"Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller was indeed an epic tale. It took us out of our comfort zone as we explored topics we have yet to encounter, namely homosexuality. While some among us wished for more graphic depictions of Patroclus and Achilles love affair, I think we all agreed Madeline Miller, despite her inferior gender, can spin a tale with the best of them!
We had epic expectations for
this council as we planned our trip to St. Marys, PA to suckle the eternal tap
at Straub Brewery, head to Gabler's Knob camp, partake in a drive to rustle up
some deer, consume Greek stew, and sit by the fire for lively discussion.
We planned to wake Sunday and head to Denny's Beer Barrel pub to participate in
the gut buster burger challenge before heading home. We even had a
celebrity MOP member in Uncle Kenny Gabler! Unfortunately, we did not
offer adequate sacrifices to the gods and our plans went awry as Brother L.T.
E.R. Airy's back went out, Brother Rode contracted Covid, my family acquired
some sort of plague, and I injured my hip. Wisely, we decided to anger
the gods no further and not sail to St. Marys. Brother Pompous and Uncle
Kenny were able to make it to camp, do some hunting, and have a mini council
meeting while the rest of us stayed behind and enjoyed a small gathering at my
house.
We enjoyed a well prepared
feast by my barefooted wife complete with roasted feta, olives, sundried
tomatoes, and olive oil over crusted bread as an appetizer and a traditional
Greek lamb stew (Youvetsi) for dinner. We recited the Creed, rubbed
Buddha's belly, and sat around a fire as McPageturner, Rode, and Papel competed
to see who could arouse their Trojan (condom) quickest. We considered new
membership for a worthy coxcomb, elevating his status to MOP if he completes to
be determined initiation procedures. We discussed the book in
depth. All of this while enjoying plenty of bourbon!
At the end of the night, the
sacred container was passed to Brother Rode in preparations for his book choice
and council proceedings. We departed with excitement at deliberating
initiation trials for new membership and possible side councils prior to
Brother Rode's in order to develop official membership proceedings. Now
we wait in eager anticipation for brother Rode's instructions as we all
contemplate initiation trials…
