Sad news ... Brighton Height's The Vault closed its doors tonight for the final time.  As we've mentioned before, the lesbians love this place.  It had what we deemed a "lesbian friendly man-vibe."  I've probably been there a dozen times since last July and each was better than the last.  I loved the hummus, the ice tea and the great conversation with the staff. 

We stopped in for a final plate of hummus and had a little chat with Vault master-mind, Brad.  He confirmed the closure and we talked about Pittsburgh's overall love affair with coffeehouses or lack thereof.  He seemed resigned to the challenges of keeping afloat in a town that just isn't that into coffee houses. 

I feel kind of guilty.  Especially cause Brad still donated some really cool stuff to my door prize drive.  I wish I had patronized them more often. 

Brad and Drew helped me conceptualize a whole new recruiting tool for foster parents and I'm bummed them won't be around when it kicks into gear (I'm sure they have much bigger things to mourn, but hey ...). 

Tonight, Ledcat and I were invited to a Neil Diamond release party at the home of our friends (and Vault fans) Lisel and Joe.  It was big fun -- I brought jambalaya and someone else had red velvet cake.  Then there was a fire and smores.  Then Joe pulled out his guitar and interpreted Neil Diamond for us. 

I suggested a song in honor of The Vault and what it meant to us.  Joe played the next song he knew. 

So long Brad, Drew and the gang.  May the Northside Coffee gang live on.  Thanks for making the best damn iced tea I've ever had (and I lived south of the Mason-Dixon line for 10 years). 

From the point forward, memories of The Vault will forever be fused with this song a la Joe Skoski. 

Cracklin rosie, get on board
Were gonna ride till there aint no more to go
Taking it slow
Lord, dont you know
Have made me a time with a poor mans lady

Hitchin on a twilight train
Aint nothing here that I care to take along
Maybe a song
To sing when I want
Dont need to say please to no man for a happy tune

Oh, I love my rosie child
You got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin rose, youre a store bought woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin on

Play it now
Play it now, my baby

Cracklin rosie, make me a smile
Girl if it lasts for an hour, thats al right
We got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that dont ask no questions, yeah

Oh, I love my rosie child
You got the way to make me happy
You and me, we go in style
Cracklin rose, youre a store-bought woman
You make me sing like a guitar hummin
So hang on to me, girl
Our song keeps runnin on

Play it now
Play it now
Play it now, my baby

Cracklin rosie, make me a smile
Girl if it lasts for an hour, thats all right
We got all night
To set the world right
Find us a dream that dont ask no question, yeah