Raise a Glass (or Bottle) - February 16, 2011

Domingo drove down from his home outside NYC and handed Bruce a six-pack before he went in to visit with Pete. We left them alone to talk and laugh, reminiscing about days past and planning fishing and motorcycle adventures once warmer weather sets in. Domingo came out when he recognized the signs of fatigue about 15 minutes into his visit. The visit was as good for Domingo as it was for Pete.

Gina went in to check on Pete but came out a few minutes later with a concerned look on her face. "Domingo told him he brought beer and Pete asked for one. Is he allowed?"

Bruce, Georgie, Gina and I all looked at each other, pretty much the same thought running through our brains. Pete's on some pretty potent pain meds, narcotics and anti-seizure drugs each carrying dire warnings about mixing with alcohol. I knew I had a couple bottles of non-alcoholic "beer", but they were in the pantry and were room temperature, so we all went into problem-solving mode.

One cold bottle of beer was quickly emptied into a tall glass while a large measuring pitcher, topped with a colander full of ice, began the quick-chill process. The most difficult task was pouring the now cooled "beer" into the empty beer bottle because of the burgeoning head of foam that kept rising out of the bottle neck. Gina carried the newly refilled flask in to Pete as we all stood around the kitchen, straining to hear Pete's reaction, but couldn't.

It wasn't long before Gina emerged triumphantly holding up the empty bottle. By the grin on her face we knew our plan had worked. "He said it was the best beer he'd had in a long, long time."