Sunday, I finally brewed some St. Patrick's Day beer. It's bubbling away, right now. Going to keg this batch.
















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Location:Winter brewing!

Trade Winds Logo

As you probably already know, I am a big Trade Winds Motel fan. Years ago, I designed a t-shirt to celebrate the Trade Winds. At the time, it had been converted to low income housing. The pool, in the parking lot, was about 1/3 full. In the muddy water were shopping carts, garbage bags and other detritus. After I made this shirt, someone requested a concierge option and I obliged.










Next came the black velvet painting. This was my first (and only) attempt at black velvet. It turned out OK.








For Christmas, Sarah gave me this framed screen of the logo. Really cool. Great colors!








And over at the Tiki Room there is this great postcard featuring the original sign. How cool is that?







This sign was also on their matchbook covers.







Now, the Trade Winds is all but abandoned. I hope that we will always have this (currently neglected) landmark. Spokane is not a very old city. In perspective, the Trade Winds has been around for a long time. It captures a time when Spokane was very young and World War Two vets hit the open road - rediscovering the country they fought for. When I am walking past it, I squint my eyes and I can almost picture the Trade Winds in its prime. While I am at it, I picture Mollie's (the old IHOP) as a cool tiki bar across the street.

run-commuting continues

Today, I had to break out the car because of time constraints, but it seems like with the streets being in such lousy condition, I probably didn't save that much time. Yesterday was a pretty cold one, with a 5.5 mile run each way with 15 pounds on my back.


Crossing 29th, at Manito Blvd has not been a lot of fun since someone (a disgruntled motorist?) stole all the homemade crossing flags. I used my orange hat as a flag to cross the other day, and almost got hit by someone who was 2 blocks out when I started to cross and was yelled at by someone in the other lane. Good times!

Ramblin' Road Brewery - Open for Business!

Ever since I tried their beer at the Inland Empire Craft Brewery Festival (previously known as the unencumbered "Oktoberfest") I have been anxious for their tap house to open. From riding my bike there and banging on ther door to emailing them, I have been saison-stalking and today, Sarah and I finally got to plunk down and drink some beer in their new tap house at 730 N Columbus @RamblinRoad.

Brian and Danielle, the brewer/owners have a great Super Bowl setting and have fine food available from Bistro Box. Their Saison is (rightfully) sold out. But their Saison d'Rye and Grisette are available and fantastic. They also have other local beers on tap. It's a great place and they are great people, so if you are looking to be someplace different for the Super Bowl or if you are looking for the latest in Spokane's awesome brewing scene, check them out!