We certainly have seen it all this past year.  From the economy to the never ending winter to the unemployment line to the rainfall totals in June to the dry heat of late July-- its all just plum crazy if you ask me!  Really far out. 

But a part of me just loves the craziness of it all because it makes the conversation at the bar and throughout the restaurant that much more interesting.  The talk isn't solely about the Red Sox or the Patriots this year, but rather it's a mixed conversation of worried souls and deflated egos coupled with the occasional optimist or renegade dressed like Johnny Cash. 

All the while, however, people love good food, good drink and good company.  I believe it to be even more so these days because I believe that in tough, trying times, people migrate to those things that give them comfort.  There's been a lot of talk about good food and good wine at a lot of different restaurants lately! Even though people might not be going out to eat as much these days, they seem to be holding onto the comfort of the experience just a little longer. 

For example, someone might take an extra second to savor the taste of the littleneck or the lobster claw because maybe they don't know when they're going to have that again. Or, maybe someone will look closer at the kind of wine they're drinking, maybe they'll ask that extra question about the vintage... because, let's face it, times are pretty tough out there and I have found that people are trying to savor every last drop of every last experience. 

And maybe in the long run this isn't such a bad thing? Maybe its just people recognizing the simple beauty of things that we've so long taken for granted?  Maybe it's all cyclical- the natural ebb and flow of people and the times. Who knows? 

These are the sorts of conversations that have been taking place at the bar, and quite frankly, there is a level of excitement for me- my imagination has been fired up on more than one occasion.  I'm sensing that people are recognizing that so many of us around the world have fallen down, but now, now, we're getting ready to pick ourselves back up again with a greater fortitude than ever. With more piss and vinegar than ever!  And with a couple more drinks, everyone is on top of the world by midnight!!  A toast goes out, a round gets bought, a thanks goes out, a hug ensues, laughter erupts, and before we all know it, we're once again simple people enjoying the simple company of our friends and townspeople.  Once again we all feel a little bit better about a lot of different things.

Maybe these conversations and these sorts of cheers after midnight won't solve anything!  Some might consider it foolish; "Save your money!" some might say. But I say, 'thank you', to all those around me who have the courage to stand up again and wipe the dirt off their knees. Thanks to all the great friends and strangers who have kept me up late behind the bar because the conversation is just so moving and heart pounding.  It's all amazing if you ask me.  Truly amazing it is to listen and watch.  May I dare say that it's been a while since any conversation about the Sox or the Pats has been more stimulating! 

By Jay Cole

Jay Cole is the owner of Riva restaurant in Scituate harbor and has an M.A. in creative writing. As Wink's Male Muse, he entertains us with stories about the women and men who enter his bar.