We called this blog “Speaking the Local Vin-acular” for a simple reason. Whenever we can, we like to support local businesses. Even if it means paying a little more for something, we can only see the benefits of patronizing the local, small businesses in our immediate area.
Sometimes, its a struggle to remember why it’s important to support our local place. Because it is on the same block, we share a rear courtyard with our local bar. On nice summer nights, when we are home watching TV, patrons linger outside on the bar's rear patio, smoking and having a good time. When midnight rolls around and we are trying to fall asleep, the party goers are out, causing quite a stir. The sounds and smells seek out our open windows, almost as if we are on the patio with them.
Not everyone is convinced that it’s a good thing. I had to work to convince Tina that the having a bar nearby was a pleasant convenience, when I moved in. There was talk around the block of pushing them out, by finding violations in City codes or complaining enough to law enforcement. And yet. As much as I've cursed the noise coming through our windows, as much as my wife (an "early to bed" sort of person) threatens never to go back to the bar, we keep on going.
If I want to go out for a beer after dinner on a cold winter night, or in summer when I don't feel like venturing too far, I like being able to walk around the corner. Sometimes it's the convenience that matters. It’s not too expensive, and it's got some interesting character, so it's worth putting up with the noise I don't like to help a small business succeed. But we’re not going to join them on the patio.
Sometimes, its a struggle to remember why it’s important to support our local place. Because it is on the same block, we share a rear courtyard with our local bar. On nice summer nights, when we are home watching TV, patrons linger outside on the bar's rear patio, smoking and having a good time. When midnight rolls around and we are trying to fall asleep, the party goers are out, causing quite a stir. The sounds and smells seek out our open windows, almost as if we are on the patio with them.
Not everyone is convinced that it’s a good thing. I had to work to convince Tina that the having a bar nearby was a pleasant convenience, when I moved in. There was talk around the block of pushing them out, by finding violations in City codes or complaining enough to law enforcement. And yet. As much as I've cursed the noise coming through our windows, as much as my wife (an "early to bed" sort of person) threatens never to go back to the bar, we keep on going.
If I want to go out for a beer after dinner on a cold winter night, or in summer when I don't feel like venturing too far, I like being able to walk around the corner. Sometimes it's the convenience that matters. It’s not too expensive, and it's got some interesting character, so it's worth putting up with the noise I don't like to help a small business succeed. But we’re not going to join them on the patio.
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