Tom Bentley
@bentguy.bsky.social
Fiction and nonfiction books plus a slew of travel, essays, content marketing and word stews | adept balderdash tosser | offers open mouth to classic #cocktails
This monarchical creature was a newborn yesterday. We have 10 other chrysalises hanging from various spots in the yard (we have lots of milkweed and the monarchs have laid lots of eggs) for their chances. #monarchs #butterflies
November 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This monarchical creature was a newborn yesterday. We have 10 other chrysalises hanging from various spots in the yard (we have lots of milkweed and the monarchs have laid lots of eggs) for their chances. #monarchs #butterflies
Retired trains and a mural from the Salinas, CA train station #trains #California
November 17, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Retired trains and a mural from the Salinas, CA train station #trains #California
A salute to my dad on #VeteransDay. He's now in the big B-17 in the sky, but flew many campaigns as a waistgunner both over Europe and Korea, and managed to come home with his warm sense of humor intact. Here he is with his brother Sturge (L.), and reacquainting himself with a machine gun.
November 11, 2025 at 10:48 PM
A salute to my dad on #VeteransDay. He's now in the big B-17 in the sky, but flew many campaigns as a waistgunner both over Europe and Korea, and managed to come home with his warm sense of humor intact. Here he is with his brother Sturge (L.), and reacquainting himself with a machine gun.
A great day at the plaza in Watsonville, CA. Many hilarious signs (mine is a contender) and the marvel of famed labor activist Dolores Huerta, who addressed the crowd with vigor and a strong, persuasive voice. Dolores is 95. Heroes are made of this.
#NoKings
#NoKings
October 18, 2025 at 10:47 PM
A great day at the plaza in Watsonville, CA. Many hilarious signs (mine is a contender) and the marvel of famed labor activist Dolores Huerta, who addressed the crowd with vigor and a strong, persuasive voice. Dolores is 95. Heroes are made of this.
#NoKings
#NoKings
Watering the Friday soil (well, our own) with a standard—but delicious!—Manhattan. Four Roses Small Batch Select bourbon, Dolin vermouth, Peychaud and Angostura bitters, brandied cherry, lemon twist. Standard she may be, but ahhhhhhh....
#cocktails
#cocktails
October 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Watering the Friday soil (well, our own) with a standard—but delicious!—Manhattan. Four Roses Small Batch Select bourbon, Dolin vermouth, Peychaud and Angostura bitters, brandied cherry, lemon twist. Standard she may be, but ahhhhhhh....
#cocktails
#cocktails
Five years after the hardcore CZU fire, Butano State Park still is heavily scarred, with burnt trees and stumps everywhere, but yet beautiful in a haunting way. That's me a week ago in front of a big redwood that had fallen across a trail, looking recently sawed. #ClimateChange #fire #redwoods
October 6, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Five years after the hardcore CZU fire, Butano State Park still is heavily scarred, with burnt trees and stumps everywhere, but yet beautiful in a haunting way. That's me a week ago in front of a big redwood that had fallen across a trail, looking recently sawed. #ClimateChange #fire #redwoods
Tonight’s sweet relief: a Sazerac w/ Russell’s 6-year rye, St. George absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup, lemon wedge, splash of (non traditional) soda water. A small anodyne for the news. #cocktails
October 4, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Tonight’s sweet relief: a Sazerac w/ Russell’s 6-year rye, St. George absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup, lemon wedge, splash of (non traditional) soda water. A small anodyne for the news. #cocktails
A toast to democracy; it wobbles, but I think (hope!) it will remain upright. This is a Square Mile, with Old Forester 1920 bourbon (yum), Grey Whale gin (semi-local) and Dolin Vermouth. Interesting—I did like the bourbon/gin combo more than I imagined, though not sure I'd do it a lot.
#cocktails
#cocktails
September 27, 2025 at 12:55 AM
A toast to democracy; it wobbles, but I think (hope!) it will remain upright. This is a Square Mile, with Old Forester 1920 bourbon (yum), Grey Whale gin (semi-local) and Dolin Vermouth. Interesting—I did like the bourbon/gin combo more than I imagined, though not sure I'd do it a lot.
