So somehow I ended up being accused of being involved, or even masterminding some shady dealings on the Avenue Friday night. I am here to tell you all that I am innocent of at least some of the charges. Moreover, I think that if the actual cast of coconspirators were to be named it would be made clear that I was but a pawn in the whole affair and was unwittingly pulled in by peer pressure and assurances that there would be no further recriminations! The night started innocently enough as nights are want to do. After the end of a long "short work week" it was time to unwind a bit at the local watering hole. Which means that Rich and I were C off to the Chatterbox for a beautiful evenings relaxation on the patio. Mel joined us and the evening was off, as were the pressures of gainful employment (at least for me for two day furlough). The patio was already partially occupied by friends when we arrived: Team 12 Chatterbowler Kathleen McDonald (with her new ultra-alluring husky voice, Travis and Elizabeth DiNicola, Richard Hurst and his daughter Kate, Bill Brooks and David Andrichik among the notables, plus a couple of guys I don't really know but who are none the less critical to my defense.
Brooks got all righteous brother, and unchained his melody to exhibit both his balance and bipedal brilliance, he made a run to the presses that were even then just cooling off, to deliver the latest in Urban Times published palaver. The DiNicola's had dietary designs and deemed to depart as did the Hurst's, leaving empty chairs and idle hands and one quasi-evil mind. As Idle hands are indeed the devils playground, Mr. Satan worked his mischief through one of his favorite vessel's. Mel and I were inside at the end of the bar when Rich came in and said, it's time to move TD's car. I said, There aren't enough people to move it. Rich says, David's going to help, and there are a couple of other guys willing to lend a hand. So unwillingly I had to step up to due to the overwhelming peer pressure, I mean if Travis's best man at his wedding is in, who am I to say no?



You can see the forced enthusiasm on my face in the final shot which was taken by Melissa Shoffner.
Chuck Pace ©2009 
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