A big thanks to all those who ventured out last Friday to say hello at the Frederick Wine House and pick up a bottle of my grandfather’s whiskey. Once again, the line stretched all the way around the store, and the people in it made friends while they waited. People like Danny, who waited so long he opened his bottle and drank every drop, with a little help from those nearby. I’d say Danny probably made the most friends, with the possible exception of Amber Nicole.
Amber dropped by from The Cellar Door down the street, to remind me about the Knobel inspired cocktail she put on her menu last year. As if I could ever forget. I’m guessing Amber made some new friends as well.
Nate Kraft shared the remarkable story of Pathfinder Farms and gift me a bottle of his orange/cranberry flavored moonshine. To my surprise, it was delicious! A former Navy guy who has lived all over the world, Nate hit the reset button real hard and started a distillery on his family farm in the Maryland countryside. Good for you, Nate Kraft!
And then there was Erica Sullivan. Erica drove two hours and waited in line even longer, to present me with a fudge cake that had my picture on the top. I had a slice, and I must say, I tasted great! Thanks, Erica, on behalf of myself and the local constabulary. On the way out of town, I stopped by the Frederick police station with the remains of your delicious cake, which was enthusiastically devoured by the cops on duty. I tried to leave them a bottle of Barrel Strength as well, but the regulations didn’t permit it. Nest time, I’ll see you guys after hours.
I was also delighted to see my old friend Steve Libonate, who got me suspended back in junior high school. To be fair, I also got him suspended, when I suggested that he light the M-80 smoke bomb that I subsequently slid under the closed door and into a crowded classroom. The bomb rolled under the 
desk of our 8th grade science teacher and went off with spectacular results. When Steve greeted me, I didn’t recognize him right away.
“Remember me, Mike?”
“Give me a hint,” I said, at which point Steve quoted me.
“You light it, I’ll throw it!”
It all came back in a flash. Forty-nine years ago, the thick yellow cloud that billowed out from the M-80 
smoke bomb not only filled the classroom, it filled the entire school and scrambled the local fire department. Seven-hundred of my fellow students were evacuated, and everyone was sent home early.
For what it’s worth, Steve and I had devolved into juvenile delinquency because our science teacher – a true dunce of a man – had made fun of a fellow classmate with a bad stutter. He literally mocked this kid, as the classroom laughed. Something needed to be done, so Steve and I took action. Alas, the principal did not approve of our brand of vigilante justice. But all things considered, I’d do it again, and 
so would Steve.
Once again, there were families large and small, dogs of every breed, kids of all ages, and characters of every kind – including another 
batch of firemen who were ushered to the front of the line with the approval of all in attendance. I was honored to meet you all, and grateful for your patience and good humor. Not everyone is pleased to wait for three hours in a line with no obvious end, but you guys were terrific. Until we meet again…