Started drinking alcohol, specifically wine, again. Sounds bad, I know…I told people my New Year’s resolution for 2014 was to take up drinking again, and I meant it. But not in a bad way, people!!!! In a socially responsible way…with friends, over a nice meal…that sort of thing.

Was at a birthday party last week at a local restaurant. The waitress asked me if I wanted to have some wine with dinner.

Sure, I said. Make it red.
What kind, she said.
Surprise me, I said.

The wine came in one of those trendy stemless glasses that looks like a small vase. It was excellent. Murphy-something (Goode, I think?).

Then I got the bill. My vase of wine cost $12.

Oh yeah, I was surprised all right.

I know it’s been quite a few years since I drank alcohol, but last time I was in a liquor store you could buy a half-decent bottle of wine for $12. Has it really been that long?