Rum Tasting

My friend, Soly, and I were to go to a rum tasting on the river.  We were looking forward to it until the riverboat company closed its doors.  While this was disappointing, I felt bad for those who had party plans, family gatherings and weddings scheduled with this company.

As you can see above, I have a good collection of rums.  That is my kitchen table.  It made sense to host my own rum tasting on my deck.  Soly came over with some cigars and we had a very enjoyable afternoon sipping rum, smoking stogies and chatting.  Life is good, good friends make it even better.

I know you're all wondering the outcome, sitting on the edge of your seat.  Our top three - Ron Zacapa Centenario, Matusalen Gran Reserva, and Pyrat XO.  Now you know what to get me for Christmas.

Age of Augustus 2011

A toga themed party.  Sound familiar?  (it should if you've been reading)  Last year I wasn't ready.  I slapped an outfit together and went.  I knew we were going this year and had time to plan.  I found some information online to put together something more respectable.  Of course my fellow geeks would beg to differ.

First thing was to take the sheet from last year and cut it.  I made a tunic from it by creating a big pillow case and cutting holes for my head and arms.  Be aware, I don't have a sewing machine so I did the stitches by hand.  It helped to keep the look rough.

Next step was to get several feet of material for the toga itself.  I shaped it so the ends tapered.  The whole thing needed hemmed so I was at it again with needle and thread.  My white rope belt was replaced with a gold one and I kept the grape leaf head band from the previous year.

I was very happy with the results and I could say I made it myself.  There are plenty of pictures this time.  However to keep with tradition, here's the back of my head.

Where's that damn bartender?

Even better, guess who got interviewed?  What a motley bunch.

Rocky Horrorfest

Let's do the time warp again.  It's just a jump to the left...

One night some friends in a band decided to play a couple songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  They enjoyed themselves so much, an idea was born.  What if we got a bunch of people together, showed the movie and then played the songs?

You get the First Annual Rocky Horrorfest.

It was held on the second level of the Copacabana on South Street.  Who knew a 35 year old movie would have such a draw?  There were plenty of people who showed up.  Some in costume which was great.  Unfortunately it was difficult to hear the movie and thus interact by shouting out comeback lines.  It's funny how much of it came back to me considering the years it's been since I last saw the movie.

The evening was still fun.  Had a few drinks and couple laughs.  The band afterwords was great too.  I can't wait for next year.  Maybe I'll be able to fit into my corset by then.

Slicing Squash

I really enjoy carving pumpkins this time of year.  Don't ask me why because it seems pointless.  They don't last very long especially in this warmer weather.  I guess it's just a creative outlet for me.

Crabby invited me to her sister's pumpkin carving party.  Last year was fun so I was happy to go again.  They have good food, all the pumpkins you can carve and a hayride.  Last time I carved two pumpkins but cleaned out four or five.  No one likes touching the gooey bits.  I don't mind gooey things and I really like toasting the seeds.

Let the slashing begin!

I chose to do a single but more complex pumpkin this year.  The carving kits out there make this much easier than using a kitchen knife.  I was able to do all that detail work without swearing in front of the kids or cutting my own limbs off.  (limbs of others beware)  It did take a couple hours to complete but I was well fed the entire time.  We had dogs, chili, finger foods, pulled pork, melted caramel over apples and hot cider.  Plenty of sugary treats for afterwards too.

Because they live out in the country, we could actually do a hayride through the fields.  Ok so not actually in the fields but right beside them.  All aboard!  And don't forget to grab a beer.

Nifty setup huh?  We needed coats and blankets because the day was cooling off.  This was the second hayride of the day.  I was busy earlier as you can see above.  Off we went across the country side.  The tractor gave a couple fits as we went but all seemed well.  We got to enjoy the fresh air and see homes decorated for the season.

Night began to fall and a beautiful moon rose in the sky.  My phone camera is limited so just trust me that it was beautiful.  As we admired the scenery, we noticed that we weren't moving fast if at all.  The tractor seemed to have trouble going up hills and eventually it stopped going altogether.  We'd make it about 50 feet and then the engine sounded like it would stop.  A thinking man in our group (not me) used his GPS app to find out we were 2 miles from home if we had to walk.  The driver was doing his best but ended up calling for help.  Crabby's sister showed up to save the night with a pickup which could pull the wagon.  By then, full night had fallen and it was a very cold drive back.  At least we didn't have to walk!  I should have brought more beers because one just didn't cut it.

Even with the tractor problems, a good time was had by all.  My pumpkin even made it home in one piece.  Here's hoping it lasts until Halloween!

Party like it's 1699

Every year the Colonel has a themed party at his place.  It began as a Medival Feast but this year he decided the theme would be American colonial.  I must admit to not being one to go in costume to these sorts of things but they got me into a toga earlier this year so.... WTH.

Jekyll was going to hook me up with some duds because this isn't the sort of thing I have lying around.  The Colonel went and had his coat custom made which shows you how behind the curve I am.  But I was happy for the offer.  Unfortunately, Jekyll got so into theme that he decided to catch the Consumption just before the feast.  So we dug through the Colonel's extras and came up with a ninja outfit and a kilt.  The kilt wasn't completely unperiod so I went with that.  Although I still want to be a ninja.  Anyone remember the show The Master with Lee Van Cleef?

Here's the Colonel with his smashing new coat and the Jack-o-Knives being the pirate he is at heart.

Not everyone dressed up but you don't have to.

We were able to do some axe throwing once the target was fixed.  No, we did not use duct tape thought it was offered.

Father and son doing a little boff sword fighting.  Don't call the cops, this is all in fun.

We ended the night in front of a fire.  I changed out of the kilt by then because it got rather chilly.

Only one person asked what was going on under my kilt.  I think he just couldn't help himself.  No one else asked because they really didn't want to know.  And that's a good thing because a gentleman never tells what's is or isn't under his kilt.  Of course I'm not really a gentleman.... thus no one asked.

I think they like the idea, Hoov.

Toga! Toga!

The third annual Age of Augustus toga party was held this year on Boathouse Row.  I had never heard of this charity event but the Colonel insisted I come along.  (glad I did in hindsight)  Yes, people did actually throw on some sheets and get 3 sheets to the wind.  I was hoping for a breeze to come along due to the heat and because some of the ladies had quite short togas.  (none of these women talked to me)

I had rush around to get ready because I didn't have the makings for my costume.  Luckily all it takes is a white sheet and some rope for a belt.  Now I went the extra distance to create a wreath crown.  Just some wire and grape leaf garland but I rocked it!  Jekyll gave me some leather bracers to wear too.  So we had a good time, had plenty to eat and drink, took some nice photos - all of which got lost.  I also have to apologize to whomever has a photo of me giving them the finger on their camera.  You left it unattended on the table and well... I was drinking.  It could always have been worse.

So I present the photos of me at the party.

The back of my head is so sexy they took two pictures of it.  Like I said the rest are gone.  Maybe I should have approached the ladies walking backwards?  Surely they would have talked to me then.