An invitation to join a group of politibloggers this Saturday night just revived some very unpleasant old memories.

I met this group once before, about three years ago, shortly after I started blogging. Being, as I am, not good with groups of strangers, I helped myself to a couple of drinks early in the evening. Sadly, at that time I'd just started taking my thyroid meds and I was completely unaware that they don't mix well with booze, especially for someone who almost never drinks.

That's the only time, since I was about 20, that I've blacked out while drinking.

I remember the early part of the evening. The first beer and part of the second one. Then there's a long, black interval and when I briefly "came to" I was standing in the middle of a group of rabid righties being attacked on all sides and trying to use my four functioning brains cells to defend...I have no idea what. No memory at all.

I do remember that I had the sense to realize that I was ten times as drunk as I should be. I made my way outside and called the R.C. It took an exchange of five or six phone calls with her to explain to me how to call a cab.

For those of you who wonder why I don't have a convivial drink or two when we're out, that's why. I do, upon occasion, treat myself to a single malt beverage. I almost never go past one. If you're ever with me and I reach for a third, prove you love me by taking away the booze and my keys, okay?

Anyhow, I tendered my regrets for Saturday evening. It's supposed to be snowing again by then.