Isn't that where retired people are supposed to go? Sometimes I wonder.
Really miss the DC bar scene. I'm in Ocala, kind of north central Florida. Nice town, with friendly people. No rat race here, like DC. No one cares how high of a security level you have, or who you work for. Or what campaigns you've worked on. And no rush hour traffic. At least not like Massachusetts Ave., Connecticut Ave., Wisconsin Ave. going through Bethesda, or that super highway to end all, Rockville Pike. AKA 355.
Someone told me that Ocala is Florida's best kept secret. Pretty much true. No touristy crowds like Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Or Key West. Just kind of a laid back place. Which is fine by me.
I'm in a retirement community in southwest Ocala. Pine Run. But most of southwest Ocala seems to be mostly retirement communities. So quiet here. And peaceful.
The church I go to, Queen of Peace Catholic church, is definitely for retired people. I mean, the pews are even cushioned. Don't know if I've ever seen that. I just went on Medicare, and my wife and I are the youngest ones in there. There's so many wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches, you'd think you were at Lourdes! God love 'em all!
Haven't really seen or heard of any "bar scene" here. Just a bunch of chain places. Outback, Cracker Barrel, Chili's, etc. I think you get the picture. Bartenders here probably look at you funny if you order a Sazerac. Or a Side Car. Or a Ramos Gin Fizz. Or an "anything" that calls for more than three ingredients. But that's ok. Like I said, it's a retirement community. I'd be happy with a beer and a shot. But no matter. Since I retired from being a "man o' the cloth," I'm not much of an imbiber anymore. I've seen it all and done it all. Don't drink at all like the old days. (Thank goodness!)
Starting to write my bartending memoirs now. Just reminiscing on the old days, and trying to recollect on things from the very beginning. Has it really been that long??!! My first bar job was in 1973. Man, that's ancient! I think Harvey Wallbangers were just in the "idea" stage. Which is exactly where they should have stayed!
Trying to remember all this, and put it down coherently, is actually good for me. I'm giving my brain cells a good workout!
