Hey-a everybody!
What a wild and crazy December it has been.
J and I have attempted a fairly low-key month, and failed miserably. It has been wonderful though.
The brewery launched two new beers this month. One was a short release (only 950 bottles total, 10 kegs), and the other was for their winter beer. The short release is now 100% gone (3 weeks later...), and the other is rockin' and rollin' throughout the city. The brewery has also received national accolades for the flagship beer! Of course, this means that J has been relatively busy to keep up with the increased demand. Hooray!
I've also been busy with work and taking care of family stuff. Nothing too terribly exciting there. :D
However, we did have our annual Christmas party, and it was a blast! Lots of good food, friends, wine/beer, and memories. Seriously, once I figure out pictures on this thing, there will be some up here.
This past weekend was especially nutty. Friday night was icy and rainy and gross: so we opted to stay in. Thank goodness for the little bit of sleep I got on Friday night! Saturday was spent in the wild world of Christmas Shopping. We usually do all our shopping online, but circumstances required we leave our glowing computer monitors and venture into the world. Stupid.
Then: Athenaeum concert at Amos' until 3AM. Yeah - have I mentioned that I'm too old for that? No? Okay. I am too old for a 3AM concert.
Sunday was football, more football, and then going to the Panthers/Vikings game in the evening. I have to tell you all about it because it was one of the best nights of my 20's (of course, getting engaged, married, and all that stuff is up there too).
First, we had tickets on the 30-yard line, 13 rows up. Yeah. CLOSE. (Squeal) They were given to us by a friend of mine who wasn't going to be able to make it to the game.
We arrived in uptown a little early, because we actually wanted to watch the pre-game warm ups and the like. I mean, Brett Farve in our stadium? Yeah - I want to see this. We walk into the bowl and have ourselves a sit - nestled in the middle of a crowd of Vikings fans. Wait, what? Oh- yeah, we're behind the visitor's bench. Crap. It looked like it was going to be a loooooooooooooong night. A few more Panther fans arrived during the next 30 minutes... so that was nice.
Then, the game happened. Not just any game though, and definitely not the stomping we were expecting to receive. The Panthers looked great. Defense was hitting hard, Offense was coordinated and finally looked like they were all on the same team. Heck, even the fans were in it to win it. We had nothing to play for: our playoff hopes were dashed the night before. But we were out for a W, and we got it. Not only that, but J and I were sitting in a hot bed of awesomeness. The cold never got to us, my voice never stung, and the Panthers never relented. I yelled on every down, and the crowd was responding. At one point, I yelled "Momma wants a first down!" A couple sitting a row in front of us responded with: "Give Momma her first down!" I taught a little girl (probably 5 years old) how to trash talk. She was a natural. There was also some pretty decent coffee at the stadium. Who would've thought?
Also, I love it when friends come into town for the holidays. It makes my heart happy. Especially when I can bring them to the Brewery :D
Happy Holidays everyone! We hope you and a very merry holiday with friends and family!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sorry....
Okay, it has been over a month... I guess I should update y'all on the goings on.
The seasons are turning rapidly now. I woke up this morning to a frosty December sparkle, and the first really cold day of the season. Penny was not too terribly thrilled about the cold grass, but I think she's getting used to it. It is her first winter though - I'll give her a little adjustment time.
The clover is coming in nicely on the farmland. I'm still working on the trellis system and figuring out how everything is going to work together. Should be a great though. The deer are actually being considerate too! There's plenty to eat out there, and they're not encroaching too much on our land. Don't get me wrong, they are definitely out there in full force... walking and strolling and chasing things... but they aren't eating too much - and that's my main concern right now.
Thanksgiving was great this year. Good times with the in-laws, and good times with my parents. We're lucky to have both families so close. I'm looking forward to Christmas too. Again: nice to have families so close. J&I have a nice tradition though: Christmas Eve with his folks, Christmas morning with just the two of us (4 if you count our spoiled dogs), and Christmas evening with my folks. It has worked for us for a while now: I think it'll stick.
