Streak snapped

For almost 2 years, I had been flu-free. Usually around this time of year I get nailed with a brutal one. Last year was the exception, this one is the norm. I came to on Sunday with that signature soreness in the nose and throat which foretells the impending 3 weeks of flu-ridden misery. Blech. Pray for David.

It's a shame, since the rest of the weekend was pretty damn good, if a little laid back. Friday started at Erin's Pub, headed back to the house and woofed down some Indian food, and then headed to a frisbee party. Too frat-boy for some of us, and a disturbing lack of rye, so we took off. Watched a period of the hockey game at the Republic and called it a night.

Got some Christmas shopping done on Saturday -- I've got three names crossed off my list, and pretty solid ideas for 2 more. Which leaves about a half-dozen, for a record of at least 5-6 by the end of November. This shatters last year's record of 0-11.

Saturday evening we headed out to the Black Dog pub for some free jazz. Rarely do we get good jazz here, even more rarely is it free, and rarer still is it at a non-pretentious venue (Fuck you, Martini Bar!). All instrumental, featuring the vibraphones, sax, and organ. Also of note was that the organ actually had the rotating Leslie speaker (this gives the wrwrwrwrwr tremolo effect). I was hypnotized by its spinning as I tried to place a drink order at the bar.

This kind of music is great to take in, and the best part is that it doesn't preclude conversation. Hung around there for a while, and had a grand chat with the guy across the street who had later joined us. Capital evening.