I’ve been so busy posting vacation photos I fear I’ve been neglecting my ever loyal, and extremely prolific spam contributors.
Let’s take a look, shall we?
Tag Archives: beer
White Mountains trip…. last night, last day, last post in the series.
A full day of resort hopping on day 7 made us hungry so we stopped at an inn near our resort that had a well recommended British pub/restaurant.
The Jolly Drayman seemed inviting enough.
And though it was a very small place with limited seating…
I was willing to like it.
It’s a shame I couldn’t.
What English pub worth it’s salt only has 1 British beer on tap? Where was the Harp? The Smithwicks? The Old Speckled Hen? Yes, there was Guinness thank God….
But Pabst Blue Ribbon? Come on!
It went downhill from there.
A limited menu.
A disinterested, unfriendly server.
Uncomfortable seats.
And the worst beef Wellington I’ve ever had.
The husband had a not nearly hot enough beef stew ( with mashed potatoes?) that must have weighed 12 pounds… served in a fish bowl.
Framed fart humor not withstanding….
I wouldn’t go back.
Day 8…. the departure.
One more breakfast under the canoe.
And beside the twig lights.
We checked out and said goodbye to the dangerous looking ski motif rocking chairs…
And laughed at the resort’s wedding advertisement for the last time.
Heck, that’s as good a reason as any… right?
Through one more covered bridge…
And because you know my husband can’t drive past an antique store.
Funny part is, I went outside to wait for him because the owner was a crotchety old man I didn’t like the look of.
A few minutes later the husband comes out and I can hear that old man screeching his lungs out like a lunatic, cursing my husband from here to next Sunday.
Apparently husband had the audacity to take an old magazine out of it’s plastic sleeve and flip through it. Guess that’s a no no in the mountains.
Anyway, vacation over.
Home safe and sound with…. how shall we say?
Some coffee and a few beauty products for my cabinets.
Hey, if they’re going to charge an extra $25 resort fee per day for that lousy condo?
I’m going to fill my suitcase on the way out.
The end.
(You may now officially breathe that sigh of relief you’ve been holding.)
White Mountain trip Day 3… Random scenery.
No, the vacation series isn’t over yet, I just thought I’d give you a few days break.
Leaving the Sculptured Rocks geological site, we drove through the Cockermouth Forest.
Yes. I swear….
We did.
I’m reasoning that Cocker Spaniels are bird retrieval dogs, and therefor have tender mouths.
Yes.
That’s my explanation… and I’m sticking to it.
We headed back to our resort through Franconia Notch which was starkly devoid of leaves.
And went through the town of Carroll, where moose are clearly being held prisoner.
The Mount Washington valley still had snow..
And loomed majestic.
Back in the Bethel/Newry area, we regained the foliage.
And headed for beer.
Sunday River brewery is a large restaurant and pub that seemed to be packed with locals and tourists alike every night. We did a flight, and weren’t overly impressed with the quality…. so I switched to an Apple Smash, which was a wonderful concoction whose list of ingredients I don’t recall. But there were copious amounts of apple Crown Royal…
And isn’t that really all you need to know?
Seeing that I love soft bar pretzels and the husband doesn’t, I ordered some for my appetizer.
Holy Mother of God! Served with warm blue cheese beer sauce, they were absolutely the best I’ve ever had. I instantly forgave them their lousy beer and planned on filling a dump truck with these and riding off into the sunset.
Husband had a tasty salad..
And we both had the baked haddock, which sadly was dry and uninteresting.
Back at our resort for the night, we opted for the stairs instead of the elevator and were bombarded by yet another section of hideous carpet.
Christ, if that doesn’t give you nightmares…
Nothing will.
Let’s Liebster….
I’d like to thank the Academy….
The Liebster Award is an award that exists only on the internet and is given to bloggers by other bloggers. The earliest case of the award goes as far back as 2011. Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
The award is a way to be discovered but also to connect and support the blogging community. A great idea in promoting your own blog and others. Originally it was given out to blogs with less than 2000 readers but this has slowly lowed as the reward has gained popularity. It is now only 200 readers or less. It’s really an arbitrary number. If you like helping other blogs out go ahead and do it regardless of its size.
With thanks to Rebecca Wallick at wildsensibility for the nomination….. ( I’m not sure sweetest and endearing are the first words people think of when my blog comes to mind, but hey. I’ll take praise where and when I can. )
If you love dogs, natural splendor and stunning scenic photographs, check out Rebecca’s page. She’s got them all in spades.
Onward!
You know the rules… I have to answer questions. Which I shall do with the utmost amount of seriousness.
1. What typically is the closest object on your right when you’re writing (not including a computer mouse)?
You’ll probably be sorry you asked that… but it’s a poop drone.
And yes, of course it flies.
2. What one-sentence bit of advice would you give to your 13-year-old self?
At 13… I was a shy little thing. Reticent to open my mouth or make my presence known. (Hard to believe, I know) So I would probably tell her…. Dance! Jump off that pier! Sing with the band! Say yes to all the adventures life lays before you and don’t worry so much about what other people think. By the time you’re sitting here blogging about it? It will be too late.
