Sunday evening we marked the end of the Christmas season by hosting our annual Epiphany open house. It was a fun-filled evening with good friends, good food, good conversation, and of course good beer.
As she always does, Colleen loaded the dining room table with copious delights for the palate. Each year she makes a point to find some new dishes for the feast, and this year was no exception. Two dishes we deemed "keepers" will definitely be making return appearances soon. The Sausage and Pickled Onions, and a new version of Spicy Buffalo Wings, were definite hits. Our guests contributed many sweet desserts too. I wish I had remembered to take pictures of the table full of tasty treats.
This year I decided to focus the beer selection on Virginia breweries. Specifically, I picked out Devils Backbone Vienna Lager, Port City Optimal Wit, and Starr Hill Northern Lights IPA. With a few dozen other beers always available from the beer fridge, some non-Virginia beers also made appearances. For a friend who requested a "dark beer" I pulled out a few bottles of Dominion Oak Barrel Stout. Of course, we always have Sierra Nevada Celebration on hand this time of year. The wine flowed freely as well for guest who preferred a grape-based beverage.
The Lager from Devils Backbone seemed to be the most popular libation during the evening. I think I'll be picking up more this week. Look for a review soon.
Apparently there was a football game going on at the same time as the party so we were convinced to have the television tuned on (but no sound) during the evening. (I admit to being wholly indifferent to professional sports.) This did have the effect of spreading the crowd out a bit, instead of everyone congregating in the kitchen as is typical. The folks watching game thinned as the evening wore on though. A smaller hearty group gathered outside on the deck where the beer cooler was stationed.
This is, I believe, the ninth year we've been marking the Feast of the Epiphany with a grand celebration. The days leading up to the event are exhausting; the hours leading up to the event are stressful; and the recovery and cleanup afterwards is tiring. However, the chance to celebrate with friends is looked forward to with much anticipation. Although the conversations did include the current issues we face as Catholics and Americans, the good times and true hope that filled the evening overrode all that. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Common Sense. Where Is It?
I am not one for blaming the victim, but there's also something to be said for using common sense and taking responsibility. I was skimming through the local "Police Blotter" and noticed a recurring theme.
Get your heads of the sand people!
LARCENY:
900 block Cornell St, 1/3 – 1/04 7:30 a.m. A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through her two unlocked vehicles and stole a laptop computer from one of them. No suspects or witnesses at this time.
800 block Sylvania Ave, 1/3 – 1/04 7:50 a.m. A resident reported that an unknown person stole her purse from her unlocked vehicle. The purse was later found inside a storm drain in the 1000 block of Littlepage Street, but the cash was missing from it. No suspects or witnesses at this time.
900 block Cornell St, 1/04 12:05 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through his two unlocked vehicles and stole an iPod from one of them. No suspects or witnesses at this time.
Marstel Day, 2217 Princess Anne St, 12/27 – 1/02 8:00 a.m. A manager reported that an unknown person entered the unlocked office and stole a computer and other electronic equipment. No suspects or witnesses at this time.
1100 block Prince Edward St, 1/3 – 1/5 11:00 a.m. A resident reported that an unknown person stole loose change and other small items from both of his unlocked vehicles. No suspects or witnesses at this time.
800 block Cornell St, 1/3 – 1/04 6:30 p.m. A resident reported that an unknown person rummaged through his unlocked vehicle and stole a camera. No suspects or witnesses at this time.There were 5 other larcenies report that did not specifically mention unlocked vehicles or offices. However we are still looking at greater than a 50% rate of making it easy for the bad guy. In addition, there were two thefts from apparently unattended student backpacks.
Get your heads of the sand people!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Obama: He won't take your guns.
Some people will say anything.
Some people will believe anything.
Together, they make a dangerous combination that will destroy our Nation.
Some people will believe anything.
Together, they make a dangerous combination that will destroy our Nation.
By the way, The American Hunters and Shooters Association is a front organization for gun control advocates, presenting themselves to a gullible public as gun rights supporters.
Porter, No Ice
Just because you call your beer a "Winter Porter," doesn't mean it should come on ice.
Colleen and I were out doing some shopping Saturday evening, and decided to stop in at The Pub and take advantage of the Saturday "Burger Night" special. I wasn't sure if I'd have a beer with my dinner, but I was informed one of the house beers was Cold Harbor Winter Porter. That was a new one to me, so decided I would check it out.
As the beer arrived I could see the shimmer of frost on the side of the glass. Shoot! I thought they were over that. I should have remembered to specify I didn't want the beer "iced." It was all I could do to hold the glass in my hand, it was extremely cold. Fortunately, by the time our food arrived the beer had warmed somewhat and I could begin enjoying it.
This Battlefield Brewing beer was a dark ruby color with a thin beige head. There was mocha and a mild sweetness in the aroma. The flavor was a mocha and chocolate with a hint of roastiness to it. The mouthfeel was on the thin side, with a lingering roasted malt flavor, with some stickiness left on the lips and tongue. While it was not exceptional, the flavor was certainly not unpleasant. When our server came by later, the conversation went something like this:
"Would you like another beer?"
