whitegirlridingthebus: August 2010

It was sad to see Oregon Brewfest end, but my heart was joyous knowing it will be back again next year. With that in mind, I loaded up the rent-a-Volvo and headed to Washington. I felt like I was back in elementary school since George Washington's silhouette is on all the road signs. At first, I panicked thinking I should be writing my A,B,Cs or something, then I realized it was just post-traumatic stress syndrome and calmed down. The drive to Mount Saint Helens set me on edge again. Memories of it blowing it's lid in May, 1980, came rushing back. The drive to the volcano was scary good, but I believe finding a good therapist back in Houston is in order. I certainly see why Seattle has one of the highest suicide rates in the U.S.A. Where's my xanax?
On to Tacoma, land of the beautiful lattes. One thing I noticed about the Northwest is that every latte I got had the most lovely artistic designs on the top of the foam/milk. With an aestetically pleasing latte in hand, I toured Stadium High School, which is where 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed. I raised my cup to toast Heath and Julia, then broke out singing Can't Take Me Eyes Off Of You. That didn't last long. Security had no appreciation of my public singing skills.
Off to Seattle to look for the crew of Grey's Anatomy. No luck spotting them, but great luck finding cold beer. I was blessed with the company of an old friend, Gale Hermandorfer, that I had not seen in 34 years. Good beer and good conversation; what could be better? We were tossing them back at Pike Brewing Company, which had marvelous food and beer. The original Starbucks is only a couple of blocks north of here, so you can get every kind of buzz on in downtown Seattle.

Goodbye Heath

The next day, Gale and I met for round 2 at Harmon Brewery in Tacoma. More fun and laughs ensued. It must have been the elevation because I can't remember the last time I had this much fun, and fun is what my life is all about. It was sad to leave Washington in my rent-a-Volvo but therapy was calling my name. I will be back for round 3 as soon as I get my xanax refilled.