Ho Ho Ho

We've had sickness, tragedy, crises, ill will, anger, heartaches, and general drama this year. We've had some joys, a few victories, and shared stupefaction. Somehow, we made it to Xmas. And like the Whos in Whoville, we gathered and clasped hands and hearts.

That's what Xmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

And here comes a brand new year. Another construct to do with as you will.

Let's move forward with big goodness in our minds and acts.  Let's learn, and think, and do better. We can, you know.

War is over, if you want it.

Peace, prosperity, laughter to you and yours.

x

Covid, Round 2 & Last Call for McNeill's

This version of Covid is quite different. The first was coughy and deathlike. This one's been like a regular flu- ague; runny nose; crazy thirst; nothing stayed down - even water; full head; mouthbreathing. It's better today. I want to sleep but I'm slept out now. Yesterday was right off miserable. But figure this out- I started feeling sick on Saturday, but tested negative until today. Nothing is reliable anymore.

Much worse than my little illness is that our town lost an institution. McNeill's Brewery (aka Dewey's to oldtimers) 32 year-old community hang out, burned down on Friday night. Worse than that, Ray McNeill, founder and award-winning brewmeister, father and grandfather, went down with his ship.

Mc Neill's Burns, 1 Dead

With this tragedy, the old Brattleboro is gone to me. The many places I frequented back in the day are closed, or changed, or upscaled. We won't see another McNeill's, as we won't see another Mole's Eye, Frankie's Pizza, Sporty's, or Mike's. Change is inevitable. Tragic ends like this are hard to live with.

So farewell Dewey's, RIP Ray, see you on the other side.

I'm going to go light a candle for us all.

x