This is my first blog post

There are a few things you are going to need before we all get started on this blog, and, no, I don't mean literally, I mean mental tools, things found "outside" that trite and annoying "box."  You need to "repurpose" your brain...

Okay, assemble the following, in a dark room:

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth; also patchouly or pachouli) "is a species from the genus Pogostemon and a bushy herb of the mint family, with erect stems, reaching two or three feet (about 0.75 metre) in height and bearing small pale pink-white flowers. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and is now extensively cultivated in China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, West Africa and Vietnam.
The scent of patchouli is heavy and strong.."  Wikipedia.com

The Joy of Cooking: 
Fifth Edition
Fourth Revision
Authors: Irma Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker
Illustrators: Ginnie Hofmann and Beverly Warner
Published by: Bobbs-Merrill Company

Cherry Clan:  A small tart cherry-flavored candy made by Ferrara Pan (http://http://www.ferrarapan.com/), originally named Cherry Chan, now called Cherry Heads, but only the CLAN will do!  http://www.inthe80s.com/food/cherryclans0.shtml

The House of Bamboo, Earl Grant Mix  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moiv9UBIND8&NR=1

Ponga Punch(c), aka Liquid Satan(c):  light rum, gold rum, dark rum, guava juice, pineapple juice, a twist of lime and a dash of What!?  You pick the proportions, I dare you.

A Pop-in:  good pals, who come by for the evening or a weekend, unplanned, accompanied by booze, food and/or wine.

Kitchen Dance Party:  I think this is self explanatory.  feel free to add disco ball, strobe light, blacklight or small noisy pet.

Cooked breakfast:  for the morning after blogging - should contain some or all of the following:  eggs any style, English bacon, American bacon, sausage, bangers, fried bread, toast, mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomato, black puddings.

There, that should do to get us started.  I'm not sure on what, though.  I'm thinking of sharing some travel tips on various freak/wraith havens in the Western hemisphere (more on freaks/wraiths later), thoughts on home entertaining and observations on the rich multicultural fabric that is my current zipcode 32205.  I hope you enjoy!  I might entertain suggestions at some point.

and now, (with apologies to Withnail) for a delightful weekend in the '05!