eek. i'm back. down in north carolina for a few days, trying to get some work done while i'm down here. Staying in a motel room wiht new furnishings, we walked in and immediately started sneezing and hacking. They're going to bring the ozone machine up and see if that'll help dissipate the noxious fumes. Figure it's the carpet, as the only room that doesn't make one ill is the bathroom---go figure. (no carpet in there!)

I was very cross by the time i made it here---construction and accidents slowed down my drive....it usually takes 6.5 hrs, took 8-plus yesterday.

and i forgot the vermouth! It's hard to have a martini party without it.