Mary and I host an annual New Year's Open House, and this year was no exception. One of my perennial problems with the festivities is how much beer to buy...will people feel like having one "the day after" - what kind should I get - how much lite beer should there be - etc.
As an example of the problem, last year I bought four cases, including a 12-pack of Amstel Light. That was clearly too much, as I had beer until May (except for the Amstel Light - I finally poured it out - all 12 bottles - in November).
So this year, I adapted two guiding principles - first, I would buy three cases and suffer with the leftovers, if any; and second, I would only buy beer I'd drink.
So, we had Bitburger, Stella, Warsteiner Dunkles, Sam Adams Winter Lager, Dominion Lager, and a few others. No light beers. One of my neighbors commented on the stock out in the back yard - I stored it on the deck during the party, as the temps were in the 30's - "you're a rich man when it comes to beer!"
To this, generous visitors added a growler of IPA, a mixed six of homebrew "Recession Ale" and lambric, and a six of Shiner Bock.
I gave my neighbor a mixed-six of the leftovers. He gave me back two Leinies he'd brought back from Wisconsin. I still have a case and a half in there, as the photos will attest.
What's the point of the blog entry today, you ask?
The way I see it, you have to understand and embrace your neighborly responsibilities. When they recognize you as a leader, you have to respond and you have to deliver. Or the next thing you know, they are parking their car in space in front of your house. That won't happen to me.
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