Down the pub

As long as I live, I will never understand the American attitude to alcohol, especially where young people are concerned. I don't want to start ranting about the hypocracy of allowing 18 year olds to die for their country, get married and smoke themselves to death, but not buy a beer. As a result of this puritan attitude, there is a dearth of places to go as a family where you can have a drink, enjoy good company, without having to eat at a restaurant. I mention this here because a couple of Vashon friends bought a hotel and restaurant a couple of years ago, in order to create a family pub atmosphere, just like the type I am used to from home. Our son Alex was welcomed which allowed us to maintain a social life and include him into a large social network of wonderful people, young, old, and everything in between. Last Wednesday night, our acoustic music session was a microcosm of what makes Vashon so wonderful. The musicians included a wonderful Australian singer and song writer, a German Coffee roaster guitarist, a banjo playing wine cork salesman, an American crab fisherman turned flute player, and our own favorite salty dog sea shantyman, Captain John. It was a wonderful night. Alex was in the thick of things as usual, dancing and singing. Is this corrupting him, or is this exposing him to Life's many layered wonders?

Unfortunately, with a lousy economy and no support from the banks, the place may close soon. I am incredibly sad that we might lose such a place , but mainly sad for the owners who have fought to keep the place open against heavy odds.