Photo by the late Doug Miller, Ephrata, Washington. Doug was my cousin Madalyn's husband; this cover photo was taken at the Miller home on the afternoon of the first Mt. St. Helens eruption, May 18, 1980.
We in the Northwest never forget the events of this day day 36 years ago, and, as time passes, it seems all the more surreal.
Speaking of Northwest and our beautiful area in general, I received an invitation this morning from a former student to attend a rather unique event tomorrow evening at Jalapenos Restaurant.
MILLTOWN ARTISAN DISTILLERY WILL BE FEATURING SOME YUMMY VODKA AND RUM DRINKS. A SPECIAL MENU WILL BE AVAILABLE AND SAMPLES WILL BE GIVEN OUT FOR SIPPING! 5-7 p.m. at Jalapenos, Thursday, May 19.
Who knows? This could turn into the North Idaho version of Jameson's Irish Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, Ireland. When we visited there a few years back, Annie purchased an upscale bottle of whiskey as a gift for one of her bosses.
I'm sending enthusiastic best wishes to Annie's classmate and my former graphic arts student Jessie Vachon, her hubby Victor Vachon and partner Bryan Egland, who have built their distilling business from "the ground up," artfully accenting their product by marketing with a pristine local nature.
You can visit their attractive website, if you're 21, of course. http://www.milltowndistillery.com/store/
Heck, they'll even let you in to see the site if you were born before 1965, which is as far back as the birth years go.
Once there, you can learn about the featured "spirits," including No. 217 Corn Whiskey (that's with the Trail 217 to Harrison Peak in mind), their Pend Oreille Light Rum, Wildman of No. 217 Corn Whiskey and Scotchman Peaks Barley Vodka.
You can also learn their history and even purchase a hat, T-shirt, sweatshirt or drink ware, touting the Milltown Artisan moniker.
I can tell you----based on the attention to detail and talent I witnessed in Jessie as a student and from the quality of the website---these industrious folks are onto something and definitely going about it in smart fashion.
Since I seldom imbibe in anything other than wine or beer, the tasting party may not be for me, but I'm sure anyone wishing to check out the quality or consider the products for gifts will enjoy tomorrow night's event.
Good luck, Jessie and Victor! Be sure to check out their product by stopping by Jalapenos tomorrow evening or visit their website.
On another note, we can take a break for a while from a few of the campaign signs dotting the roadsides, thanks to yesterday's Idaho primary. Congratulations to Shawn Keough for her re-election to the Idaho State Legislature.
We are fortunate to have her representation, and her win in yesterday's primary assures us of more carefully thought out and caring leadership.
Today is lawn-mowing day here at the Lovestead, topped off by a dreaded but necessary appointment to make sure my laser surgery has had successful effects.
So, I'll be seeing neon, thanks to those eye drops, when I drive home and hopefully that new floater friend will be the only nuisance left from the retinal problems last month.
One more nice day before a period of rain, so I'm gonna make the most of it before having to drive home with my rose-colored glasses (literally).
Happy Wednesday.
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