OK. I'm going to share with you one of my best-kept secrets. Why would I do this you ask? Well, because I love you of course!  Yeah, I don't buy that either. I do however very much appreciate you reading my weekly rambling thoughts, so in return I would like to give you something back.

I like drinking. There, I said it. People these days think it's so un-politically correct to say something like that. Newsflash, I have a good job, a great marriage, no DUIs and so far A&E hasn't knocked on my door to feature me on Intervention. I would call myself somewhat of a professional drinker who happens to know my limits. The liver checks-out OK too, so there.

My love for grapes and grains is not the secret friends, but where I shop for my adult beverages. You could blink and miss it, and I suspect you most likely have. Head down North Pearl Street toward Point Defiance Park and on your right side, next to the carwash, you will find the Ruston Liquor Store.

This is no ordinary liquor store. While the state oversees this store, it is privately owned through a state contract, as are approximately 150 other stores throughout Washington. Karen Ferguson owns this particular store in Ruston and would like nothing more than to NOT be my best kept secret.

Why do I love this liquor store? Well, let me begin with holidays. Have you ever gone to one of the state run stores the day before Christmas, New Year's, Fourth of July or any other major holiday? There is a line out the door and down the block! Hells to the no. ...

Not at the Ruston Liquor store. Maybe four or five people in line, and you're out in five minutes. She's even open ON most holidays!

Another reason I love this store: Karen stocks more than just booze, she provides mixers like soda, juice, lemons, limes and even ice. Tell me where else you are going to find your Jäger and Rumplemintz already chilled?

Oh, and talk about your customer service. She knows just about everyone's name that steps foot in the store, and what they like to purchase. She practically has it rung up and bagged before they can say hello. Now that's love.

On a serious note, Karen and I had a lengthy conversation about the possibility of the state losing control of liquor sales, a passionate topic to many. The implications are far reaching if this comes to a public vote, and Karen would like to make sure that voters are reading the issues carefully before making any conclusions. You should be doing that anyway people.

So there you have it folks, my gift to you. And really, it doesn't even seem that state has its sticky little fingers in the pie that is this delightful store. No clerks in dorky red vests or security guards eyeballin' your every move. Just nice people, wanting to make and honest living.

Ruston Liquor Store

5013 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
253.752.3007