I made a pretty significant upgrade to my brewing rig yesterday. I make my beer in five gallon batches. Because my biggest pot had a five gallon capacity, I had to use what’s called the “partial boil” technique. This means that I would boil perhaps…
There have been a few studies measuring happiness in various activities. The best ones pester the subjects to report their instantaneous happiness at random times throughout the study. “What are you doing right now, and how happy are you?” If I were to participate in…
I made my first batch of beer sometime in late 2000, with my close friend and fellow “residency widower,” Todd, in Minnesota. Medical residency is a long and lonely process for the spouse, and I developed a fine set of skills and hobbies waiting for…
Holy crap – incoming winter farm share: What’s in the October 23rd share? Picadilly FarmSweet potatoes, 4 pounds. Another record-breaking harvest this year! We’re looking at a tremendous year for sweeties, with excellent flavor. We planted two varieties this year, and it’s the Covington’s that…
Indulged, this past weekend, in the now four year old tradition of renting a cabin in the woods with a dozen or so friends. The stated purpose of the weekend is to work on the arts and crafts projects that we push to the side…
Just got back from randori with the Budolin brothers, who are visiting from Estonia for a week. They’re a marvelous two man team. Alexsi is about my size – except in the “won a bronze medal in the Sydney Olympics,” sort of shape. He’s the…
I decided to visit Boston’s South End “First Friday,” art event. A bunch of galleries open their doors and put out chips, salsa, juice, and the occasional bottle of wine. People dress in their festive best – their casual whatever – or perhaps some art…
Posted yesterday to get the gas station recollections out of my head. Here’s what’s going on otherwise: The basement flooded – to a small degree – last weekend. Now keep in mind that most of Boston also flooded. They had to vent untreated sewage into…
Becoming strong does not mean that things get any easier. It means that you can accomplish more – but you still have to work your ass off – go home sore – get up tomorrow wondering why you don’t just quit – and then do…
We’re back to something approximating “normal,” here at the family compound just south of Boston proper. Valentine’s day is proceeding smoothly, with flowers, cupcakes, and all that. Partying was had last night with simianpower et al. Tomorrow evening, I depart for a week in Hampton,…