This is what high school looks like at Lake WA HS in my house in 2020.  And this is what it might look like if we don't survive the week. Kudos to the genius in the tent using Kirkland wifi. Actually, I was pretty impressed that my kids all got dressed and ate breakfast and assembled themselves in the dining room like good little worker bees on the first day.  A few minor bumps with laptop audio and Microsoft Teams adjustments, but then again, what fun would it be if nothing unexpected happened?  BIG props to all of the teachers and school district support folks that have obviously worked tirelessly to make this remote learning recipe work.  Nothing is perfect, but teachers seem prepared and the tech teams are quickly responding even though we know they must be overwhelmed (Syd got a new laptop the same day she logged her issue w/ helpdesk!). Of course I say this as a parent of three teenagers that attend school at home and craft college essays all day while I sneak off to re-start my waterski habit.  They can feed and manage themselves.  My heart really goes out to all of the parents with full time jobs that are trying to not only doing their own work, but have suddenly become teacher's assistants, tech advisors and short order chefs to their young children.  I would be pulling my hair out if COVID hit our family 10 years ago. Literally.  I am thinking of you all, and I think it's important for your mental health to realize that Chainline Brewery is now open at Kirkland Urban. 

        
       
If you can't escape your kids/pets, then just mask up and bring them! You'll find Chainline's new location (formerly next to Google/the CKC trail) on the second level in the northeast corner of Urban.  There's plenty of outdoor space with a view towards Seattle, and well spread indoor space with high ceilings.  The sun was shining on the patio when I popped in at 3:30, and I had to agree with Ariel (photo) that Chainline is the new 'cool kids on the block' with their friendly easy vibe.  They've got food bites (pretzels, flatbreads), plenty of flagship and seasonal beers, and even cider and wine on tap!

Their hours are Sunday 12-8 and Mon-Sat 12-10pm, so you can escape head out after you put those kiddos to bed. We've got this #KirklandStrong.  Cheers to a new school year!