So actually, Ben (not THAT Ben) took all the pictures off Helen's camera a couple days after we all got back from Portland. and I got them like two days ago when I noticed them on his desktop. So there are no pictures of Seth and Pike. Did anyone even take pictures that weekend? This PS is Mount Rainier. Helen appears to have gone kayaking in the bay while I wasn't looking.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/mountain.jpg">

So Helen arrived at SeaTac and me and Ryan wandered around for like an hour trying to find her because she wouldn't turn her phone on. The first thing we need, of course, is some fucking beer and a burger. So we hit up a brewery in downtown T-town called the Harmon. Helen is somewhat shocked at the portion sizes. (Oh how I wish I had a photo of the face she made when she saw the nachos.)

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/burger.jpg">

So the next morning, she wants to make pancakes. I introduce her to a world of Bisquick. "Why do pancakes need a mix? They've only got FOUR ingredients!" "Well Bisquick has more."

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/cooking.jpg">

The next day, before we head to Seattle for a night of excessive drinking (Also no pictures of this. We're pretty terrible at the camera remembering.), Ryan and I are MANLY MEN in the backyard as we work with CONCRETE YEAH to make a new firepit. See part of my toolshed that I recently competed in the background. THAT only took four years.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/firepit1.jpg">

So, undocumented night of drink finished, we head back to Tacoma to catch the train to Portland. (Why would we do that if we were already in Seattle? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. Because Amtrak's fare structure is based on mileage, and the further south we catch it, the cheaper it is! The bus from Seattle is only $3.50.) Helen captured a pair of photos that I love in motion.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/station.gif">

After we get there, we meet up with Hannah and Corbin, her rambunctious wonderful little corgi, and go drinking. Well dinner. ing. At a bar. Then we go to another bar. (before a third! Do you see a pattern!?) Ryan finds it all quite interesting.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/Ryan.jpg">

...while Tiana and I make a break for it.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/running.jpg">

The next day, Hannah abandons us downtown where I find a hobo sign and Tiana finds Jesus. Hours (HOURS) are spent blissfully in Powell's. Helen and Tiana go swimming at some point. I was busy talking Stephen. There was also Stumptown and batshit crazy sunglass stomper man.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/homelessjesus.jpg">

... and this happens later that night.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/Tiana.jpg">

Bright and early (well earlier than the previous day.) we all head downtown for some coffee and foods at the Hof. Then we're off to wander around downtown Portland for a couple hours. We went to Finnegan's, a toy store. Helen found her signature look.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/helen.jpg">

Ryan and Hannah turned into spacemen.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/cyborgs.jpg">

And finally, when we get back to Tacoma, Ryan and I finish the firepit (eventually). I am washing the mortar residue off in this particular image. The mortaring was done the previous evening, hence the worklights.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/firepit2.jpg">

I know at least Hannah was taking pictures! Come on, let's see 'em! It's been like two weeks already.

<img src="http://hosts.rumandmonkey.com/~Scott/meetup/summer09/homelessjesus.jpg">

This image is epic.

It's one of my favourites.

I have other pictures, but I've been too busy to upload them :/

"Oh you're visiting from out of state? You wouldn't mind helping me lay down a foundation?"

Helen

Helen

Also yes that is exactly what happened,

what filter

oh i see there are filters now

don't lie. you loved the twinkie.

I most certainly did not.

you talked about it constantly while i was there :)

To start the evening...






There was lots of gin (obviously)


(of which Helen's breasts also tasted)

The night turned into vandalizing churches of course! (that happened to be a block from the police station)


VICTORY!

At Scott's Michael Jackson Memorial Party

I guess it's not really shocking that I don't necessarily remember all of this, is it?

I DO remember the church and me having the BEST. IDEA. EVER.

BY OUR POWERS COMBINED!

(PS I am writing this in a bar.)

Last picture: Why did Ryan get Seth's head attached to his? That's a bad idea.

POWERS OF <s>BAD</s> COMPLETELY AWESOME IDEA ACTIVATE

I think you'll notice why I attached Seth's head to mine if you look closely: it allows me to sleep while still being awake! Fitter, happier, more productive.

Well, no, not any of those really.

Not at all! Perhaps fatter, sadder, and drunker.

This is the truth of the matter.

Also, I'm a debonair motherfucker.

Okay so here are a few pictures from my trip. Some are out of order. Deal with it.

