Dave & Vinny: Ageing

Longcroft Estate, Rampant Horse Pub

Vinny wandered in out of the cold and breathed a sigh of relief. The warm bosom of the Rampant Horse always relaxed him immediately. He walked over to the roaring log fire and briefly warmed his hands before heading to the bar.
“Evening Ken, those nights are drawing in.”
“I know bloody freezing out there. Colder than a politician’s heart.”
“Then let us never leave this most sacred of sanctums.”
“Don’t push it Vinny. I have to close sometime.”
Vinny grinned, paid for his pint and wandered over to Dave at their usual table.

“How goes it Dave?” asked Vinny as he sat.
Dave sipped his pint and reflected on the question a moment.
“I won’t lie to you Vinny. I’m unsettled and no mistake.”
Vinny took that satisfying first sip of his pint.
“What’s up mate? Mrs giving you stick again?”
“Not at all mate. It’s marital bliss in casa de Dave.”
“Then what perturbs you old chum?”
“Grey hairs mate. My goatee used to be salt and pepper. Now it’s all salt.”
“A great philosopher once said….”

“Wait I know this,” interrupted Dave, “did he say Naughty, naughty, very naughty.”

“I believe that was the Shamen. He said — Dude, live in the now!” replied Vinny.
“Wasn’t that someone in Wayne’s World?”
“Perhaps, but the sentiment is spot on. Don’t worry about your age or tomorrow. You might be dead then. Concern yourself with today.”
“If you’re trying to cheer me up Vinny you’re going the wrong way about it.”

From a table near the fire Old Pete looked up from his crossword and yelled over.
“I’ll cheer you up Dave. I’m a damn sight closer to death than you are and you don’t hear me whining about it.”
“And there,” said Vinny, “is the benefit of perspective. So cheer up my friend.”