The Cedar Tree of Lebanon

Her lovely just is.
Her bounty is strength and shade.
Her magnitude is timeless.
Her rarity in Oregon soils creates a tick in ones soul.

I have noticed her. She catches my eye every time.
Her place of home, SW 2nd Street and Pine, old town Sherwood. There she stands. Still.
She's witnessed the many happenings and generations that Sherwood has unfolded.

Her cited date to go down is July 29, 2014. To be completed by July 30, 2014
Time is running out.
Her roots hold the ground steady.
Common sense reaps that conclusion.

This is my plea to you Mr. Lot Owner.
Give me a little time to create means to keep her steady, trimmed, well taken care of. I can guarantee you the foundation of your single family home resides on her roots.
Destroy her, in time, destroy your foundation.
Every action has a natural reaction.

My goal is to find a well qualified, inspired, loving, educated arbor that has a respect for old growth beauty. That has a desire to preserve. After all, that is what we are dealing with. An old growth, rare, endangered specie. Her timber is sought after highly. Not just by lumber companies, but by specialized woodworkers, as well as folks of religion. Her timber is eternally blessed. Referenced over 30 times in the Bible. They say Jesus' first boat was built from the Tree of Lebanon Cedar.
There is just 1 Cedar Tree of Lebanon, here in Portland, that has been respectfully protected and marked as a Heritage Tree, by the City of Portland. She is located at the corner of SW 20th and SW Howard's Way. She is believed to have been planted in the early 19th century by the renowned writer, Henry Miller. Your tree can be protected. Saved and celebrated.
Please take some time to contemplate the aftermath after she falls. If you so chose.
Much lays in your hands.
I ask you to move graciously and compassionately. As what you have in your yard is a gift. A gift to be honored, cherished, and celebrated. Let your community step in and give you a heartfelt hand.

The Buoy Beer Landing

97103.
The holiday weekend delivers the well deserved trip to La Pacifica ocean! 

After an adventurous weekend loafing about the campsite, delighting in amazing sunsets and hiking waterfalls, we made way to the Astoria River-walk, along the mighty Columbia River. 

There we basked in the new, Buoy Beer Brewing. 
The rejuvenated warehouse has been nicely transformed into a thriving attraction, along the lost Astoria piers. Which hold a near and dear place in my heart. 

Kudos to Buoy Beer for revamping, yet preserving and holding on to a sliver of Astoria pier history. 

Open is an understatement. 
Beautiful. 

Walking in felt almost tunnel vision. The natural river beauty abounds in every direction you look.

My first beer ordered was a 20oz. of their Cream Ale. It was almost reminiscent of the high school Bud days. Metaphorically speaking of course.

My second brew was their Porter. Better. Pretty head. Nice lace.

Their house made veggie burger, was bean on! Good stuff.

The ambiance of the joint was inviting. The scenery, to die for. The historic idea behind the creation of Buoy Beer, honorable. 

I will return. 

I've read plenty about how much hard work, effort and heart, has been invested in getting this beautiful brewery up and running. Gratitude is the perfect adjective. 

I have a hunch once a few tweaks are made, Buoy Beer very well, may be a lead contender in the Clatsop County Craft brew options. 

Until the next episode. 

Cheers! 

-Brewlass

Ex Novo GRAND OPENING!

First blog post. 

Grand opening of Ex Novo Brewing! Seems fitting. Beginning from Scratch. 

How exciting!

Ex Novo is the first, one and only, NON-PROFIT brewery to erect nationwide. 
Kudos to genius, compassionate, forward thinking folks. Portland is home to many breweries, but this my friends, is one of a kind.  

Gal pal, lady meet-up was the agenda. 

Miss Jodi, the inaugural LOLA She-Brew competition champion, and the lovely lady Cathy, was the plan.

Traffic was a nightmare. 

By the time I arrived the joint was packed. A good sign for Ex Novo indeed!

As I meandered back through the crowd to where Jodi was waiting, by the brewing equipment (but of course), I immediately concluded this shanty had great energy.  

Wow, the equipment was gorgeous. Shiny, fancy, aesthetically pleasing.

The live music playing up above set the mood. Rockin'. 
The heat permeated the building. We all resembled a hot mess, holding it together. For the sake of good beer, a great facility, and female comrade. Cheers!

My first beer was their Scottish Red. The Red was good. Subtle hints of hop, smooth finish. Malt charm.  

My second up was their IPA. Great Hop flavor. Opened up nicely, with a fun kick.

Lastly, I dabbled in their Saison. Murky, light, fragrant. Summer is here! 
My fave of the 3. 

The ambiance of the joint was earthy, yet invigorating. Exposed beams, wood walls, nooks and crannies where folks could hang, industrial cable rails, yet touches of modern thought throughout, with bold lighting fixtures, robot murals, and giant sized letters reminding you to always find celebration, CHEERS!

The bar slab was created from a beautiful tree. A classy touch.  

Bottom line. I liked Ex-Novo. I'll be back, everything added up in their favor. The nonprofit bonus, is an underlining reinforcement. They put their money where their mouth is. 

That's rad!!!

Until the next episode. 

-Brewlass