Had to be up a little early today. I am taking Emily’s car in for her chipped windshield and we have a desk being delivered as well. And, it’s Bob’s sixtieth today with me as bartender.
And it’s raining. Big rain, first of winter. Weather does not change much of anything except party will move inside. Forecast says no rain in Sacramento but who can believe? Rain and cold here may equal cold there and still all go inside. I shall inquire within.
Called Bob. Turns out party central is cool and overcast. Not a problem. Bob, it turns out, stocked the bar completely for the party. He had asked me to bring a bunch of stuff which now I don’t have to. Glad I called. Of course, some of what I was bringing was pre-mix cocktails which don’t keep. So I am throwing away about a half bottle of liquor. Moron.
I did m, btw, take the car to the glass shop. There are 3 rock chips in the windshield. They, in their grand wisdom, kicked me to the curb. Said go away and come back tomorrow. Said feggedaboutit. They don’t do chips it turns out. Nice ride for naught.
Got home just in time for desk delivery. Emily had the space cleared. I vacuumed. Got it in place and stocked with our desk shit in about 15 minutes. Now there is no office in Marikas closet. An improvement for her. Emily likes it. I don’t care.
Emily went to the grocers for winter veggies. Bob’s gf Renee had requested veggies for 30 people. Ya, no problemo. She likes things arriving for free. And we are willing to help out for big, bad Bobs bday.
I got all ready and am sitting on the couch. Prob go do some laundry or something. Did the dishes. No rest for the weary.
Emily finally returned and she (we) prepared four large dishes of roasted winter veggies and some off season treats. Lots of chopping. Spiced up. Baked. Time consuming but not difficult.
Bob had called earlier and told me he had stocked the bar and set up. So all I would need to do is show up and make drinks. I have nothing to do and I don’t need to show up and work hard setting up. I get a pass.
We left for the party at about 3. One stop, to buy Bob a birthday cocktail glass. It says Happy Birthday on it. Duh.
Got to party early enough to scam a driveway parking space. It’s like being family. In this neighborhood of tight, crowded streets, it’s a win.
My view of the party was from behind the bar. And sober. So I can only see so much. What I noticed, 30 people can drink a tank car of booze. Emptied a 1/2 gallon of bourbon, vodka, rum and tequila. Plus more. One cocktail or shot at a time. I made a lot of drinks for lots of people. And countless bottles of wine and beer. Not to mention 50 lbs of brisket. And pork. And chicken. All food there just to soak up the copious amounts of alcohol that everyone was drinking.
I had been at the bar working for two hours. Time for dinner. I joined Emily and went thru the food line. The brisket, courtesy of Buck, was delish. Everything else, feh. Salad was awesome.
Oh, cheesecake and chocolate birthday cake were very good.
Back out to the bar, in 30 minutes the crowd had destroyed the bar. Opened extra bottles. Spilled all the garnishes. And left me a mess to clean up. Of course, all these people are drunk as hell. And I’m sober. Just like old times.
I poured for another hour plus until most of the party goers had left. Which was around 1130. The birthday boy was completely and utterly drunk. We said our goodbyes and headed home.
Not much from here out. Home and bed. I forgot a few things, bar tools, at the party. Will get them on Monday. Bobs house is only minutes from my office.
I am hoping tonight I manage a good nights sleep.