Posted Entries:

Looking for an Invite Posted on Dec 25, 2021, 8:12 pm
Can I spend the Holidays with you next year?

To Meeting the Neighbors Posted on Dec 13, 2021, 9:12 pm
The best thing about winter is beer.

I didn't see it coming. Posted on Dec 7, 2021, 7:12 pm
Of course I saw it coming. It happens every year: Christmas. Just wondering ... can it be canceled?

The show was Hairspray Posted on Dec 6, 2021, 7:12 pm
I was late to the second act because a woman was in distress in the restroom.

Have a heart. Posted on Dec 5, 2021, 2:12 pm
What happens when the Grinch is spotted on vacation.

Is it over? Posted on Dec 3, 2021, 11:12 am
The season as an endless stream of holidays one right after anther.

How aware of breast cancer to you really want to be? Posted on Oct 23, 2020, 1:10 pm
Sadly, far too many are aware of breast cancer already, one way or another. Me, I'm living through it a second time. Sort of.

Penis Posted on Feb 17, 2019, 7:02 pm
Were they saying "Phoenix"? Yes, that must be it. . . .

Roses are Red .... How does that go again? Posted on Feb 16, 2019, 7:02 pm
This certainly isn't the first (or second) time I've forgotten to give someone a special card I picked out just for them. I bought a birthday card with a bunch of pink flamingos - an inside joke - for a friend's birthday, put it in my closet with my collection of other cards, and then forgot to send it. For years . . .

Orientation, part 2 Posted on Feb 14, 2019, 8:02 pm
Last night, I woke up and I wasn't sure of where I was at first and I was in my own bed!

Alert! Posted on Feb 12, 2019, 6:02 pm
The last hotel I stayed in, I could not see the TV from the bathroom which is a clear violation of hotel layout regulations....

Orientation Posted on Feb 7, 2019, 3:02 pm
My focus will be tax returns for a while and I'm not going anywhere. Mark my words, though: I'll be on the road again April 16th and trying to figure out where the hell I am.

Dedicated to Galina Posted on Feb 3, 2019, 9:02 pm
This will have to be good enough, Galina, but if I ever write a book, it’ll be dedicated to you.

Overthinking it Posted on Feb 2, 2019, 2:02 pm
What happens when Conan O'Brien visits Samuel Adams Brewery . . .

Slipping into 2019 Posted on Jan 1, 2019, 3:01 pm
2018 is over; that book is closed. It's time to turn the page and to slip into 2019. [Side note: Thank you, Holidailies and participating bloggers, for encouraging me to keep writing. I hope to see all of you here in February.]

Do Something Different Posted on Dec 29, 2018, 3:12 pm
Yesterday, I read a blog post on Holidaileis entitled, Christmas Mirage from Route 8. While the post was really about the author getting sick after attending a church sponsored Christmas carol sing-a-long in a brewpub, she alluded to what she called the "Christmas Mirage." That phrase resonated with me.

Eat Me Posted on Dec 28, 2018, 3:12 pm
[A recipe for Lentil and Chicken Soup] I'm glad it went over so well with my in-laws. So well, I sent them home with plenty of leftovers for at least another meal. The only problem with making good food is they might come back!

A Minnesotan walks into a bar . . . Posted on Dec 26, 2018, 9:12 pm
. . . and added salt to his beer! Noting he ordered a lighter beer, I asked him if that was the reason for adding salt. He just shrugged and said, "It's a Minnesota thing." He further explained that to really do it right, one would toss in a couple olives as well. [posted on my other blog, Beer Here]

[no title] Posted on Dec 25, 2018, 2:12 am
Holiday travel: The little ones speak at an octave just below that which only dogs can hear but at a volume that that first class can hear distinctly.

John Posted on Dec 24, 2018, 1:12 pm
This is a very un-holiday post. It is a rant about a pet peeve: public restrooms.

Elfing Posted on Dec 23, 2018, 11:12 pm
I'm a senior elf which is soooo much easier - much like grandparenting. It's someone else's job to fill the stockings, put up the tree, put together the "easy to assemble"s. Someone else was responsible for manufacture and delivery. All I had to do is sprinkle peppermint-crystal magic.

