2008 - May

[Sweder]

Your observations struck a reverberating chord. I've had similar thoughts over the past few months; not that I'd ever let anything as wretched as Stella touch my lips, mind But aside from the sociable melee that is a post-MGS night out (and even then I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary to sink double-digit pints) I've radically changed my attitude to beer.

Oh we're still madly in love, Ale and I. It's just that, as with my running, I've found 'less is more' to be a pretty good mantra. Yesterday I sloped off for a crafty round in the glorious sunshine with Captain Tom. Three and a half hours struggling with a rusty golf swing and foolish expectations in welcome warm conditions. We agreed to nip into the clubhouse for a swift pint - both driving so no imminent danger of a slippery slope. The club served up London Pride, a most agreeable summer ale. I really enjoyed the pint in the way that one does after toiling in the heat; it was very much a reward.

The main difference yesterday was I didn't want another. On Monday I opened a bottle of Timothy Taylor's as I wove my magic over the first barbie of the season. Again I relished the beer, enjoying every perfectly prepared, slightly chilled golden mouthful. It dawned on me this was my first pint in over a week. I've driven to the last two MGS golf days (voluntarily) and as a result restricted myself to a solitary beer with the meal. There's a lot to be said for making 'having a beer' a treat; you certainly appreciate those moments when they are fewer and further between.

Sure, that's all fine so long as you can manage the 'side-affects' - peanuts and inappropriate late-night sandwich-making are my own post-ale peccadillos. But if you can, and can also block out those Sirens of the Second and Third Pint it's a fine alternative to abstainance. I understand, admire and respect EGs decision, particularly as I know he appreciates a decent ale. Good luck mate. After four weeks you'll have earned a beer, and in all probability learned to love it again.