Also know as the Lord Of The Rings marathon. Showed up at 9am for a lite breakfast before waiting in line. Then movie 1 (extended version). Spent some time exploring the building. Then movie 2 (super extended version). A costume contest. Then movie 3 ( ultra uber super extended version). Cigar bar, bluegrass and a […]

My parents are suckers for strays and currently have two large dogs from the pound (Oregon Human Society). “Mabel” and “Indigo” are both are beautiful and unusual beasts. The former is a brindled mutt – probably with Plott Hound and/or Blackmouth Cur origins. The latter is a Catahoula Leopard Dog. It is Indie that became […]

I love antique stores – even though they often try to rip off people who don’t know the real value of an item. Here is a good example: The store around the corner had several cast-iron cornbread pans for sale. They ranged in price from  $20 – $55. I had recently picked one up at […]

Several years ago, I planted some timber bamboo in a big pot in the front yard. One stalk turned into two, then into twenty. Last week, the heavy snow toppled the (half buried) pot – blocking the front steps. We decided to do something about it, but when we cut the pot open, there was […]

After the success of the last all-grain stout, we decided to try an oatmeal version. We cooked oats in minimum amount of water as recommended by a book. Turned clumpy – probably kept it from adding much to the mash. In turn, the OG was low (1.042). Added 1lb natural cane sugar at end to […]

I have been brewing more and more lately. The basics are firm, but I am still learning and finding new resources. Just spotted this great calculator on powersbrewery.home.comcast.net

Everytime that I reload the forecast for today seems to change – swinging wildly between 25 to 45 degrees. Here it shows a current temp outside the range. WTF? You think that the programmers would have accounted for that. if (current > forecast) then updateForecast();

I sat down on the bed to check my email after lunch. Sam and bebop both decided that it was good time for a nap. Looks like I be stuck.

We have lost one of the pivotal authors from my childhood. I remember reading Juristic Park, on a camping trip with my parents. I was 10. The book had a big impact and influenced my career choices – not towards paleontology (as you might be thinking), but towards math/computers. You see, the coolest person in […]

It has been just over 2 weeks since Jamie and I spent the day picking grapes. The buckets were kept upstairs where the ambient temperature was warmer. Each day, I would open the buckets and punch down the pomace that had risen to the top of the must. At first, the whole room smelled like […]