Adventure: January's Trip to My Beloved 'Shire.

I haven't been complimentary to 2014. I feel, I have solid reasons for it, but I should point out that it started out nicely. The high point was a visit back to My Beloved 'Shire, to see My Lovelies, and former colleagues. 

You know you have awesome friends when, even after a year since laying eyes on each other, you just launch back into the same rhythm you had when you did see them most every day. Such is the case with My Lovelies.

The entire long weekend+ was jam-packed with fun, good food, delightful company, more adventures than any one adult should have in a six-day period.

Summer Cocktails - only good with the right ingredients and company.

I was never much of an imbiber, but slowly have become one. When I was in my teens I may or may not have had a fake ID but I got it so I could get into the good dancing clubs, just to dance. Yes, I am that big of a nerd.  Side note: according to my fake ID, I am 47. It seemed like a much better trade-off at 16, when I was "21".

Then I became a beer snob and then I became a wino (wine snob), which I blame on Spouse as he is also both. The good thing with being a snob about liquid is I drink but not to excess, generally speaking. I drink because I really enjoy whatever it is I have in my glass and, let’s face it, normally I’m in excellent company too, so what better way to hang out with my favorite peeps than with an adult beverage.

When I moved to The ‘Shire, though, I discovered a love for cocktails. And white wine, but that’s not nearly as exciting as cocktails. With cocktails, there is infinite variety even with just a few ingredients.

An Ode to My Muse(s). And Toffee Saltines.

For a lazy person, this is already the fourth try to start this post. What the what? I guess it's because the recipe I'm about to lay on you came from my dear friend & soul twin, Sydney. And I miss her something terrible. Especially right now, as it is the year anniversary of Leaving The 'Shire <sad face>.

Sydney was my neighbor in The 'Shire and became my confidante, my purveyor of fine food and beverage, my guru & reference to all things Upper Valley (including a vast number of its' residents, as she knows at least 85% of the people that live there) - and my inspiration to start this blog.