Reality Has Set in

    The reality of being back home after a really fun vacation has set in.  I returned to work yesterday, and dealt with the really slow time of the year here in Key West.  Christmas shopping for the locals, and the tourists are waiting for New Years to let it all hang out down here in Key West again.

    There was a beautiful sunrise here in key west yesterday and another today.  These are the tings that get me going and make me so happy to be living down here in paradise. 

Today I'm going to be in the Rum lab playing with some "Valentine" and "Regatta" cocktails for some up coming events.  It seems so strange to be working on 2013 projects when we haven't ended 2012 yet.   This is always fun and gives me an excuse to enjoy some Mount Gay XO while I'm working out toe recipes for the Regatta Cocktails.    The Valentine Cocktails will "require" the use of Rhum Barbancourt, such a shame that I have to deal with all of these rums and rhums in the same day.    

This is the price of reality in my world and a job that I enjoy doing.  I'm just very lucky to be in this position and get to play with some of my favorite spirits on a regular basis.   This is all I have now from Key West, but as the day develops, I'll bet that there will be more things happening to brighten the day.  ;o)

Sun Rise Brings Vacation to an End

 

 

The Cancun sunrise is telling me that vacation has come to an end and the reality of returning home is here.   Going back to work hits you right in the face like the brightness of the morning sun.    It isn't so bad though, it was a great vacation, but I'm ready to get back home and the fun of my everyday life.  ;o)

Xplor: The Natural Park South of Playa Del Carmen

     Just South of Playa Del Carmen  is a very unusual theme park.  Based on the natural caverns and cenotes of the Mayan Riviera there is a world of beauty, excitement, and fun.   Wandering through the miles of stalactites and stalagmites of the caverns and cenotes will hold your attention all the way through their passages.

     There are 10km of off road trails that you can drive through the jungle and into and out of the caverns.  This is a beautiful tour that is loaded with interesting plants, animals and birds.  Your travel over the 10 km of trails, you will be very busy as the trails switch back and forth through the jungle is a real joy.

If that is not enough, you can ride a raft or swim through the cenotes and explore the waterways in a barely lit maze of waterways that takes twisting  through the caves for the better part of a half hour.  There is a toll that is taken on the arms as you paddle these rafts through the waterways.   My shoulders are a bit sore today from the use of muscle that I didn't know that I had.    The aches and pains of my muscles are a small price you pay for a very worthwhile trip.


    The real excitement of the park for me was high above the jungle and the caverns.   The 14 zip lines take you from one end of the park to the other at a breakneck speed.   The serious stairways up to the top of the towers has your attention and the legs are talking to you by the time you reach the top of the tower, but immediately forgotten as you hook up on the lines and prepare for the run down to the next tower where you repeat the process again.  In all, there were 14 different zip lines, that we made 2 passes on each before the day was concluded.  Yes the legs were definitely tired, but if there would have been more time I would have gone another round, 28 rip lines in  a single day is my idea of a great day.

   If you are in the Cancun area, this is a trip you do not want to miss.  High energy fun and a great all inclusive beverage center(non-alcoholic) and restaurant.  This is not a place you want to be drinking and playing it is the formula for a disaster.  So I waited for my arrival back at the hotel and enjoyed my Havana Club 7 on the rocks and the end of another day.  ;o)

Rum Wars: Guyana Meetings of CARICOM

     At the end of the two day meetings of the  Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) of CARICOM in Georgetown, Guyana.   COTED issued the following statements.
   “In addition to being the largest agriculture-based export industry in CARICOM, the rum industry is a substantial employer and a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and government revenues,”   "CARICOM continues to have serious concerns about the threat to the competitiveness of Caribbean rum in the United States market resulting from the massive subsidies provided by the governments of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Puerto Rico to multinational rum producers in those territories."     “The nature and scale of these subsidies are such that they threaten to distort rum markets not only in the US but elsewhere,” CARICOM warned, adding that “time is not on the side of the Caribbean rum industry."   “Given the likely deleterious effect of these subsidies on the long-term viability of an industry which is of such critical importance to the economic fabric of so many countries in the region, the COTED supports strongly the deep commitment of CARICOM countries to pursuing all avenues available to secure a resolution of this matter that restores the competitive balance in the marketplace.”



Irwin LaRocque

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said that the rum issue, involving Diageo, the global rum producer, continues to "threaten Caribbean rum into the US market, and the leaders agreed that strong and urgent political intervention was needed to address that issue.

