I just returned from Polo Noir and a concert from “The Head and the Heart” at Hidden Creek Polo Grounds in Lake Oswego. It turned out to be a beautiful day, despite threats of rain. I had little interest in the actual polo match featuring international sensation, Nacho Figueras, whose handsome face has been the subject of billboard advertising these past few months. I also had little interest in the band, so I wasn’t sure what would be the salvation of our ticket investment. We were with good friends so you can never go wrong there, but it was really the Stoller Winery VIP tent that salvaged the day. They provided some great brisket, pork belly, lamb, and ribs, along with a freezer full of salted-caramel ice cream from Salt & Straw. The drinks were not free, but the private access to them was certainly less of a hassle than at the neighboring public concessions. 

During the course of the afternoon, we ran across a couple of long-lost friends, as we did last year at this event. A fellow Cubs fan and former co-worker was definitely a highlight, but that was shortly after I turned “grumpy old-man” on a couple of younger concert-goers. They were standing in front of us, paying little attention to the band while engaged in conversation, and blocking our view of the stage. We had just chased-out a couple of women that had moved in front of us to dance, with total disregard to the fact that they were also infringing on our space. I said some nasty words, but self-absorbed people just don’t understand their rudeness. As a result, we left soon-after, as we did not feel that the band’s performance was worthy of such an early standing-ovation. It was just another example of how your seat is only as good as those around you. (See Post #121).

On the drive home from the venue, I stopped at a McDonald’s for a Diet Coke pick-me-up. It took entirely too long in the drive-thru line, and I nearly spit-out my first sip from the recycled straw that I keep in the car. It was obviously the sweet tea that someone else had ordered, so we had to deal with the hassle of going inside for an exchange. I could only express myself poetically after the manager tried to justify their mistake:

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It’s no surprise, 

Between you and me,  

Not everyone likes, 

 A sip of Sweet Tea. 

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I was happy once I got my Diet Coke, and someone else was equally disappointed after their first surprise-sip from what they expected to be tea. The caffeine from the Diet Coke helped offset some of the drowsiness that too much wine can cause, and tea was what I least expected. Shortly afterwards we were home early for a second straight Saturday night, having missed another “Movie Night” in favor of a concert. At least, you rarely have someone standing up in front of you at the movies, although I was certainly rude in an equally bad manner at the last show we went to watch. (See Post #603).  Here’s one last poetic thought for today:

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I know you’re excited,

But please keep in mind, 

It blocks the view, 

Of those seated behind.