Ash Bash: March 25-30

Tough day today, thinking about Ash most of it.  Thinking about how much I wish we could have saved his life.  How much I wish we could better ease the grief of his bereaved wife and children.  Then I see this plan, and it touches me.  Texas Children's saves lives.  It reaches out to scared families and offers hope.  And that's sure what I needed today, a little hope.  So, in all that was hard today, I am also thankful.  Thankful for Texas Children's.  Thankful for Ash's love of his children, and of my children, and for one child in particular, whom Texas Children's saved.



"Houston's beer community has responded to the death of Duff Beer Distributing founder Ashley 'Ash' Rowell with a series of events that will take place next week to raise money for Texas Children's Hospital, which was one of Rowell's favorite causes.  Highlights include a five-course beer dinner at Hay Merchant on March 26 and a wrap up party at Cottonwood on March 30.  [EaterWire/Facebook]."  http://houston.eater.com/archives/2013/03/20ash-bash.php.

"We talk a lot about the beer community.  But here is an example of a beer community in action:  Six local bars are teaming up next week to honor the late Ash Rowell, former owner of Duff Beer Distribution and a widely known and liked supported of craft beer and brewers, with a six-day celebration of his life doubling as a fundraiser for Texas Children's Hospital."  Ronnie Crocker at http://blog.chron.com/beertx/2013/03/ash-bash-to-raise-charity-cash-honor-a-friend-of-craft-beer/.

Texquiem loves the Jenga at Liberty Station.  I've lost a few games (and paid a few rounds), but I'll be back.  Flying Saucer?  As much as I love Houston, I also get giddy about Fort Worth. . . which means I also TGFTBB.  That is, thank god for the Bass Brothers, and Molly Ivins' columns for the Star Telegram, and the Flying Saucer Beer Emporium, too.  It was a damn good day when the Saucer expanded to Houston.

Cheers, guys.  Thanks for giving your heart and soul to Ash, to this town, and to your industry, which Ash loved so much.

*UPDATE:

*Were you there at Liberty Station?  There was a great crew there, including the good folks from Duff.  Did you also have a fantastic night at Hay Merchant, in honor of Ash?  Good food, good friends, good times.  Up for tonight is The Flying Saucer--$1 to Texas Children's for every Duff beer sold.   Helloooo Racer Five and Bombshell Blonde!  See you there.

*Check this out--the craft beer gurus have partnered with Favorite Brands Distributing for Ash Bash.  Favorite Brands will match dollar-for-dollar up to $5000 in proceeds raised during Ash Bash.  That's generous and cool.  Read more at http://www.kprcradio.com/pages/The950BeerPage.html?article=11105000.