Chapter Two: Reality Pubbing

            A progressive Catholic nun once told me, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Her your plans.”  We had grandiose plans for the opening of the Pub last week.  We invited the wonderful people of Mineral Point to come to the Walker House to enjoy homemade pizza, sodas, beer, wine, and super-premium Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.  We planned to feed a few dozen people who would chit-chat with us and help us hone our hospitality skills.  In fact, 200 people flocked to the Walker House—125 on opening night.  We ran out of pizzas, out of heat in the ovens (a temporary glitch), out of workers (the three college boys decided they preferred construction work to hospitality work), and out of “gas” (we were just plain pooped).  We imagine God was roaring with laughter up there.

            We were not exactly a lean kitchen machine either.  By the numbers, we took in $1,190 (gross revenue), and paid out $65.50 (state tax), $2,000 in labor costs, $50 for utilities, and $650 in supplies.  We were a tad inefficient, I suppose.

            We’ve made a few adjustments for this week.  No plans.  No paid help.  No food.  No 5-hour open doors.  We’re hoping for a crackling fire in the fireplace, cold drinks, ice cream, and warm conversation in the evenings.  We expect God to be watching again, perhaps this time with a smile of approval.

                                                                        To Be Continued…

Hours

5:00-8:00 P.M. Daily