Yep, he’s at it again! And nope, I didn’t taste this drink. But Mr. C. assures me it’s really, really tasty. And much easier to mix than some of his concoctions. But again, where’s the gin? I suppose I shouldn’t complain. If he liked gin as much as I do, I’d have to share my good gin with him. And what’s the advantage in that! So I guess I should be happy that he chooses other liquors and liqueurs with which to assuage his passion for new and different libations. (Keeps him busy too.)

So the other evening while he was mixing this drink, I still hadn’t finished my almost daily jazzercise workout. Usually I exercise while he’s not around, but it just worked out (get it) that we were in the same area of the house at the same time. So while I’m contorting my old body to one of my favorite CDs, we actually had a chance to listen to the music together. Which then led to a discussion about the lyrics to one of the songs – (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding by English songwriter and singer Nick Lowe, first released in 1974. (See lyrics below.)  

And it occurred to me while we were talking, that the words to this song truly reflect what makes me so uncomfortable with our present administration. And recently, “uncomfortable” with my fellow citizens who feel their “rights” are being violated because they are being forced to stay home for their own good, and the good of those around them. (“Uncomfortable” being the least offensive and politically correct term I could come up with. Not actually the word I would have preferred to use. But some amount of decorum must be displayed in the name of good taste. Blah blah blah!)

Anyway – the words of this song just speak to me. And they truly reflect what I am currently feeling. But there is a flip side to this story.

Some of us who have lived through good and bad times, are aware of the ups and downs that life brings. We acknowledge that what we are experiencing right now is awful. But we have learned that the human spirit is resilient. And I truly believe that we should reflect that in our daily lives, especially right now. So as much as I often feel anxious about what’s happening in our country and around the world, I refuse to become depressed. I need to honor my feelings, but not dwell on them. And I need to continue to express my concerns, but not become a prisoner to my worries. And above all I need to feel positive that things will take an upward turn and reflect that confidence to those around me. It starts with each of us. How we relate to each other. And how we support our leaders who represent the views we hold true.   

So in the spirit of this post, I want to thank all of you for reading my blog, for understanding and hopefully forgiving me for openly airing my feelings, and especially thank you for all you do to keep yourself and your family safe, healthy, and well fed. Peace, love, and understanding to all.

(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin’ for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside
There’s one thing I wanna know:
What’s so funny ’bout peace love and understanding? Ohhhh
What’s so funny ’bout peace love and understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony

‘Cause each time I feel it slippin’ away, just makes me wanna cry
What’s so funny ’bout peace love and understanding? Ohhhh
What’s so funny ’bout peace love and understanding?

Revolver Cocktail

2 oz. bourbon (a rye-heavy bourbon such as Buffalo Trace is recommended)

½ oz. coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)

2 dashes of orange bitters

wide strip of orange peel, garnish

Combine bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Twist orange peel over the drink to express oil, add a couple of ice cubes, and drop peel into drink as a garnish.