Welcome to 2021. We are back at the bar, still engaged in socially distant drinking and chatter and working our way around Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. Of course, today we get to double-dip and count this post for Just Jot January as well.
“Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: ‘in the corner.’ Write about whatever the image or thought of ‘in the corner’ brings to mind. Have fun!”
If we were having a beer, we would be off to a good start…at being ourselves.
“If you’re looking for Dan, David, he’s over there. I’ll bring your drinks over in a minute.”
“Thanks Cheryl, I guess.”
“Happy New Year, David. I took the liberty of ordering for you.”
“Dan, why are we sitting in the corner?”
“The bar is full, David.”
“But there are plenty of seats.”
“David, twenty-twenty ended but the pandemic rages on. Anti-socially-distant drinking is still all the rage.”
“Sigh…”
“Geeze, David. I heard that sigh from halfway across the bar.”
“That’s because there are no people between here and there, Cheryl.”
“Dan, can’t you cheer him up?”
“I ordered him a John Howell’s Bourbon Special, Cheryl. I’m not sure what else I can do.”
“And here that special is. A glass of bourbon, a snifter of seltzer, a glass of ice. Cherries in the bourbon, lemon and lime in the Seltzer, and one more lime in a cold Corona for Dan.”
“Thank you both. I do appreciate the gesture. Dan, I might be happier if you didn’t insist on drinking a tribute to the damn virus each week. There are other beers.”
“Cheers David. The tribute is to my late sister-in-law, at least that’s how it started. Then I realized that I really like Corona.”
“Your late sister-in-law liked Mexico?”
“She liked Corona, actually, she drank Coronitas.”
“The pony bottles?”
“Yes, she couldn’t have much alcohol.”
“I don’t think they make those anymore, Dan.”
“I haven’t seen them in years, Cheryl. Fortunately, I can still handle twelve ounces.”
“Listen guys, I have to check the lounge, but keep your eye on the two girls in the corner of the bar. I just gave them their slip; those stools will be opening up soon.”
“There they go, Come on, David. Gather up all your glassware and let’s move before someone else comes in.”
“Just take the bourbon and the seltzer, David. I’ll give you more ice.”
“Um, well, Cheryl…”
“I’ll wipe down the bar as soon as you get there, David.”
“OK.”
“I feel like I’m playing musical chairs, Dan”
“You know, David, for a guy that just wants this to be over, you’re being extra careful.”
“I know Dan. I was so happy to see twenty-twenty end, I got caught up in it. I really didn’t want that year to continue one more minute.”
“How about one more second?”
“Minute, second, no difference in my mind, Dan.”
“Well, it could have been given an extra second. As opposed to ending at twelve-fifty-nine-fifty-nine, it could have continued until twelve-sixty.”
“Dan, how many Corona’s did you have before I got here? You can’t randomly add seconds to a year.”
“It isn’t random, but you can add a second David. It’s called a ‘leap second’ and it can be added to December thirty-first or June thirtieth. They haven’t added one since December, twenty-sixteen, and they decided not to add one to twenty-twenty.”
“They? Who are ‘they’ Dan?”
“They are the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service, a.k.a. the I-E-R-S.”
“In the event that you’re not making this whole thing up Dan, I’m sure those people would rather let the earth be one second off its mark for six months rather than give twenty-twenty another second of life.”
“It’s bad enough they hold presidential elections in a leap year, I wouldn’t want twenty-twenty to have had an extra second, either. Here’s your ice, David.”
“Thanks Cheryl. You’re right about the extra day during big election years. Dan, can that alphabet-soup agency of yours move the next leap year to twenty-twenty-five?”
“Actually…”
“Actually, Dan, that was a rhetorical question. Perhaps you could resolve to recognize rhetorical questions in twenty-twenty-one.”
“Cheryl, could we have another round?”
“Sure, Dan. You boys want any food?”
“We’ll have an order of wings, Cheryl.”
“You want an order of ten or twenty-one?”
“Twenty-one?”
“Yeah, the owner is celebrating.”
“David, are you hungry enough for ten wings?”
“I’m hungry enough for eleven, Dan.”
“You never miss a trick, do you?”
“I do not – Happy New Year, Dan.”
There you have it folks. 2021 is off to a good start. You can join us in SoCS or JusJoJan, you can check out Cheryl’s latest post and, if you’re looking for another creative outlet, step on over to Teagan’s place. I hear she has a mini challenge for you today.
No Facilities 
My husband is the same way. He has his corner spot at the end of our local bar… back to the wall, view of the entire place… staked out and woe be it to anyone who dares to sit there first.
( you can’t see it, but I’m waving hello to Smokey )
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Smokey appreciates your wave :)
There was one bartender who would shoo people away from my spot, if it was close to the time when I normally arrive. There’s a “Norm” factor at work.
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Our bartender will have the husband’s beer of choice sitting at his spot if he sees us pull in. It’s nice to be loved.
👍
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Mine did that once when I was only stopping in to buy a gift card. Of course, I had to sit and drink it ;-)
I need this kind of normal in my life.
