Last few (for a wee while)

Ah, Saint Pat. Here again, at last, and yet all of a sudden at one and the same time. As in 2007, it arrives with a slight cold from too much practice. And difficulty sleeping before as always. Strange to be out of the pub, and truth be told I could use a pint before this random Chamber luncheon, in which the suit is required. We grow up, apparently. But the lack of work today, in favour of watching the old favourite Advertisements. For posterity, and to get it out of the way early, here we are:

Snails - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ5s6PLB44U&feature=related
Dancing Man - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69MpLiYhsXw
Tom Crean - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXf93CEI4t0
Hurler - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoPM4RwOCW8
Swimmer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCAD-5MOhEs
And, perhaps best, Ahab - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcdDg30VBgo&feature=related

For yes, this is a long, farewell post, as the new digs (more sanitized and open to a broader public) have been established for the 6 month voyage at http://richeyespoorhands.blogspot.com/. I may be back here on occasion when anonymity is required, or later, upon the return, with larger reflections and secret dreams aplenty for what's next. But for now we say goodbye, and not with a whimper, but a bang.

No notebook this time but the electronic one, and so the day shall (hopefully) be somewhat recorded. Here are the notes taken from earlier this morning, upon arrival at the Old Triangle at 6:50AM to wait in line, only to land the preferred seats right where Stransky and I were, three long years ago. Remember when, eh? Good emails back and forth to date. How far time has brought us forward.

You wonder why, a bit, most days aren't like today, can't be like today, setting the alarm to wake up and drink Guinness. But such queries only lead to confirmation of the original maxim, that good things do indeed come to those prepared to wait for them. So it is with favourite days too. Even Fridays, once every seven, can hold something special by virtue of their slight exclusivity. Time spent with good people more valuable. Or, sweet things grown common losing their dear delight, as Shakespeare elegantly put it. Yes.

Good luck today. I am sure it is only partly required. We shall see what happens. Notes on the order of consumption/quotes to follow. The end is in the beginning. And yet we go on... Of course we do. What other choice is there?

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#1 - Old Triangle - 7:07 AM
"There is something about drinking this pint this early that just seems so correct."

"We had a tradition of a few of us meeting here at 7AM for a few years. But it looks like this year, I'm the only one that made it. But I'm not leaving!"

#2 - Old Triangle - 7:39 AM

Phil joins for a quick pint, the band opens with Galway Shawl, followed by Wild Mountain Thyme, and two of the hardest requests out of the way from the gate. Top it off with the bonus shot of Bailey's - when dropped in the coffee it makes the new sunken Irish Dorey (with hole, filled with Baileys, etc...).

"It is not even 8AM and I've already eaten my first shot glass."

Seats sadly given up to the guys behind, who question how one could go into work today. The long game, my friends. And the inflatable hammer across the bar which I thought might have been mine, confirmed as an ebay purchase. Oh this modern world in which we live.

"Sue asked if I had the first Guinness of the day. No, I said, but first to finish!"

(to be continued)

#3 - Victory Arms / Chamber of Commerce dinner - 12:05

Asking and receiving permission to have the Guinness escorted across the lobby of the Lord Nelson. Magic.

#4 - Victory Arms / Chamber of Commerce dinner - 12:44

Slowly falling in love with waitresses which is another tradition renewed. Trying to get others invovled, but not takers. Perhaps it's best if it's just me anyway. Maybe that is saying something!

Then discussing schmoozing, Alas we find our niches in the world. And roll with them.
"They respect you." "Maybe, but they don't think highly of you."

"At the Chamber, we take a long term view on the major issues of the day." But no mention of Saint Patrick.

#5 - Victory Arms - 1:26PM

"How do I get after this Guinness without getting foam on my nose?"
"Grow a shorter nose."

#6 - Victory Arms - 2:20PM

The attire is out and the suit is replaced. Absolutely beautiful day, no jacket required.

"For the people would not be debarred from gazing upon the darling hero of England. I had their huzzas before, Nelson said to Captain Hardy, now I have their hearts."

#6a - Split Crow - Jameson on the rocks - 4:00PM
Highly disappointed not to see Guinness on tap. We were out quickly.

#7 - O'Carroll's - 4:20ish PM

Gertie and Shannon from the morning proivde the seats. Cara coming soon, and Guinness flowing.

#8 - O'Carroll's - 5:04PM

Cheers to your friends for not coming. Yeah, but they're really good friends. Sorry, I guess?

...

And that is where the memo texting runs out. There was much more to report, new friends added, Nasser and Abdullah joining us to Stayner's, the Scot, the return to Old Triangle and some Jimmy Sweeney, and a final duck into the Pogue. All in all, probably close to 15 or so for the day, and an impressive 6:50AM start to 1:14AM finish. I am, today, thoroughly satisfied and exhausted and looking forward to bed as early as possible.

More success. And with it evidence that Halifax truly is and will be home, after all this time.