Bumbershoot - And, one year later

A year ago this weekend I was unpacking, wondering what have I done, moving to a city where I knew 2 people. Many of my friends thought I was crazy - or brave - or whatever. The year has gone fast, but in a way I feel like I've been here a long time. Much has happened. It feels like home.
I like it here. Contrary to popular opinion, the people here are totally nice. I had my first party last weekend, and eight people came that I did not know a year ago. It was a good time. Everyone got along famously!
So, I have new friends, and I have a job, although it's a lot of stress for very little pay, but I guess that's just part of the "new" normal in this sad economy.
Yesterday I attended my second ever Bumbershoot. Bumbershoot is a three-day celebration of music and art - all things I love - in it's 40th year. I chose to go Saturday because I thought it would be cool to see Bob Dylan, the legend, the headliner. I saw him 10 years ago for the first time and was very impressed.
Not so this time. He had a great band behind him, but Lord, the vocals (his) were horrid. He basically just croaks now. If it's an old song that's great because you can (sort of ) recognize it, but the newer material which I am not familiar with, is unrecognizable. You can't understand a damn word he's singing. I was tired and getting cold, and I admit, for the first time in my life, I left a concert mid-set. So shoot me if you're a big Dylan fan, but I couldn't take it anymore. I kept wishing a guest vocalist would step in.
However, Neko Case, a singer-songwriter originally from Tacoma of all places, was beautiful. She played the Main Stage before Dylan. I'm not familiar with all of her songs, but she is a lovely songstress with a bright future.
Earlier I caught Wheedle's Groove, a Seattle band with I swear about a dozen people in the band, on one of the secondary stages, and they were awesome! They are a funk/soul band that have been around since 1965 - mostly black dudes, dressed to the nines and totally soulful! You couldn't help but move! I've got to catch them again! They did a James Brown song and totally ripped it up!
Bumbershoot is fun; there are many options for entertainment, food and vendors, but I have to bitch about the beer gardens. I don't like beer, and all they offered was Barefoot wine, which totally sucks. I mean, come on - with all of the fabulous Washington wines, this is the best they can do? Yuk.
So, what now? I'm still in the same apartment I moved into when I got here. Even after looking around more, I realize I've got a pretty good deal here given that many places don't allow pets, and of course I have my darling Abbey. I'd like to buy, but given the job situation, it's not feasible now.
I've had my heart broken once since I've been here. So what's new there? All I can say about dating in Seattle is that the odds are good, but the goods are odd!
I'll survive. I always do.