23 December 2009
Rahr Brewery—Open Wednesday and Saturday of Christmas week! Yay! Tickled pink that the Rahr Brewery was not going to give in to the Christmas crazies and decide to be closed, we were determined to support them this week. So, Kyle arranged his work day and I managed my Christmas card writing and post office erranding to allow us to be at the brewery by five o’clock when the taps started flowing. And, apparently, lots of folks had the same idea. It was the busiest Wednesday we’ve seen—probably the busiest ever. Once again, we were not disappointed in the special offerings: the bourbon-cask-aged Winter Warmer is some of the best beer we’ve every had—anywhere! Gone, now from the brewery, (I actually got the very last of the very last keg) I understand there might still be some at the Gingerman . . . hmm . . . might be worth a trip! We were very pleased to find some friends there, too. When the last call sounded, the group determined that The Flying Saucer in dowtown Fort Worth should be our next stop. So, off we went.
We met Jay and Bert and Matt (that’s just Matt) and Jessica at the Saucer just in time to score primo comfy seating. We ordered a round of the special of the night so we could bring home some F.S. Christmas glasses, and some food and proceeded to have a fun time. Not the evening Kyle and I would have planned, but a testament to why some things shouldn’t be planned!
I took this photo as we first arrived downtown. Immediately behind my vantage point for this photo is the big Christmas tree that the city puts up each year. After leaving the Saucer, we took a little walk around the Sundance Square area, and as we were admiring a building, (The Jett Building) a man offered to tell us all about it if we had a few minutes. We did, and with our love of history, architecture, and Fort Worth itself, we could hardly refuse such an offer. What followed was a thirty-minute lesson on Fort Worth history and the beautiful mural depicting the cattle drive. A little research just now has taught me that the mural is one of three downtown, and another in the cultural district, painted by artist Richard Haas. Our experience downtown taught us all about the complicated symbolism included in this art. We enjoyed our little “tour” so much that we offered to thank our guide with a drink or a tip and we learned he lives at a shelter, and wanted only $8 for dinner. We cheerfully gave him that and hearty handshakes and compliments, as well as happy holiday wishes. We left downtown very pleased!
~MB
