Monday, October 23, 2006
What another fantastic weekend in Apex, NC. (thanks to my great hosts, Jim & Sue Smith) Some of the pics show Jim & friends brewing his infamous Belarusian Imperial Stout. To make it official he had three of his Belarusian friends ‘helping’. Fiodar, Artem, and Vladimir. (all great characters) Terry, Sam, Rich and myself also lent a helping hand in our own way. 5-6 hours of slave-driving labor produced what appears will be a gold winner. I plan to return next October to hopefully sample the ‘fruit’. Truly a rewarding experience. Thanks. In addition to brewing, I was blessed to get to know Keifer, Andy, and Nicole (Sue & Jim’s kids) better. I also got to know Linn, Marcus, and Alex Wallin (some might recognize the last name as one of the pro hockey players on the Hurricanes) I made out like a bandit by receiving almost a dozen original art works from Nicole, Marcus, and Alex. Truly treasures in my book. (which is where they are) Thanks Sue for the wonderful meals and hospitality that you always show. Your mentoring is awesome.
Attended church on Sunday morning at Tree of Life Lutheran in Cary, only 5 minutes from the Smiths. Second time in October. Small but friendly congregation. Very uplifting. Pastor Geiger knows some of the LA Rosenows. (who doesn’t) They also have their services live and recorded on the web. Google them.
Returned ebullient! (look it up) Decided to prepare, campground style, lobster bisque infused with Eastern Blue Crab meat. Fresh Italian bread and a nice glass of Chardonnay made a near-perfect World Series watching event. See picture. The picture also shows a large gaping 250 mm hole in the side panel of my canopy. A 5” diameter (yes I’m mixing units) branch came crashing down during one of the several thunderstorms the past month. Could have been worse….. I could have been under it.
Badgers won. Packers won! Double rare yeah!
Looking forward to attending a professional hockey game on Wednesday, completing my classes on Thursday night, and driving up to Baltimore to hang out with Jamie and friends for the weekend.