Written by Perhaps it’s the fact that I’ve had a major sweet tooth these last several days, but when met with a prompt of “floating” the only thing that popped into my head was a root beer float. I landed on an A&W Root Beer float as I passed one of their restaurants the other day, and got a little nostalgic if not a bit weepy-eyed. It’s been too long since I’ve been to one. Being served a root beer in a big, thick, frosty glass mug that freezes your hands off while a dollup of ice cream floats happily on top is the most beautiful thing in the world! One local root beer drive-in here that still manages to exist today in its original form is called Mugs Up, which is a wonderful tribute to the whole point of the root beer experience. They also serve something called a zip burger which is a loose meet sandwich glued together by mustard and magic. I remember going with my mother there when she took trips to go to a craft store that was nearby. Since my metabolism and I broke up a few years ago, I have to watch the calories a bit more. But man, I’d love to have one of these right now!
The A&W that I passed on the highway was not a single operation anymore, but now one of those combo fast food restaurants. The kind they create to taunt you with memories of a time gone by. The other half was a Long John Silver’s fish joint which was equally nostalgic for me as I used to love that place as well. I’m sure combining them into one location is out of convenience, but the idea of having to choose between the two if I mustered the courage to actually visit is daunting. I imagine I would have to start with the fish, which was, if you’re not familiar, breaded and fried within an inch of its life on a bed of what we called “crunchies.” Then I would have a root beer float for desert and all would be right with the world. Except the stomach ache I’d likely have to tolerate after, but that all comes after, so the initial experience would be pure bliss. I have a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks and I think a visit will be in order to celebrate. Anything goes on a birthday as you all must know.
Even if I don’t frequent these places anymore, it’s nice to know that they’re still around. Sure, the food isn’t even close to what one would call healthy, but it was so delicious and created memories that lasted far longer than the best kale salad. Those flavors were unique and wonderful and some of the happiest times I remember as a kid. These were places I’d get to go whenever I was “good” or got that top grade on a test or did all of my chores. A treat that I loved, but also had to earn. Looking back, I realize we couldn’t afford the other places, so these were really the only option, but it still felt like I’d won some sort of prize. So when I head back there soon, I’m not sure if I’ve done anything to particularly deserve it. I’m not completely certain that I’ve earned my little prize. After all, all I’ve done to deserve it is simply hold on to a memory for decades, of that perfect root beer float.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Red Orange, Sennelier Red, Dioxazine Purple, Phthalocyanine Blue, Burnt Sienna and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in an A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book. |
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Nothing beats a root beer float!! Well until wine entered into things.😉😄
Haha! So true! I say, yes to both! Root beer float during the day and a lovely glass of wine in the evening. 😃💕
Your metabolism broke up – hilarious – mine is lying around in a hammock sipping on root beer floats and munching on chips.
Your painting of an A & W root beer float is so perfectly inviting, that I keep trying to pop a straw into the computer so I can take a long sip. Where’s the scratch and sniff button when I need it? You should definitely pull this one out of the journal and frame it to hang in the kitchen – oh my yum!
I think it’s time for you to give up your day job and accept commissions painting what people dream of. You could call your business Sweet Indulgences and Divine Expectations.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Ooooo I love that! hehe… that would be so fun! I love painting ordinary things… they also happen to be the things we all love most! But now you’ve got me wondered about a book with scratch and sniff. That would be SO cool! hehe
That is a gorgeous doodlewash of a root beer float. I do so hope you treat yourself for your birthday!
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 Me too… hehe… I’m determined to do something fun like that, but I think this one is actually going to happen. Yay!
You nailed it Charlie. Beautiful rendering. The drive-in over here even had carhop service and would put a tray on the car door. A great pairing like apple pie ala mode.
Thanks so much, Darryl! Appreciate it! 😃💕 The carhop service was the best! Some used to be on roller skates way back when. But apple pie ala mode sounds awesome. Another fave of mine!
Well said! I think you’ve inspired my next post, specifically the memory of stopping to get an R.C. Cola and a small bag of peanuts, drop some peanuts in your sofa and a great treat. I learned that from my dad and I still do it now and then. I think I will do that for my ride home from work tomorrow! Love the painting!
Yay! Awesome! Glad I could inspire you! 😃💕 I loved RC Cola as well! hehe… just had a better flavor.
I have never had a root beer float, maybe one day?
Uhmmm… yesssssss!! hehe… you totally need to try it Rebecca! So yummy! 😃💕
Ah the memories your painting evokes! Did the A&W’s still have the drive-in stations with waitresses on roller skates who’d deliver your Papa, Mama and Baby burgers and matching sized floats on a tray that hooked over the car window? We actually still have one of those in Florence, Oregon (or did the last time I was there). It’s on the Oregon Coast. Nothing is quite as good, of course, but it’s always one of our favored stops when we visit the area.
Ahhh fun!! I remember those as a little kid, but they left really quickly. Would be so cool to go to one again! 😃💕
Well, if you ever plan to visit the Oregon Coast let me know, and we can meet at the A&W! There are quite a few Portland peeps here in Doodlewash so we could probably have a huge meet-up.
Thanks for sharing the link to this ahhhhhhhhh it’s all over now lol I need root beer!!! lol You painted it fabulously!!! 🙂
hehe! Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah… root beer is quite simply the best!! I don’t have it often, but now that you’ve reminded me of this post… I want one!!!