It was a great event. It made me very happy indeed to share some time, food and beer with new and old friends.
Nobody brought a camera, so we were reduced to using a phone for photographic evidence. None of us (except Peter) are quite this blurry in real life. (medic8r, me, Ken, Peter, L-R)
I'm back home in the Real Washington now.
My assertion is that this was the greatest Axiom gathering outside of Dwight. And it wasn't some cheap deal, either. The four of us were a combined ~5,000 miles from home. We discussed the distinct virtues exhibited by many of the rest of you, and mourned your absence. There was drinking to your health.
I had a Flying Dog Abby-something (somewhere between ordinary and dreadful), a wonderful German black lager, the Dogfish 60 minute and the aforementioned Arrogant Bastard (which I informed the waitress I was being forced to order by my companions). As an aside, our server (whom - like the rest of her species - I refer to as "Heather") was attired in a size 00 T-shirt and ridiculously short denim skirt - both much to her advantage. She was surprisingly competent and witty for someone so young and she ultimately deserved her 20%. What a country.
Peter and I both ordered the Carbonnade. I cannot speak for him, but I thought the accompanying Pommes Frites some of the best I've had, and I stand by my assessment that a combination of those fries, gravy and beer was - along with the company present - quite satisfactory, Archie.
I read Jon Meacham's "American Gospel" on the way home, which served as a powerful coda to my trip to the Federal city. Perhaps as a result of Meacham's compelling interpretation of the intersection of faith and government as put forth by the Founding Fathers, I am perhaps unduly grateful for and sentimental about the good people with whom I shared that meal. Well, and the Seahawks lost, it's raining like Thailand and I'm somewhat under-medicated at the moment.
Ken - Congratulations. The world is a better place due to your news.
Peter - your wit and warmth remain a great blessing to me.
JP - You have a great family, and I am delighted to be your friend. You are even more clever and charming in person than online. Now, give me my damn meds, you hack.
Mrs. Medic8r, Medic8r Jr., Bill and Jason - thanks for being such good sports. Here's to next time.
I continue to be amazed and sustained by the friendships derived from this seemingly unlikely place. Our DC gathering was one of those experiences upon which I will continue to feast for some time.
