Ding, Ding. Round 2

Back to back days to kick things off. Mental juices are flowing. Beer is flowing. Good combo for a beer review blog. I think.
I chose the next beer to review carefully. Not because I'd heard great things or for its reputation, but for symbolic purposes. For 1, its an Arkansas brewed beer. So I went from England to Arkansas; English beer to Arkansas beer. Still with me? If so, congrats, have another drink. And 2, I sat down with this pint+ on the evening of the State of the Union address by President Obama. Obviously, I needed a beer to get through it.
So here it is, review #2:

Diamond Bear Two Term Double IPA (See, I'm trying to jinx the current POTUS from gaining 2 terms)
Brewed in Little Rock, AR, 8.5% ABV. 2 12oz brown bottles poured into a Thatcher's Arms Beer Festival Imperial Pint glass

Appearance - A golden sunset of a pour, with pumpkin hues. Absolutely gorgeous. About 1/2 inch of off white head with some very nice lacing possibilities. This has potential
Smell - Hmm. Kind of weak aroma for a double IPA. There are scents here, but none strong, none forthcoming. Some citrus, pine, orange, with some good malt tones and a hint of alcohol. I'm now a little less enthused, but I'm a trooper, so I soldier on.
Taste - OK, nice balance. Not too much alcohol heat for an 8.5% beer. That could be good, but more than likely bad. Its very smooth and far too easy a swallow for a double IPA. Much more IPA than its stronger brother.Definite pine flavors now, some yeasty breadiness. Citrus plays a small part in the background; more orange peel potpourri than the punch of a full fruit, however. Finishes dry, slightly bitter. Its good, but carries little complexity
Mouthfeel - Medium to full, decent carbonation. A low-level stickiness on the lips.
Drinkability - I like it. Don't love it. There isn't enough character or depth for me to call this an Imperial IPA. The alcohol bump seems to be the only separation from one to the other. Almost too balanced, with a drinkability of a 5-6% beer. Could be for a younger, "let's get ripped!" crowd, but I'm looking for something more. But no, I won't pour the other four of my sixer down the drain either.
Cheers,
Chris

New thoughts, thinking back

Well, just to get things started again, to share my new blog, and new direction, I figured a look back was in order.
We've been home for just over a year now, and we are well settled. Kids are doing well in school, Lace is busy with work, and I am, well,...bored enough to write again. This will be a hobby blog. So, for me, that means, family. Okay, so that's not the new part. No big surprises there. It also means beer & the Cubs. Maybe some golf, music, movies, poker, etc.but those'll be the main three.
For beer, that means reviews, thoughts on tastings, trips, and purchases. For the Cubs, especially this season, it'll mean venting. Maybe some feel-good thoughts, but mostly frustration. Ah, the life of a Cubs fan.
I decided that since I was going to do this today, I should have more than just a new mission statement. I should have a review. So, last night, I had a beer. On a Monday. Crazy. And for this first of reviews, I chose to have an English beer. See what I did there? Bringing it all together. Because that, friends, is how I roll. (Also, according to Rian, "We listen to loud music in the car...cuz that's also how we roll." Well said.)

So here she is, review #1:

J.W. Lees Moonraker
Brewery in Manchester, brewers since 1828 according to the label.
Bottled 8/13/09 in 500 ml brown bottle, poured into a large tulip glass
ABV 7.5%
Appearance - A deep amber, with edges of mahogany, near brown. Little light passes through. Some sediment in bottom, so, pour carefully. A thin, white head.
Smell - I got a definite caramel/toffee flavor, but the back end had almost a farm fresh grass smell, akin to hay
Taste - Bitter and malty up front with a hop presence, but not strong. Notes of honey, vanilla, and a woody whisper in there too. Maybe some over-ripe, borderline sour cherries near the back. It finishes with some alcohol breathiness, but isn't unpleasant. Think it would pair well with a bold, but not pungent cheese. Block of sharp farmhouse cheddar maybe. Not much stronger.
Mouthfeel - Very full, for an ale, it almost has a chewiness to it.
Drinkability - Very drinkable. I enjoyed this quite a lot. Would be interested in tasting the cask conditioned version, for comparison sake.
Overall thoughts - Flavors took me back to England instantly. Wish I'd had a pint at The Thatcher's Arms after a Golf Society day, clouds & dampness rolling in. It feels English, and I felt closer to my friends across the Atlantic drinking. A beer that brought memories, and a good choice for this blog transition. If you like a darker ale, and can find any of this around, try some, if you don't like it, give me a ring
Chris

Goodbye

Goodbye

Goodbye to the cold and rainy and wet
Goodbye to all the new friends we've met

Goodbye to the little things,
like washers, fridges, and roads with rings

Goodbye to right hand drive
I'm going back to the other side

Goodbye to all the history; the churches, the castles
I'll think of you instead of the hassles

Goodbye my Monday morning crew
I hate to leave you to just two

Goodbye to the Busy Bee ladies
Thank you for loving my babies!