But what I'm REALLY looking forward to is December 11th. The next 10 days are going to be NUTTERS busy, and the 11th brings an abrupt halt to the action. It'll be nice to just focus on family, work, and rest for 3 weeks...
I think that about wraps it up for now. I'll be back soon, I hope :-)
The seasons are turning rapidly now. I woke up this morning to a frosty December sparkle, and the first really cold day of the season. Penny was not too terribly thrilled about the cold grass, but I think she's getting used to it. It is her first winter though - I'll give her a little adjustment time.
The clover is coming in nicely on the farmland. I'm still working on the trellis system and figuring out how everything is going to work together. Should be a great though. The deer are actually being considerate too! There's plenty to eat out there, and they're not encroaching too much on our land. Don't get me wrong, they are definitely out there in full force... walking and strolling and chasing things... but they aren't eating too much - and that's my main concern right now.
Thanksgiving was great this year. Good times with the in-laws, and good times with my parents. We're lucky to have both families so close. I'm looking forward to Christmas too. Again: nice to have families so close. J&I have a nice tradition though: Christmas Eve with his folks, Christmas morning with just the two of us (4 if you count our spoiled dogs), and Christmas evening with my folks. It has worked for us for a while now: I think it'll stick.
But what I'm REALLY looking forward to is December 11th. The next 10 days are going to be NUTTERS busy, and the 11th brings an abrupt halt to the action. It'll be nice to just focus on family, work, and rest for 3 weeks...
I think that about wraps it up for now. I'll be back soon, I hope :-)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
To everything...
My kitchen smells like Roasted Garlic.
and I LOVE the smell of Roasted Garlic.
My bosses came to dinner last night. J invited them to celebrate their engagement. Good times! I now have a HUGE lasagna for leftovers. One thing I love about dinner parties: all the leftovers. I'll separate it out tonight into containers. That should last us a little while for lunches :)
There really isn't anything new and different going on here. J's working an insane number of hours, but he's happy. I'm getting stuff done around the house, so I'm happy... I finished painting the walls in my office! I still have the floor boards to to finish, and then install shelves and move everything back in. This weekend was supposed to be THE weekend to finish, but a head cold knocked me out for all of Saturday. Literally, I did Nothing on Saturday. I slept and ate, and that was it. Of course, I needed it - but I don't really Like those days. I like being productive and feeling like I've done something. J and I did finish rearranging the basement this weekend. We bought a few posters from the local beer store (AMAZING PLACE), and we didn't have a good spot to hang them. So, we tweaked the bar area of the basement and voila! Poster space! Don't worry though - we did class them up a bit with frames, so the basement doesn't look like a frat house... hahaha!
And my brother is in town for a few days! He's relocating to Cali, so he had a few days of leave and opted to come hang out with his family! Of course, his girlfriend is graduating from school this week - so it helps that she's within driving distance of here... Still - its nice to get to see him for a little while.
Oh!?!?! And can we chat for a minute about the Panthers? I mean - What in the WORLD is going on? I'll admit - I am now willing to have a losing season if it gets us Cower. I'm very frustrated that we traded our 1st round draft pick to San Fran in 2010. Especially since they need a QB almost as much as we do. But I'm glad our OL and DL are strengthening up. I do believe 70% of the issue is coaching. And letting our OL Coach go to Denver!??!?! REALLY!?!?!
Sorry, I'm done. I get very frustrated.
The leaves are changing in Charlotte now... I love rainy summers because the fall leaves have such rich colors after. There is tree outside in our court that has blood red leaves right now - and it sits within the line of sight of a tree with canary yellow leaves. I literally smile every morning when I'm getting into my car because of those trees. I definitely see God in the changing of the seasons.
And in food.
Especially in Roasted Garlic.
and I LOVE the smell of Roasted Garlic.
