It has been a long cold winter here in the Northeast. And just when the crocus and daffodils begin dotting the frigid ground with colorful, showy blooms, having us believe that spring has finally arrived, Mother Nature hits us with enough snow and more cold to inform us that she has a warped sense of humor.
If March had been playing a game of lion or lamb with us, April has begun by reminding us that "everybody plays the fool sometime."
One neighborhood establishment is offering shelter from this wacky weather. DEKS in the Historic Hallock House on the corner of Rt.25a and Eagle Rd in Rocky Point, is celebrating this week with a complimentary tasting of Pranqster ale, a golden Belgium style ale, and only one of the 160 varieties of beers being offered.
Dean Scott, proprietor of Deks, is as comfortable in chef's whites as he is behind the bar. In speaking with Mr. Scott, you will find he has a wealth of culinary knowledge; he is very serious about both the dining room experience and the bar crowd.
"Years ago, Johnny Carson had a 104 year old woman on as a guest, and when he asked her 'What is the secret to longevity?' she said, 'Being able to laugh at yourself.' I never forgot that," Scott said.
Deks has a different beer tasting weekly. This week it's Pranqster Ale, next week, it's Ubu Beer.
Truth be told, of all the senses seeing, hearing, tasting and smelling, perhaps the most important one we need to possess is a sense of humor.
Norman Cousins, author of Anatomy of an Illness, famous for curing himself of a debilitating painful arthritis, claimed, "Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors."
For a curative night of belly laughing and rolling in the aisles, head down to Theater Three, 412 Main St. in Port Jefferson on for As an interactive audience member you will be the monkey in the middle of two teams of comedic improvisors in what has been touted as "an all-out comedy championship." Shows are most Friday nights at 10:30 p.m.
Governor's Comedy Club has been tickling Long Islander's funny bones for decades. Its new Suffolk County location is at McGuire's in Bohemia. There is an open mic night on the last Wednesday of the month. On Saturday, May 21, Governors at McGuires is boasting the likes of comedian Gilbert Godfried for two evening performances. Call for ticket info, 611-467-5413.
In life we all have to deal with our own dark moments or the bad mood of someone close. Sometimes we have to contend with a friend or co-workers' puffy, inflated ego. Without taking the wind out of their sails, disarm them with all out silliness; laughter is infectious.
So, if perhaps you are having a bad day at work, a bit of humor just might be the thing that helps you rise above it all. Try not to look at the glass half-empty. Lighten up, count your blessings. Don't take yourself or others too seriously. As the saying goes, "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."
