Dry January – Day 0

Temperance – a Christian virtue to moderate and balance the use of created goods. Later to be known as abstinence from alcohol.

The word temperance is, indeed, a Christian virtue but became particularly important in the 19^th and 20^th centuries when society started to think twice about alcohol.  Temperance Bars, that served only non-alcoholic beverages, were a common feature to the high street in those days and, most importantly, were the first outlets to serve Coca-Cola and other classics (Dandelion and Burdock is a personal favourite).  Can’t say I am religious myself but find the idea of temperance intriguing and is a virtue that I will strive to, nonetheless. 

It’s January 1^st and the first day of complete sobriety (I will count as day 0). Can’t say I have had any troubles, as yet, but I am well aware that the initial motivation to make a change can fizzle out after a few days or so. I was planning on one last hurrah last night for NYE but, unfortunately, as soon as I popped my first Heineken, my 18 month Kind Charles Spaniel was sick everywhere. We called off our night and stayed in to look after the poor devil. So for a New Years Day, it’s been quite a relief not to have a hangover.

Staving off the urge to have a beer, I am putting my energy to good use to create a pie. Not much of a chef but who can turn down cheese and onion. Homemade pastry too, not just a pretty face. Credit to the Hairy Bikers for the recipe.

Maybe I will enjoy a Dandelion and Burdock with my meal, although, it’s pretty difficult to find these days.  There is an existing Temperance Bar near me, in fact.  Fitzpatrick’s of Rawtenstall, Lancashire, UK, prides itself on being the UK’s last establishment still standing. I wonder why Temperance Bars are no longer so common? I hasten to add there must be some kind of indie start-up re-discovery of such an establishment in Shoreditch or somewhere equally as hippie.

Happy New Year everyone! What are your resolutions / changes, if any, for 2020?