Dan Antion

A Piece of Work Called Skippy – #SoCS

Two limes, artfully balanced.
The bar where I first met Brad Lewis, and the original Skippy.

It’s Saturday and it’s time to gather at the bar, behind a mask, six feet from our server and share an adult beverage with a friend as we try to work Linda G. Hill’s wonderful Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt into our conversation. What does Linda have for us today?

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘link.’ Use it as a noun or a verb; use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If we were having a beer, you’d be sympathetic to my situation.

“Welcome, my young friend. I’m guessing you could use a beer.”

“It’s why I come here, David.”

“Yes, but this week in particular, methinks.”

“I love the archaic expressions you guys use. ‘Methinks,’ is that some kind of play on words?”

“Hello, Skippy. In fact, ‘methinks’ is archaic, but rather than a play on words, it’s words from a play – Shakespeare, no less.”

“I’ve heard of him. Can I get you guys your usual?”

“The old man said he’s buying, so I’ll have an ice-cold Corona, Brad.”

“With my signature two-lime-balance. And the John Howell’s Special for you, sir?”

“Sir? You damn me with faint praise, or respect in this case, but yes, bourbon.”

“Whatever.”

“Now Dan, what on earth gave you the impression that I am buying?”

“The way you suggested I could use a beer sounded like an invitation.”

“No, it was merely an observation. However, since you drink from the trough, as it were, I can pick up the tab.”

“You are on a rather pretentious rant today. And I still don’t know why you think I need a beer.”

“Well, whatever the reason, here it is. Check out that lime-balance. A work of art if I do say so myself.”

“You must, Skippy. No one else will be saying it. Do you have my bourbon?”

“I don’t know, David, it does take some talent to get these lime wedges arranged like this.”

“Keep it up, Dan, and I’ll tell Cheryl.”

“Cheryl is jealous of my talent.”

“Perhaps, but she’s a better bartender.”

“Why do you say that David?”

“Because if she were behind the bar today, I’d be sipping my bourbon by now. That is what bartenders do, you know, serve drinks.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“Now, before he gets back, David, can you please explain your apparent concern for me?”

“The link you put on Twitter about Old Sturbridge Village. It seemed to garner some unwanted attention.”

“The guy who thought they charge too much?”

“Precisely.”

“Here you go, David. The John Howell’s Special.”

“And where might the cherries be?”

“In the bourbon.”

“I never would have thought to look there. Thanks Skippy.”

“No problem, David.”

“Sigh. Cheers Dan.”

“Cheers, David. Here’s to twitter trolls and other annoyances of the twenty-first century.”

“You don’t think he has a point? The entrance fee did seem high.”

“He forgot to mention that each adult can take three children in for free.”

“That does make a difference.”

“And, let me give you a link to one of my blog posts that talks about how much there is to maintain at Old Sturbridge – I’m happy to support them. That’s why we’re members.”

“Okay, but what about controlling the masks and distancing? I mean, That can be a problem.”

“Not so much in New England, David. I read that we are among the most mask-friendly states.”

“That does seem like something we would be.”

“In any case, it wasn’t a problem. If you didn’t want to wear a mask, once inside the village, you could easily stay six feet from everyone.”

“I guess some people just like to complain.”

“I get that all the time, here. Do you guys want any food today?”

“People complain about having to wear masks in here, Brad?”

“No, Dan. But I get a lot of complaints.”

“Perhaps that’s because you’re a terrible bartender, Skippy.”

“David, I thought we were buds.”

“I have grown fond of you lately, but the fact remains, you aren’t very good at your job.”

“I think Cheryl makes me look bad. She’s a little too nice if you ask me.”

“Trust us not to ask you, Brad. We go back a long way with Cheryl.”

“In other words, you’re all old.”

“By comparison, perhaps, but age has nothing to do with it, Brad.”

“I think it does, Dan. You guys like the same things, you speak the same language. It’s tough to compete with that.”

“The only person you’re truly competing against, is yourself. And in your case, Skippy, that should be an easy win.”

“Whatever, old man.”

“That’s it!”

“What’s ‘it’ Dan?”

