Monday, December 5, 2005

FEISTY FUNDAYS AND A RARE SIGHTING.... OR TWO

It was an overcast Sunday morning, dominated by the makings of a mini-snowstorm. I was a bit nervous by the weather situation because I didn't know how it would affect my day. It was Sunday and I always look forward to Sundays because it's my time to enjoy the day with my regulars. With the football season being more than halfway done, I didn't want to lose a single day due to bad weather. As I looked over the TV schedule, I was confident that it would be a good day nevertheless, with many key games on tap. It would take a monumental snowstorm to keep the regulars away.

My prediction came true as most of the regulars did, in fact, turn up. We were lucky in that the "mini-snowstorm" cleared up rather quickly, so that helped things along as well. This time of year brings a lot of overseas travellers, here to shop til they drop, thanks to the very strong EURO. I found myself being greeted at the door by a group of such travellers, taking a break from some serious shopping to take a load off of their feet, take in a pint of STELLA ARTOIS (or three) and to take in the Sunday "football culture". Since they were the first to arrive, they were wondering what the big deal was in regards to our facination with football; especially since there was nobody else at the bar at that point. I cautioned them to be patient, that they will get all of their questions answered in a few minutes. Sure enough, the regulars started strolling in, taking their spots at the bar and getting loud and obnoxious as the games went on. The puzzled travellers looked at each other and then realized the real deal when it comes to the passion that comes with "American football".

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE made a return to the bar after a brief hiatus of a few weeks of "boyfriend duty". We busted his balls about it and he took it in good stride, especially in light of the fact that he didn't have a leg to stand on, defense-wise. T-BILL showed up a few minutes later as well as the PEANUT GALLERY. WE were surprised by the rare appearance of MR. AZZKICKER, my former doorman. He'd been saying that he would stop by to hang out with us on a Sunday for months now and it became a running gag. This time he actually showed up and it was good to see him. He jumped right into the fray and fit in like a glove. ANGRY BLACK made his presence felt with his loud, boisterous voice. We also got a rare appearance from SUSHI SAMBA, who likes to live his life amongst the "pretty people" down in SOHO and the MEATPACKING DISTRICT. I do believe that if he were to step over 14th Street without getting a tetnus shot, he'd collapse. He showed up with his usual entourage of ladies and that's always nice. Too much testosterone in one room can be a bit much so it's always good to have that balance.

Speaking of "rare appearances", we also got one from the CUSACK BOYS, who actually made a daytime appearance to catch the BROWNS/JAGS game with a colleague of theirs. The CUSACK BOYS are nocturnal by nature, so to see them out in a bar during daylight hours is a bit out of the norm, to say the least. More on them later.

There was a larger-than-usual crowd in attendance for the PITTSBURGH/CINCINNATI game, the majority being STEELERS fans. I think my worst fear is coming true: that THIRD and LONG is slowly turning into a STEELERS bar. Ugh. But I have to give credit where credit is due: They are diehard, loyal and pretty good tippers to boot (even when they lose). So on that note, they can keep coming back.

The day itself went pretty well: A lot of bantering and good natured fun; however, we did notice that there was a bit of a void as AFRIKA BAMBATTA and ANGEL were missing; AFRIKA was under the weather (he called me at the bar and he sounded like death warmed over). As for ANGEL- she has been M.I.A. for weeks- I think she's forgotten about us ever since her move uptown. I warned her that it would happen and she said that it wouldn't. THE SWANFATHER is always right on these things. But we'll keep a stool warm for her as she is welcomed here anytime.

The night ended on a surprising note as the CUSACK BOYS came back to the bar for a nightcap (as they usually do on Sunday nights). This time, they surprised me with a gift: a SIGNED FELIX POTVIN GAME STICK. For those of you in the know, I am a die-hard hockey fan; I also dabble in sports memorabilia. It turns out that the CUSACK BOYS share the same passion for both, so we often get into conversations about memorabilia, athletes, etc. So when they walked in with this stick and gave it to me- it left me speechless. It was a very thoughtful and generous gift and I will treasure it always (I'm still stunned by it as I am not used to such generosity) Thanks again guys!

That's about it for now- I have a lot of errands to run. Don't forget to check out our painted windows and DOLLAR DRAFT MADNESS tonite. ALSO: We just got in MOLSON CANADIAN on tap, and MOLSON XXX (7.3% alc.) in bottles. Definately check it out. I had one last night and it about knocked me out! Whew!

NUFF SAID