My bosses came to dinner last night. J invited them to celebrate their engagement. Good times! I now have a HUGE lasagna for leftovers. One thing I love about dinner parties: all the leftovers. I'll separate it out tonight into containers. That should last us a little while for lunches :)
There really isn't anything new and different going on here. J's working an insane number of hours, but he's happy. I'm getting stuff done around the house, so I'm happy... I finished painting the walls in my office! I still have the floor boards to to finish, and then install shelves and move everything back in. This weekend was supposed to be THE weekend to finish, but a head cold knocked me out for all of Saturday. Literally, I did Nothing on Saturday. I slept and ate, and that was it. Of course, I needed it - but I don't really Like those days. I like being productive and feeling like I've done something. J and I did finish rearranging the basement this weekend. We bought a few posters from the local beer store (AMAZING PLACE), and we didn't have a good spot to hang them. So, we tweaked the bar area of the basement and voila! Poster space! Don't worry though - we did class them up a bit with frames, so the basement doesn't look like a frat house... hahaha!
And my brother is in town for a few days! He's relocating to Cali, so he had a few days of leave and opted to come hang out with his family! Of course, his girlfriend is graduating from school this week - so it helps that she's within driving distance of here... Still - its nice to get to see him for a little while.
Oh!?!?! And can we chat for a minute about the Panthers? I mean - What in the WORLD is going on? I'll admit - I am now willing to have a losing season if it gets us Cower. I'm very frustrated that we traded our 1st round draft pick to San Fran in 2010. Especially since they need a QB almost as much as we do. But I'm glad our OL and DL are strengthening up. I do believe 70% of the issue is coaching. And letting our OL Coach go to Denver!??!?! REALLY!?!?!
Sorry, I'm done. I get very frustrated.
The leaves are changing in Charlotte now... I love rainy summers because the fall leaves have such rich colors after. There is tree outside in our court that has blood red leaves right now - and it sits within the line of sight of a tree with canary yellow leaves. I literally smile every morning when I'm getting into my car because of those trees. I definitely see God in the changing of the seasons.
And in food.
Especially in Roasted Garlic.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The gorilla is off my back...
Hello everyone! I'd apologize for the 10 days between this and the last post, but why? You're over it.
I watched Marley and Me last night, but I left when things started to get bad. I know what happens and would rather not see the end. That's all.
I also watched Gosford Park when I was kicked out of work on Monday. Great movie. Helen Mirren is a genius.
I took a sick day on Friday, and was kicked out of the office on Monday (my boss didn't want to get sick). I came back to work on Tuesday to find my boss had come down with a head cold already. We're a hilarious pair this week.
The farm is coming along nicely. We've laid a clover crop on the land for the winter months to help restore the nitrogen levels in the ground, and to get things started for the spring. Basically, it is a lot easier to get crews out there for leveling, discing, tilling, and the like in September when the weather is nice than in January/February. Now that the clover is down, we just have to get our trellis system ready to be installed (February), order rhizomes (January, for March/April delivery), and put together our pulley system. That's not so bad, especially since we're starting on an acre or so. :)
We'll spend the early spring and summer months designing and building our drying system. Hops grow on bines (like vines, but with one root ball) and look like little green pine cones. Once they're picked, they need to be dried quickly and at a constant temperature... think of a kiln room. The drying and pelleting processes are going to be the hardest part of this endeavor (assuming we can keep downey mildew and crazy pests off the plants) so we're devoting the actual growing season to researching and building a phenomenal and scalable system. By the time harvest season comes around (Late August-October) we'll be ready to go. I'm sure we'll have some inefficiencies the first year or two - it'll take time to work the kinks out - but I'm okay with that. So, if you are thinking about being in the Charlotte area in the coming years during August-October... plan on coming out to the farm to help with the harvest! I'll even make apple cider and some nomzy foods to keep us going!!