“Why you’re being all proper and formal. You’ve been listening to Picard.”

“Sir Patrick Stewart, Dan. He turned eighty years old this week, and I found a link to his sonnets.”

“The ones he’s been reading every day?”

“The same.”

“And you can’t help channeling your inner thespian?”

“Perhaps. I did do a little acting, you know.”

“Among other things, yes, I know.”

Note: Today’s post was inspired by the creative musings of Brad Lewis. I met Brad in a bar where the bartender was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. I mentioned meeting Brad in my “8 Rules at the Bar” post, and a few years ago, our discussion here at the bar was based on that encounter. Brad was kind enough to share a photo of that bar. We think the bartender in the picture is the inspiration for our beloved Skippy. Brad is multi-talented, but I only know him as an author. His author page is here, and my favorite of his books, “Hollywood’s Celebrity Gangster” can be ordered here.

The bar at the Cambridge Hyatt – It was here that I met Brad, while trying to escape lunch with a bunch of geeks (i.e. my peers).
There’s a cactus under there, and it has been raining.
Maddie really wanted to walk. We took advantage of a break in the storms.
We have to be careful walking in the park. They have applied pesticide again. I need to keep Maddie off the grass.
Uh oh – here she comes.
Do you see him?
The Bee Balm is blooming.
The first Rose of Sharon bloomed this week.
I am once again able to eat at the counter at Skooter’s. We can’t sit in front of the food preparation stations, and we must maintain a safe distance, but the food is very good.
When Maddie is done sitting with me, she steals my place on the couch.
“Are you sure these people need to see a current picture? Couldn’t you let me sleep and use one that you already have?”
“Put the camera down and put the curtain back where is was.”
Maddie has noticed that Smokey is paying us a visit.
It’s hard to get a good picture of Smokey. He’s skittish, and he runs away quickly.
I think this is the larger of (now) three generations of baby bunnies this year.
The Rose of Sharons are now blooming.

87 comments

    • We’ve been back from our walk for over 30 minutes, Judy. We had to go early or not go. Now she wants to sit while there’s still shade on her porch. Bunnies are stealing the show this year, but it’s good to see Smokey again. The weather seems to have them all struggling to find food.

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  3. Bunny!
    If people think the admission price to Sturbridge is high, they certainly wouldn’t like Williamsburg. No free kids there either. But it’s so worth the fee, considering the work and cost involved to preserve these sights.

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  5. If David were truly channeling Picard, when Skippy asked him if he wanted the John Howell special, he wold have told him to make it so. But I don’t want to troll you, since the post is published, so it’s water under the bridge. Troll … bridge … cue rim shot … baDUMbumCHING! Thanks for luring me out with Skippy, and pictures of kitty toe beans.

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    • I’m so glad to see you, Marian, you can take all the shots you like. It’s SoCS, so I wouldn’t have been able to edit. Besides, I featured Picard last week – I have to go easy on the non-trekkies (yes, they exist). Your troll comments make me wish I had a picture of a goat.

      Take care.

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  7. The same way some people love misery, others love to complain about anything! In one ear and out the other is the best route for anything they have to say.

    But I’m not complaining about the photo gallery today! Great shots of Smokey and the bunny. Poor MiMi and MuMu…..there’s no rest for the weary.

    Maddie looks so comfy perched on her couch throne. I don’t blame her for moving over. Apparently you’re hogging all the pillows. Shame on you Dan.

    From the sound of the upcoming weather, you and the redhead will be walking early the next few days or not at all.

    Hope you and the Editor and Faith stay safe and don’t overdo it in the heat that’s coming our way.
    🐾Ginger 🐾

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    • Maddie and I were out before 7:00 this morning, Ginger. Tomorrow will be tough – maybe just a quick dash to the corner to let her cross it off her list. I wanted to work outside yesterday when it was cool, but the rain prevented that. I might have to get out there today.

      Maddie only seems to take the pillows when she’s done with me. She stays at the other end for a while, letting me refill my coffee, but at some point, she seems to say “good, he’s gone” and she moves over. I tell you, these animals, I feel like Rodney Dangerfield.

