Coming this week is my holiday drink with Fred.  We do it every year in December.

We have to meet at 5 pm, I am told, even though it is a bit on  the early side.   I am not sure if Joanne expects him to be home at a certain time, or if he just needs to get to bed early.   Either way it is fine with me and I show up at the appointed hour.

We talk for about 45 minutes, less Blackberry checking time.  And Fred challenges me with feats of strength.  I do not take his bait though last year he impressed a lovely young woman sitting alone at the bar next to us.  We also plan our blogging Story Week.

The tradition is a good one and I look forward to it.  I think this year Fred, your turn to pay.