"Sure, if I can have it in a non-frosted glass."
"A non-frosted glass?"
"Yes, a non frosted glass."
"A non-frosted glass? Umm. Okay."
I could well-imagine the conversation going on at the bar after that. Despite having a brewery onsite, The Pub caters mainly to the BudMillerCoors crowed, which by necessity demands beer be served tastebud-numbing cold. However, my beer arrived quickly, served as requested. And despite the beer itself still being overly chilled, I noticed that my empty glass was still colder to the touch than the new serving. I enjoyed the second glass much more than the first; the mocha and roasted bitterness was more apparent without the extreme chill.
Oh, and the burgers? Excellent as always. And that of course was the reason we decided to eat there in the first place.
Colleen and I were out doing some shopping Saturday evening, and decided to stop in at The Pub and take advantage of the Saturday "Burger Night" special. I wasn't sure if I'd have a beer with my dinner, but I was informed one of the house beers was Cold Harbor Winter Porter. That was a new one to me, so decided I would check it out.
As the beer arrived I could see the shimmer of frost on the side of the glass. Shoot! I thought they were over that. I should have remembered to specify I didn't want the beer "iced." It was all I could do to hold the glass in my hand, it was extremely cold. Fortunately, by the time our food arrived the beer had warmed somewhat and I could begin enjoying it.
This Battlefield Brewing beer was a dark ruby color with a thin beige head. There was mocha and a mild sweetness in the aroma. The flavor was a mocha and chocolate with a hint of roastiness to it. The mouthfeel was on the thin side, with a lingering roasted malt flavor, with some stickiness left on the lips and tongue. While it was not exceptional, the flavor was certainly not unpleasant. When our server came by later, the conversation went something like this:
"Would you like another beer?"
"Sure, if I can have it in a non-frosted glass."
"A non-frosted glass?"
"Yes, a non frosted glass."
"A non-frosted glass? Umm. Okay."
I could well-imagine the conversation going on at the bar after that. Despite having a brewery onsite, The Pub caters mainly to the BudMillerCoors crowed, which by necessity demands beer be served tastebud-numbing cold. However, my beer arrived quickly, served as requested. And despite the beer itself still being overly chilled, I noticed that my empty glass was still colder to the touch than the new serving. I enjoyed the second glass much more than the first; the mocha and roasted bitterness was more apparent without the extreme chill.
Oh, and the burgers? Excellent as always. And that of course was the reason we decided to eat there in the first place.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Oh, The Absurdity
It's no secret our nation has been infested with a population segment that abhors personal responsibility. They blame others for their failures, and they allow, and even expect, the State to make basic life decisions for them, such as what and how much they choose eat and drink. The absurdity of blaming others for one's own failure and lack of self control reaches a new level with a lawsuit by a group of Idaho criminals.
See "Inmates sue beer companies, want $1 billion in damages" for more on the idiots in Idaho.
BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Five inmates at the Idaho State Correctional Institution have filed a lawsuit against national beer and wine companies, alleging that alcohol led to their crimes and that they should have been warned alcohol can be addictive.
The U.S. District Court confirmed that a civil suit was filed Dec. 10 by inmates Keith Allen Brown, and co-plaintiffs Jeremy Joseph Brown, Cory Alan Baugh, Woodrow John Grant and Steven Todd Thompson.
The inmates claim that the beer companies should have warned consumers that the alcohol they sell is habit forming and addictive.
See "Inmates sue beer companies, want $1 billion in damages" for more on the idiots in Idaho.
Yea, hearing the bleating of the sheep often makes me feel like this.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Ringing In The New Year
After enjoying some fun at the range with friends, it was time to ring in the New Year with my family. Our "ring" is typically more muffled than clanging, but certainly still enjoyable. I poured a couple of glasses of Firestone Walker Double Jack IPA for starters. I enjoyed this beer a few weeks ago at Capital Ale House and when we saw some bottles at the local grocery store this weekend, we decided it would be our New Year's Eve libation.
The beer pours a deep copper color with an strong white head. The citrus aroma of grapefruit is noticeable as soon as the cap comes off the bottle. The flavor is full-bodied and rich in citrus fruit mixed with pine resin. The sweet malt comes through at the end. The mouthfeel is thick with a clean finish. I enjoyed this bottled version just as much as the draft I had previously.
After we finished our beers, accompanied by some pickled herring and crackers, Colleen poured us a wee bit of Jameson Irish Whiskey. A quiet evening, but a fine celebration indeed.
The beer pours a deep copper color with an strong white head. The citrus aroma of grapefruit is noticeable as soon as the cap comes off the bottle. The flavor is full-bodied and rich in citrus fruit mixed with pine resin. The sweet malt comes through at the end. The mouthfeel is thick with a clean finish. I enjoyed this bottled version just as much as the draft I had previously.
After we finished our beers, accompanied by some pickled herring and crackers, Colleen poured us a wee bit of Jameson Irish Whiskey. A quiet evening, but a fine celebration indeed.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
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.
"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."
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
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