Rob in the ‘Hood: The pub with no beer…
No doubt liquor sales will be brisk after what seems to be an eternity just trying to return to some semblance of normality.
Trying to get the lowdown on the lockdown has not been easy for any of us. New regulations on what we can do or must not do is leaving most folks quite mystified. However, there are a few glimpses of hope that, perhaps, we are approaching the beginning of the end of these trying times.
ALSO READ: Rob in the ‘Hood: Running on empties
You can visit your favourite bottle store from this moment on. But do be careful: you might get trampled on in the crush of like-minded, sober folks, eager to recall what a drop of the hard stuff tastes like.
On with the show.
THE PUB WITH NO BEER
Alarm bells were ringing at the thought of ‘the pub with no beer’; nerves were beginning to strain with the thought that after a ‘hard day’s night doing nothing’, one couldn’t relax with a glass of your favourite tipple.
Stocks in many household were running almost dry, including ‘Chez Nous’. How long, I wondered, will this thing last? The age of miracles hasn’t past, or had it? But the gods have smiled upon us: our leaders are beginning to see the light, perhaps twigging on that you have to give the people something to live for, instead of dying for. In this case, a little bit of fancy really does you good.
GET THERE EARLY
The CO and I thought about getting there early, camping overnight outside a friendly liquor store, complete with skottle, primus stove, sleeping bags, et al. But then, we had a problem with social distancing, plus what would the neighbours think? Add to that, it has been perishing cold (by our standards), so that idea was knocked on the head. We took stock of the stock still left. Yes, we could hang in and wait till the first rush is over, hoping that by the time we got to the bottle store, there is something left on the shelves.
DRIVEN TO DRINK
No doubt liquor sales will be brisk after what seems to be an eternity just trying to return to some semblance of normality. Mind you, perhaps one needs fortifying with demon drink, after trying to deal with the local Ministry of Labour. After months of trying to get through, this band of brothers, masquerading as public servants, seem to have descended into chaos.
No one is able to assist; computerised files and records have been ‘lost’; monies paid over to the department are also ‘lost’, even though proof of electronic payment has been made. After four years’ paying over monies to the department, correspondence by e-mail, the latest epistle from the MoL informs that it has ‘no record’ of either employer or employee.
It is heart-breaking to note that decent, honest, hard-working people are not able to receive due benefits, because of the ineptitude of government departments, not one jot interested in doing their jobs properly.
Not all government departments are in the same boat.The traffic department in Port Shepstone, was on the ball prior to the lockdown. Renewal of driving licences was efficient, swift and smooth, although when exactly we will receive our renewed licences, we will wait and see. Hope springs eternal. In the meantime, that drop of elderberry wine just might fortify us from tippling over the edge.
DAY OF DELIVERANCE
But all is not lost, my friends. Seventeen days to the Day of Deliverance.You guessed it: English football is back! My life-long love affair with a certain English football team will be renewed. Those lonely days and lonely nights will be a thing of the past, and life will be worth living once more. Renewed hostilities with the supporters of the Merseyside mob will be revisited. David Rush will be on the phone singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Let the games begin.
See you, Rob.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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