3. Describe your ideal writing space and place (assuming money isn’t an issue).
For me… that would be a treehouse.
A glam treehouse, with a frozen margarita machine and a never ending supply of tequila and limes. Surrounded by nature and the songs of birds, that’s where I’d like to be.
4. What is your most frequent photographic subject?
That changes depending on the season.. and my moods. Lately?
It’s a woodchuck who looks like Jabba the Hut.
5. Favorite quote?
“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.”
With…. “I like to have a martini, Two at the very most. After three I’m under the table, after four I’m under my host.” coming in a close second.
Ole Dorothy Parker knew her stuff.
6. What does blogging (writing, and reading) add to your life?
A sense of connection. It’s like reaching my hand out across the globe and touching people I would never have otherwise met. (And by touching, I’m speaking metaphorically. Don’t call the vice squad.)
7. If you could choose to be any animal for a 24-hour period, which would you be and why?
A wombat.
And I have no idea why.
8. Do you have other creative outlets besides writing?
I used to draw. I used to write poetry. I used to make dried flower wreaths. I used to cross stitch. I used to stamp. I used to paint. I used to dry brush ceramics. I used to do a lot of things. Now… I just take crazy pictures and blog.
And drink.
I drink very creatively.
Amen, Tyrion. Amen.
Okay, now I’m supposed to nominate blogs I think you should discover and make them answer questions as well.
Of course, if you know me… you know my questions won’t be normal. Where’s the fun in that?
So…
liveandlethtai at Paul Dance Writer
Clever Girl at Clever Girl Writes
Kathy at KNJ Tales and Snippets
You’re my chosen victims nominees.
Post these rules:
1. Acknowledge the blog which nominated you.
2. Answer the questions your nominator asked.
3. Nominate two to six other bloggers who might appreciate the boost.
4. Ask them several unique questions.
5. Let them know you have nominated them.
And answer these questions –
1. You’re a pigeon newly arrived in Hollywood. Who do you poop on first?
2. Donald Trump has been impeached. Mike Pence has been trampled to death at a gay pride parade. Nancy Pelosi has resigned her position and run off to Tahiti with a member of BTS. You’ve been chosen to be the next President of the United States. What’s your first executive order?
3. The Brussels Sprout is a much maligned ( and extremely gassy ) cruciferous vegetable. You run a PR firm and have just been hired to tweak it’s image. Go!
4. Your lifelong dream of being a stripper has come true. What’s your stage name?
5. Your cruise ship is sinking and you’ve scrambled onto a life raft only to realize it’s overloaded. What… or who… do you push overboard? A case of craft beer, your significant other, the oars, a beloved pet wombat, or the ship’s navigator ?
*Note – if you say beer or wombat, you are dead to me*
Yes, those really are the questions.
If you were expecting, “Name the most influential person in your life” or “What is your favorite memory of childhood” you’re reading the wrong blog.
We do things differently here.
Yes, I realize you can’t unsee that.
But if you’re struggling for a stripper name… feel free to be inspired.
Things I like today… Chapter 6
I like:
This beer we found at a liquor store in New Hampshire.
It had a rich, dark, oaky finish….. and also made me laugh.
I like :
This meme my husband’s niece posted on FB.
It’s uncannily accurate.
My husband can spot a red tailed hawk in the top of a tree on the northbound side of the highway while flying down the southbound side at 90mph…. but can’t find his socks. Which are in his sock drawer, where they’ve been for the past 35 years.
Someone please explain that to me.
I like :
This giant pink flamingo my husband’s nephew brought out to the Island for the kids to float on.
Did I mention he’s a rough, tough lobsterman…
And it didn’t quite fit on his boat?
I like :
Reusable grocery bags.
Less plastic and less waste to clog our landfills.
Of course I’m proof positive that saying is pure crap.
I’m 55… and not a single thing about me feels new again.
Gettin’ my beer on…..
Beer.
We love it, and seek it out on a regular basis.
So when we find a new craft brewery?
Apparently Brickyard Hollow has been open for almost a year and how we never noticed it is a mystery.
Perhaps because the building used to be a 7-11?
Whatever the reason, I’m glad we know now.
There’s a rustic modern decor… which includes those horribly uncomfortable metal chairs that are popping up everywhere.
For the rounded hipped among us? This is not good.
Uncomfortable outdoor seating as well.
But the appropriate vintage photographs provide a relaxing atmosphere…
And then there’s the beer.
Bring on the flights!
We tried the Belgian, the Trestle, the Blueberry and the Amber and they were all lovely. After ordering some full size glasses, I discovered the cocktail menu.
Which had a boozy Lime Rickey.
Of course Yarmouth is a town famous for it’s annual Clam Festival. And when you’re at the Clam Festival? You have to meet the Clam…
And have a freshly squeezed non alcoholic Lime Rickey… they’re delicious.