And Mary gets an extra special thank you,
without you, I'm not sure what we'd do!

Goodbye to my train driving mate,
the next beer and round will have to wait

Goodbye my local landscaping lager lout
Next time we meet, you'll be drinking stout!

Goodbye to the Golf Society guys,
you who shoot low and score so high

Goodbye to all the people with all their charm
Goodbye beloved Thatcher's Arms

Goodbye to the landlord who made me feel at home
I can't thank you enough for the kindness shown

Goodbye is not how I feel, in the end
So I'll choose to say, till we meet again.

Thank you all so very much!!
Chris

A summary

Well, here it is. Rian's last day. Yesterday did not go so well. She was obviously upset at saying goodbyes, and consequently didn't say very many. I hope it doesn't make her too sad in the long run; it's a hard lesson she will learn later in life: say your goodbyes, and express your affection when you have the opportunity. All in all, she wasn't bad, just a bit overwhelmed.

On the way from school to her special dinner she got very quiet. I asked if she was ok, and she said,

"I am just sad for growing up."

*choke back tears*

"Well, honey, Daddy is a little sad too, but we all have to grow up. And just think of all the super cool things you get to do when you are older; like drive, go to college, get married..."

"NO! You just get soap in your eyes and get big sore bones!"

*Ouch* How do you argue that though? I mean, it felt like I had soap in my eyes at that moment, and I was still trying to drive. I can only imagine the second part of her declaration had to do with a discussion regarding growing and how it sometimes hurts, but that was months ago. I guess another reminder of be careful what you say.

Next week, Rian gets a break and Daddy gets Rian  and Bay at home. Hope the weather is nice or it could be a long one. Then, school starts up and we move on...and wait for calls from the Headmaster.

I would like to post a poem, written by one of Rian's wonderful teachers, a super lady who is always full of energy and joy and really keeps the kids going. No idea how she does it, but she is tremendous. Thank you KJW!

       We'll Miss You
                            
The time has come to say goodbye,

We'll try so hard not to cry,

We'll miss your funny little ways,
And all our fun and crazy days.

Getting messy, paint and glue,
Sticking, colouring and collage too.

Making friends, time together,
Memories that will last forever.

We've watched you grow, and come so far,
You'll always be a shining star.

Learning together each new day,
A brand new skill that will always stay.

Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring,
A brand new season, what will it bring?

Time outside, rain and sun,
So much fun for everyone.

Riding bikes, climbing and sliding,
Running, jumping or a game of hiding.

So now we have to be apart,
But you'll always be inside our heart.

Everyone will miss you so,
And always remember wherever you go,

That you are special and quite unique,
In the way you move and the words you speak.

A last goodbye and last squeeze,
Never ever forget us please.

Poem by Katie Whitnell
 
Thanks so much to all the Busy Bees Staff, especially Emma, Katie, & Carly and the others who fill in at Starburst since this is about Rian. Trusting someone with your children is not always easy, but you ALL do an amazing job, and we "transplants" are lucky to have found you!

A quickie

Well, due to the way things work here, I have one less year of having a "little girl." Rian graduates from Pre-school today and starts Reception, a.k.a. kindergarten on the 6th. I am torn. She is a smart girl and I have no doubts mentally she is ready, but if you've met her, you prolly know she is a handful, and I am not sure they are ready for a school takeover. I am concerned for her attitude and stubborn ways and sarcastic mouth. Granted, she comes by those things honestly as mine and Lace's child, but it isn't a great combo for a 4 year old starting school sooner than we thought she would.
Ah well, we shall see. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and more importantly, keep myself and Lace there as well. Kid #2 Pre-school graduation here I come! Ugh...am I really old enough to have been to two kids PS graduations??

