I keep having reflections on life the universe and everything. While we know the answer is 42, I thought I'd just share the latest.
Yesterday we had tickets to see Lyle Lovett at McMennamin's Edgefield. For those not from here, The McMennamin brothers keep buying building in the Portland area and turning them into brewpubs. But calling Edgefield a "brewpub" is a massive understatement and nearly dismissive. The property has a movie theater, upscale restaurant in addition to the pub, executive golf course, and oh yeah, they make wine too. But that's not the point.
You see, the summer concert series is out on the lawn. There are folding chairs for the folks in the front rows, blankets and beach chairs for everyone else. We were among the "everyone else" and found a patch of grass to stage left. The only problem was that the ground flattens out where we were, and the view was blocked unless you at least got on your knees. Sure, you could peek between heads here and there, but still not great.
So here is my moment of clarity: Lyle is not a particularly attractive man. No offense Lyle, but in spite of the opinion of Julia or Mary Chapin Carpenter, you just don't do it for me. So why was I there? To hear the music of course. Why, then would I make myself uncomfortable to see over the heads of other concert goers?
Instead, I relaxed in my chair (chairlet really) and noticed that it was an absolutely stunning northwest evening as the temperature slowly dropped from mid 70s to high 60s, no humidity, no bugs. The red sun behind the trees shimmered through the branches. The ones closest to the sun were rimmed in red and even the first aid tent looked great in the evening colors. Higher up the light breeze stirred the birch leaves against the shocking blue sky and made them flicker - first golden green, then black then back again. Higher still, contrails cross the sky, also gold like the reflections off the wings. Meanwhile I enjoy the excellent beer and the music. I didn't have to see Lyle more than once to know that he was wearing a tan suit, while almost everyone else was in black or navy, and music really does sound better live.
All around it was a great concert, a beautiful evening, and I could hardly see a thing.
Patton
