I’m at the bar sipping the cheapest red you have, is how I asked for wine after wandering in from the cold like a St. Bernard in need of brandy, for himself, not some skier slumped on a slope.
When Laurie, the barmaid, asks how I am, I say, “It’s barely noon, and I’m drinking, what does that tell you?”
She laughs merrily, then gives me peanuts.
I’m not the only one in need of steadying having a host of co-depressants chugging martinis like it’s New Years Eve. Not quite yet I’m afraid…we still have Christmas to get through.
The cast: a 40ish couple at the opposite end of the bar, the woman on her phone announcing to the world, what a fucking bore her husband is, while he makes love to his gin with more passion than I’m guessing he has for her.
Next we have a table for two where a couple of well-heeled, gay men sit, one older, one younger, toasting each other like they’ve won something. I can’t help smiling at the red tea roses winking from their lapels.
Across the room are three underage kids eating lunch they’re, I’m guessing, putting on their parent’s room tab, though a burger at Benelmans rivals breakfast for 8 at IHOP.
But the duo that have me captivated are Mutt and Jeff seated beside me looking like longshoremen in turtlenecks and caps, as if they just came from the docks in need of refreshment.
Burly, solid, faces blush from the chill…there was a time my girlish being would have quoted Scarlett O’Hara and said,”can I warm my hand in your pocket?”
Of course now that would take just too much effort, but there was a day a preference for a meat and potatoes man was boldly stated.
They keep looking my way since I’m the best chance they have…alone, intimating I’m on a budget. Hey, maybe if we ply her with enough vino she’ll come out to the truck with us.
Ha!
Little do they know, at my worst moment I’m still from Connecticut, smoothing out those wrinkles along that gingham skirt as well as my funny, furrowed face…
and let’s hear it for good lighting
I nonetheless revel in the flirt, despite their obvious motive later learning, they weren’t longshoremen at all, but oil men from Texas.
OOPS…
I must remember, things are rarely what they seem, especially at a hotel where Marilyn Monroe slept with presidents, since after inviting me to lunch which I tightassly declined, discreetly paid my bill telling Laurie, if she’s ever in Houston, she should give us a call.
BUT I HEARD THEM EXCLAIM, ‘ERE THEY DROVE OUT OF SIGHT…
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL…
AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT.
SB
Sing us a song you’re the piano man. Sing us a song tonight. Yes we’re all in the mood for melody and you’ve got us feeling alright. La di di da….
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I’ve always loved that song…:)
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I was apparently a real estate novelist who never had time for a wife… unfortunately the guys I knew from the navy had all had Seaman Stains as a discipline officer who had a hell of a right rip to the guts if they laughed when he announced himself
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Billy Joel writes amazing lyrics. He’s the poet behind a piano.
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Am a fan. Also love Elton John.
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A lasting image I have of Billy Joel is, right after September 11th, a benefit was held for the fallen firemen and policemen’s families, and he’s playing piano with a policeman’s cap on singing his New York heart out. Even now my heart strings plunk when I think of it.
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Great voice. Pressure would be one of my favorites
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Allentown is one of mine.
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I have liked everything of his I have heard which would probably be almost everything. I play guitar though I love listening to good piano or keys. Had to stop myself buying a whole lot of Dr John today
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It’s Christmas even in Australia so you deserve a gift…:)
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I had to get some Zeppelin. Realized a few weeks ago that I had nothing of Led Zeppelin in my house unless I played it myself.
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An oil millionaire (zillionaire?) didn’t necessarily get turned down, there are all levels of oil workers. Susannah, you might have had their wishes accurately pegged. And I agree that a little flirting is always good for the soul. Even when your answer is no, it’s nice to be desired.
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I had no competition and boys will be boys after all. I hope you and those you love Skinny, have the happiest of holidays. Always appreciate your daily contributions…:)
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And a Merry Christmas to you, Susannah. All four of my children and the three with significant others or spouse, and my grandchild are coming today and spending the night. The three mates have families that either celebrate Christmas a few days earlier due to work schedules or wait until Christmas evening. So it works out great for us! The kids all stay up late bonding long after Paul and I go to bed.
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Wow! Sounds like quite a party with you at the helm. I’m sure a good time will be had by all at Chez Skinny…:)
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I’m all for free drinks and compliments!
Merry Christmas indeed!
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Hear Hear…
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A free drink along with compliments? Merry Christmas to them and may they find someone to take to their (?) truck (I expect it’s quite fancy).
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The Ritz on wheels perhaps? 🙂
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Casablanca or Chinatown? We have a cafe here trying to be the Ritz in the middle the capital of illegal brothels in the nation. It is called the Fitz. Aside from destroying what was once a great live local scene that has contributed globally all these new money type people have no sense of humor or sense of irony. 😆
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Love Chinatown. How timeless it is in its sepia noir. Faye Dunaway’s cheekbones were higher than the alps, and John Huston’s swagger. Oh my.
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Classic. Polanski classic. What an ending. Merry Christmas x
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Also loved the music. So eerily beautiful.
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I would be surprised if anyone there has seen Casablanca.
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Are you kidding? It’s a classic.
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Merry Christmas. Hope you have a great day when it comes to NY xx
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Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you too Mr. Coyote.
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I’ve always loved your stories from the Carlyle. I haven’t talked to you in forever, but I got to thinking about Bill Hicks tonight and then you came to mind. I hope you’re well my sweet. I’m bumped and bruised from this crazy year, but I’m doing okay.
Merry Christmas sweetheart.
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When I think he may have thought he’d be forgotten, my eyes tear up. He’s as present as he’s ever been. It’s so nice to hear from you and I like the Carlyle pieces too only because they’re fun to write. Thanks. Be well
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Nothing but the best of wishes to you on this Christmas morning, Susannah! MERRY CHRISTMAS! :O)
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Hi Paul, and to you too. Must be so early there. Barely 6 am here. Drinking coffee, gonna go out for a Yuletide run. Have a great day.
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Finishing up my wrapping… I’m terrible at it. Have a good run and BE CAREFUL! :O)
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I get it. I only go to stores that wrap. Ray Charles wraps, and raps, better than me. 🙂
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AND ME! 😀
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The price of oil is low and we’re all suffering. It’s lucky the pound is low too, or we’d sell nothing.
A very happy Christmas from the four of us to you Susannah. Hope the holiday fulfills your dreams. Many thanks for another year of entertainment.
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Happy Christmas to you too. Love to the girls.
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