Season's almost here!

I've been MIA from the Pukin' Pelican for almost a month since the Boot Kicken place opened up and had $1.50 drafts all day on happy hour. Now, only my Pabst Blue Ribbon is that price while all other drafts have been raised to $2.50 from 3pm to 6pm. The happy hour food has been realigned, too. Season is almost here, you know!

So I've been pretty lonely drinking my PBR. But everyone who goes there is pretty lonely because the weather has been lousy. That is about to change because the view is very good of Hurricane Bay. The snowbirds and tourists will fill the place after Columbus Day if the weather warms up and the sun shines. And I'll be back at the Pukin' Pelican or sitting on my boat.

The Channel Mark was often considered to be the off-site clubhouse for the Boardwalk Caper and other nearby condo residents. I'm not sure the newest owners of the present business is aiming at those customers. Hell, a lot of them are so old they've given up on the drink and camaraderie. Most don't have boats and the slips at the BWC (affectionately known as 'Menopause Manor') are less than a third full.

It's good to come home to the Pukin' Pelican even though I don't know most of the happy hour imbibers. Strange faces have filled in the empty seats and the crew is now too busy to be real pleasant. I, and other 'Dead End Canal Yacht Club' members are called by name and served our favorites libations without ordering by the seasoned employees.

That doesn't go unnoticed by the new crowd. “You must be regulars,” said a woman at the next table, “we don't get that good-a treatment.”

“If you were here last September when they had time to get to know you,” replied 'Run-aground Ralph,' it would make a difference.” His words were met with harrumphs and grunts and muttered deniability.

“Who would live here in the summer time,” said one senior citizen. “Who COULD live here in the summer time,” said another man with a superior tone.

“Certainly not assholes,” said Boston Bob. “The summer heat weeds them out!”

We all slapped our knees and the hooted and hollered. LOL is close but LMAO is closer to our shenanigans. “Maybe we should go to the Boot Licken,” said Erie Earl, “if they knew what they were doing I'd be for it”

“Don't get used to that place,” said Calamity Jane,” they'll be okay busy March and April but unless they get an advertising budget, they're done!”  

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