 

"There is a concern with regards to some subsidy that is being provided for Diageo, the multilateral and one of the largest rum producers which is currently located in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands," said LaRocque.

"There is an arrangement in the US government that allows for resources to be provided based on the exports of rum from the Virgin Islands, but more than that the resources are being used to provide a direct subsidy for a modern rum factory that is being constructed in St Croix," he added.

-

In August,  the UK-based Diageo reportedly warned that should CARICOM mounts a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the alleged subsidies it would  ‘re-evaluate’ its Caribbean interests.

Diageo has denied ‘flooding’ the US market and has defended the US governments 100 year old “cover over” programme, which it said granted the USVI and Puerto Rico much-needed revenues to promote economic stability and fiscal autonomy.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/guyana_news/644287.html#ixzz2F2FbmHqQ

 

     The issue doesn't seem to be getting the attention of the American administration, even though the calls for a dialog with Washington.    This is an issue that just doesn't see to be going away soon even if Washington does keep ignoring it.    I don't mean to sound trite about this, but we have enough problems with our own rum producing companies here within the boundaries of the United States, and here we are supporting the largest rum producer in the world and a British  company at that.   There is no subsidy being set to the rum producers here within the United Stat es, but we can afford to send the money to foreign companies.   There is surely a problem here that needs our attention. 

Early Departure for South of Playa del Carmen

  Thursday morning and it is off to Xplor just South of Playa del Carmen.   This means that I have to write the blog tonight,  I'm just writing a little something to let you know that I think about the blog even on vacation. 
    
     Today we had a bit of rain and cloudiness, a perfect day to work on the book.  I spent the better part of the day collating the components of the book into a somewhat ordered piece.   For what time I could get out, I did walk along the beach for a while and later on managed to sip a couple of glasses of Havana Club just to help chill.   

    Anyway, that is about it for day five of my vacation, tomorrow is off road vehicles and zip lines, should be a blast.  Will let you know on Friday.  ;o)

Sun, Surf, and Havana Club 7

     Vacation time allow the mind to wander and enjoy the beauty that is often not noticed as we hurry through life.    Sitting on the veranda overlooking the Caribbean, I seem to be noticing many things that I miss when back at home and in the midst of my "normal" daily routine.    It could be the rum and the relaxation, but more than anything, it is the lack of a schedule that forces me to be in so many places at certain times.  

    Relaxing and a bottle of Havana Club 7 makes for a pretty nice afternoon.   The sun filtering in through the veranda walls and the steady rumblings of the ocean rushing against the shore makes for an afternoon that just sends me off into a series of short naps and awakenings.   These make for a revitalization that I so needed.

     Rum, surf and sunshine the perfect vacation.   There is nothing to take seriously, but the sheer beauty of the picture infront of me makes me very happy and my time here very worthwhile.    I know, you don't need to be in Cancun to relax like this, there are times that I can accomplish the same feeling on days off on the back of the boat.  It is more about the letting go and allowing yourself to unwind.   ;o)

Ron Mocambo 20 Anos and the Caribbean

 The second full day in Cancun found me taking a trip down to the malls of the "Zona Hotelera" looking for something in a good Mexican rum.   At the little tequila museum in the Kukulkacan Mall, I found the a bottle of "Ron Mocambo 20 Anos Edicion de Arte".  This is in my opinion the finest rum that comes from Mexico.   The day was spent traipsing through the various malls and shops in the "Hotel Zone" in search of some new rums.    There are a thousand or more tequilas, but very few rums, especially ones that are made here in Mexico.

 

     The Mocambo 20 Anos is a relatively dark mahogany colored rum with a slightly woody almost desert dusty and semi sweet eye opening aroma that leads to an aged oakey flavor that is only the start of a leathery tobacco flavors that hit the back of your mouth.   The rum is dry on the finish and still has the smokey taste that led you from the palate.   All in all this is a really enjoyable rum as I sit on the veranda of the room overlooking the ocean.

     Today is one of the days that as usual, clouds up in the afternoon and makes for a perfect atmosphere to just relax and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of the Mocambo along with the company of good friends make for a very enjoyable afternoon.  This is really what a vacation is really all about.  The rest, the seeing of things that I want to see when I want to see them, and no schedule to follow.    I try very hard to keep this that way with out being carried here and there on tours, appointments, or other obligations.  It is what I want to experience on my own terms.   ;o)



Morning Along the Beach

    The wonderful thing about being on vacation is the freedom to follow your whims.   This morning I decided to walk the beach just after sun up and see what I could find before the sun bathers took over the beach.    The fun part of hitting the beach early is that you get to leave your footprints in a clean slate of sand.     Just being the first on the freshly erased sand that the surf freshly cleaned just for me to leave my mark on.    The great thing is that I am just leaving foot prints behind, nothing else.