Garbage Posted on Dec 17, 2018, 7:12 pm
We are in our 50s and we were trying to stealthily dispose of our household waste as if our garbage might spark an international incident. . . .

Shoulda aimed higher. Posted on Dec 12, 2018, 2:12 pm
He should have attributed his long life to Château Lafite or Moët & Chandon. Not Coors.

I broke my rule about Costco in December ... Posted on Dec 11, 2018, 3:12 pm
... which is DON'T GO. We're lucky we're not still there. Me, snaking around aisles clogged with people clumped around overwhelmed, hairnetted retirees to sample whatever food was being handed out, and Hubby in an endless circuit around the parking lot interrupted only by people who look like they're going to back out of a spot but never really do.

Superficial foreign body, without major open wound. Posted on Dec 10, 2018, 4:12 pm
I'm just lucky to be alive!

Skip and Go Naked Posted on Dec 9, 2018, 2:12 pm
What beer to use? I say stick to your favorite and forget the mixers. Beer, like coffee or potato chips, should not be monkeyed with. They're fine just as they are. They don't need mixers, creamers, or flavors. But, I could be wrong. Let me know if you've tried this drink or some variant of it. [Today's post is on my other blog, "Beer Here."]

Stick Dog Posted on Dec 8, 2018, 1:12 pm
Temperatures are in the 20s at night now. Yet, I sleep with the fan on, covers thrown off, with arms and legs splayed while Hubby shivers under two Pendelton wool blankets. Both of us believe we should be losing weight - he because of vigorous and continual shivering and I through profuse sweating.

I've suddenly become addicted to Triscuits and potato chips... Posted on Dec 7, 2018, 6:12 pm
I knew I hit rock bottom when I found myself eating potato chips for breakfast - Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut. I thought I could restrain myself. I only had a handful - maybe two - and then I put the bag away. But I couldn't stop thinking about them. They were ground into my teeth. I tried to dislodge the snack with my tongue only to taste their salty goodness and crave them all the more.

Is it Friday yet? Posted on Dec 6, 2018, 3:12 pm
We purchased our condo with all the furnishings three years ago. It came with a dining room table but no chairs. This was great because, without chairs, we were never expected to host anything. We attached a net and used the table for ping pong instead.

Here are two gifts I won't be giving you. Posted on Dec 5, 2018, 3:12 pm
If it's the thought that counts, you are doubly blessed because I have two gifts that I won't be giving you. But, I thought about it so there you go. Merry Christmas.

Stress Posted on Dec 4, 2018, 6:12 pm
Sometimes, even the stuff that's meant to reduce the stress in my live just ends up making it worse.

No Explosions Posted on Dec 3, 2018, 2:12 pm
I decided, after all, to get out the holiday decorations which now consist of a ceramic tree lit by Lite-Brite-like lights (say that ten times fast), empty Christmas stockings, and a few decorations left over from when we used to get a tree. I don't know if you call that Christmas spirit but at least I didn't blow anything up.

BADASS! Posted on Dec 2, 2018, 6:12 pm
"You better watch out..." because this Grandma is a badass!

This is as close to Christmas as it gets. Posted on Dec 1, 2018, 3:12 pm
It's just past noon and I'm still in my pajamas having finished my second cup of coffee in front of a fake yule log, with accompanying sounds provided by a YouTube video linked in by wifi. I suppose I could get more into the Christmas spirit but it's just not my thing.

More With Less Posted on Dec 31, 2017, 5:12 pm
If you haven't finished with last year's resolutions, you'd better hurry. There will be NO leap second inserted at the end of 2017. . . .

Grinch Posted on Dec 29, 2017, 8:12 pm
I can promise, dear, sweet brother-in-law, I will wear this to your house next Christmas Eve. You're welcome.

About Posted on Dec 27, 2017, 10:12 pm
Soft opening of a new blog: Beer Here

Like a sigh, it's over. Posted on Dec 26, 2017, 12:12 pm
And, now it's time to go, to resume normal life, the everyday. Pack, hustle, travel. Trying to delay the inevitable, we look forward to another celebration before launching, hurtling, into a New Year.

