But I did have a fun event-filled evening! Gay Street was absolutely packed with parade lovers starting very early Friday evening. They sat up camp with chairs and lots of kids in tow. I personally find parades to be pretty boring. I prefer any number of other activities and apparently I tried to cover several of them in the space of a few hours.
The first thing I did was head a few steps to the end of the hall on the floor where I reside. My neighbors John and Karen were throwing a moving party and wanted everyone to start at their current condo and end up at their future condo. What…drinking at one place then driving to the next?? Nope, they are moving right upstairs to the 10th floor. They had lots of good food and a nice selection of beer, wine and liquor. I chose a Highland Beer and only had one because I knew I had a few more stops before the night was over. I will be sad to see them move a few floors away because they are very nice neighbors.
After squeezing out the door of my building (I shit you not, the sidewalk was packed and I had to literally squeeze out) I looked around for the quickest way to the Old City. I took off down alleys and side streets and fought through the crowd on the 100 block. UGH! Anyway, it was worth it. By the time I finally arrived at Jackson Ave. Market I was in serious need of a beer. Ol’ Saccy was very happy to see Ratchet standing behind the bar pouring his I’m Warming You Spicy Cocoa Stout! Aaahhhh. I sat on the barstool and took a deep breath and savored this delicious beer. I love spicy so this beer makes me happy and warms the entire body. Thanks Ratchet! I know I say that all the time but I mean it!
I had heard that my friend Jen was in a band that was playing there and had never heard them. I must say that I was blown away by her voice! The band was amazing too. I stole this picture from Jackson Ave. Market’s facebook page. I even love the name Sunshine Station. Hearing them added to the awesomeness of the night.
Next was a gathering back on the other end of Gay Street. Johnathan and Katie were having some people over to watch the parade and have appetizers and cocktails! By this time the parade was in full swing and it was definitely a challenge getting through the crowd. Once I finally made it right across the street from their place I realized that there was no way in hell I was getting through the people to cross! Finally the parade ended and after walking a couple more blocks and doubling back I made it. Dino got some exercise. Again, it was worth the trip. They had an amazing punch that we quickly polished off. We were talking and laughing and feeling pretty good. Being such good samaritans, we all volunteered to walk another guest to her car. She was parked right by the The Public House (how convenient for us) so we decided to pop in for a beer as a reward for our kind deed.
Highland Thunderstruck Coffee Porter all around! Such an incredible beer! This is a really cool toasting picture but…
I ended up spending the rest of the evening at the bottom of a damn glass. After the toast picture was taken I accidentally fell in Johnathan’s beer and they just left me there. I could hear lots of laughing and it sounded like a good time. I just sat there and drank until they finally pulled me out. The beer was so dark that you can’t see me and I could barely see out. At least it was one of my favorite beers! It was such a fun evening and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did!
“I drink when I have occasion, and sometimes when I have no occasion.” — Miguel de Cervantes
