This is how you know you are heading into a quality establishment. Shitty strip mall, next to a laundromat, they have slot machines that are their biggest money makers, and from the outside it basically says STAY AWAY. There is a Red Roof Inn behind it that just got shut down for a laundry list of every imaginable crime running amok. All of this might seem like a recipe for disaster but they have one of the best bartenders around and that’s what brings me and my friends back. Whenever I come into town I make sure I land before 3:00pm on a Friday so there is time to stop by and visit Kevin before he finishes for the day somewhere around 6:00pm.
As a part-time daytime bartender in my younger years I can appreciate the levels of awesome he deals with daily. As a student of humans I enjoy a little one on one time with this sage to catch up on what I might have missed not being around for a while. The stories this time were all centered on the crime hotel that shares his back parking lot and they did not disappoint. Police raids, kidnapping, drug manufacturing, prostitution, and regulars ending up with long prison sentences. People are amazing.
Once it hit 4:00 I put out that proof of life photo for my friends and they began showing up. I have to be careful when taking these pictures because no one drinking all day in an establishment such as this wants their picture taken and that includes the barkeep. This is a place where characters come to just exist including yours truly and I like to leave it undisturbed at least by me. I can’t control the behavior of local law enforcement but its just good practice to not have any potential evidence of any kind on your personal communication device.
The boys showed up one by one and it was great to see everyone in the weird light. More great conversations were had with people who make me feel at home. After a pile of beer it was time to make a poor dinner decision before seeing where the night would take me.
Merkts cheese beef and Merkts cheese fries caused me to experience something Id not thought possible, too much Merkts. For those who don’t know this is what I’m talking about…
If you get a chance it’s highly recommended but not in the dose I experienced yesterday. It almost took me down (nap-wise not life threatening, but who really ever knows how close we dance to death? That was morbid and pseudo-deep all rolled into one) This isn’t a snack food review, if you see this stuff and feel like your blood might be flowing through your system a bit on the speedy side, grab a tub, you won’t be disappointed. (I think I over comma’d in that last sentence but in my defense this headache is making writing a challenge…)
Once a nap was successfully dodged I had a short walk to a friends newly remodeled deck to complete the evening. I have funny friends and their outdoor living space was spectacular. I don’t give that praise lightly and really wanted to blow the owner some shit here but he cares about every detail and it’s really well done. So comfortable is the vibe that I was once again over served and am paying for it today. Highs come with lows (holy hell I am a philosophizer today) and I had fun hanging out with everyone. My youngest child joined the party at one point and he even ordered some pizza which turned out to be a great idea that only he had.
I’m typing this as I ride out the remainder of this headache thinking how much I want to move closer to people who get me. Luckily I’ve got more than five hours of windshield time tomorrow to plot my future. Everyone have a great Father’s Day if I don’t talk to you between now and then. (okay that was weird and a clear sign that I should stop now)