On the third night of Hanukkah a photographer gave to me..

... an awakening to the pleasures of Gin and Tonic.

Who knew?

My only experience with Gin was back in art school, when, under the influence of Quadrophenia-era Who mythology, I tried my hand at Gilbey's.  On the rocks.  

I swore I could feel brain cells being incinerated with every sip.  Tasted like ass, too.

Then last night, during the latkes and before the lighting of the candles, my photographer friend Zara said "Oh, you've really got to try one".  It was her house (okay, her and her mother and brother's house), and so how could I refuse?

As we sipped Zara quipped "Ahh, the perfect drink for colonizing the world, eh?", and how true that was.  Or for just relaxing at the club after a rousing game of quoits with the fellows.

Still, the drink was a marvel or refreshment, all limey and tonicy and delicious.  Now I get it.  

Thanks, Zara.  Summer and my liver will never be the same.

And Happy Hanukkah to all.

In other news...went to  Renga for some last minute shopping today and heard Alex Chilton's great song "Free Again".  Thought it was Big Star (must still be fuzzy from the Gin & Tonic), but I was wrong.   We met the folks who own the place and they are the kind of lovely, smart, funny, creative and committed people that make this part of the world so inspiring.