Luckily our friend Jim, Christine's Dad, has wisdom and wealth (and excellent personal hygiene) while living nearby in Texas hill country. We hadn't been that way for a while, so decided to get out of the city and visit his house by beautiful Lake Travis, complete with hot tub and bocce ball court, and many friends enjoying all the advantages of retirement.
He did warn us before we arrived that he had something special planned for Saturday night: a tequila tasting party. We were required to bring along our favourite "anejo" - tequila that has been aged 1 to 3 years, usually in oak barrels, giving it a warm, creamy, vanilla taste and velvety texture, perfect for sipping. Yes, we were about to spend an evening doing tequila shots with responsibility-free retirees. What could possibly go wrong?
Jim had constructed a knock-out style competition, where tequilas were tasted in pairs and eliminated one at a time. Doing it this way allowed you to really compare the tastes and smells of the different bottles, and what's the point in enjoying only one glass of each when you can enjoy...well, I lost count at Round 4.
It would be fair to say I was less focused at the end, figuratively and literally, but the good news is that Hannah and my tequila won! Which meant everyone got another shot of that one. And then why stop there? Tequila is well known for going off within days of being opened. Best not to take the chance.
The next morning was spent imbibing large quantities of water and staring at each other in silence while Pete enjoyed the hot tub. We did go for a refreshing walk, and then Hannah and I tag-teamed the drive back to Houston in 30 minute chunks while the other slept. We made it, you'll be happy to know.
Thank you once again Jim for a very very memorable visit, and I continue to aspire to your lifestyle once I retire. If my liver survives that long.
It was all so polite and orderly at the start.
Hannah helps Jim anonymise the bottles and randomise the tasting order. I always wondered where Christine got her ultra-competitive side from, and now I know.
Pete, meanwhile, happily and sensibly watches Frozen. Did someone say frozen margarita?
Difficult choices.
Round five. Or maybe eight.
I choose...tequila!
Any more for any more?
Maturing like a fine anejo.
The aftermath
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Before all this debauchery, we also enjoyed karaoke on Friday night, where my weak rendition of Revolution by The Beatles got more cheers than it deserved. Then we had a great day out at a local nature reserve that was having its annual fair. "Nature reserve" in Texas seems to mean "you can shoot animals here", which I find interesting...
How to put out a forest fire! (Tip: don't take a six-yr-old).
Investigating a crime scene where someone had shot pigeons without a license! Shocking.
Jean and Jim, feeling blue.
A tractor is always going to be a big draw.
A rescued raptor.
Learn to shoot at a nature reserve! Because of course.
Pete was alarmingly good, displaying his 2nd Amendment birthright.
Three on the target! What have we started?