The first truck I've been in! Genuine American Experience, y'all.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731384797/" title="SNB20077 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3731384797_55841f6c74.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20077"></a>

Kenny bike. It was all neglected and I fixed her up a bit.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731385453/" title="SNB20080 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3731385453_9972d11154.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20080"></a>

Ryan is making a point and we should all listen.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731386063/" title="SNB20102 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3731386063_86b1ce04c7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20102"></a>

Ryan clarifies his point. A new smiley should be made of these.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731386341/" title="SNB20104 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3731386341_fba93cee5f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20104"></a>

Scott and Ben were in no way intoxicated.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732185008/" title="SNB20107 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3732185008_ba15117d0d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20107"></a>

And neither were Tiana and I.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732185306/" title="SNB20110 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3732185306_704756f03e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20110"></a>

Ryan making sweet love to the camera.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731388737/" title="SNB20118 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3731388737_ff952628f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20118"></a>

No comment.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731390493/" title="SNB20137 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3731390493_3944a70029.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20137"></a>

Tiana samples my delights.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731392127/" title="SNB20144 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3731392127_5a8732c0da.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20144"></a>

Fountain in our underwear! There are other pictures of us in a different fountain, but they are too rude for the internets. By which I mean Tiana might actually hunt me down and kill me.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731394169/" title="SNB20155 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3731394169_e6361c19c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20155"></a>

Yaaaaaaaaay!!!!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732193196/" title="SNB20156 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3732193196_6ac7a5a9ce.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20156"></a>

Neeeeeigh!!!!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731397769/" title="SNB20171 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3731397769_3dd442c6fd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20171"></a>

I'm not sure why Tiana is sad; she has a unicorn AND a squid. Some people are never happy.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732196646/" title="SNB20172 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3732196646_2a23e0d251.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20172"></a>

Still not happy, ffs.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732197390/" title="SNB20174 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/3732197390_dd4307e096.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20174"></a>

The space where the best sammich ever was.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731399315/" title="SNB20181 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3731399315_be3cebc6d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20181"></a>

I went for a day trip!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731401423/" title="SNB20192 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3731401423_7e66926c96.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20192"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732200764/" title="SNB20195 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3732200764_42cce0bd98.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20195"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731402623/" title="SNB20197 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3731402623_5a7b3231a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20197"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731404075/" title="SNB20213 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3731404075_670cac3c93.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20213"></a>

I found a crown on the fire hydrant. I'm not sure why I look so worried, I was actually very happy.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732203240/" title="SNB20218 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3732203240_eec4374ff4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20218"></a>

GOOD IDEA, Seattle.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732205258/" title="SNB20238 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3732205258_42c866fc76.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20238"></a>

GOOD IDEA, Tiana.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731406815/" title="SNB20239 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3731406815_b454fcb0d4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20239"></a>

This guy gave me a bible that he wrote in. At a later party I made a joint with some of Revelations, and Scott, Seth, Pike and I smoked it.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731407103/" title="SNB20240 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/3731407103_e887a4ee1d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20240"></a>

Delightful inscription.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731407429/" title="SNB20241 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3731407429_5dce4e3228.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20241"></a>

Um, nothing to see here, move along!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732206828/" title="SNB20244 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/3732206828_6837d8fa4f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20244"></a>

GOOD IDEA, Tiana, Jalene and Helen!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731409565/" title="SNB20260 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3731409565_568beaf426.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20260"></a>

Responsible transport option.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731410155/" title="SNB20264 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3731410155_d661b96ce3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20264"></a>

They sacrificed me to the gin gods.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732209780/" title="SNB20269 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3732209780_5d80dc0f00.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20269"></a>

...

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731411763/" title="SNB20276 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3731411763_54aa496ff6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20276"></a>

Huh?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732210674/" title="SNB20277 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3732210674_ed77cf27b6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20277"></a>

Meh.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731412335/" title="SNB20278 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3731412335_9f2b844c79.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20278"></a>

This is what a puddle on a tree looks like.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3731387203/" title="SNB20281 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3731387203_b2bc87a405.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20281"></a>

This is the volcano. And, y'know, Ryan, Tiana and Pike looking disconsolately out to sea. Or lake, whatever. Body of water.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732186314/" title="SNB20287 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3732186314_73ef475612.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SNB20287"></a>

Seth pouts a lot. Seriously, that was my overriding memory of Seth. Pouting. All the time. Meh, he's pretty enough to get away with it.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732186686/" title="SNB20288 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3732186686_4281a02140.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20288"></a>

Pike has sandals. I can't remember how I took this picture.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63339003@N00/3732211558/" title="SNB20289 by moussaka_thief, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3732211558_2de6d4c972.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SNB20289"></a>

THE END

Possibly that you were trying to shield Pike while we all threw rocks at him?

No trucks in England? How do you people buy your month's worth of groceries from Walmart over there?




Why is Ryan shocked? Is that his first meet up? what is he, new? Is that his first day?

I love how at every meetup we/you guys go to that beachplace.