Well what a bummer! A bottle of Hendrick’s gin costs about $90! Bombay Sapphire a little less. Even Gordon’s is too expensive to justify. Needless to say, we are not serving gin at Laird’s party — and I will be going without the comfort of a (or more) gin and tonic. So, I’m so not in a party mood now!
But they had one whole aisle, loooong aisle of vodkas, just the Russian ones. We got a bottle that Laird swears is good vodka. Beats me. I’ll try to find some OK whiskey tomorrow, but my party bar is looking pretty damn thin about now.
We did find avocados and chiles, actually chilis, so we’ll make guacamole and salsa — but I just realized we forgot the chips. Our local grocery store doesn’t have chips, I don’t think. What a weird party this is going to be — half the people aren’t coming; four of our really great friends are busy and we won’t see them until Sunday. I tried to talk Laird into canceling, but no luck. Strangers sitting on beds in a bare apartment with only one bottle of vodka and guacamole without chips. I might spend the evening in the bathtub with the door locked.
Soberly yours, jm
lairdandjonelle 
Why not just have a Vodka-Tasting-Party? Go buy a half dozen other bottles of vodka…..since you can’t read the labels, just pick out ones with a pretty label. Line the bottles up and label them: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, etc….. Then hand everyone a glass and tell them, “This is a vodka tasting party, and everyone has to taste each one and tell everyone which one is their favorite!” If someone says, “I think #4.” Then tell them, “Huh, try #1, #2,and #3 again before you give us you final answer.” It won’t take long before everyone is having a “GOOD TIME!” And this sort of party game is also good for keeping people’s minds off the zakuski table, (“What zakuski table?” you asked?…) And for you Jonelle, I’ll bet after your third vodka and tonic….HEAVY on the tonic and lime….you’ll be having a good time too! Cheers! Daniel
A major cross – cultural experience! Apparently all you need in Russia for a decent party is vodka, so might as well get with the program..can you bake some pita chips? Surely they must have potatoes? Some indigenous type of cracker? Hmm. Somehow I know you’ll manage to have fun. (I think I had whatever you’ve got, about a week of feeling way below par – nothing I took did much good, if that’s any consolation. But I didn’t try vodka, so good luck with that! Should give at least a temporary reprieve.)
OO Jonelle!! HILARIOUS!!! Drink SOMETHING girl and have fun! Guac on??? Fingers?? Ed has the best idea….but seriously when it comes to a party: YOU are the party! xxxxxxxxxxj
You are keeping us amused at least
Jonelle, take the party out! Home made ain’t a workin’. Find a decent bistro and have some fun!