Richard V. Rupp

December 15, 2021

Good Wednesday morning. I'm author Richard V. Rupp, writing from Burbank, California. Welcome to RUPP'S NOTES/FBI SPECIAL AGENT HARTMANN SERIES posts.

 

Happy holidays to my friends, family, and readers.

 

I will take a holiday break and begin writing my posts anew on January 5th, 2022.

 

But before I do, here's a couple of thoughts –

 

This is a conclusion from an article in THE IRISH TIMES by Stephen Collins that is addressed to the people of Irland, but from my observation, it also applies to the United States – "The danger is that when people are constantly told that things are getting worse, they will believe it. That will rob them of hope – and our society of its bright future."

 

This is about a party I wished that I could have attended. I learned about it from an article in the December 17th edition of THE WEEK and then further research.

 

The Tan Hill Inn, which dates back to the 17th century, is a remote "proper" pub in the Yorkshire Dales (North Yorkshire) sitting 1,732 feet above sea level - it's officially considered the highest inn in the British Isles by the Guinness Book of World Records. From it, you can see unspoiled scenery in every direction, including occasional sights of the Northern Lights, or you can sit at the bar and watch sheep wandering in and out.

 

It appears you can get a pint quick enough, but the food service may be a bit slow as is indicated by this review – "Interesting history, cozy venue, yet service was incredibly slow: we were a group of 4, and we got our food 1 hour and 5 minutes after we ordered."

 

The article that got my attention was about 60 people stuck inside the pub for 3 nights after a snowy winter storm hit (the pub is 11 miles from the nearest town) – and turned the misfortune into a days-long party. "Everyone is in really good spirits, "said Nicola Townsend, the manager of the Tan Hill Inn in Yorkshire, midway through the ordeal. "They've formed quite a friendship, like a big family." The snow-bound crew watched movies, sang karaoke, took pub quizzes, played board games, and had a few drinks – though nobody got "loud and drink," said Townsend. It's just been lovely."

 

It is a popular Christmas spot to take kids according to several reviews I read – "Would highly recommend the Santa and real reindeer experience if you have children. The staff was brilliant with the kids, dressed up as elves. You go through to a beautifully decorated room to have a Christmas turkey dinner with fresh vegetables. The kids are given arts and crafts to color in and a letter to fill out and post to Santa as you're waiting. Then Santa enters the room and greets every child at their table. Once you've eaten, you're taken through as your individual table and get to meet Santa and his reindeers. You also get a gift bag and a cheeky early Christmas present. Well done, Tan Hill Inn, the best Santa experience we've taken our kids to ever!

 

I wish you a holiday venture that makes your 2021 unique and fun.

 

Until next year.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard V. Rupp, Author

Website – www.richardvrupp.com

Email – rupprisk@gmail.com

Copyright©2021 by Richard V. Rupp