What an interesting find at the market today. They are all-natural Rosé and Pinot Grigio Salamis, «made by hand with love, time and a little wine». From Giovanni Volpi & Company, St Louis, Missouri.

It's been years since I had my last sip of this concotion from "heaven". The time has come to savour it again.

«B&B Liqueur (created in the 1930s), 40% ABV, combines Bénédictine Liqueur (which dates from 1510) and fine French cognac into an aromatic libation made with 27 different herbs and spices. The base spirit is quite a departure from other spirits created from grapes, grain, or potatoes, as it is made from 100% beetroot from Normandy, France. Made in small batches of 4 distinct recipes, each recipe includes infused vanilla and lemon peels, is aged for 3 months before the marriage of 60% Bénédictine and 40% Otard fine French cognac, followed by a "wedding gift" of acacia honey and saffron. Next comes the "honeymoon" where B&B Liqueur is aged for 12 months at the Bénédictine Palace in Fécamp, France, and lastly, the spirit is filtered, aged for an additional 3 months, and then bottled.The color is coppery amber and the nose offers heady spice aromas of nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla, rounded out with caramel and citrus notes. On the palate the taste is warm and buttery with butterscotch notes and has a long, smooth cognac finish. One can easily imagine drinking B&B Liqueur in a snifter glass while sitting by the fire in the winter, or served over ice as an apéritif.  B&B is also a delectable cocktail ingredient that does double duty in the kitchen as a starring ingredient in culinary recipes. One of the easiest ways to enjoy both B&B Liqueur and Bénédictine Liqueur is to put the bottles in the freezer, which will thicken the liqueur and pour the now honey-like consistency over ice cream or fruit.»

I mentioned it over at Tweeter (@arcimperii) and I emphasise it here. Using a friend's turn of phrase: «Get it. Love it». 

It's a brilliant album, from the very first note to the last. 

«This is the 2010 release from the Irish outfit The Script, a follow-up to their million-selling self-titled début. It's an addictive blend of Hip Hop rhythms, flowing melodies, sparkling hooks and poignant, story-spinning lyrics, with Danny's mellifluous soulful vocals riding high over huge, anthemic choruses. When writing, the London based trio found that weighty, emotion-packed mini-epics came thick and fast. Highlights include first single 'For The First Time' and 'Nothing', its subject matter a drunken, broken hearted phone call to a lost love Then there's 'If You Ever Come Back' about always leaving the door open for the possible return of a loved one and the title track, 'Science & Faith', which takes on the primacy of love in the universal equation.»

Today many cultures celebrate love and friendship and I hereby wish all a very special day.

A year ago today, I collapsed and was later resuscitated and a prolongued hospital stay led to the beginning of a slow yet productive recovery which still continues. I've faced the ultimate challenge to one's life: death. And I've survived surrounded by love, support and good intentions which have given my blessed life new meaning.

To the doctors, nurses and hospital staff that saved my life I say thank you. To my parents, especially my Mother and the rest of my family I not only express gratitude, but infinite love. The same goes to the friends, acquaintances and even strangers who've crossed my path in the last year and enriched my life.

Photo: Valentine, 2005. Welded, bolted steel sculpture by Carole Eisner.

«Things may come to those who wait,
but only the things left by those who hustle.»
~Abraham Lincoln
(12 February 1809 - 15 April 1865)

Calvin displays an early distate for institution.

They finally arrived by post today... They're the «BAXTER SLIM BOOT DESTROYED DARK WASH» jeans by Abercrombie & Fitch. Awesome!

This is a small ruled post-it note I found in back of the White House many many years ago. I picked it up from the payment, had a good laugh and tucked it away inside my jacket. I just found it among other documents and items that were returned to me in a box you can see a couple of posts down...

«This document does not exist». Brilliant.

So I've finished McEwan's Solar, and shall embark this very evening on the adventured promised by Justin Cronin's The Passage.

Stephen King has written: «Read fifteen pages and you will find yourself captivated; read thirty and you will find yourself taken prisoner and reading late into the night.»

This book is said to be a relentlessly suspenseful adventure and an epic chronicle of human endurance in the face of unprecedented catastrophe and unimaginable danger.

It's almost eight hundred pages long... I'm up for it. Here I go...

And so this box arrived today from two great friends who've been safe-keeping its contents for me since 2005/2007. At the moment it remains unponed. Not for long.

In no way the detritus of a former life. Catharsis. Surprises. Depth. Revelation. Longing. Gratitude. In a box.