As 2012 stumbles drunkenly toward its denouement, I’m toasting its imminent and overdue departure with a pair of tasty Colorado beverages — the last shooter from a bottle of Leopold Bros. American Small Batch Whiskey and a chaser of Odell Brewing Co.’s 5 Barrel Pale Ale.
Earlier today I answered emails, viewed the news with the usual alarm, broadcast various snarky bits via Twitter, sent out some final invoices and collaborated with the folks at Red Kite Prayer on their end-of-the-year awards. Finally, after putting it off as long as was humanly possible, I tottered out for a short run in subfreezing temps.
My reward for such diligence? Falling flat on my ass in Monument Valley Park. Thus the medicinal whiskey.
I should know better than to exercise when tired. Technique deteriorates, what’s left of the mind wanders, and the next thing you know you’re hitting the frosty ground with a thud, like a trash bag full of bacon grease, potato peelings and empty bottles.
Yet phoenix-like I arose, cursing, and stumbled on through the cold. determined to shed another gram or two before packing on the pounds at a final holiday gathering, which happily is just across the street.
But before I go, I’d like to thank you for popping round during 2012. The joint remains woefully light on Pulitzers, MacArthur genius grants and (all of a sudden) Leopold Bros. American Small Batch Whiskey. But it continues to be remarkably heavy in lively and intelligent discourse (largely in the comments section, my posts serving as the literary equivalent of a questionable foundation laid by highly unskilled labor).
So slainte to thee and thine, and pop round again next year for some fresh nonsense.
• This just in from The Midnight Rambler: “New Year’s Eve,” via Tom Waits.
Mad Blog Media 
Slainte back atcha, laddie. And may 2013 be twice what 2012 was, but without the funny hats.
Happy New Year, to you and Herself!
What Chris sez. I’m too deep in a 1994 Cab and a bottle of bubbly to say anything intelligent, not that I ever do…..zzzzz
Thank you Patrick. This is one of my daily go-to stops and it never disappoints. I appreciate the work that goes into it, and the great cast of characters who participate. Slainte…
Happy New Year and best wishes to you, Patrick, Herself and Buddy, Turk, and Mia. Here’s hoping there is less “viewing with alarm” in 2013.
Thanks back at ya for making 2012 tolerable. An election pitting well-off versus stinking rich, an American cycling “hero” going down in flames, and many other misadventures I’m drinking hard to forget. Hanging around here actually made it fun at times. May all of our drinking in 2013 be more voluntary and less necessary.
Happy new year to all here! Had a few beers yesterday, headlined by a yummy Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout, then watched a few more stages of the 2011 TdF and went to bed early. Too cold to ride today, so Duffy our dog gets a longer walk.
Thanks for another great year of Mad Dog, OG! And here’s hoping LUG, you, Herself, your menagerie, and all your blogsters enjoy a great 2013!!
Time now for the 1st trainer of the year!! 😦
Merry New Year! I’m hoping(?) to get out on the bike some a short ride later this afternoon after it breaks into double digits. I’m considering bringing a first aid kit – a flask of Templeton’s.
Happy New Year everyone! White stuff on the ground here in northern New England, so it’s XC ski time. Every year I forget how incredibly strenuous this is, especially if your technique is, uh, sub-optimal.
I went to bed at 11:00 pm, did we make it to 2013,if we did HAPPY NEW YEAR dog
You and Pelkey are pretty much my only reason for looking at RKP for me. if Padraig wants to be rid of me he’ll have to get rid of you – how’s THAT for a compliment….or is it a threat? Happy New Year to all.