      As for the complainers, there are just toxic people in the world. I should let it go in one ear and out the other. I offered one reply. If they had continued beyond that, I would delete them. I don’t have time to argue in social media, despite the fact that some people seem top live for that.

      Stay safe and try to stay cool this weekend. It’s going to be a challenge.

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  8. Delightful banter. I will have to look if the Bard has any other me_verbs. Or so methinks. So when Sir Patrick does the readings is the command modified to “I bid thee doth make it so.” Cheers Dan.

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  9. The Rose of Sharon is almost as lovely as Maddie. 😊 Pickard and sonnets sound like a match to me. He always sounds like he is quoting Shakespeare. Once a thespian ,always a thespian… . 😉 Now Im both intrigued and impressed. You did some acting…..when? I want details and preferably photos, even if they are in black and white..you know us ‘old folks’ have lots of those lying around. Lol. I’ll pay a nice to fee to enter any well established, properly maintained museum or venue where I can see the money is being used wisely and is needed. Those folks that stand out in the heat at restoration venues and Renaissance fairs who do exhibition lectures in period attire just can’t be paid enough. I loved the photos you shared. Happy Free 48 Dan.

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  10. Our bars have decided that Corona be damned! They went out and got restaurant licenses. Now they have to set up a kitchen and….serve food to stay open. I might be going on a limb here, but I think Skippy might be able to run our state better than the governor. Cheers, Dan!

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  11. Happy Saturday, Dan — and happy Caturday to MiMi & MuMu. Delightful photos of all the furry residents. I had no idea cacti could survive there. Awesome shot.
    These days, if anyone waxes Shakespearean, then there’s likely trouble ahead. Skippy would fit right in with most of my former coworkers who had no idea, nor interest in who he was. I didn’t know about Patrick Stewart’s readings of the sonnets! Thanks for the link. I’ve always enjoyed the tone ant pitch of his voice. Now, maybe Skippy will draw a nice cold amber ale for me. Hugs on the wing.

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    • We’ll get a better bartender for you, Teagan. I’m sure Skippy would mess that up. He’d likely bring you ginger ale. That cactus is old to the ground. It blooms every year in late June. It’s on a corner we pass on our walk. Sir Patrick ford have the voice for Shakespeare. The sinners are very nice to listen to.

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  12. I didn’t know Patrick Stewart was reading Shakespeare’s Sonnets on IG. I’ll have to follow him for that.

    The flowers look lovely, and the critters are so cute! I spotted Walker Lady and the Squirrel straight-away. 😀

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    • You Have a sharp eye, Deborah. No wonder you are able to capture the beautiful bird photos 🙂

      No critter photos here tonight. It’s 6:00 pm and 98° I hope you have a good week and enjoy a sonnet or two.

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  13. I enjoyed your post, Dan. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited your blog (anyone’s blog, really). One question: how do you drink through a mask? ;)

    I love Smokey. And obviously, Maddie does too!

    Do you remember a long, long time ago I was going to post a mystery pic? Well I’ve finally done it (if you want to have a look). It’s monochrome, so no colour issues unlike my other posts! If you’ve any thoughts on it, as you’re good on architecture, I’d love to read them!

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    • It’s good to see you, Val. I looked at the mystery picture. It is quite interesting. I don’t know what to make of it, but it is a compelling image. I hope to revisit it.

      As for the masks, they only ask you to wear them when you enter and are moving about, and during the initial interaction with your server. After that, you can remove them.

      Maddie ignores the squirrels, unless they run as she approaches. Smokey stands out, but he also moves very quickly.

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  15. I had to enlarge the photo to see her, but I knew exactly who it would be as soon as I read the caption, “Uh oh–here she comes.” I don’t recall having seen the walker lady recently. Your shot of Maddie and Smokey is priceless and I love seeing the Roses of Sharon–I like “Roses of Sharon” as the plural form more than the “Rose of Sharons” that you used in the final caption. :)

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    • I think I will adopt “Roses of Sharon” as the plural form, I like that, Mike. When Maddie is resting on her cot, she’s really mellow. Squirrels, birds, chipmunks and bunnies run around. She watches, but isn’t bothered by any of them. We’ve been walking early and missing the lady. I guess with the heat, she’s getting out earlier, too. I do try to avoid her, I don’t really want our dog harassing her as she tries to get some exercise.