     The surf is always putting on a wonderful show for me as I walk down the sand and see it spray as the waves ebb and flow over the rocks just off of the beach.    This is what the beach really offers, drawing me to just wander farther and farther down the sand along with the occasional bird flying overhead.   I think why do so many people go the hotels and resorts to watch the man-made water features, when mother nature has it all over the artificial water wonders.  Off of the rocks comes little waterfalls and rivers of water that are left behind as the waves retreat.   These provide a wonderful visual effect that is continuously changing and never seems to repeat.

     Then there are the birds.   This morning the Frigates were riding the air currents above as I ambled down the beach.   The birds look like something out of a prehistoric time, but have the ability to snatch fish from the ocean more efficiently than most any other.

    This has been such a beautiful morning, one of relaxation and pleasure for me.   Today is part of a week that I hope continues to give me such pleasure and chill as the first full day here in Cancun has.   The sun, the sea, the birds and the friends, all make for a great and relaxing day.  The Havana Club on the rocks hasn't hurt the experience at all either.     ;o)

Cancun and Rum Day One ;o)

 Day one after several hours of travel to Miami by car and then Airborne to Cancun, I'm at the Sun Palace in Cancun.    Check-in behind me, it is off to the Lobby Bar and some rum that I don' get everyday in America.    " Havana Club Anejo Especial" and a couple of cubes of ice, just what a weary traveler's tired body needs.    After a few of these it is time for a meal and then some more of the spirits.

     I was disappointed that the only Havana Club was the anejo especial, I was hoping for Havana Club 7 Year.  The surprise was how good it was as a sipper.  I've only had the Anejo Especial as a mixer in a mojito's or daiquiri when I was in Cuba.  i had to try it again just to make sure that I wasn't in denial, but after three or so I was sure that it was a very good sipping rum after all.   A few good friends and a bottle of Havana Club makes for a really relaxing afternoon. 

    We got a chance to talk and wonder the grounds of the resort enjoying the rum before supper time.   After dinner it was back to the Lobby Bar and a chance to enjoy another of the rums that I don't find in Key West.   Bacardi Ron Solera is a fine smokey rum that I only seem to be able to enjoy when I am in Mexico.    The rum, the friends and a really great atmosphere make for a wonderful evening to relax and begin a vacation.    

    The 4am rising, the travel, and the rum makes for an early evening and it was off to sleeping time.   The vacation is underway and I'm looking forward to my first full day overlooking the Western Caribbean and by the way did I mention sipping some really good rum.   Today I am going out to "research" the local rum scene in the land of Tequila and see where the rums can be found locally.    The "adventure" continues tomorrow.  ;o)

Cancun Travel Day

   Today is a travel day for me headed to Cancun  for my VACATION!!!!!!
I will be posting as usual, but the subject matter is up for grabs as I don't know what I may be doing or seeing to write about.

The Rummy Quintet:  Karaoke Style

Mount Gay Extra Old: The Mixer?

     Mount Gay Extra Old is one of the premier rums on the market today.  It is known for it's sipping qualities and the bold taste of wood, fruit and spice with a long lasting warm finish.   This rum is an excellent mixer as well.  It adds a boldness to ultra premium cocktails that is missing with many other rums.    It fits well with the back deck of the boat at sunset or on a starry moon lit night in a snifter and a couple of ice cubes, but it fits there in a fine cocktail as well.

     In preparation for the Yacht Races in Key West we are developing a few new cocktails with Mount Gay Extra Old.    These are cocktails that will be available at the Rum Bar in Key West in the evening during the races, January 15 - 20, 2013.

Regatta Daiquiri

• 2 oz. Mount Gay Extra Old Rum
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
• 1/2 oz. Luxardo
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz. Agave Nectar
• 2 Dashes of Bitters

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled, strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with an orange slice.


Mount Gay Elder

• 2 oz. Mount Gay Extra Old Rum
• 1/2 oz. St. Germain
• 1 Dash of Bitters

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled, strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lime slice.

     There will be one or two more that will be served, but I'll save them for another day.   Try these at home or stop by the Rum Bar during the races and I'll be glad to make them for you.

