A Few Musings

Lots has been happening. Well, during the past week anyway.

I've been thinking about trying my hand at brewing my own beer for some time now. As I mentioned in an earlier post I helped Good Rat Mike make up a batch and decided that I COULD do it. So, last Wednesday I attended the beginning beer making class at Bader Brewing in Vancouver. Doctor of Beer School JP and Professor of Beer School Tom made it a most enjoyable, memorable experience. Not only did I learn a lot but we tasted a number of different brews they had made up. I would highly recommend the class to anyone thinking of brewing beer. I also recommend that when the Doctor or Professor asks for volunteers raise your hand fast and enthusiastically. By doing so you will be the first to sample their beer and you might even get to taste some that no one else does. Volunteering in this class is a good thing. Now I just have to assemble all the utensils etc. I need to get started.

The next night GR Kelly and my oldest son, who I guess is really an honorary Good Rat by virtue of being my son, went to a Scotch tasting event at McMenamins Road House. Okay, it wasn't beer but we did drink some IPA and Ruby while we were there so I think that should count for something. What a night. We sat outside and the weather was absolutely perfect, the three others at our table were most interesting, the food was very good and of course the Scotch and the education about each of the five we tasted was grand. After it was over everyone just kind of hung around, talking and drinking a little more, enjoying the company, the venue and the weather. I look forward to doing that again.

Early this morning and I do mean early, as in 2:30am, Marie and I drove GR Matt to PDX for his flight to D.C. He'll be living with his best friend while going to graduate school. Although we'll miss having him closer, I feel a little better knowing he forgot his bottle of 15 year Laphroaig. I'll think of you Matt every time I have a sip... Prost!