It's all about the lime.
Well, the thermometer is going to be creeping towards 90 again today with no real cooling in sight. I'm going to try to talk Elenka into heading to Willard for the day. I doubt it will take much convincing. We don't have central air. It's really not needed here. We have an air conditioning unit in an upstairs window, but for the most part open windows and small strategically located fans do the trick. Otherwise, how do you keep cool? What's your tonic? This warm stretch lately has sent me hankering for an afternoon refreshing beverage. While many will reach for that bottle of Tanqueray, Bombay or Beefeaters, I prefer Gordons, and of course there's a backstory. It was Dad's drink of choice mixed with a distinctive lemon and lime soda. When the heat hit last week, I remarked. "Let's do gin and tonics". So off Elenka went and returned with a bottle of Gordons. Did she know? I doubt it. Unless she was in some way 'enlightened' as she walked among the stocked bottles, I think not. For me songs, tastes, photos and aromas can send me hurtling back to my youth.
Each time I prepare a gin and tonic with a well-placed lime, I unscrew the cap and breathe.
Whoosh!
I'm a teen back on Coyle Street.
At the kitchen counter, inhaling the Gordons.
And wondering what the 'game of alcohol' was all about.
Lime, please.
We use fans and open windows here too. Most summers we don't need air conditioning, although the past few days have seemed especially warm and humid. Relief comes tonight or tomorrow here, if the weather people are correct.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound very refreshing even this early in the morning. Do you remember the lime shortage last year? It was a big deal here in the west. Limes were outrageously expensive so bars were offering free drinks if you brought it two limes.
ReplyDeleteWe have no A/C either. Out here it usually doesn't get too overly hot for long. this year a different story. We have had many 90's and lots of high 80's--unheard of out this way. 72 is what I prefer. so a fan in the window and chairs in the shade. We usually have fairly low humidity and almost always a gentle cooling breeze. I'll take a spiced rum and cola, please.
ReplyDeleteMB
I take a water bottle with me all day, and try to stay in air conditioned spaces through the heat. By the time I get home in the evening after classes, it's cool enough in the house.
ReplyDeleteWe have had the A/C on a few days but have it set at 26˚C (78˚F) which takes the humidity out of the air. Had the windows open last night!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this I think I`m off to the LCBO for some gin, and then to No Frills Groceries for some tonic and a bag of limes. Should taste good as I sprawl under tyhe umbrella on my deck at the back of the house. But I do have AC and it`s been so hot here 32C yesterday that I have been forced to use it.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have A/C either, but most nights it cools down enough to sleep well with open windows and a fan. It has been very hot here lately though. I usually drink a pils mixed with fassbrause or a rose wine with sparkling water to cool down.
ReplyDeleteOr homemade iced tea!
DeleteMy West Hartford house was originally un-airconditioned, but about 10 - 15 years ago I couldn't stand it any more and had it retrofitted for air. A very wise decision, if I do say so myself.
ReplyDeleteCheers. I wouldn't mind one myself. And before you complain about the heat, remember snow is coming your way...
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. I'm not complaining... just the facts Madam.
Deletehaha. i had 2 gin and tonics when i got home this afternoon. :)
ReplyDeleteBirdman, I'll drink to that. My parents always had a bottle of Gordon's Gin to offer B&Ts to guests in the summer. I had one last weekend. Enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteSomeone said that drinking alcohol makes one feel hotter because it dehydrates! But I don't know much, except the trouble with going down to the lake or to the ocean is that there is Sun there as well as water! Can you tell, I'm a Winter Girl? Meanwhile, what I've often done is go to an air conditioned library or café when the temps get high into the 80's.
ReplyDeleteA summer without A/C in DC? Suicide. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe have a heat pump which reverses to AC in summer. Up til this summer we used it no more than once or twice each year. This year it's been running steadily for the last month. In Washington?? Never had it in California. Sooooo glad we have it here tho I never expected to need it.
ReplyDeleteSummer = G&T + lime.
ReplyDeleteCheers Birdman.. make mine a shandy :)
ReplyDeleteCheers Birdman.. make mine a shandy :)
ReplyDelete