Looking Forward fo Mexican Rums

     Saturday Morning I'm off to Mexico for a week's vacation.  That is right a vacation, but one of my favorite things to do while relaxing is the pursuit of new native rums.   Mexico, although known for its Tequila, produces some very nice rums.   My last visit there I found Mocambo, a very nice rum that was very inexpensive, but possessed some extremely good attributes.    I brought a bottle of the Mocambo 20 year old rum home and enjoyed it as I traveled around the uninhabited keys to my north and west while drifting through the mangroves.

     This year, it is another week on the Yucatan peninsula and the search for new rum continues.     In the province of Veracruz , the Villanueva family has been producing fine spirits for three generations. the town of Cordoba, has been famous for it's sugar cane and it's both the juice and molasses of this local cane that goes into the small batch production Los Valientes rums.    The slow fermented juice of the Veracruz cane is double distilled in pot-stills, with only the heart is taken from the second distillation, then blended with column distilled, fast fermented, molasses from the same crop.
 This is one that I will have to look for on this trip, Veracruz is North of Cancun, but I'll bet that I can find the Rum somewhere in the area.
    

Though the Yucatan area is known primarily for producing beer, rum and a local liqueur called Xtabentun, in Mérida by the Aristi family.   All of these rums I find interesting especially where they are being produced in the area that I will be enjoying my vacation.   Oh yes I did say that this was a vacation.  I guess that that means that I will have to just look for the rums of the Yucatan and buy them in a liquor store and just sit on the veranda overlooking the Caribbean and enjoy them.   I guess that I can settle for that instead of traipsing all over the country side and trying to get tot the distillery.   

 

     All kidding aside, Mexico does produce very fine rum, even though it is not that well known in America, the product is very nice.   Remember that Bacardi also produces rum in Mexico.  Two of their better rums Ron Solera and Bacardi Anejo are both produced in Cuautitlan, in metropolitan Mexico City.  The building thee is another of the famous Bacardi Buildings of the world.   I do wander sometimes, but I'm really looking forward to my vacation and I will have new adventures in to report and new rums to enjoy.   I'll bring you the results of the quests for new rums as I find them.  ;o) 

Happy Repeal Day:79th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition

   The end to all evil was the cry in 1920 when the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was enacted.   The voice of the temperance groups felt that the prisons would be used as corn cribs and warehouses and there would be no more slums.   The feeling among the temperance groups was that there was a better chance of "a hummingbird flying to Mars with the Washington Monument tied to his tail" than Congress repealing the 18th Amendment.    Initially there was very heavy support, but with the passing of time, the country had become very disillusioned with the "Nobel Experiment".

The Pelicans that operated in the Keys

     There was actually less respect for the law leading to new and more  serious social problems were appearing.   Journalist H. L. Mencken wrote in 1925 that "Five years of prohibition have had, at least, this one benign effect: they have completely disposed of all the favorite arguments of the Prohibitionists. None of the great boons and usufructs that were to follow the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment has come to pass. There is not less drunkenness in the Republic but more. There is not less crime, but more. There is not less insanity, but more. The cost of government is not smaller, but vastly greater. Respect for law has not increased, but diminished."

Rum Running in the Keys from Havana

     The Volstead Act granted both State and Federal authorities to enforce Prohibition.  Montana became the first state that chose not to enforce Prohibition in 1926.     Prior to Prohibition, saloon keepers could loose their license if they were caught serving minors, but in the speakeasy's of the Prohibition era, you could find teens regularly consuming alcoholic beverages.   What was "moderate drinking had become binge drinking", combined with the growth of the mob violence, public intoxication, corruption, and a huge growing disrespect for the law, all the things the 18th Amendment was suppose to cure had gotten worse instead of better.

    There were a large number of repeal organizations appearing as the disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the "Nobel Experiment" grew.   There was even an anti-Prohibition plank in the platform of the Democratic Party Platform in 1932 and Franklin Roosevelt ran for the president promising repeal.    The popular vote for repeal ran 74% for Repeal and 26% against.  The American public ended Prohibition by a three to one margin and December 5, 1933 Prohibition was over.

   The 21st Amendment had two parts, the first repealed the 18th Amendment, and Part two made it illegal to import, manufacture, transport, and sell intoxicating beverages into states, territories or possessions of the United States that had laws prohibiting them.  The catch was part two, it gave the individual states, cities, counties, the right to enact their own set of rules and regulations.   Today the results of this section of the 21st Amendment is still very much in control of the spirits industry.  Every state has a different set of rules and many of the counties within the state have another set of rules.