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  16. Another great trip to the bar, Dan. Smokey is quite unique. We have a few white squirrels in our neck of the woods. They do not venture out too far into civilization.

    Our Rose of Sharon is just about over its blooming period. They are such a lovely, but quick fading bloom. Fall is fast approaching, although we have the heat of August yet to contend with.

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  17. I enjoyed the visit today, Dan. Your memories of the worst bartender reminds me of the time I visited San Antonio and met a guy in a hotel bar for a drink. I ordered a martini and when it came it was warm. Yes warm. I went to the bar and asked the bartender where he learned to make a martini. He confessed he never made one before. Since I was a bartender in my younger years (A whole different story) I spent the next three hours showing him how to make the drinks that. were being ordered. I also made him write the directions and quantities on a pad that was behind the bar.

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    • That’s a great story, John. If Skippy is on duty when you visit the bar, maybe you can teach him a few things ;-)

      The worst day that became a Skippy story was when I was given an Corona Premier. I explained that I didn’t want that, and the bartender gave me a Corona Light. I asked her if she knew that Corona Extra was the standard version. She did not. She got distracted when she left to get me the Extra and came back with a Coors Light. The last time I’ve had four beers at lunch (I only drank one).

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  18. Funny beginning line ‘if we were having a beer, you would be sympathetic to my situation,’ Is that a black squirrel or a strange looking cat? It would be a strange looking squirrel too. I am starting to feel sorry for Skippy. You two guys are a bit high maintenance. You with the corona not so much but the other guy…People who complain about masks are very obnoxious. No one likes to wear them but we are in the middle of a pandemic just in case they didn’t notice. And if you were having a beer in a restaurant, Brad would have to wear a mask. It has to be hard to work all day with a mask on.

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    • It is a black squirrel, Deborah. We have a lot of them around here.

      In the real bar, the bartender does wear a mask. Customers wear masks when moving about the building. We also enter and exit through different doors and we use the hand sanitizer they have available when we enter. We leave our masks on until the server has taken our order. It sounds a little complicated, but it moves along smoothly and the bartender says they don’t get many complaints – I haven’t observed any.

      Skippy is the embodiment of every bad encounter I’ve ever had in a bar. I never meant for him to be a recurring character, but it turns out that he has his fans. Sometimes, we are hard on him. Occasionally, he has a good day.

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        • Bars haven’t been able to open here, unless they are in a restaurant. Even then, they can’t serve at the actual bar unless it’s blocked off from the bartender with plexiglass.

          I’m not sure how many good days are in Skippy’s future. Cheryl brings us the good days.

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  20. This is classic Skippy, uh Brad. He’s only “heard” about Shakespeare? It’s the younger generation. Case in point: my wonderful co-teacher and I visited all the children at the end of the school year. One child lived in a house copied after Frank Lloyd Wright. I commented, and she asked who he was. I’m siding with David! Super photos! I love the hiding flag and rose of Sharon, and always Maddie!

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    • I’m glad you enjoy these posts, Jennie. Some young people are eager to learn about the past. Some only care about this moment. It’s a shame, and it’s their loss.

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  23. Skippy could use some Picard! I think that would be fun to experiment with. I just got access to the Picard series and he’s like a dear old uncle to me now. If you need a ship’s counselor on your crew, I have some experience. I just need state of the art motion sickness prevention and I’ll be good to go. Interesting history on the origins of Skippy.

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  24. Haha! I almost felt bad for Skippy, but you know what bridges divides in age? Talking to people of different ages and reading some bloody books!
    Every time you talk about OSV, I think of Conner Prairie and I do Yikes at the cost. Of course, now we’re all ‘adults’ admission-wise and the cost is even higher…

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    • Faith gifted us a membership several years ago and we’ve kept it up. Annually, I’m not sure it saves money but it feels good walking in for free.

      When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time with adults of all ages. It really does make a difference.

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