1 year down

While I sit here exhausted, trying to arrange all my thoughts of the last couple weeks back home and the last year as a whole, one thing is for certain--I am blessed. Now that doesn't mean I am always happy, of course it doesn't, that is just ridiculous. It also doesn't mean that I wouldn't change anything. Nonetheless, I am overwhelmed at just how lucky I am sometimes.
First off let me start by saying a giant thank you to all of my friends and family back home that made for a very special 3 week vacation. It was much needed and much appreciated. We crammed a lot into the first two weeks as a family and I just about killed myself the last week running all over. Wouldn't have changed it though, too much good stuff is good sometimes.
OK, so a quick rundown. Golf for me the day after I got back probably wasn't a good idea and my scores showed that. No harm done. Sunday school was great, getting to catch up with good friends, and having several groups invite us over was wonderful as well. Thank you Evans and Sheehys, and Gunnemans thank you for stopping also. Racquetball Monday was an experience. Fun to be back out there, not so fun to stink it up so bad. Dentist Tuesday resulted in everyone having good news except Rian, who is back to having Mom and Dad brush her teeth. Yikes, kid! Wednesday, my folks showed up and took us for some Mexican (oh how I missed you so!)...(parents and the food) after more racquetball. Friday morning, Dad and I did something we hadn't done in ages. Single digit age for me I think. We went fishing with my neighbors, Matt and Paul, thanks to both for the invite and Paul for the boat. What a fun time. Cigars, couple cold beverages, and we all caught--winning combos. Poker that night--also rusty, and shopping the next day. Church again Sunday, cavity filled for Rian & racquetball on Monday, followed by a movie then dinner, and saying goodbye to my parents. Kelsie had a positive report on Tuesday from her neuro, though we aren't off medicine and seizures are still present, she was pleased with K's progress, and said there were FEWER seizures. Thank God. Golfed again Wednesday night with better results and Lace helped her friend set up her classroom for school. Thursday was more cavities and Friday I golfed with my brother in law and then we had our farewell dinner with Leasea's sister and family. I said goodbye to Baylie that night for a week, and Saturday after breakfast with the Carlton family, I said goodbye to the other three as they got on the plane, England bound. I saw a movie and tried to take it easy that night, I was off to Tunica at 5 am on Sunday...
...Pre-dawn, Matt and I are picking up Tate and Eastbound. Had to be there in time for a tourney, which I finished one off the money in, and then had a ridiculous, Paula Dean buffet. Bad idea, as we all over-ate. Good idea because it was so dang good. Took some seriously rough beats at the poker table that night and I was down in a hole to start day 2, but golf was coming. Monday we played 27 holes of golf, I shot 48 on the front, 48 on the back, and 48 on the bonus 9. Nothing brilliant, but I beat Matt, and I guess you could say I showed consistency. A quick hustle to the hotel for three showers and back off for another tournament which I made final table, but no cash, and Matt chopped the pot for a win--congrats Matt! I hit big again and again on 3 card and was out of my hole and up a bit after day 2. Came back on Tuesday, relaxed, got laundry started and finished on Wednesday between errands. Was pretty well squared away and ready for my flight to Chicago on Thursday to met my cousin Gary and his roommate Daryl for some fun and a ballgame. Thursday was the fun, bouncing around downtown and having Gino's East pizza, before heading back to condo to sleep and get ready for the ballgame Friday. Hit some places in Wrigleyville before the game, which the Cubs came from behind to lead before showing off their patented come-from-ahead-loss skills. Awesome. Couple more places to show D and then I was off to the airport. Got back to AR at midnight, got home, showered, slept, woke, finished packing and was loaded up for the airport 10 hours later. Ugh. 16+6 hours later I was in Mt Bures hugging all my girls.
So, what does all that do? It leads me to this. I love home, I miss home, but it was nice to come back here, because this is where my family is. As fun as that last week was, I had to stay that busy so I wouldn't be lonely. There are many issues when you are living two places. You are always town between where you are and where you aren't. Who you're with and who isn't around. What things were like, and how they are. That isn't a bad thing, and I hope I am learning how to cope better. I have met some great people here who are becoming friends I hope to have for many years. I have wonderful, tolerant, helpful friends back home, that while missing them makes it hard to be here, there prayers and support and help, makes it possible to be here. I think it is probably like comparing girlfriends; better left undone, just look to each new experience with a fresh and positive understanding. And I am trying.

A short PSA

When "kickin it old school" remember:
The memories are always going to win out over trying to recreate the memories. The saying you can't go back, is really deeper than some Southern wit.
I had a PB&J this week. First time in awhile. This from a guy who will try PB on anything. Did it taste anything remotely like Gramma used to make when I threw her the "deuce" sign to answer what I wanted for lunch? Ahh, no. Same type of bread, same type of PB, jelly, the works. No dice. Maybe it was a magical, pre night-games at Wrigley period where things tasted better. (It was always two PB&J's, a run around outside, and back inside for a 1:20 first pitch. Marvelous.) But the generations previous have the same things, don't they? Some time, some place, something was better than they will ever experience it again. And I don't mean the cliched, "I walked uphill 5 miles both ways" stuff, I mean real memories. The things you can still feel, or touch or taste.
And I also mean that both ways. Good and bad. The bad memories are just as important, if not more so, than the good ones. Sure, we treasure the good ones, but the bad ones--if we're smart enough--we learn from, grow from. I honestly believe that this life would be boring if we only had highs. I mean, can you imagine a roller-coaster with just highs? Not so much a coaster as an airport moving walkway. I don't relish my bad memories, but I do hold them dear. I have to.
I could go on and on, I've had a million of these moments in the last 6+ years that Lace and I have been together. This one just stuck out. Maybe it was the time between "sammiches" or maybe it was looking forward to going home in a month, who knows? Anyhow, it cured what ailed me as far as writer's block...at least for the time being.
I guess as parents, the best we can hope for is to give our kids as many of the good, help ease the bad and teach them that they all need to move you forward. Or, to bring it full circle, hopefully, one day, Baylie's PB&J making skills won't compare to my skills.