And Then There Were Four....

Cafe Ellie is closed. Shades drawn, sign down, doors locked.

After 16 days, it became the Bataan Death March of Fun. My peeps thought they had to show up every day for 12 days but instead? It became 16.

I ended up with Four Warriors, though, who made it through, who fought the heroic fight of attrition and showed up all 16 days.

Bill and Owen and Schleckah and Deb. My Core Quartet. My Fearsome Foursome.

Schleckah came every day even though he sometimes complained about it. One day, early on, when it was still easy for everyone to show up, Slips said, "Most people go to the bar to avoid their wives. Bill goes to the bar to see his wife. Give him a triangle."

And so I did.

Deb -- she who blew the whistle to start The Race for us last summer -- brought me scones and daffodils the last day. After she already had a star.

Owen got out of work early four times -- four times -- to get to Cafe Ellie before I handed over the bar to the night guy. The good thing? His boss, the person he had to ask to get out early each time, calls Schleckah and me "The Van People." Made it easier.

Bill H. declared my last day -- Day 16 -- Ellie Appreciation Day. He even brought blueberry muffins. With a candle.

Oh, there were others.

Those who slogged in every most days, rain or shine, doctor appointments or work engagements . . .

. . . Slips and Ships and John and Maje and Peter Roberts and Mongo and Elizabeth and Mr. Dibble . . .

. . . and Bruce and Jennie.

But there were four -- four! -- who made it through. Who accepted the challenge and stared down the competition and defied the odds and made it for 16 days.

16 days!

My fearsome foursome, I salute you.