#cocktails
#cocktails
Our country (big, frustrated sigh) feels so effed-up now, with no succor in sight. I feel powerless to make structural change, so I made a Friday night cocktail: A Man o' War, with Old Forester 1920 (a fave), Dolin vermouth, Gran Marnier, lemon juice, twist, brandied cherry. Breathe... #cocktails
September 13, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Our country (big, frustrated sigh) feels so effed-up now, with no succor in sight. I feel powerless to make structural change, so I made a Friday night cocktail: A Man o' War, with Old Forester 1920 (a fave), Dolin vermouth, Gran Marnier, lemon juice, twist, brandied cherry. Breathe... #cocktails
This eve's Jumpin' Jehoshaphat: a basic gin and tonic with a bit of jump: Grey Whale gin (kind of local), Liber tonic syrup, fizzy water, Meyer and Orange bitters, lemon wedge. Spirited (since it's been a lovely warm day). #cocktails
September 6, 2025 at 12:56 AM
This eve's Jumpin' Jehoshaphat: a basic gin and tonic with a bit of jump: Grey Whale gin (kind of local), Liber tonic syrup, fizzy water, Meyer and Orange bitters, lemon wedge. Spirited (since it's been a lovely warm day). #cocktails
These just arrived today, so tonight is glory!
Besides supporting sustainability, sending kids to Chocolate University overseas to learn about cooperative cacao-bean growing practices with farmers, and partnering with good folks globally, Askinosie chocolate is fabulous! #chocolate #Askinosie
Besides supporting sustainability, sending kids to Chocolate University overseas to learn about cooperative cacao-bean growing practices with farmers, and partnering with good folks globally, Askinosie chocolate is fabulous! #chocolate #Askinosie
September 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
These just arrived today, so tonight is glory!
Besides supporting sustainability, sending kids to Chocolate University overseas to learn about cooperative cacao-bean growing practices with farmers, and partnering with good folks globally, Askinosie chocolate is fabulous! #chocolate #Askinosie
Besides supporting sustainability, sending kids to Chocolate University overseas to learn about cooperative cacao-bean growing practices with farmers, and partnering with good folks globally, Askinosie chocolate is fabulous! #chocolate #Askinosie
Before the Trump administration outlaws sunflowers, and has them picked up by ICE, here are the ones waving with obvious gaiety along my driveway:
#flowers
#flowers
September 3, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Before the Trump administration outlaws sunflowers, and has them picked up by ICE, here are the ones waving with obvious gaiety along my driveway:
#flowers
#flowers
Tonight's volcano of joy: A Boulevardier a la Banane (yeah, quite a monicker): WhistlePig Rye, Gran Classico (so much better than Campari), Cocchi vermouth, 99 Bananas liqueur (99 proof!), orange twist. Love the banana boost. #cocktails
August 30, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Tonight's volcano of joy: A Boulevardier a la Banane (yeah, quite a monicker): WhistlePig Rye, Gran Classico (so much better than Campari), Cocchi vermouth, 99 Bananas liqueur (99 proof!), orange twist. Love the banana boost. #cocktails
A fine stroll to Lover's Point in Pacific Grove today; the coves and rock outcrops are striking, as is the turquoise water. The cormorants are commenting on the kayaking techniques.
August 23, 2025 at 11:35 PM
A fine stroll to Lover's Point in Pacific Grove today; the coves and rock outcrops are striking, as is the turquoise water. The cormorants are commenting on the kayaking techniques.
No, not day-drinking: forgot to post Friday eve's respite: Sazeracs, w/Whistle Pig rye, Peychaud's bitters, simple syrup, touch of sparking water and twist. I know, not in classic rocks glasses and no sugar cube, but still lovely stuff. #Cocktails
August 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
No, not day-drinking: forgot to post Friday eve's respite: Sazeracs, w/Whistle Pig rye, Peychaud's bitters, simple syrup, touch of sparking water and twist. I know, not in classic rocks glasses and no sugar cube, but still lovely stuff. #Cocktails
Tonight’s delight: a Derby, w/ Maker’s Mark bourbon (wood finishing series), Orange Curaçao, Cocchi vermouth, lime juice & lime wedge. A touch more tart than the recipe implied, but solidly good. #cocktails
August 17, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Tonight’s delight: a Derby, w/ Maker’s Mark bourbon (wood finishing series), Orange Curaçao, Cocchi vermouth, lime juice & lime wedge. A touch more tart than the recipe implied, but solidly good. #cocktails
A return to Friday eve #cocktails - Black Manhattans w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Amaro Nonino & Cynar amari, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, brandied cherries, orange twist. Long list, but quick results: pleasure.
