So there I was in a Google+ hangout, conducting business via my computer. I was trying to block out the lawnmower rumble coming from across the street and focus on the virtual face in front of me when I heard the unmistakable vroooom of a motorcycle, which came to an abrupt halt as it crescendoed outside my house.
“That’s weird,” I thought to myself, without taking my eyes off the computer. “Wonder who it might be?”
My first thought was my friend Cindy, who has stopped by on her motorcycle before. My second thought was the police, because, well, because that’s just how my brain works.
A minute later, there was a knock at the door. I excused myself and went to see who was knocking.
There, backlit by the morning sun, was a divine alcohol angel descended to earth to make my day. He was holding a cold, sweaty beer.
“Hello?” I said, tentatively.
The man, who I later learned was not an angel but rather a beer baron named Bill Seney, politely informed me that my son had entered – and won – a promotion by Stark Brewing Company (formerly Milly’s Tavern) for a free beer for the man of the house.
“He’s at work right now, but I’ll happily intercept, er, accept it on his behalf,” I said, reaching for the cold Mt. U Cream Ale in his outstretched hand.
Fortunately I came to my senses in time to tell him I wanted to take his picture, and he said he wanted to do the same, so we mugged for mutual promotional celly snaps, and then he said goodbye.
He had more beer to deliver.
About an hour later, my son Bill – not to be confused with the Beer Baron Bill – called to ask if a motorcycle delivery man had been to the house recently.
And that’s how I found out the rest of the story, that my son had to earn the beer by posting via the NH reddit page, and that Stark’s motorcycle craft beer promotion also happens to coincide with NH’s own annual Laconia Bike Week.
“I wasn’t sure if it was legit,” my son said. “He said he was a beer baron.”
Oh, he was legit, all right!
BTW, here’s what my son posted:
“My truck broke down on Friday and I wasn’t able to travel down from school to see my dad for Father’s Day — even after I took time off from work. It would absolutely make his day to receive a free craft beer by motorcycle. He might even share a cigar with you!”
So Happy Belated Father’s Day to my husband, who will love this story. Big thanks to my son, Bill, for going the extra mile even when his truck failed him.
And to Bill the Beer Baron, if you’re reading this, feel free to stop back later for a cigar.
You can visit the NH reddit thread here.
