Gray Start To A New Year

This is so why I don't stay up late frolicking!
OY! 
I have to say, though, last night was a HOOT!  It marked Angi's and my first New Years Eve out of the house, like...ever.   For the majority of our parental career we have had at least one child to young to leave at home with a sitter. 
*laugh*
As if we could ever find a sitter brave enough or formidable enough to sit our brood!  Calvin and Hobbs times 9!   But this year, with Elijah now 18 and with Kaleb's help, we opted to head out for the evening.   Angela was ravishing in an ensemble she put together of a slinky gray dress, kitchy nylons and a homemade vest with a cute set of half boots she picked up for my favorite price, cheap!   Bless her heart, she had set out my clothes for the evening when I arrived home.  Knowing me far to well, a simple collared shirt, under tee and a set of my "good" jeans (which my closet doesn't contain many of)  and my only other pair of shoes, tennies!
Paying homage to Angi's Irish roots I escorted her to downtown Dunedin and Flanagan's Pub. The owner, Noel is a regular here at the shop and he and his lovely wife took it upon themselves to help stuff the bottom of our Christmas tree this year, so we wanted to give him thanks, and I was interested in visiting.  We don't get out much, and even though Angi has been there before with our daughter in law, I wanted a shot.  I was not disappointed.  I had no idea that Noel, while not only being owner, was also part of the live entertainment.  He on guitar, with bass accompaniment, belted out a mixture of Irish drinking songs, folk music and classic rock.  I must give him high praise as he attempted valiantly to involve the mass audience (packed standing room only!) in the songs.  There was a core group, of what I can only assume were regulars, belting out in surprising harmony along with the music, but far to many of those in attendance seem to have little idea what to do, so instead mingled loudly.  Angi and I started the evening off with dinner, sneaking a chair from the bar so as to sit at a back table, as the throng of people already there early had gobbled up all the seating. The menu provided a traditional (and some not so traditional) blend of British and Irish fare.  Angi had shepherd's pie and I, bangers and mash.  I didn't get around to asking, but I have had bangers before, and this wasn't them.  Oh don't get me wrong, it was Delicious, but bangers do just that, they bang.  When you cut into them they literally explode with the greasy goodness inside with an audible "pop".  I've even been shot in the eye once cutting into a particularly plump one.  But I can only assume, that Florida not being known for an overabundance of international food stuffs, probably cannot get the real thing. But they more then made up for it with what was available!  And any culture that includes sautéed onions in their food is OK with me!   The food was so good, that later in the evening around eleven we ordered more!  The kitchen was closed but they were willing to serve us up some left over Sheppard's pie. 
It was fun to see Angi getting into her comfort zone, and a twinge of her hereditary Irish accent came out occasionally.  She wanted to get up and dance to the music, but given the size of the crowd, it was not feasible.  And even though she felt a  slight annoyance with the lack of zest from the crowd, she enjoyed herself immensely. 
In between sets, Noel glad handed many of those in attendance, the hospitality akin to his homeland, in obvious abundant supply.  Stopping briefly at our table he had an opportunity to introduce us to, in abstention (as they were all running about quite busily) to his staff.  All family, his son runs the kitchen his niece tends bar, and his daughter in law is waitress.  And they are amazingly adept!  To keep track of THAT many drinks and dinners is quite a feat!  I have, in my tender youth, worked several restaurant jobs.  The wait staff usually ran 4 to 10 tables, but here the whole place is serviced by two people!  Although, on a night this busy, friends there for the festivities, stepped up and helped out.  Angi even pitched in, as she was loosening up, and witnessing the waitress having difficulty maneuvering trays through the oblivious throngs blocking the pathway shouted the occasional "Let her thru!"  I'm not one for social gatherings, but this place just makes you feel comfortable and at home.  We have definitely found a new spot for date night! 
After arriving home, to wired from the evening, we didn't pass out until about 3.30 am.  The sensible, responsible side of me (with help from Angela informing me it was already 8.30 and I needed to get up) was in conflict with the irresponsible "I just want to sleep" side of me.
Guess who won? 
So on a far to gray and rainy morning I schlepped on in this morning.  But, as I still have work to do, it needed to be done!  And speaking of work, thanks to all for bringing in the ground swell of repairs yesterday!  WOW!  The shop hasn't been this full in days!  Also a very special shout out to Lee, and for one of his latest finds!  A SAH-WEET classic Nishiki road bike!  Ladies, this one is for you.  An excellent condition, 54cm, pink and white treasure!  Also, and this one is unbelievable, a 2000 Trek 700 multi track ladies hybrid!  The reason it's so amazing is, it looks BRAND NEW!  I mean, better than!  Appearing as if it was never rode and stored indoors.  Perfect.
Also, as we have been trying like the dickens to get out more of what we are known best for, we have a new "DAILY BANGER SPECIAL!"  This one, an 18 speed, dual shock mountain bike, on the cheap!  As repairs were caught up this morning, I'll be going back to the rack and putting out some more goodies!  So with that, I wish you all a happy day of recovery and don't forget to eat your corn beef and cabbage!

DAILY BANGER SPECIAL!!!
ONLY $60.00!!

CLASSIC 54CM NISHIKI ROAD BIKE!
ONLY $160.00!!!

FREAKIN' GORGEOUS TREK HYBRID!!
ONLY $200.00!!