Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Cheer at Dog Prairie

     Twice a year we gather at Dog Prairie Tavern to share stories and toast our friendship, once in July (Christmas in July) and of course the Christmas holiday season.  So in a way I guess we are a sentimental crew celebrating Christmas twice a year but it goes further with the many stories told, some old and some new.  The tavern is filled with laughter from the many stories shared with each other, so the sentiment is more of a remembrance of the fun times we shared over many years.  The stories seem to get better every year so maybe some get exaggerated but only in the best of ways.

     This is not a sports or wine bar, it's a country tavern in St Paul although it's only 30 minutes from my house but it has the feel that it's many miles and years away from today's life.  I prefer wine over beer but at these festivities I drink beer, the amber color not the craft beers which they may not even carry, I don't know I've never ask.  I know they have wine because I've seen some of the wives drinking a glass but it's white Zinfandel so not real wine.  Meeting at Dog Prairie has become a 23 year tradition originally setup by Bob K and Rich G but scheduled yearly by Don A.

     It starts at 3pm but people stroll in all evening so the longer you stay the more old friends you see.  Facebook is good but nothing beats sitting down with an old friend sharing stories and laughing the night away.  This Christmas gathering is of McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing product support employees past and present, so there are new faces that sometimes appear but these new faces become old friends after an evening of cheerful conversation.

     The Dog Prairie tavern is owned by a former McDonnell Douglas employee, retired in 1985, now run by his grandson.  It has good bar food with friendly people and a laid back country atmosphere. Nothing beats a good time with old friends no matter where you are but Dog Prairie seems to fit our crowd well.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends, I wish you the best and hope to see you soon.

     

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