We're also looking for a graphic designer to help us with logos and the like. I know a few of you out there are OMG talented, so let me know if you've got some free time and would like to do some discounted work. :) We know a few people in town who also do incredible stuff, but I'm always a fan of utilizing people in my "network." I consider it to be the same as buying local. Other than that, we're actually ahead of the game. Woohoo! Oh, and we do have a name and everything picked out. I'm waiting until we have a website up to release all that: I want to have something to show everyone!
I have to admit: I felt a huge relief when J and I decided that we're moving out to the farm area in 2011. Now, I do LOVE living in the city and being able to hop on public transit, or go to one of a million restaurants, or be a part of a place that buzzes with excitement. But I can't wait to get out of it. This town was significantly smaller when I was a kid, and I miss it. Besides, we won't be that far from CLT. And I'm only going to be 15 minutes away from a major mall and retail area. So yes: we are moving out to a cute neighborhood surrounded by pick-your-own-berries farms and cow pastures... and I can't wait. I'm tired of always being on the go and having some place that I have to be. I want to just be HOME. I want to have a real veggie garden that is actually IN the ground and that produces enough for a summer of fresh foods and canning for the winter. I realize that living out there is not going to be all peaches and daisies. And I realize that I am going to have a bit of an adjustment period. But I've been here for as long as I can remember. I'm 2 freakin' miles from my parents - just 1 zip code away. I need to spread my wings and explore and do something different. Heck, I even went to college in the same city. So, not only is this farm something I want - this move is something I can't wait for. I love my friends, but I know that we'll only be 60 minutes away. I mean, really.... 1 hour is NOT that far. So, yeah.
Sorry for the rant. I just decided that I needed to get it all out there.
I hope you all are well. I'll be back soon with some fun updates - hopefully :)
I watched Marley and Me last night, but I left when things started to get bad. I know what happens and would rather not see the end. That's all.
I also watched Gosford Park when I was kicked out of work on Monday. Great movie. Helen Mirren is a genius.
I took a sick day on Friday, and was kicked out of the office on Monday (my boss didn't want to get sick). I came back to work on Tuesday to find my boss had come down with a head cold already. We're a hilarious pair this week.
The farm is coming along nicely. We've laid a clover crop on the land for the winter months to help restore the nitrogen levels in the ground, and to get things started for the spring. Basically, it is a lot easier to get crews out there for leveling, discing, tilling, and the like in September when the weather is nice than in January/February. Now that the clover is down, we just have to get our trellis system ready to be installed (February), order rhizomes (January, for March/April delivery), and put together our pulley system. That's not so bad, especially since we're starting on an acre or so. :)
We'll spend the early spring and summer months designing and building our drying system. Hops grow on bines (like vines, but with one root ball) and look like little green pine cones. Once they're picked, they need to be dried quickly and at a constant temperature... think of a kiln room. The drying and pelleting processes are going to be the hardest part of this endeavor (assuming we can keep downey mildew and crazy pests off the plants) so we're devoting the actual growing season to researching and building a phenomenal and scalable system. By the time harvest season comes around (Late August-October) we'll be ready to go. I'm sure we'll have some inefficiencies the first year or two - it'll take time to work the kinks out - but I'm okay with that. So, if you are thinking about being in the Charlotte area in the coming years during August-October... plan on coming out to the farm to help with the harvest! I'll even make apple cider and some nomzy foods to keep us going!!
We're also looking for a graphic designer to help us with logos and the like. I know a few of you out there are OMG talented, so let me know if you've got some free time and would like to do some discounted work. :) We know a few people in town who also do incredible stuff, but I'm always a fan of utilizing people in my "network." I consider it to be the same as buying local. Other than that, we're actually ahead of the game. Woohoo! Oh, and we do have a name and everything picked out. I'm waiting until we have a website up to release all that: I want to have something to show everyone!