    Today 79 years later we can celebrate the fact that the one time speakeasy called the "Florence Club" is now one of our favorite "watering holes" that you can enjoy a cocktail at without the fear of being busted for being where "intoxicating beverages" are being sold.   It also means that I have a job and can make you those fun tropical concoctions that we all know and love.   Enjoy Repeal Day 2012.   ;o) 

The Speakeasy Rum Swizzle

     The "Speakeasy Rum Swizzle" is a new cocktail that was first served last week.   This is a light and refreshing blend will bring out the taste of the rums and offers a light refreshing taste.   You can enjoy the subtle taste and the light fruity and spicy flavors that high light this unique twist on the traditional "Bermuda Swizzle"

The Speakeasy Rum Swizzle

• 1 1/2 oz. White Rum
• 1 1/2 oz. Spiced Rum
• Juice of a Half Lime
• 1/2 oz "Sugar in the Raw" Syrup
• Top up with Club Soda

Place all the ingredients except the club soda in a highball glass filled with crushed ice, swizzle or stir (Power Swizzle Optional).   Top up with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint and an orange slice

Enjoy this cocktail on the Lani or inside just relaxing, it has a light and flavorful taste that will refresh and chill.   If you are in Key West stop by and see me for a "Speakeasy Rum Swizzle".  ;o)

For Sure Signs of Winter in the Keys

   There are two things that tell me that winter has arrived here in Key West, first it starts cooling down a bit, but more important is the arrival of the winter birds.   The Pelicans are the first to arrive, sliding along in the ground effect just off of the water.  This is always the thing that amazes me how they can glide along just inches above the water.  

    The next is the Turkey Vultures and their magnificent ability to soar on the winds as the circle high above the marina.   These are a freak of nature, absolutely beautiful to watch in the air, but the read and wrinkled head like that of a turkey lacks something.

     There are several of the wading birds that have made their way down here in the pas week or so also.   Egrets and several large and small members of the heron family are starting to arrive for their annual winter visit.

   This is how we see the change of season here in the Keys.  Up North it is the leaves turning colors, then falling off that signals the onset of winter, down here it is the return of the "snowbirds" and the arrival of the migrating flocks that head south for the winter also.  

   It is a different set of things that tell us when it is winter, but it is still relatively warm down here and I don't have to think about the snow arriving.  ;o)

Rum for Recycle

This was an interesting barrel that I spotted while touring the Angostura Distillery.  Brings  a little bit of wonderment to my mind as I ponder the idea.     Really what constitutes "rum for recycle"?

Lunch with Angostura

   On the recent trip to the Angostura plant in Port of Spain, Trinidad, I discovered a very unique soft drink.   "Lemon-Lime with Bitters"   This is a very tasty soda that makes a perfect mixer to enjoy with your rum.  Our lunch at the distillery of a great sandwich and the mixture of 5 year old Angostura Rum was the perfect break between seeing the bitters operation and the rum distillery.

     This lemon-lime and bitters flavor adds a really exciting dimension to the mundane lemon-lime soda available everywhere.    It fills my head with new ideas of cocktails that could benefit from the combination.  Something that I will pursue in the Rum Lab at a later date.

     It is the Angostura Rum that I really enjoyed during the visit to the distillery and in the hotel after the tour was over.   Carlton Grooms and I sat on the veranda of the 10th floor an looked out on the mountains as a thunder storm worked its way toward us and enjoyed a bottle of the Single Barrel Angostura Rum that is only available in Trinidad.   The visit to Trinidad was far too short, but it was a very enjoyable day of tours and just plain relaxation on the veranda.

    Should your travels take you to the island of Trinidad, don't forget to try both of these  treasures.  Single Barrel Rum and Lemon-Lime with Bitters, both are truly unique experiences that will be memorable for the rum enthusiast.   ;o)

The Pot Still: A Short History

Wood Fired Pot Still at Callwood

   Distillation made its first appearance in the era around 800BC in Asia.   Distillation was used for turning sea water into fresh water as well as the distillation of fermented liquids to alcohol.    The process finally found it's way to Europe after it's growth in India and Egypt.  How the distilling process originally found it's way to Britain is still a mystery, but the Brits have mastered the art.

     The pot still was the still of choice for the ancient Celts to create a fiery spirit they called "uisge breatha", meaning "the water of life".   For the Celts, the power of the liquid  to revive tired bodies, drive the chills out, revive hope and to put an end falling spirits was truly a gift from the gods.

