FINDING FUN YET? IT’S AROUND HERE SOMEPLACE

Finding fun is a state of mind. Let’s start right there.

More than a good laugh, fun is contagious. It’s one contagion that’s good to share.

An expression, a sign, a street, or a dangerous looking critter preserved for all time. Some are funnier than others, but it helps to stay vigilant.

One person’s fun is another’s disappointment? While that’s no laughing matter, if we can’t make things fun what else is there to do?

Cry?

I know one person who isn’t laughing. They even have a vanity license plate bracket.

Who would be finding fun with this on their car?

Not this guy. Besides, he’s busy on most days entertaining his audience.

Yes, that’s Jake The Alligator Man.

If it looks like a shrunken head attached to a small gator body, who’s having more fun?

A better question is who’s the biggest weirdo for making this? I hope it was fun, because it doesn’t look so fun.

Neither does this:

But shrunken heads from the Amazon and alligator men in Washington is pretty funny.

I give it an Oregon 7 on the Funny Scale. I’m not laughing, but not looking away either.

Seeing them both in the same place is strange-funny.

Finding Fun X 2?

What goes better with gator man than a two headed cow?

A two headed Sasquatch?

Maybe a two headed ceramic?

Take one, take all. One head is better than two.

Finding fun means looking in the right places. Museums, gift shops, secondhand stores, thrift shops, out of the way places that look interesting from the outside.

Avoid the same places if it’s fun you’re looking for and they don’t look fun enough.

The key is taking a chance and showing up, of walking in with an open mind and a sensitive funny bone.

The Break That Refreshes

What to do after catching your breath from laughing?

You could chuckle on over to a bakery, giggle your way to clam chowder, or keep looking.

My investigations turned up North Jetty Brewing.

Without getting too technical, Leadbetter Red Scottish Ale capped the day. I’m driving around in a Highlander so what could be more appropriate?

Where’s my bagpipe.

After all of the excitement there’s one thing left to do: dinner. A fun dinner.

It may take a sharp guide to find it, but The Depot hit all of the right notes.

Chef and owner Michael Lalewicz has traveled the world refining the recipes offered at his cozy, romantic spot and it shows in his rich and inspired offerings. 

I haven’t traveled the entire world but I’ve been around enough to know when a chef is on their game. When the right time and place combines with good company, finding fun is delicious.

Thank you Mert and Hans. My horizons have been expanded beyond the edge of the continent.