PERMANENT LIPSTICK by Ginger Knoxx
Masses of sweaty people bumping into me is not my idea of fun; yet, once again I found myself in their midst at Freedom Fair on Ruston Way. Sure it was my idea (since I have completely lost my mind lately) for my family to drive up from Olympia, slather sunscreen on, drive two miles, get out and walk down to Ruston to willingly be assaulted by the smells of humanity in the scorching sun. Thank heaven for the breeze and for Randy Oxford and his soothing presence. He walked by right at the moment I was ready to throw my hands in the air and declare the day over after a small dirty child had stomped on my foot. Instead I swallowed my ogre rage and exchanged pleasantries. Daddy Knoxx complimented him on the amazing jam night at Jazzbones Wednesday past, and we met his fabulous wife, Jane. Bless you, Randy, for saving the Knoxx family's Fourth of July.
SATURDAY, July 1
Up at the crack of dawn or pretty dang close is such a great way to start the weekend off. I scooped up Pappi Swarner for a morning walk along the Ruston Waterfront. An hour and a half later, we took our sweaty selves to Old House Café for a great, relaxing birthday lunch (his, not mine) on the patio in the shade. How have I never gone there before now? The food was excellent and the produce so fresh I half expected to see the farmer's truck idling in the alley. A quick stop at Black Water Café for a juice smoothie served by charming Wes, and then I was off for a facial at Remedy 450. The ladies there were so gracious and the atmosphere so calming that I fell asleep during the skin treatment and was awakened by the sound of snoring (oh my gawd, I told you guys I snore!). I highly recommend the place. 
Pappi Swarner's birthday evening was fun, fun, fun. Chesty, Natasha and I met up with him, Soul Patch, their lovely wives and friends after a celebratory dinner at Asado. The party continued at the Boneyard for Fear Train Caravan and Tangerine Space Odyssey. Hollywood and his beautiful blonde girlfriend scored envious rock star parking right out front and then entered like royalty for cocktails and music. The Eklunds introduced me to friends of theirs, and Ted plied me with compliments and declared Jazzbones had the best damn bottled water around. A regular from the Shoboat remembered seeing me there and struck up conversation. That was a blast from the past! (Did anyone else hear that the casino there is having bands play?) As the girls and I were enjoying the evening air out front, a guy walked up and asked us if this was indeed Jazzbones and where should he go to get in. I couldn't resist and quickly shot back, "the door." I guess I cannot help being sarcastic to strangers who ask questions with obvious answers. The huge Jazzbones signs and double doors should have tipped him off. Midnight chimed, and although Can U was about to hit the stage followed by The Forgery, we craved a change of scenery and headed en mass to Magoo's with Robcat in tow. It was a bit mellow for a Saturday. Some guys from high school whom I hadn't seen in ages were playing pool. Turns out Natasha knew them as well. She went to college with the guys, confirming my longtime belief that the world is a very, very small place. After hours on the rooftop of Sky Terrace was more than just beautiful that time of night.
SUNDAY, July 2
I felt a trip to Olympia to visit with family was definitely in order since I hadn't seen my bro - The Kid - since before he got married (what?) and he was back in town! Sister Tess was visiting from the homeland on her way to Hawaii, and a nice home cooked meal is never to be turned down.
669 band
Kim Archer Band, 669, and the Raging Grannies along with others will provide high-energy entertainment at Out in the Park this Saturday, July 8. 669 is a five-piece alternative rock band from Seattle that has the distinction of having an electric violin in the band. Not too many bands can pull that off even though combining genres and instruments is all the rage lately. Speaking of rage, The Raging Grannies offer tongue-in-cheek comedic delivery of serious political messages. Check it. Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m., free, Wright Park, Sixth and I St., Tacoma, www.outintacoma.org.
Give me a wink and a kiss here. Knoxx knows.