Living the Dream

   Being as its been more than a week since I updated, I figure I ought to make some kind of post on what I've been up to.

   Last Saturday (or Friday?) I decided to investigate the "irish pub" thats allegedly around here in Mission Viejo somewhere. I found it.. but they were out of guinness (?!). Some "irish pub." Ashley Thompson and Priyanka (lastnameunknown) from my high school turned up there so that was interesting.

   Tuesday I went to the beer tasting at the local Bevmo. I forget the highlights of that time though.

   All week I worked on various beekeeping related projects. Prominantly we were getting the Observation Hive all prepped up for the fair, as well as getting everything else in order for the bee booth. Friday I actually worked the booth at the fair (and got paid to do so!) so that was a lot of fun.

   Yesterday evening I went to beer tasting at Bevmo again. Yes it happens twice a week. Yes its my new favourite thing. Highlights:

3. Le Merle (North Coast Brewing) - a saison style ale, which is always interesting because thats not a very common style to find around here. I'm not sure how to describe it.. maybe thicker than lager but not overwhelmingly so. Not as thick as a stout or porter. Tend to be a cloudy caramel colour (this goes for all saisons I think). I liked this beer and I recommend everyone should try it, because you probably don't know if you like saison or not.
2. Ommegang Abbey Ale (Ommagang Brewery) - A "Belgian dubbel," apparently. Normally I don't like the lambic flavour of most belgian ales, but this didn't have any of that silliness. It was good and flavoursome, and like all beers I like, not thin and watery.
1. North Coast Brewing Old Stock - An "Old Ale". The other tasters all agreed it "tastes like port!" Incidetally, I love port, so it may be no suprise that I totally loved this beer. I went and bought some as soon as the tasting was done. Its got a saucy 13.25% Alcohol-By-Volume, so be careful with it, but its definitely a beer to sip and enjoy. Low carbonation and very interesting flavours. Truly a pleasure to drink.

   This morning (Saturday) I went to a Peace Corps informational meeting. I didn't learn terribly much I didn't know already but it was still worthwhile. Confirmed the rumours they're desperate for beekeepers I guess -- when I talked to the recruiter afterwords and mentioned I was a beekeeper she about fell out of her chair, gave me her card and told me to call her on monday.
   For references they want one work supervisor (I know Dave would be all about this), one volunteer supervisor or professor (think I'll hit up the ambassador again), and the hardest one.. a friend. /=

   Tonight is wine tasting at Mark's place.

   Next Tuesday I take the State Department Foreign Service Exam again. \=


Picture of the Day

(from last April actually)