I caught up with Dan walking his favorite black poodle “Zach” on a clear and chilly late afternoon. Dan, as you know is President and one of the founders of SRI at Home. We spoke briefly about his hopes that SRI would grow to more houses and that he would see more volunteers in 2010.

He seemed distraught that the football season was over with out a ring for his beloved Patriots but today was “Truck Day” (equipment truck leaving Fenway for Florida) and that soon he would be out on the water following his granddaughter in her Opti sail boat.

We chatted about his volunteerism with SRI, the monthly trips with soup for the fisherman on the wharfs of Galilee and taking supplies weekly to the North Kingstown food pantry.

He told me about his degree in Economics from Trinity College and his almost minor in Theology. He said he prays a lot for money. He seemed to have a slight limp as we ambled through snow covered streets. “An old football injury from freshman college football” he said, “but a successful knee replacement has me back playing tennis twice a week.”

As we parted, we both hoped that the ground hog was wrong and agreed that Al Gore is a myth. He left me with a recipe for a Harvey Wallbanger cake. “If I can make it, anyone can,” he opined, as he turned and walked out of sight, smacking his lips.

Harvey Wallbanger Cake:
1 pkg. orange cake mix
1 3-3/4 oz instant French Vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
½ c. orange juice
½ c Galliano
2 Tbsp. Vodka

Glaze:
1 c. confectioners sugar
1 Tbsp. orange juice
1 Tbsp. Galliano
1 tsp. Vodka
Stir together to smooth.

Combine cake ingredients in large bowl of electric mixer. Beat on low for l min., then on medium for 5 min. Pour into greased bundt or angel cake pan. Bake at 350 for 45 min. Cool for 10 min. Remove from pan and pour on glaze.