I was in a grocery store on my way back from a walk to Staples to buy some ink. I really wanted some cola to go with my whiskey, and to my surprise they had RC cola. Royal Crown Cola. That cola from way back that everyone remembers their fathers drinking. Or maybe I remember my father drinking. Regardless I picked out a 2 Liter of RC Cola (on sale for $1.25) and headed for the check out.

When I got to the check out both the cashier and the older man in front of me are staring at the bottle. I tell them both is just a cola that reminds of days in the past, and they both see it has been around since 1905 (the bottle says so). Anyways I buy my soda and walk out and down the street. The man that was in front of me asks me again about RC Cola mentioning he'd never heard of it before. I tell its like any other cola, but the brand makes me smile, and think of my father.

He asks me if I like root beer. I say yes, and that Virgil's Root Beer is the best root beer I've ever had. He has never had it, but then speaks of this root beer drink called a black cow. I'm a little intrigued since I had previously mentioned to him that I was going to have whiskey with my RC cola when I got home. At this point, from his speech mannerisms I had the impression he was a little, well, how shall we say, slow. Maybe just not all there. Regardless I want to hear about this black cow drink that he says is delicious. He says there are only two ingredients. You start with a tall glass of root beer. Then, almost under his breath, real low, he says something.

I couldn't hear him. So asked for him to say it again. He learns close to me and says it again realy low. "Ice Cream." I surpress my smile when I notice he really serious. "It doesn't even have to be vanilla," he says. I say that it sounds good. He then tells me how much he likes that drink. I smile and nod politely.

He is walking the same way I am. He mentions that he has heard of Ginger Beer and wonders if it is good. I told I've had it before, that it is good, but strong and I really can't have more than one at a time. He asks, "Strong? As in.... alcohol?" I say no, just a very strong flavor. Its time for us to part as I take the corner. I tell him he can find both Virgil's and Ginger Beer in the natural foods aisle of the grocery store. He thanks me and turns to walk to his bus stop. I tell him thanks for telling me about the Black Cow, I'll check it out and smile as I'm walking away.