Pictures and Words, a Blog: December 2020

Thursday, December 31, 2020

¡Adios 2020!

"Kiss today goodbye

And point me toward tomorrow"

Farewell to 2020

December 2020: photo by Cliff Hutson

This morning I read that when the ants of the species Myrmecina graminicola encounter danger while on a slope, they tuck into a ball and roll away, the only ants known to move in this way. I think that many of us wish that we could have rolled away from this year, rather than just curling up on the couch while subject to a "safer-at-home" order.

Today, we are counting down the hours to the end of the worst year in the lives of many Americans, if not the world. I have been very fortunate. All my family and friends have been safe and well so far. Sadly, one friend did lose a parent to the pandemic. Others have had family who were ill but recovered.

Also, I am used to living quietly alone, so that has not been a real problem. But, I do miss feeling that I can come and go as I please, occasionally dining out with others, and visits to concerts, museums, and the like.

Hopefully, at some point in the coming year we all can resume some of these activities.

Looking toward 2021

2021 is probably not going to be great. At least most of us realize that going in. The virus is still going to be around and the worst my still be ahead of us. But, I like to think that we may be able to turn a corner and regain some sense of "normality" before it is over.

So, my wish for you is for the best New Year that it can be. Stay safe and be well.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

I Drink Tequila

There Stands the Glass

Tequila Mockingbird: photo by Cliff Hutson

I have drank tequila for over fifty years. He estado borracho en Nuevo México, así como en East Hollywood y en muchos lugares intermedios. And, if push comes to shove, I would probably say that the Margarita is my favorite cocktail.

Margarita: photo by Cliff Hutson

Of course, it can be enjoyed straight as well. So, some might be asking, "just what is this versatile libration?"

Tequila

Silver Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, and it only comes from Mexico. To be called Tequila, by law, it must come from one of five Mexican states: Jalisco (where you find the town of Tequila), Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán or Tamaulipas. It comes in different styles, categorized according to how long the spirit was aged.

Hornitos Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

I tend to stick to two styles. Blanco (white) or plata (silver) which are unaged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. And, Reposado aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels of any size.

Tequila Sauza: photo by Cliff Hutson

However, I will sometimes step up to Añejo which is aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels.

Brand Loyalty

Espolòn Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

When it comes to brand loyalty I really have none. While he is loved by many, Jose Cuervo was never a friend of mine. The past few years I have tended to buy Hornitos, not so much that I think that it is really great but, that it tastes good, has a reasonable price point, and is readily available at Trader Joe's. A couple of months ago I started picking up Espolón. I like it, but am not wild about it. But, tonight I have been sipping El Exotico for the first time and enjoyed it. This is a really good Reposado. Is this the best Reposado I’ve ever had? No, but it’s damn good and the price can't be beat.

Tequila Exotico Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

The Future

So, the astute reader might gather from my preceding comments that when it comes to drinking that cost is a consideration to me. That is true. My palate is not so sophisticated that that I feel that I should spend a lot of money on alcohol or wine. But, if I ever come across it I will buy a bottle of Rey Sol Anejo just to see if I can experience the difference.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

The Best Words of 2020

Person

Masked Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

Woman

Soccer Mom: photo by Cliff Hutson

Man

Explainer Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

Camera

Camera: photo by Cliff Hutson

TV

TV: photo by Cliff Hutson

Friday, December 25, 2020

Tamal Season

Tamales

Tamales de Bruce: photo by Cliff Hutson

The word “tamale”, or tamal in Spanish, derives from the Aztec word of the Nahuatl language, tamalli, meaning “wrapped food.” In most versions, tamales are made from a mixture of corn dough (masa) and filling, then wrapped in a corn husk (or perhaps a banana leaf), and then steamed. The tamal is unwrapped before being eaten.

While store-bought tamales, or those from vendors (tamaleros), are available year round, Homemade ones, as they are very labor intensive, are usually reserved for big occasions like Dia de los Muretos, Christmas, New Year's Day, or other special celebrations. Indeed, many of us think of tamal season as starting in November and running to January.

In The Time Before, many us would gather at my son's home for a tamale making party, a tamalada, or he would bring them to some other family gathering. Sadly, that was not in the cards this year, of course. But, I am fortunate enough that he was willing to make a one hundred mile round trip just to drop off some off on my porch. So, while this dinner was with just me and my cat, I was still with family in a way and the tradition continued.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Cat Herders’ Day

Celebrate Cat Herders’ Day - December 15

A Cat and a Hat: photo by Cliff Hutson

The idiom that something that is hard to do, is “like herding cats” is a popular saying. Most frequently it probably refers to project management (been there, done that), but can apply to any difficult or impossible task.

I have herded cats both figuratively and literally. If you consider yourself a cat-herder then this day is dedicated to you and your so-called “cats”. Be proud of your cat-herding skills because we have always played a vital role in doing what needs to be done.