Retirement And Dark Steam

Billy and I got together last Friday to open up that filthy animal known as the Dark Steam. Results? Fan-freaking-tastic. This is the best dark brew I have ever had a hand in concocting. The color is perfectly black and it has that rich malty character which will keep you warm while laying down some missions in GTA San Andreas. We gave ourselves a much deserved patting on the back and absorbed multiple pints.

On Saturday, the family and I got in the car and headed south for my dad's retirement party being held at none other than the Southern Oregon renowned Wildlife Safari. The trip down there and back sucked, but it was completely worth it. The old man got all choked up when we told him what his gift was. Awesome.

When it came time for a speech, my dad spoke to the assembled audience of 80+ people and spoke about how he had come to be at the place he was. He didn't explain why he was retiring; only that he was moving on to do some better elsewhere. Those of us in the know just smiled and listened. He's basically getting out of there because the newer management is running the place in to the ground. He tried to change it for a long time, and in the end decided to just leave. Good for him. No reason to stick around until the whole ship sinks.

His speech was followed by person after person speaking about how much he kicks ass. From his old Marine buddy, Mike, to someone who just started working for him earlier this year -- they all had something they wanted to stand up and contribute. There were some really great stories shared including an account from Mike about the old days in the Marine Corps, adding in some great extra details that my dad would leave out when he was giving us the story. The guy has had a pretty incredible life, and I owe much of who I am today to the influence he's had on my life. Much respekt.

After the celebration, our family members went back to my folk’s house to participate in another family tradition of opening a few bottles of wine and sitting around getting hammered together, talking about anything and everything. Most of the talk was reminiscing some past events in our family. I wouldn't trade this family for any other.

Sunday, we drove back up to the 'Couve in a stupid amount of traffic. Fortunately, a stopping point along the way was Fry's Electronics. So, I had the fortune to get out of the car and stretch my legs while geeking out on gadgets.