An Interesting Evening
Sigh. While thinking about this post I came up with a much better subject line, but in the interval between thinking about the post and actually getting here the thought vanished to where ever such thoughts go. More later.
This started the other evening when I joined my Son for a beer or three. The occasion being giving him thanks for helping with the installation of the new well pump*. We talked, drank, and shot a bit of pool. During the evening he mentioned that there would be a celebration of his birth at the same bar in a few nights** and I would be welcome if I wanted to attend.
So I did.
I know now for sure that I'm an 'Old Fogey'. I was pretty sure prior to that evening, but now there's no doubt. Here's why.
The music was overly loud, provided by a DJ who, thankfully, only played music and did not himself perform. Objecting to the loudness is in itself is not a sure indicator of Fogey-dom. I've never enjoyed overly loud music in bars or even at home. However, the fact that I recognized NONE of the music is a definite indicator. I will add that the music was 'pleasant'*** even if unknown. Almost screaming to hold a conversation is not good. OTOH, on the previous visit to the bar the music was at a pleasant level, and much more familiar. It was selected by patrons from a jukebox. I think that the DJ on the evening of the celebration took requests.
The patrons, for the most part, were much younger than I. It was a mixed crowd (age and otherwise) so I was not the only senior present, but those my age were in the minority.
The pool table had a bill acceptor. And a computer controlling the release of the balls. Even if coins were used the computer controlled the release of the balls. And it took pressing two different buttons in the correct order to get the balls to drop. I missed the old, mechanical ball release system.
On the bright side, I got to meet my Son's friends and was warmly welcomed by all. My Better Half was on a 'girls' nite out' and stopped by with her friends for a short visit a while before I got there. She said that their welcome was also warm.
Truly an interesting evening, though most likely not to be repeated any time soon.
gS.
* This was the third time we've been without water in the almost 30 years we've been out here. We installed the first pump in 1981, then 10 or so years later the foot valve at the jet assembly failed. Replaced the jet housing (also very corroded) as well as the foot valve and pipes. Then many years later the first pump failed. At that time we were in a hurry so just replaced the pump since the jet and valve had been replaced. A mistake, but time was short. The foot valve failed this time - a best guess since I've not had time to examine the jet assembly. This time we replaced the jet pump with a submersible pump. This one should last at least 20 years. Says he with fingers crossed.
** Yes, I'm being intentionally vague. The details left out are not germane to the narrative.
*** Pleasant is not the best word to describe the music, but is what I can think of. Otherwise I'd have to say 'not objectionable' (except for the volume) which is not as complimentary. I'd consider buying works by some of the artists - if I knew who they were and could listen to more of their work before making the purchase.
This started the other evening when I joined my Son for a beer or three. The occasion being giving him thanks for helping with the installation of the new well pump*. We talked, drank, and shot a bit of pool. During the evening he mentioned that there would be a celebration of his birth at the same bar in a few nights** and I would be welcome if I wanted to attend.
So I did.
I know now for sure that I'm an 'Old Fogey'. I was pretty sure prior to that evening, but now there's no doubt. Here's why.
The music was overly loud, provided by a DJ who, thankfully, only played music and did not himself perform. Objecting to the loudness is in itself is not a sure indicator of Fogey-dom. I've never enjoyed overly loud music in bars or even at home. However, the fact that I recognized NONE of the music is a definite indicator. I will add that the music was 'pleasant'*** even if unknown. Almost screaming to hold a conversation is not good. OTOH, on the previous visit to the bar the music was at a pleasant level, and much more familiar. It was selected by patrons from a jukebox. I think that the DJ on the evening of the celebration took requests.
The patrons, for the most part, were much younger than I. It was a mixed crowd (age and otherwise) so I was not the only senior present, but those my age were in the minority.
The pool table had a bill acceptor. And a computer controlling the release of the balls. Even if coins were used the computer controlled the release of the balls. And it took pressing two different buttons in the correct order to get the balls to drop. I missed the old, mechanical ball release system.
On the bright side, I got to meet my Son's friends and was warmly welcomed by all. My Better Half was on a 'girls' nite out' and stopped by with her friends for a short visit a while before I got there. She said that their welcome was also warm.
Truly an interesting evening, though most likely not to be repeated any time soon.
gS.
* This was the third time we've been without water in the almost 30 years we've been out here. We installed the first pump in 1981, then 10 or so years later the foot valve at the jet assembly failed. Replaced the jet housing (also very corroded) as well as the foot valve and pipes. Then many years later the first pump failed. At that time we were in a hurry so just replaced the pump since the jet and valve had been replaced. A mistake, but time was short. The foot valve failed this time - a best guess since I've not had time to examine the jet assembly. This time we replaced the jet pump with a submersible pump. This one should last at least 20 years. Says he with fingers crossed.
** Yes, I'm being intentionally vague. The details left out are not germane to the narrative.
*** Pleasant is not the best word to describe the music, but is what I can think of. Otherwise I'd have to say 'not objectionable' (except for the volume) which is not as complimentary. I'd consider buying works by some of the artists - if I knew who they were and could listen to more of their work before making the purchase.