But a boozy version?
It’s simple, crisp, refreshing…. and filled with gin.
What more could you want?
Happy as the proverbial clam, I moved on to the food.
Rich creamy clam chowder with just the right amount of everything.
Husband went for Blueberry Moonshine wings while I chose a Black and Blue burger and country fries.
While the burger was too thin for my taste, and slightly overcooked…. it did have a fabulous charbroiled flavor and potent Gorgonzola. The fries were dusted with some kind of slightly spicy rub which I could easily have munched on all day.
So…
Brickyard Hollow rates a solid B.
I look forward to going back and trying Key Lime Scallops, a Cuban and a Crab Cake burger.
And of course… more beer.
Worst event location… ever.
A friend gave my husband a flyer the other day.
It was advertising an upcoming beer and wine tasting benefit.
I like beer!
I like wine!
It sounded like my type of event.
Until I saw where it was being held…
And since I’ve been known to talk to almost anyone while imbibing?
I think we’re going to have to take a hard pass on this one.
Moving day should not include random body parts.
We helped a friend move last weekend.
Because… yes.
Moving is hard work.
There’s lots of stuff to pack…
Lots of stuff to lift…
And lots of stuff to push across homemade scrap wood ramps.
What do you mean that’s not how professionals do it?
The silly thing weighed a ton and it got there.
Do we really care how?
No. We do not…
What we do care about is finding random body parts.
Tell me you saw it.
In the picture with my husband carrying the bright blue garden bench? Go back and look, I’ll wait.
……
……
……
A random leg.
And it wasn’t the only one.
The damned things were popping up everywhere.
Bizarre?
A wee bit.
But some of our friends are as well, so it’s to be expected….
It got to be a running joke about where they’d turn up….
So at the end of the day when we were relaxing with beer and bowls of chili?
Naturally we needed a centerpiece.
And P.S….
Just for the record –
As much as I wanted to move their 442 Olds right into my garage at home?
I restrained myself from stealing the keys when they weren’t looking.
That my dear, is the very definition of friendship.
Even better than rocks…
I’ve been known to give some interesting birthdays gifts in my time.
Some elicit laughter, some tears….
Some? Downright befuddlement.
It’s all good.
In the past few years, I’ve gifted my husband with experiences as well as tangible items.
2014 was a beer making lesson.
Friends and family joined us for what I thought would be a laugh a minute celebration…
Ah, look at those happy faces.
(Word of warning – if you’re thinking about trying it? There’s a lot more to beer than drinking. And I don’t recommend any of it.)
Beer drinking? Fun!
Beer making?
Not so much.
It’s a long involved process…. that I completely stopped caring about two hours in.
Poor husband.
Look at him… he had his tasting glass ready and it wasn’t anywhere near finished.
Birthday experience gift rating on a scale of 1 to 10?
4.
Last year I nailed it with a School of Falconry class.
This was fabulous and we both enjoyed it immensely.
Husband got up close and personal with a Harris Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon.
And they were both beautiful creatures.
Learning to handle them can be challenging.
As well as a little intimidating.
Of course, they were nothing compared to the instructor.
She was downright terrifying.
(I think the husband had flashbacks to boot camp and reverted to a quivering PFC before my eyes.)
But baggie of dead quails aside?
An awesome day.
Birthday experience gift rating?
A definite 10!
So this year, along with the rock and other assorted presents…
I gave him a helicopter.
Okay, calm down.
Those babies go for $425,000.
I gave him the experience of learning how to fly a helicopter.
Half an hour class instruction, half an hour flying time with 2 guests.
I’m not sure when we’ll do it, most likely after the weather warms up.
But I’m guessing it’s going to be a good one!
Assuming we don’t die in a flaming fireball of a crash…
That’s bound to reduce the rating.
When the universe tries to tell you something….
Have you ever had one of those days when all the signs were pointing somewhere?
Hopefully it’s not there.
I had one of those days last week.
It started when I checked the weather forecast.
Fair enough.
We were out of beer.
And on my way to the grocery store?
Okay, I get it.
Corporate America wants in on everything lately.
But then..
The car that pulled in next to me at the store?
And while not all signs are clear…
I’m guessing the universe did not wish me to remain sober that day.
And one should never argue with the universe.
Or my husband, who brought home an interesting wine that night.
What’s a girl to do?
River's world..... 
I congratulate, what words… a remarkable idea
I believe this post consisted of making fun of Duluth Trading Post’s expensive underwear. Not such a remarkable idea really, but to each their own.
This question is not clear to me.
It’s beer.
I was getting it on.
I’m not sure how much clearer I could be….
I consider, that you commit an error. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will communicate.
I can’t honestly say I even remember what this post was about, but I’m pretty sure I don’t need to communicate with you about any of it’s errors. Geesh!
Attempt not torture.
Okay, I know the Liebsters are annoying, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they’re torture…
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So ends the respite in between vacation post series.
Cape Cod here we come!
(Yes, it was a single post respite. Hope you enjoyed it!)