A Nor'easter, Chili, & a Polar Bear Plunge

Yet another Nor'easter blew in last night with heavy rains and wind gusts to 50 mph! Debri hit windows and the outer walls with disconcerting force and regularity and rattled the wine glasses in the cabinets. And because of that, I didn't get much sleep. Yes, I know, so what's new? This is the 7th such event in less than a year, but who's counting? 

But I digress...

This is the infamous "Polar Bear Plunge" weekend here supporting the Special Olympics - which was rescheduled from February due to a few feet of snow - and come hell or high water (and it felt like both) the weekend is going on as planned.

OK, so the run was ultimately cancelled over fear that skinny runners might be swept away along with small dogs and bad toupees, but the Restaurant-sponsored Chili Cook-Off went on as planned today. Ten restaurants participated in this annual event and with all in walking distance of one another it's a great 3 hours of "nomming" and meeting new people and old friends - or enemies.

It works like this, one purchases a card with the 10 participating restaurants listed and a check box next to each. The cost of the card is $5.00 - a donation to the Special Olympics - allowing one to have a cup of the entry by each restaurant. Pretty good deal and tasters travel in groups, herds, and troupes having a gay old time in the process. Our entry this year was a pork and white bean masterpiece with just enough kick to make your tastebuds want more. No "fire in the hole" stuff here.

The actual plunge into the Atlantic occurs tomorrow and a number of co-workers have signed up for the event. I think they're certifiable, but what do I know? The restaurant will open for a special pre-Plunge Brunch at 10 am offering a menu with all manner of warming protein rich delights to get everyone ready for the actual event set for 1 pm. God help us all!!!

It's a testiment to this community to see the lesbian and gay bears (some very hot, I might add.) signed up and ready to do their bit for this worthwhile charity. It alternately warms my heart and freezes my privates to think about what they're going to do. To be honest, one of the restaurant owners is on the administration board and will take the plunge, the other - well, he'll be taking pictures and holding a bathrobe for his partner when he rises from the waves in triumph and returns to the beach.

Sorry, I will not be present to photo-document the event. I'll be busy prepping staff for their ultimate trial - the polar bears descending on the restaurant to party-hearty well into the evening.  At least that is what I am told has been the itinerary in years past.  Hell, they deserve it.

Like I said, this is my first time, so I don't know what to expect. Nice to know I'm still a virgin at some things...

And so it goes.
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