Well, that dinner at Wood Work back in June did it!
A few different kinds of bitters are in the cupboard, a couple different vermouths are in the fridge, some new glassware, cocktail shaker, mixing glass, barspoons, jiggers…. and the momentum hasn’t really slowed down!  Waiting for a couple large ice cube trays, mole bitters…
In my bookshelf, I’ve added some books:
The PDT Cocktail Book (Hardcover)
The 12 Bottle Bar (Paperback)
Death & Co.
I bought hard copies of PDT & 12 Bottle Bar, but wish I had them electronically as well – to search and look up recipes from my iPad or phone.  I bought the Kindle version of Death & Co., but I think it’s still nice to be able to pick up a book and enjoy the original presentation of the books authors.  Wish buying books was like buying new vinyl albums – where they typically include digital downloads.
The 12 Bottle Bar is a great book to start with, if you’re just buying one book.  The recipes are grouped by the main spirit used in the recipes, and contains most of the classic cocktail recipes.
The PDT Cocktail Book and the Death & Co. books are great reading, providing more back story about a couple of important cocktail bars in New York City.  It’s interesting to read about how some cocktail recipes come about, and they provide information and recipes on making syrups and other ingredients used in some of the drinks.
Now we’re also looking at bar cabinets  – something that will store the tools, glassware, and bottles – that opens up as a prep and serving station.
Another  case of both feet 🙂

Decided to try a bit of gardening this year – and my son Davis and I built 3 raised garden beds, each 3′ x 5′, from cedar 2×6’s.  We also got some large planter pots, 3 of them, that are about 2′ in diameter, and a couple feet tall.
This past weekend we picked up the soil, and Davis and I filled up the garden beds.  Then Tracey and I decided on vegetables.  Here’s what we’ve planted, mostly from seed:

• Zucchini (green and gold varieties)
• Radishes
• Cucumbers
• Butter lettuce
• Kale (planted some seed, and also 2 plants from the garden center)
• Carrots (a multi-color variety)
• Green onions
• Jalapeño pepper
• Red Chili pepper
• Sweet Bell pepper
• Tomatoes (in one of the planter pots)

While at the garden center, we also picked up some flowers and herbs that we’ve planted in large planter pots.  The herbs are in a big pot by the pizza oven which should be handy 🙂
Now we just have to remember to water and weed everything!