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I sincerely miss social drinking.
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Ha ha Maddie likes the leaves just as much as I do! I was hoping the new year would feel different somehow. Wishful thinking. The number has changed but we are still dealing with you know what. And will be for a while. Oh well, Your pictures always make me smile. Great way to start the day.
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Maddie also likes being a brat. I won’t take that any further, lest I get myself in trouble with one of my favs. We have to remain vigilant, Pam, but we are moving toward better days. Until then, I’ll be sitting in the corner.
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I enjoyed your story and photo collage, Dan. It’s always intriguing what light can do with shadows. Thank you, Dan, for the evening jaunt.
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I’m always glad when you visit, Gwen. The morning light yields such strong shadows, and beautiful views (if there isn’t a dog in the way).
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I prefer your story. For the prompt, I could only think of playing pool – the 8 Ball in the corner pocket!
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Ooooh, that’s a good one, GP. I was watching the Twilight Zone Marathon and “A Game of Pool” was on last night. This post was already written and scheduled, but I did have that thought. The Editor reminded me of Little Jack Horner. I could have had Cheryl serve David some Christmas pie. I should check with you guys before heading down the road.
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hahaha, you do better than I could ever come up with. No matter what the prompt, you manage to work it into the bar scene!! Now THAT’S ingenuity!
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Thanks GP. It’s a fun challenge. Sometimes I have to resort to bringing Skippy in 😏
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Aw heck, he’ll do in a pinch. Just make certain every recovers later….
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I haven’t looked like that in a long time. Good times 🥳
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I have such fond memories!
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😏
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Happy 2021 at the virtual bar, Dan! I hope by the end of the year, you and David are complaining about the bar being packed while sitting at the bar. I’m missing my Saturday morning coffee shop and the corner table I like to sit at. It was a weekly treat before grocery shopping. I hope by summer I can start going back.
Have a lovely Saturday! 🙂
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Hahaha – you know me well, Mary. I will complain the first time I have to wiggle my butt into a chair in the corner. On the other hand, having a crowd means a greater likelihood of having a conversation – remember those?
Enjoy the weekend.
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Beautiful moon shot. And Smokey on his never-ending quest for more peanuts. A frozen leaf and Maddie’s elongated shadow… I love them.
Enjoy your first weekend of 2021 Dan.
Ginger
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Thanks Ginger. A little rain and a little ice will keep us inside today, but I’m sure the furry redhead will drag me to the park tomorrow. She’s a good trainer.
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I enjoyed the tour today, Dan. A little nippy but refreshing. Good job on the prompt, and thank you for the mention.. We don’t see MuMu that often, so it was good seeing her.
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MuMu is a hermit cat, John. She doesn’t visit the window shelf unless it’s about 80 degrees. She does wake us up around 3:00 am. If you like, I can send you a recording.
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Oh my. I’ll take your word
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Another happy visit with you, Cheryl, David, the sun, and the critters. Happy 2021 to us, every one!
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I’m glad you liked this, Marian. I hope 2021 is a good year for us all.
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You are probably wondering who tied up the horse outside the bar and how many rounds they guy in the other corner has had. I put the coffee away early. It was hot enough. But it would not be fair to the coffee or my body to make it strong enough. I don’t want to be negative on such a shiny new year. That’s what the horse is for. He says something about charts and numbers and politicians dragging their feet and delaying the vaccination roll out. That and something about having to shovel the streets and the barn cause it is gonna stay messy. Me I’m staying for one more so I don’t have to listen to the horse on the way home. He is going to be saying that if we don’t get this vaccine thing going before the next virus season starts that the streets and the barn are the last thing we will need to worry about being messy. PS Never trade in a handful of beans for a talking horse !
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Pull up a chair, John – over there at the other corner table. Until we get this figured out, we’ll have to keep our distance. I think the anti-math crowd would object to the horse showing those charts.
I hope this year is good to you (and your horse).
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They would probably object to the metaphor of a horse leading a horse’s ass to water. I will try to leave out the part where the virus does not give a good give a damn about us dragging our collective feet with the vaccination program Lies, delay, slow myopic politicians and the lack of masks will not slow it down.
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Oh next round is on me.
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That’s all you need to say ;-)
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Happy first Saturday, Dan! That’s interesting about the lack of extra seconds for 2020.
Smokey is looking particularly lovely, well-fed with shiny coat. And that gorgeous full moon. A wonderful gallery and great visit with friends. Thanks for the shout out.
I hope everyone will visit and tell me about their fantasy horse. :D “Nightmare” sounds like a great horse. Hugs on the wing!
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Shhhh, Smokey wants everyone to think he’s starving. At least that’s the act he tries to put on. I could have used an extra second to get this post ready.
I hope everyone heads over, and then out to Amazon. Giddy-up Nightmare.
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LOL. That made me smile. Maybe when I announce future “journeys” of this series, I should use the tagline “Giddy-up!” My usual “All aboard!” doesn’t quite fit. Happy First Saturday.
