Last year I was scheduling a chemotherapy visit with Roslyn the oncology office manager. She offered March 17th for the next one and I declined, “That’s St. Patrick’s Day, I have an appointment with John Jameson.” She frowned, “You know, drinking is bad for you.” “It all depends on the day, Roslyn, but Jameson rues that one.” A truer word has never been said. Oddly enough, Jameson didn’t enter the equation until later in life. My parents favored Scotch and Gin while the McMahons championed Four Roses bourbon. In college I hung out with Jack Daniels, but somehow Jameson snuck into the house after we had kids and never left.
When our boys were little I’d heard an old wives tale that rubbing whiskey on their gums helped with teething. They did seem to like it better than baby Tylenol; so much that everyday around sunset they’d show up in their diapers with a glass of ice and a Marlboro looking for a refill. At bed time I announced we would taper back on the Jameson, but that caused a howling so loud a neighbor called Child Protective Services. Out in Oklahoma people brought wine to our parties as hosting gifts, on my birthday I told them to bring Jameson instead. Well, 13 quarts of Jameson later my cup runneth over. The following weekend while we were talking around the camp fire draining those Jamesons, Craig Wiseman made a fascinating observation to Mike Klish, “Mike, you’re sitting in the fire.” A neighbor called Child Protective Services.
There have been plenty of moments when I couldn’t drink Corona after major surgery or chemo, so Jameson stepped up to the plate. After the stem cell transplant, Moffitt Cancer Center gave me a strict dietary list of foods I couldn’t eat. They didn’t list Jameson, so I dove into the bottles my rotten friends sent over. Later that year Tatiana and David gave me a shot ski as a Christmas present. I don’t think the shot ski is anything like frankincense and myrrh, but I do know more people are tipping back Jameson because of it.
As you can see it’s not Jameson that gets me in trouble, it’s the people I hang out with. Jameson hasn’t saved my life, but it definitely has smoothed out the rough edges, made me laugh more, and washed away plenty of tears. To be sure, I’ve needed those times. Luckily those moments have not been spent alone; they’ve been kept with friends and strangers alike who’ve made life worth living and kept me in the traffic all this time. So this St. Patrick’s Day I’ll raise a toast of Jameson (s) to my family, friends, Roslyn, Elisa Cahill, the strangers I’ve met and those I haven’t and hope to God none of you sit in a campfire. The last thing I need is a late night call from Child Protective Services on St. Patrick’s Day. Slainte.
Enjoyable read. Brought laughter to me tonight. Slainte mhath!
Happy St. Patrick Day.. Sainte!
Debbie, great to see you for lunch the other day. Be sure to go to The Cabin in Labelle. Pete
Another good one Pete, I’ve been known to consult with John Jameson myself every now and then!
Tom, I’m sure he will be making rounds at The Pub on Friday. Pete
Pete, that Oklahoma memory gave me a good laugh knowing the characters of the story.
I love how you enjoy life. We look forward to a Jameson toast with you in the future.
Definitely another favorite! ❤️
That was the fire pit that Steve helped me build
Drinking Jameson is always very good for economies of multiple countries. Discounting CPS workers of course. 😃
1870
A CITY WITHIN A CITY
By 1870, the Bow Street Distillery was literally a city within a city, employing hundreds of workers, including coopers, carpenters, blacksmiths, painters and stone masons — and some cats too! The surrounding Smithfield area is still full of craft to this day.
Cheers!
as always, a little fun, a little advice and lots of LOVE
Dr. John Jameson has long been my primary care doctor. His advice has always restored the proper perspective on all the complex matters of life.
Sliante
Peter, as long as you meet your deductible you’ll be good. Pete
ANOTHER GREAT ONE SHOTSKI HERE THEY COME ENJOY SOOOO INSPIRING
you’ll need to try the shotski when you’re in Naples in May
Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day and we will definitely be toasting Jamison to you.🍀🥃
Keep an eye on Anthony, he falls into it quickly
Most of the McMahons will join you in a toast on St. Patrick’s Day. Bill , Denville McMahons and I will be at Mammoth Mountain skiing. Nancy
just don’t mix too much Jameson and skiing; it doesn’t seem like a good mix
Mr. Pete… you have a way of making me feel normal and that is no small feat. I have been rubbing Kim Crawford on my gums each night for good measure and I am glad to hear I’m not alone . Your Wednesday blogs have carried me through difficult times in my life and I thank you for them. I hope to sit on a campfire soon and cause a little ruckus. Because…I think that’s the spice of life. Cheers to my my friend and pen pal. 🍀🪳💕
Elisa, what is Kim Crawford? I hope it’s whiskey. 🙀
Elisa, sitting in a campfire takes special expertise, so make sure you get some orientation first. Pete
Slaintè
Congratulations again! I got thrown out of Moffitt’s program yesterday also. Cheers!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️
Always feel a bit Irish just thinking about the Lawson family! 🥃☘️🍒
You’ll be even more Irish with some Jameson in you!
Jameson has been a staple in our Lawson home, what ever it takes to keep this Irishman dancing, I’m all in!❤️☘️🪳
I’ll second that emotion !! Slainte
Diane, it sounds like you will be lining up some Jamo for yourself! Pete
Yes, a staple, similar to bread and milk etc…for you guys, ha ha!
David, along with Big Green Eggs. Pete