Welcome 2013

It's a bit cliché, but I really do feel like I just wrote the 2012 New Year post. It's been a fun and interesting year to the say the least. The 459 Musings that I posted in 2012 covered a wide variety of topics, as promised last January 1. I want to thank everyone who stopped by. To those who came back repeatedly, and especially all of you who took the time to leave comments, I am indebted. Thank you friends.

I'll post no reflection on the trials of 2012. (Believe me, I drafted a number of attempts.) I won't make predictions, or resolutions for 2013. Suffice it to say, I've got plans to enjoy more good beer and food, devote myself to shooting better, and as often as possible. And of course, I'll continue to rely on God, not government, for my needs.

I wish the best for all of you. I hope 2013 brings you many blessings and much joy throughout the year.

Happy New Year!

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

--Ronald Reagan

Happy New Year!

Well, 2012 is upon us. It's time for the requisite reflection and prognostication post.

The past year saw major changes here at Musings Over A Pint. I decided that this blog would more accurately reflect my actual musings in real life. That change was marked by both support and admonishment. There were even some commentary made online on other blogs taking me to task. Apparently there is an unwritten rule among some craft beer fans that once the subject of beer is brought up, one is not entitled to speak of other subjects. That must lead to some boring parties. I have found readers who share my other interests to be much more accepting of a varied discourse. This new openness led to a record number of posts, and comments from visitors, over the past year. I gained many newfound online friends and followers, not mention learning of many new and interesting blogs. Interestingly, most of the referrals to this blog actually come from non-beer blogs. However, most google searches that send folks to these parts are still beer-related, and those searches overwhelmingly concern Virginia craft breweries.

Happily for the craft beer fan, 2011 saw the expansion of several Virginia craft beer breweries. I still feel Virginia might just be the most exciting place for a craft beer fan to live. Of course, nothing goes with good beer like good food and there's no shortage of good food experiences to share.

My experiences with pistol shooting were a big part of the posting this past year. Through those events I've made many new friends. I participated in 13 USPSA matches last year, including two Sectional matches and an Area championship. There were also several steel matches thrown in for good measure. I was very happy to meet my goal of earning a "C" classification in USPSA.

My church life reflects who I am as well. Some of the thoughts I shared on that aspect of my life were surprisingly popular. I've enjoyed musing on how that faith is related to enjoyment food and drink, and also the God-given right to self defense.

For all of you blog visitors, new and old, I'm glad you stopped by!

So what is in store for 2012?

More of the same I hope. I look forward to continuing with frequent posting here, on many subjects. The sub-heading at the top of the page, "Random musings about beer, faith, food, shooting sports, family, politics, and ..." will be honored in full. Political correctness, which I feel is a sign of weak convictions, will not be promoted. Whether anyone reads this stuff or not, the writing is cathartic for me.

So, there you have it, a totally non-specific look towards the future. I've purposefully not written any detailed goals. I find little value in "New Year's Resolutions." I have lots of fun and interesting things to look forward to in the coming year. I hope you do as well.

I wish you and yours a peace-filled and prosperous 2012.