A little after 10pm it was dark enough for the aurora to begin to show through breaks in the clouds. The combination with the moonlight was nice, until it clouded completely over and began to rain. As late as 3am I could still see the glow through the clouds in the north.
For those of you who have never had horses or worn a GOOD pair of cowboy boots losing a store like this doesn't bother you. For those of us who moved our family out to the country and raised our children in 4-H and country fairs this is an emotional loss. Finding good Western wear and tack shops has become difficult. My kids grew up as good country kids and although they may not know the difference between a good Merlot and Chateau Le Box if a neighbor needs a hand they are there and usually do not need to be asked. Todays kids have very little choices, between the decline in schools and the gangbangers they are forced to go to school with, if the parents are not spending quality time with them they will end up flipping burgers. The loss of one store seems not to make a difference but it was part of a different lifestyle. I still have a old pair of Tony Llama cowboy boots, they are well worn and have walking heels. Sadly most people would not be able to look at a pair of cowboy boots and tell the difference between riding and walking heels, another little part of the past slipping away.
It's one of the last of the normal stores in Renton. I remember years ago when it was an FW Woolworth store. Renton was in it's shopping prime back then, but those days are over. I suppose it will just turn into another goodwill, tattoo parlor, or junk shop. I remember when people used to come from miles around to shop in Renton. I haven't come to Renton for years for anything, and I just live outside of town.
@johnbe I started my career with F.W. Woolworth at that location. Went on to other things but have good memories of Renton then. Cruizing the loop was one of them.