Feb 28, 2010

It's the thought that counts...



The location: The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. (Why yes, I do summer there.)
The occasion: Tony Bennett, duh.
The lesson: You don't have to be fancy to make someone feel special and welcome. Or, I really should download my photos sooner, rather than later.

I spent today working on an apron pattern, which made me really productive around my house. Once my brain gets set to do something, it suddenly has an urgent need to do pretty much every task except the thing it set out to do. Did that make sense? While I did get around to constructing a pattern for the apron, I managed to go through my make-up collection, try out some eyeshadows, matted and framed a 60's print depicting the Boston Museum of Art, watched a documentary on Elizabeth Arden and then downloaded 400+ photos that have been sitting on my digital camera since 2008.

But anyway, the photo. Is this not the very definition of an underwhelming welcome? I'm amazed they didn't substitute the E's with 3's.

I'm guessing Mr. Bennett didn't leave his heart in Asbury Park that day.

Feb 26, 2010

Drawing on a snow day...



It snowed today and there's absolutely nothing else to say about it. Except that it was inconvenient, and that I looked out my front window and saw a man hitch a sled to a mid-size poodle. Really. The poodle didn't look too pleased about it. I couldn't help but think that there is a husky dog on the Champs-Elysees being fed bon-bons thinking, "There must be more to life than this."

Anyway, I took the time between checking emails (my work has a remote connection system that transports me to the internet, circa 1999) to work on the above drawing. It's the Washington Square Arch, circa 1960 or so. I found the photo of it from Lost New York, a great book for cranky young people (hi there!) who feel that they were born in the wrong time. I have the super-old version, which is only superior to the updated version in that it smells of Old Library.

Feb 10, 2010

Raise a toast to Old Abe

If Mr. Lincoln were alive to enjoy this cocktail, he'd most certainly hide it under his hat, so he could enjoy it during his Freedom-Preserving activities. Although, he'd probably have to also hide a microwave or a small induction burner under the hat, too--since this is a concoction best served steaming hot. I've decided to call it a Stovepipe, after old Abe's magical hat.

Here's what you'll need...

From left to right: A small Lincoln statuette (for ambiance), apple cider, a bag of chai-type tea (I use Yogi Tea's Soothing Indian Spice, bought when I had an identity crisisat the grocery store and mistook myself for one of those relaxed yoga ladies) and spiced rum. I prefer Trader Vic's, because I found its label charming. But also, it doesn't have that odd Old Coughdrop taste that many spiced rums have.

For one serving, pour a mug's worth of cider into a saucepan. Toss in a tea bag, let simmer over medium heat for about 5 mins. Once hot, turn the heat off. Add a healthy glug of rum, cover and steep for another 5 mins. Pour into a mug and savor your liberty and various freedoms.