BusterStronghart@Gmail.com

From Gross to Hal & the Group re Hal's coming surgery:

I'm sure the Chief of Protocol will understand if we submit our requests for the Shiva now, while there's time. I never got a chance to tell Hal how partial I was to that green spread he used to serve as an hors d'oeuvre, with olives. Of course, the martinis will have to be prepared in advance and frozen; no one but Hal can get them just right. I know we can't expect Sally and Irwin, but do you think he still has the goldware? Any requests?

From Buster to Hal & the Group:

Hal:

Gross' remarks bring to mind the question of what to wear at your funeral. I wouldn't want to come dressed in a manner that might offend; and yet I have no idea what is worn in Beverly Hills Adjacent these days -- or any days, for that matter, as my experience in such neighborhoods has been severely limited. I was thinking of a hound's tooth sport jacket, Would that be okay? Let me know.


But, more to the point: Martinis. I have been giving them a lot of thought since arriving in Florida, since, as you know, in summer those in the real know, drink only white, and Florida has no spring, fall or winter detectable to Northern sensitivities. It's always summer.

So I have been drinking martinis exclusively.

It was only through your careful and generous instruction that I have come to consider myself to be an expert at Martini construction, but you remain the Master in my mind, as well as Chief of Protocol.

I have moved away from Vodka to Gin. Hendricks, to be specific. Its powerful juniper fragrance is the first of its pleasures, for even as the bottle is opened the martini experience blooms. The juniper fragrance is like an appetizer leading to the forthcoming martini.

I use a previously frozen glass shaker filled with ice cubes. I pour two and half ounces of Hendricks and add a small amount of vermouth, only the driest, of course, but, to quote something you asserted long ago, "I am not afraid of vermouth," so I probably use more than most people would approve.

The glass jar is shaken furiously, so that small slivers of ice form. There are people who believe that shaking the shaker is vulgar--but why would it be called a "shaker" if not because it is made to be shaken. Anyway, I crave those ice slivers.

I pour the very cold martini into a frozen martini glass. Very slight slivers of ice reflect the light of the setting sun on my porch. A single plain olive is added, sometimes two, if I am hungry.

Yes, I know of today's fad for "dirty" martinis....talk about "vulgar." I am astounded when I see that Gross and St Eve have both fallen for that fad. You may have noticed me slowly moving a seat or two away from them when they order it dirty. You must have noticed the look of disapproval on the bartender's face when he takes their order. (By the way, do you know that the bartender at Henry's has taken to calling himself "Randy" in homage to you, the Master?)

I know that you have used spicy or pimento filled olives, but I believe that they, somehow, take away from the true martini experience. And what else is there, but Truth?

I prefer the martini to be a martini, not lunch.

Hoping to hear from you--before it's too late.

mek

BusterStronghart@Gmail.com

Let it go in regard to all other virtues.

Make decisions to better your own situation.

Do not rub in the fact of your mate's inferior friends-- there's no gain in that. Your mate's friends are important to him or her and pointing out their second rate social habits only hurts your mate. Is that what you are trying to achieve?

You have choices--it is up to you to make them, or at least, shut up about them. Choices give you the power to change. Your predicament is not the result of predetermined destiny, but the result of your own previous choices. You must accept the fact that you are the creator of your own destiny and at the same time the creator of your own situation. You have the power to extricate yourself. Your choices have placed you where you are--your choices can get you out.

Your mate must feel devalued every time you criticise her friends.

STOP!