insists she noticed nothing, and that I should stop prying.

7. Youngest Child’s Snarky attitude all through last week’s midterm exams has now been forgiven, due to his performance last night at the Paramount Theater with the Albemarle Patriot Singers and the Oratorio Society, together 120 amazing voices strong.

Throwback to December 15, 2010

1. He has taken over the algebra tutoring for Daughter.

2. He has taken over the tutoring for Younger Son’s SOL.

3. He bought me chocolate, tea, and salsa with left-over “dining dollars.”

Saturday, December 19, 2020

The good news: the three young adults we have raised are caring, compassionate, and cautious. The bad news: the three young adults we have raised are caring, compassionate, and cautious. In other words, two of the three young adults–one who lives in Nashville and one who lives in Richmond–are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and have made the decision to not travel to our home for Christmas. Husband and I are right on the cusp of the more-vulnerable demographic, so yes, our children want to protect us as much as possible.

I can live with that decision, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it, much less be happy about it. We considered options (like having all of us tested), but none were feasible enough or foolproof enough.

Youngest Son has been living with us since the pandemic began, and we are so grateful to have him here, especially now. I do believe that we are all grieving the loss of our fun-filled, tradition-resplendent family Christmas, but Youngest Son is probably grieving the most, in his own way. Husband and I have both not “been home” for Christmas for various reasons (blizzards, illness, pregnancy, etc.) but we have never ever had a Christmas with one of the children missing. I was losing some sleep over this, until I decided to be pragmatic and not emotional.

I do feel better now. Cookies help. Cocktails help. Greetings from friends help. Zoom meetings with family help.

Watching the news does not help. Reading social media updates does not help. Thinking of my mom in the nursing home does not help.

Making new traditions will help. The vaccine will help. Sending a few more contributions to charities will help. Being able to Zoom during the main holiday meals will help. Knowing that our Nashville boy and Richmond girl have special significant others with them will help.

I am not cancelling Christmas. I am baking, cooking, decorating, wrapping, playing carols, and watching holiday movies. And I am appreciating all my blessings, every one.

Today’s drink is mostly bitter, yet totally palatable. There is an underlying sweetness.

In a low glass, combine 1 ounce well-chilled espresso (or strong cold-brewed coffee) with one ounce Jägermeister. Stir gently and add ice. Serve with chocolate-covered coffee beans, or with Christmas cookies.