'Tis Two Days of Waiting Posted on Dec 23, 2017, 6:12 pm
For silence is golden, we are rich now indeed But very shortly again we necessarily will head The needs of a little one fueled and excited O'er the wonder of Christmas in two very short nights.

Mailing it in Posted on Dec 22, 2017, 3:12 pm
I don't know what happened to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Just a second ago it was Monday and now it's Friday. I have vague memories of tape and red ribbon, a dust storm of flour, and restless sleep. And where did these extra pounds come from?

Craft Beer is Serious Business Posted on Dec 19, 2017, 10:12 pm
The best thing about craft beer, besides the beer, is the people. Beer people are laid back, non-pretentious, and friendly. This goes for consumers and brewers alike. Consider, also, the names of beers: Chasing Fluffy Pink Unicorns by Ghost Runners Brewery, for example. There are so many more great names but I have chased fluffy pink unicorns and cannot call them to mind.

Phoning It In Posted on Dec 18, 2017, 9:12 pm
As many of you know, I often commute between Portland and Seattle and often by train. I was not on the Amtrak train that derailed today. Thank you to those of you who contacted me.

Journal Entry - 12/17/17 Posted on Dec 17, 2017, 2:12 pm
We are decidedly off schedule. I spent all of Thursday cooking Curry and baking cookies but work obligations kept us from driving to the coast. We packed Friday and got all the food organized and ready to go but work again kept us from getting on the road. Packed and ready to go, we stayed at home. The ultimate staycation.

Brew News - Dilly! Dilly! Posted on Dec 16, 2017, 11:12 am
Overall, 2017 was a good year for Craft Beer and it was a pretty good beer year for me, too. I visited 131 breweries in the state of Washington in 2017 alone, five in Arizona, two in California, two in Hawaii (Maui), 20 in Oregon, and three in Ohio. There was something to like about each and every one. (Mostly the beer, but always the company.) There's still a week left.

Not coming to a Book Club near you . . . Posted on Dec 15, 2017, 9:12 pm
Books you'll not likely read in 2018.

Journal Entry 12/14/17 Posted on Dec 14, 2017, 7:12 pm
In a rare, non self serving move, Hubby washed my bras. (He's more fond of hiding them.) ...

Keeping my cool, momentarily. Posted on Dec 11, 2017, 6:12 pm
Woke up this morning realizing how very little time is left before Christmas and how very over-scheduled this week is. I had a slight moment of panic. More than slight, really. I don’t know what I was thinking . . . .

What to Get the Beer Drinker in Your Life Posted on Dec 10, 2017, 1:12 pm
The short answer is beer.

Beer Stories Posted on Dec 8, 2017, 6:12 pm
(or A Dork Who Drinks Beer)

Goodbye, Ethan Posted on Dec 7, 2017, 1:12 pm
Today might have been Ethan’s birthday. Instead, it’s his Memorial.

Journal Entry 12/6/17 Posted on Dec 6, 2017, 7:12 pm
I hired a house cleaner yesterday. The first twenty minutes, she told me her story. When she started crying, I worried I had made a serious mistake.

Journal Entry 12/5/17 Posted on Dec 5, 2017, 5:12 pm
Do you ever call customer service and find yourself on perma-hold just when you desperately need to pee? (and other random thought of the day)

Well, I should live forever then. Posted on Dec 4, 2017, 7:12 pm
An extra cup of coffee can help you live longer, a new research shows. Sweet! And, it's National Cookie Day? What could be better?

Is it December already? Posted on Dec 3, 2017, 2:12 pm
The last few years, I tried desperately to meet everyone's expectations - what I imagined them to be, anyway. This year, it isn't that I care less. It's more an attitude of "it's going to be whatever it's going to be." I'm happy. The rest is up to you.

I'm glad that's over. Posted on Jan 1, 2017, 3:01 pm
There's a hopefulness about saying goodbye to one year and looking forward to another. . . .

What will you do with all that extra time! Posted on Dec 31, 2016, 1:12 pm
Spend your time wisely and Happy New Year!

What are the rules these days? Posted on Dec 29, 2016, 2:12 pm
It's been a long time since I was single. I don't have any idea how first dates work but as far as I can tell, there's a new rule that all first dates must take place at McMenamins . . .