Currently Operated Pot Stills at DUSA

   The Scots really developed the art of distillation for making the whiskeys that is so intricately woven into their history.   Today the pot still is really a thing of the past, but is is still in use for producing the more viscous and flavorful spirits that make your favorite spirits so nice.

     In modern rum distillation, the majority of the distillation is accomplished in column stills, but the traditional pot still still plays a critical part today's rum production.   At the DUSA Plant in Venezuela, Tito Cordero takes the fermentation first to a column still for the initial distilling to produce the "low wine" then for the special rums it is placed in a pot still for the second distillation.   The pot stills are used to produce the heavy wines for the bolder and more viscous rums.

Retired Pot Still at Santa Teresa

    When you visit most any modern distillery you will see a variety of very sophisticated digitally controlled automated column stills. The venerable pot still a manually operated unit that is used to make the heavy wines for the blending of the finer rums.   Look around the grounds in the historic part of the distillery or just sitting out as a decorative piece in the garden you will find some of the more interesting old pot stills.

     The pot still is a vital part of the making of fine  rum, but the ancient pot still and the origins of distillation are a part of the spirits history that will probably be around for many more years.   ;o)

Being Resposnsible for the Holidays

     We are headed into the time of year when we tend to drink more than usual, more parties and more trouble if we don't pay attention to what we are doing and drink responsible.  A lot of the troubles can be avoided by doing some planning before you start drinking and you judgement begins to fade away.    If you are alone, maybe you might want to take a cab to the party or town, that way you won't be tempted to drive your car home afterward.   The biggest part of planning is a solid choice of not to drink and drive.

Americans have been doing a much better job in the past five years, we are down 30%, but this is still a very serious problem.     Men are the worst culprits in the problem, involved in 4 out of 5 drinking and driving episodes in 2010. and young men ages 21 to 34 the worst, 32% of all instances ( the group only makes up 11% of the population).    Binge drinking has been reported in 85% of drinking and driving incidents.   The practice of doing shots, one after another is leading to trouble in the quickest possible way.    Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks for men and 4 or more for women in a short period of time. 

     The statistics are dead against you if you are drinking and driving, make a plan and stick to it this holiday season.  I really don't want to loose any of my readers of my friends.    Choose an alternative to binge drinking this holiday season, choose to select a quality spirit that you can savor and have a plan that does not include you driving to get you back home.    Make this a very happy holiday season and be around for 2013.   ;o)

An in Between Cocktail

     Tis the season between the holidays, a time for a nice evening cocktail that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy as you ease into the evening.    I'm thinking of a creamy fun cocktail that will make you yearn for the Egg Nog in a few weeks.    Lets see, we can start with a bit of Rum Chata and work from there.    Next lets look at a bit of Frangelico just to enhance the nuttiness, and follow it with a little bit of half and half to make it really creamy.    It sounds like this will be a fun combination so lets put it together.

In Between Cocktail

• 2 oz. Rum Chata
• 1 oz. Frangelico
• 1 oz. Half and Half

Stir all ingredients in a rocks glass filled with ice and top with cinnamon and nutmeg.   for the chocolate freaks, a float of Marie Brizards Chocolat Royale  would be a nice treat.

   This is actually pretty good for something that was made up on the fly like this.  Try it, you'll find it very interesting and dreamy creamy.  ;o)

My Kind of Day

   Today is one of my kind of days, the weather is in the low 70's a few clouds and the wind is out of the Northeast at 6.    This is a day to hop in the dinghy and cruise around for the first time in a while.     It is one of those days that you live in the keys for.     I'm not sure of where I will head off to, but I'm definitely taking a short cruise today.

     If nothing else I'll be on the water to just relax from the chores and getting everything in good running order again.     I'm thinking a little bit of rum, some snacks and a bottle of water will get the job done.   

     Most of you have to get away once in a while, it is the same for me, but it only takes me a few hours to go, return,  and loose all of the blues and relax away from all of the stuff that keeps you tense.    I know, you don't feel for me, but I too get a little tense after a while and need to slip away for a while to relax.

     Guess what, it is Karaoke at the Hurricane Hole tonight, and I'm really looking forward the the return to normalcy after the Thanksgiving  holiday last week.   Anyway, just enjoy your day and I'll have something worthwhile to write about tomorrow.   Oh, this was worthwhile, because I feel better already just talking about getting out on the water today.  ;o)