It's Tuesday, or as I call it "Book Club Day."   Book Club as you may remember is the weekly gathering of a select group at an Irish pub (Dunn's) located in Newton Upper Falls.  Tuesday afternoon around 4pm is a slow time at the pub, so we get there just as it opens and claim our usual stools. We don't actually talk about a specific book (as is the practice in ladies' book clubs), but we all read books, and if someone is reading a particularly interesting book, they might recommend it to the group.  No, the real reason is to engage in sociable quaffing and solving the world's problems. 

For example, we discuss the guilt or innocence of the accused in high profile trials, or offer an opinion about issues of the day, or even remark on the outcomes of sporting events.  There is never a loss for words.  Oh, and I almost forgot the popular topic:  Health challenges.  We are all over 50 and most of us are closer to 80.  Several of us are currently being/or have been treated for Cancer.  One is a Doctor (Cardiologist). One has COPD and Heart issues.  Everyone has some bodily malfunction to share.  Those of us in the geezer section think of health as a game of whack-a-mole.  If you get one problem fixed, two more will pop-up to take its place.  

The bar staff looks at us with apparent affection.  Perhaps we remind them of an elderly family member or friend.  They know our drinks and stories.  The ambience is much like what you might recall from the old TV program "Cheers" -- where everyone knows your name.  

Afterword: Someone has asked why we call it "Book Club,"  when we do not actually discuss an assigned book.  This, my friends, is  a genius  example of  "Reframing."     Before Book Club , on Tuesday afternoons,  you would meekly say to the wife,  "I'm off to the pub to have a few beers with the guys."  She, of course, would scowl at you.   

But now you say "I'm off to Book Club."   She says "Have a good time."  or even "Hey, aren't you late for Book Club?"    Reframing!