August 16, 2025 at 12:48 AM
A return to Friday eve #cocktails - Black Manhattans w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Amaro Nonino & Cynar amari, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, brandied cherries, orange twist. Long list, but quick results: pleasure.
Saturday Sazerac w/ Whistle Pig rye, St. George absinthe, Demerara syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, spritz of soda (I know, not the classic), lemon twist. Ahh… #cocktails
July 27, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Saturday Sazerac w/ Whistle Pig rye, St. George absinthe, Demerara syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, spritz of soda (I know, not the classic), lemon twist. Ahh… #cocktails
Tonight’s delight: a Black Manhattan w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Cynar amaro, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, cherry and twist. Easy review: yum! #cocktails
July 26, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Tonight’s delight: a Black Manhattan w/ Bib & Tucker bourbon, Cocchi vermouth, Cynar amaro, Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters, cherry and twist. Easy review: yum! #cocktails
Why wait to get to heaven? Eat this chocolate now and fly (but don't touch these ones—mine!).
This ain't an ad for #Askinosie, it's a testimonial: wowee-zowee!
And their policies of sustainability and close communication with the farmers are worthy. Check 'em out: askinosie.com #chocolate
This ain't an ad for #Askinosie, it's a testimonial: wowee-zowee!
And their policies of sustainability and close communication with the farmers are worthy. Check 'em out: askinosie.com #chocolate
July 25, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Why wait to get to heaven? Eat this chocolate now and fly (but don't touch these ones—mine!).
This ain't an ad for #Askinosie, it's a testimonial: wowee-zowee!
And their policies of sustainability and close communication with the farmers are worthy. Check 'em out: askinosie.com #chocolate
This ain't an ad for #Askinosie, it's a testimonial: wowee-zowee!
And their policies of sustainability and close communication with the farmers are worthy. Check 'em out: askinosie.com #chocolate
Sat. Eve #cocktail: a Journalist (toasting brave souls reporting on Trump corruption): Sapphire, sweet and dry vermouths, dry curaçao, Angostura bitters, lemon juice. Taint bad.
July 20, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Sat. Eve #cocktail: a Journalist (toasting brave souls reporting on Trump corruption): Sapphire, sweet and dry vermouths, dry curaçao, Angostura bitters, lemon juice. Taint bad.
Me and a pal at our local Good Trouble event last eve, plus some of the dancers that were part of the presentation. #GoodTrouble
July 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Me and a pal at our local Good Trouble event last eve, plus some of the dancers that were part of the presentation. #GoodTrouble
A few shots from our local Watsonville, CA 4th parade, which is always a small-town delight. Democracy is trembling right now, but there's still some heartening in seeing folks gather, cheer and have fun watching old tractors, vintage low-riders, chain-saw revving firefighters and more rollickers.
July 5, 2025 at 9:55 PM
A few shots from our local Watsonville, CA 4th parade, which is always a small-town delight. Democracy is trembling right now, but there's still some heartening in seeing folks gather, cheer and have fun watching old tractors, vintage low-riders, chain-saw revving firefighters and more rollickers.
Trying to stave off the misery from the Supremely Biased Court decisions with a variant of The Locker Room: Wild Turkey 101, Koloa dark rum, Demerara syrup, King Floyd chili and Angostura bitters, lime wheel. Not bad. #cocktails
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
June 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Trying to stave off the misery from the Supremely Biased Court decisions with a variant of The Locker Room: Wild Turkey 101, Koloa dark rum, Demerara syrup, King Floyd chili and Angostura bitters, lime wheel. Not bad. #cocktails
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
Here's to actual democracy—cheers!
A last sparkle from the early-eve solstice sun on a tasty Negroni (Sapphire gin, Dolin vermouth, Gran Classico instead of more staid Campari).
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
June 21, 2025 at 12:54 AM
A last sparkle from the early-eve solstice sun on a tasty Negroni (Sapphire gin, Dolin vermouth, Gran Classico instead of more staid Campari).
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails
The world seems to be spinning off its axis, but I hope you are able to savor a moment. #cocktails