Another disaster narrowly avoided. Posted on Dec 11, 2016, 11:12 am
Don't get out of a hotel bed until the coffee is ready. It just isn't safe.

Beer Hunting Posted on Dec 7, 2016, 1:12 pm
It just so happens, I live near the beer capital of the world and in a town where craft beer is growing at a rapid pace. There are 11 breweries or tap houses within biking distance from where I live and countless more venues that have local craft beers on tap . . .

There's always later, right? Posted on Dec 6, 2016, 2:12 pm
I just can't seem to stay focused on my writing.

Days of the Week Posted on Dec 5, 2016, 8:12 pm
I don't have anything against the rest of the week but as far as I'm concerned Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are about waiting in that long, serpentine line to do it all over again.

A pint's a pound. Posted on Dec 3, 2016, 6:12 pm
I donated blood yesterday fully aware the blood bank was in need of O+, O-, A-, and B- blood. I'm A+ but they accepted me even though I wasn’t exactly their type.

Four eyes are better than one. Posted on Dec 2, 2016, 9:12 pm
Angst over new spectacles.

No relatives were harmed in the making of this holiday. Posted on Dec 1, 2016, 2:12 pm
Wasn't it October just a minute ago? Thanksgiving blew through like a breeze and now, all of a sudden, it's December . . . .

How many stars for a cup of coffee? Posted on Feb 24, 2016, 1:02 pm
Does anyone remember punch cards - get your card punched 12 times and you can cash it in for a free cup of joe? Seemed a lot easier. And, in my mind, it created the habit of stopping in and buying something. But, apparently, I'm not buying enough.

How to make pizza last forever. Posted on Feb 19, 2016, 12:02 pm
It's Friday and tonight we're going to do - nothing. We're renting a movie (okay, that's something) and eating leftover pizza. I'm pretty sure that pizza's been in the freezer since sometime last year.

I didn't know! Posted on Feb 16, 2016, 7:02 pm
The only good thing about preparing taxes - today, at least - is that I've reached the end of the day without wanting to kill someone. This is notable because that's all I've wanted to do since I flipped the page from January on my wall calendar two weeks ago.

50 Shades of Coffee Posted on Jan 6, 2016, 2:01 pm
I love Starbucks. I'm looking at the Starbucks online menu for espresso drinks. At the bottom is one called "Doubleshot on Ice." Makes me think of a Disney-like coffee character on ice skates. What's not to like?

The Real Deal Posted on Jan 2, 2016, 10:01 pm
We decided to check out a couple of our neighborhood parks today. It was sunny but very cold and breezy here. There weren't many out doing the same but we did come across a few adventuresome souls. They were walking in pairs, or with their dog or seahawk. We even saw a few bicyclists. Wait, seahawk? Why, yes. Seahawk.

A Very Friendly New Years Eve Posted on Jan 1, 2016, 8:01 pm
Hubby and I celebrated New Years Eve by watching Pink Martini and spending the night downtown. Another couple was supposed to come with us but didn’t make it due to flight cancellations on the east coast. I put the tickets on Craiglist and sold them within an hour but the buyer, Andy, didn't take the room explaining his partner had a child and had to be home by 1 am. I’m not sure it mattered, though, because Andy was going to get lucky either way.

Goodbye 2015 Posted on Dec 30, 2015, 12:12 pm
Bleary eyed, I've been herded with the rest of the American cattle through customs and am now awaiting my boarding call on the US side of Vancouver International Airport. I'm not quite awake yet. Too sleepy to be interested in coffee. (I didn't know that was even possible.)

Sliding Scale for Perks Posted on Dec 29, 2015, 1:12 pm
Last night, I dreamed I was in a restaurant sitting with a group at a large table, waiting to place my order for breakfast. When the waiter, George Takei, came to me, he informed me there was variable peak pricing on coffee and it would currently cost me double. He said this with a grin that said, "I got you now!"

Charlie isn't my one and only. Posted on Dec 28, 2015, 2:12 pm
Sorry, Charlie, I have another pen pal. I call her Cupcake and I send her love letters from "A Secret Admirer."

