Our family is not without a competitive bent and stirring the pot is a favorite past time.  The recent gold medal Olympic hockey game pitting the U.S.A. versus Canada was a perfect venue.  I’m married to a Canuck, and we have a large and lively flock of Canadian relations on Vancouver Island and around Toronto.  I called my brother-in-law in Victoria, British Columbia, and proposed a fitting wager on the outcome of the game.  He readily accepted the challenge: at stake — a flagon of Tanqueray.  But while the swag was clearly defined, the delivery left plenty of room for surprises!

To: George
From: M&M
Date: Mar 2, 2010
Subject: What a surprise

When we got back to the house yesterday, late afternoon, there was a message on the phone from the grog shop in the Village.  I responded, and it was closed, but they responded to my message today with another message, as I was out again today, saying that there was a bottle awaiting us from a gentleman in Connecticut.  I was so surprised and so was M. that the bet was honoured so quickly. So thank you, George, so much — we will pick it up tomorrow and drink a toast to you and Dot and your family. You are an officer and a gentleman!

Love, M&M

To: M&M
From: George
Date: Mar 3, 2010 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: What a surprise

I was licking my wounds and feeling a little sorry for myself Sunday after the tragic loss.  Dorothy went to a jazz concert. I watched the game by myself.  I decided to pay promptly and called information for a spirits store near Telegraph Bay.

There is a reason that information operators wind up in that capacity!  I finally gave up and started to Google.  In no time I located your local gin joint and dialed the number.  A charming young lady picked up.  The noise in the bar was loud in celebration, no doubt fueled by the win and whiskey.

I launched into my quest, asking the lass for help in solving my problem. In typical friendly Canadian fashion (God’s honest truth), and without hesitation, she replied, “Does the favor involve taking off all my clothes?”

Never at a loss for words, I mumbled, “Only if it makes you more comfortable.” Despite the U.S.A.’s devastating defeat, I’d almost forgotten about the game.  Another bond was forged between the U.S. and Canada that very evening. The young woman even offered to deliver the bottle herself.

Very nice people up North.  What do you say, M&M, double or nothing in 2014?

Love, George