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Love the moon shot, but I think I need a beer after that…and it’s only 9 am! Mine, whenever I have it, won’t be a Corona, though, and not because of the virus. I need something “stouter.” :-)
Cheers to Saturday and an amazing Ohio State win last night.
janet
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That was an amazing game. Congrats. I’m not a fan of stouts, but we usually have some since our daughter likes them. It’s Saturday, no one’s looking at the clock.
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It’s fine that you don’t like stouts, Dan. All the more for me. 🍻 That emoji is an example of beer racism. You can select a color for people pictures of hands and things, but the beer only comes in an ale color. Where do I protest? Maybe I’ll have a one-person riot and burn something. Or shoot off firecrackers all night. Yeah, sounds like an appropriate response. 🎇
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Haha – you might get away with it, Janet. There should be a stout/porter emoji. I mean, how hard would that be? I’d offer up a slogan, but we’d probably both get in trouble.
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🤭😉
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The full moon picture is magical! I don’t mind being stopped as a train passes either. Reminds me of my dad and Pony. I love the sound of trains too. If I have to miss anything about my commute downtown, it is the possibility of being stopped at the train tracks.
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We can hear the train horn from our house. I think it’s magical.
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I would agree.
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I’ll see your trick and raise you one–oh, David. Please do not ever change your grumpy old ways. I love the dialogue between you two. Beautiful sky shots, Dan. I’ve not picked up my camera in quite a bit. Temps drop below 45 and I go into ‘cold’ mode and do nothing. What has become of me??!!! Enjoy the weekend.
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45? Oh, Lois, we need to get you back out into the “cool.” I depend on seeing your response to the prompt.
I think David and I will flip a coin for that odd wing.
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For what it’s worth I still see Coronitas, Dan. We have them here in Panama, and at a good price too. I’ll have to remember to pick some up, in honor of your sister-in-law. Not as many selections here as in the states but some of my favorites like Red Stripe and Modelo, Dos Equis and your Corona are on the menu. I also had a Blue Moon. Couple weeks ago. It is harder to find my whiskey although one store has Jameson. Time moves rather slowly here so taking or adding a second is negligible for me. Frankly decreased numbers in public places has been a godsend for us. We really don’t enjoy crowds. Happy weekend, Dan. Wings sure sound good.
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Enjoy the Coronita (or two, they’re
small) if you find them. Barb would be pleased. I’m less concerned about time these days. Enjoy the weekend. I think I’ve talked myself into wings.
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I’m trying not to think about that extra second floating around out there lost, but it might make a good Twilight Zone episode. Your wonderful photos help. I love the sunrises and the moon shot!
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One second could make a difference – sorry, I’m not sure that helps.
Enjoy the weekend, JoAnna.
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Thanks. I’m hearing TZ music. :)
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😏
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Haha, Dan, that David doesn’t miss a trick, does he?
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Never. 🙂
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Love that moon shot. So far, our year is starting out well. Homemade quiche and champagne – but a Corona does sound good right now.
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Oooh, that sounds good.
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That leaf looks so cold! Moon shot is eerie, love it😁
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That leaf wasn’t the only thing that was cold, Cheryl. it was 21°f. The clouds were moving in front of the moon, so it was hard to focus, but I like that shot. I’m glad you like it, too.
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👍🏻❤️
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The moon shot and the sunrise sky images are lovely!
I had a German like beer made in WI last night with our “good luck” dinner. It was light and good. Still wished we could find the Helles beer we had last NY’s day in London here though.
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Thanks Deborah.
Have you tried Taphunter,com ? It lists places you might be able to find the beer you’re looking for.
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No, I haven’t. Thanks! I’ll give them a look.
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21 wings sounds like a fantastic celebration to me. That extra second, though — that idea’s gonna haunt me.
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It didn’t happen. Maybe in June. The most visible sign will be your having to reboot things 😏
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A leap second? I love when you throw in science. Thanks for the beautiful sunrise and moon photos!
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When I find those little tidbits, Jennie, I just have to work them in to our conversation. I’m glad you like them (and the photos).
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Of course you do! Speaking of science (Star Trek counts, right?) did you see the Star Trek calendar on Darlene Foster’s blog? Not sure if you follow her.
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I did not. I don’t follow her. Can you give me a link?
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darlenefoster.wordpress.com. She’s terrific! She’s from the farmlands of Canada, and you would love her history. She’s an author, and she has a great blog. Hey, anyone who posts a Star Trek calendar is pretty cool in my book.🙂
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Thank you. Have fun today 🙂
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😀
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Happy New Year, Dan. Thanks for teaching us something new – leap second, I certainly didn’t know that before. I LOVE the moon shot you captured. And I checked out your post about voting for the badge for Thursday doors – I voted too. It’ll be fun to see who won!
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Thanks Shelley – I keep trying with the full moon. My camera is primarily auto-focus, and it’s hard to get it to focus on the moon when there are tree branches in view.
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I try to catch the moon too, it’s tricky. You did a great job!
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