Untitled Posted on Dec 27, 2015, 6:12 pm
My housecleaning standards aren't what they used to be. (That being said, about half of you just vowed never to be a houseguest at Chez Lynn. [Perfect.])

From Johnny Jumper to Johnny Walker Posted on Dec 26, 2015, 10:12 pm
It's a Johnny Jumper and a walker: It's a Johnny Walker!

The Santa Effect Posted on Dec 25, 2015, 2:12 pm
Elves are the unsung heroes at Christmas, in my opinion. Everyone waits with anticipation for Santa's visit, urgently wishing that he bestow something upon them - material or otherwise. It's a fantasy for children and borders on religion for adults. Rotund men, I've been told, have been know to dress up as him. And what thanks do the elves get? No adoration, no letters full of hopefulness, no moment in the spotlight, they're just behind the scenes making it all happen.

It's Christmas Eve and I haven't heard from Charlie . . . Posted on Dec 24, 2015, 12:12 pm
I'll check in by email. Make sure he's okay. Because Christmas just wouldn't be the same without Charlie.

Holidailies Could Make You Healther Posted on Dec 22, 2015, 1:12 pm
Maybe. It depends on what you're writing about

Need A Writing Prompt? Posted on Dec 21, 2015, 10:12 pm
Sort laundry. I guarantee you'll come up with something. And, more like than not, it'll have to do with socks.

Just In Time For Christmas Posted on Dec 19, 2015, 1:12 pm
For the person who has everything, give the gift of congestion, sinus pressure, and body aches. You'll never be forgotten as that special someone who shared the gift of sniffles. Why give presents when you can give an experience?

You Can't Make This Stuff Up Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 3:12 pm
The tax world is a boring place. What tax preparers find exciting would make your eyes glaze over but a recent tax briefing hit my email that changed all that. The headline was "Baiting Wild Hogs with Kool-Aid Counts toward Material Participation" The rest of the story goes something like this . . .

Here Comes A Ten Foot Pole Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 12:12 pm
People on both sides of the gun control issue are doggedly committed to their position and nothing I say here will change that. Consideration of the leading causes of death in 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control is unlikely to make a difference.

Don't Let It Happen To You Posted on Dec 15, 2015, 7:12 pm
Something about this reminds me of commercials on TV for pharmaceuticals. Like, there should be a soft-focus shot of a middle-aged couple holding hands, with flimsy background music, and a voice over saying . . .

Pro Bowl for Long Snappers Posted on Dec 15, 2015, 6:12 pm
I saw in more than one article that voting would conclude on December 15th. It's still December 15th here on the west coast and I see that voting is now closed. I realize most of the teams are on the east coast but, hey, we're football fans too!

Commuting Thought of the Day Posted on Dec 13, 2015, 7:12 pm
I don't have any answers here so I apologize if you think I was going to provide a neat solution. It's an interesting question, though - how do we all get from here to there most efficiently? For now, all you can do is pick a lane and try to remember to wave to your fellow motorists with all five fingers.

Hot Sorority Girls? Posted on Dec 12, 2015, 8:12 pm
You know those movies that portray sorority houses as places where young women run around in their underwear? You know, they're all getting ready for some party and they're preening in front of a mirror in nothing but a bra (or topless) and panties because what else do sorority girls do?

Letter to the Editor Posted on Dec 11, 2015, 7:12 pm
I disagree with the statement, “Nobody changed the world with novelty socks,” on the mailing cover of the December 5th-11th 2015 edition of The Economist. I am personally familiar with one person’s world that has been changed by a wild array of hosiery and all who know him are better for it.

Western Washington is Closed Today Due to Really Shitty Weather Posted on Dec 10, 2015, 8:12 pm
I should have entitled this, "Over the River."

Love is an Interesting Stew Posted on Dec 9, 2015, 1:12 pm
Love is an interesting stew . . .

It's December already? Posted on Dec 8, 2015, 1:12 pm
When did that happen? Oh, like a week ago? Jeez, where have I been? It's not like I've been all that busy - I've only been in two cities this first week. (I'll be in a total of five different cities in December.) Doing what? you might ask. It's a long story but this is my version of being homeless.