I started the day about 3:30 yesterday at the Saucer, where I went to watch the Auburn vs. South Carolina championship game. Between people coming in after the Memphis Marathon, people coming in before and after the holiday parade, people there to watch the game, and people showing up for Stumblin’ Santa, it was pretty consistently busy, if not downright crowded at times. Oh well. At least the girls made some good tip money.
I was standing at my usual spot at the bar, and I was surprised how many people came up and ordered Bud Light. Seriously, you’re in a bar that has 200 beers and you order Bud Light? Here’s a recommendation if you do that: Try a Sunner Kolsch next time you’re at the Saucer. It’s similarly easy to drink, but lots more flavor. Try it, I think you’ll like it.
At 7 people in Santa suits started to roll in for “Bob & Roland’s 6th Annual Stumblin’ Santa.” This is not only a pub crawl where hundreds of Santas wander around Downtown, but it’s also an event where hundreds of toys are collected for Ronald McDonald House. They really do an awesome job with this, and I know the kids appreciate it.
This year, however, I didn’t stumble. It was my buddy Clay’s birthday. He has been out of town in Spartanburg, South Carolina for job training, and this is the only weekend he’ll be back in town before Christmas. Some of our group did the pub crawl, but I told Clay, “If you want to do something else I’ll skip it this year.” Clay decided he wanted a more low-key celebration. When the Saucer started to get ridiculously crowded, we moved next door to the Silly Goose.
By the way, Amy pictured above is opening Blues City Thrift, a new thrift store in the Broad Avenue district that will open in 2011. Her store will sell gently used clothing and merchandise at incredible prices, and all money raised from sales will be donated to Memphis charities. If you clean out your closet or have items around the house you don’t use, Amy would be a good person to give them to.
Okay, back to pics.
After the Goose, we moved on to another spot and played pool. A little after midnight the gang decided to head south to Earnestine & Hazel’s. I’d been out almost nine hours by that point and decided to call it a night. I hope everyone who remained out had a good time.
Skipping the usual Sunday Fun Day routine – brunch at 11 at the Majestic then beer at noon at the Saucer. I’m in the mood to play poker, and Sunday is the day when the most fish (recreational players who know nothing about strategy) play online. Fish are nice to have in poker tournaments because they donate money to those of us who know how to play. I do plan on being at the Saucer at 8 PM to watch the bowl selection special, where I hope to hear the Arkansas Razorbacks announced for the Sugar Bowl.