NW bottle share/gathering

You’re all set, and I, personally, am glad you’ll be going. I’ve always liked the cut of your jib.

But, yeah, @NWer, if this becomes too crowded, I’ll be only too happy to cede my spot. I neither want this to feel like work for our host, nor do I wish to deny anyone else of a place. Plus, as much as I’d enjoy meeting those of this crew I haven’t already befriended or otherwise encountered in the wild, this kind of event is not exactly up my alley.

I fully trust, however, that should it come to this, others will carry out the mission. It doesn’t have to be me that lays a hug on Big T (and Lord knows I'd prefer it not be!), but I do happen to believe the guy could really use a hug, all vehement protests to the contrary notwithstanding...

 

Hey, to whoever's in charge. Don't you dare drop @EdwardAbbey. That wouldn't be quite as heretical as dropping @beertunes, but it would be close.

 

Indeed. He's nearly half the reason I signed up.

 

I think these are meant to be compliments--of a sort, anyway. So…umm…thanks???

But, truthfully, I’ve got a looooonnngg way to go before I catch up to him, and I’m not at all sure one lifetime on BA (or this ball of dirt, for that matter) would be enough....

...Still not really sure how I feel about the comparison either...

 

I dare you to say nothing longer than five words the whole night.

I've got spies. I'll know.

 

The great irony, which maybe only a few people on this board actually know, is that I’m fairly reticent and soft-spoken in person—typically the last guy who wants to go to any party, and the quietest once there. But I do enjoy writing, and that form of self-expression is different. I speak my mind here, just not in the same manner I’d normally speak it.

At any rate, I'm aware of your spies, and you may well lose this dare.

 

As long as we're back to housekeeping, I wanted to address this. While I'm sure all of us in attendance would love to meet them, would that really be any way to treat your distinguished guests? Perhaps you can direct them to a random sampling of pages on, say, the Fremont, Rusty, or Tillamook threads, so they can at least make an informed decision. I'd hate to think we might jeopardize your friendship and opportunity for future collaborations, just because you thought subjecting them to us, without their understanding of what we're like, was a good idea.

Also, like the good @drone hastened to point out, there was never any way we were going to leave you doing all the work here, particularly after volunteering to host. In fact, since I will not...<wait for it>...be waiting in line for the bottle release at the UBG that morning, have nothing going on later that afternoon, and live just a short bike ride away, I'd be more than happy to arrive early and leave late, giving you as much help as you need.

In any case, cheers (or pity) to you for stepping up, and to @cherche for setting this whole thing in motion. Poor guy just survived an 18+ month stint in California, and now he's gone and brought this motley crew together. Pretty heroic stuff, that.

 

You don't do Twitter do you?

 

For Christ's sake...can't we just step out from under your heavy thumb for a few hours and have a little fun for once in our lives?

Seriously, this is a fantastic (yes, a fantastic) development, and I hope it pans out. Maybe you can moderate hand placement, body closeness, and duration of all the hugs we're anticipating? I've got a feeling that Terry's big mitts tend to wander, and that he's reluctant to ever let go...

 

It's John's day off too, he shouldn't have to moderate us online AND in real life. If hands start to wander, I'd hope the parties involved could resolve it among themselves. But if there's some kind of uncomfortably long embrace taking place off in the corner, I hope photographic evidence is recorded for any ensuing legal action (and my amusement).

 

Honestly, at this point, I’m sorta hoping we achieve full catharsis by night’s end, à la Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the climactic scene of “Good Will Hunting”—with grown men sobbing into each other’s shoulders as they are finally unburdened from a lifetime of guilt and self-loathing…

But you should forget about the photos, which will be strictly prohibited if I have any say. Actually, I think you should find a way to come, and bear witness yourself to whatever spectacle transpires. Besides, I’ve always thought it would be nice to meet you, FWIW…

 

Shoot, I had no idea there was going to be guilt and self-loathing at this shindig. Count me in. I'll bring some pink bottles from the Rogue Memorial Day Garage Sale.

 

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Was hoping to make it, but have an event that ends at 7pm. Next time.

 

I'll swing by Total Wine on the way for some fresh hop ipas.

 

That reminds me. Didn't you and @NWer have a couple bottles of Spring Elixir still sitting on the shelves at your local Bartell's not so long ago? If some lucky soul hasn't snatched them up yet, you should definitely bring them.

Between the ~30 of us each drinking less than an ounce-and-a-half, I think we could put them away with only minor difficulty. They deserve a proper burial, and this would be just the occasion...