I have to admit: I felt a huge relief when J and I decided that we're moving out to the farm area in 2011. Now, I do LOVE living in the city and being able to hop on public transit, or go to one of a million restaurants, or be a part of a place that buzzes with excitement. But I can't wait to get out of it. This town was significantly smaller when I was a kid, and I miss it. Besides, we won't be that far from CLT. And I'm only going to be 15 minutes away from a major mall and retail area. So yes: we are moving out to a cute neighborhood surrounded by pick-your-own-berries farms and cow pastures... and I can't wait. I'm tired of always being on the go and having some place that I have to be. I want to just be HOME. I want to have a real veggie garden that is actually IN the ground and that produces enough for a summer of fresh foods and canning for the winter. I realize that living out there is not going to be all peaches and daisies. And I realize that I am going to have a bit of an adjustment period. But I've been here for as long as I can remember. I'm 2 freakin' miles from my parents - just 1 zip code away. I need to spread my wings and explore and do something different. Heck, I even went to college in the same city. So, not only is this farm something I want - this move is something I can't wait for. I love my friends, but I know that we'll only be 60 minutes away. I mean, really.... 1 hour is NOT that far. So, yeah.
Sorry for the rant. I just decided that I needed to get it all out there.
I hope you all are well. I'll be back soon with some fun updates - hopefully :)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
News?
Well hello!
I know, I was totally planning on hopping on the computer yesterday. I'm sorry it didn't happen.
So. J and I are starting a hop farm. I know, it is the most awesome news in the entire world, right? Yeah - it is :)
The land is about an hour outside of Charlotte, so when we do move (2011), it won't be far from where we are now. The neighborhood that we're looking at is super adorable, and with some great people living there.
We'll be starting with an acre this coming spring, and growing slowly from there. We'll probably stop growing around 20 acres, but we'll see when we get there... 20 acres will require some full time help during the growing/harvesting seasons.
That's the big news. Not that exciting to most people, but we can't wait :) More details to come. Right now, I have to nurse a little hangover.
I know, I was totally planning on hopping on the computer yesterday. I'm sorry it didn't happen.
So. J and I are starting a hop farm. I know, it is the most awesome news in the entire world, right? Yeah - it is :)
The land is about an hour outside of Charlotte, so when we do move (2011), it won't be far from where we are now. The neighborhood that we're looking at is super adorable, and with some great people living there.
We'll be starting with an acre this coming spring, and growing slowly from there. We'll probably stop growing around 20 acres, but we'll see when we get there... 20 acres will require some full time help during the growing/harvesting seasons.
That's the big news. Not that exciting to most people, but we can't wait :) More details to come. Right now, I have to nurse a little hangover.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Work Work Work
I have a lot of work to do. I need to finish my office, organize my thoughts and tasks, and get started on other things around the house.
I have been meaning to make a big batch of Arroz con Pollo so I'd have lunch for the week. Did you notice it is Friday? I still haven't made it.
I just can't see to get focused this week! I don't know what my deal is. The good news: I'm going to really sit myself down in my office this weekend and get it together. Seriously. No more excuses and relaxing (although I do need to relax). I really need to get stuff done.
And it is when I really NEED to get stuff done, that I always want to relax.
Happy Friday everyone. I'll be back soon...
Also - happy autumn. The nights are chilly and I need to pack my summer clothes away (for a few weeks... then we'll get hit with an Indian summer). I love this time of year :)
skbw
I have been meaning to make a big batch of Arroz con Pollo so I'd have lunch for the week. Did you notice it is Friday? I still haven't made it.
I just can't see to get focused this week! I don't know what my deal is. The good news: I'm going to really sit myself down in my office this weekend and get it together. Seriously. No more excuses and relaxing (although I do need to relax). I really need to get stuff done.
And it is when I really NEED to get stuff done, that I always want to relax.
Happy Friday everyone. I'll be back soon...
Also - happy autumn. The nights are chilly and I need to pack my summer clothes away (for a few weeks... then we'll get hit with an Indian summer). I love this time of year :)
skbw
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Ack!
Hey-a guys! I owe you an update, and I'm sorry for being absent for 14 days. I fail.
So - big news coming on Saturday. Be patient with me?
In the meantime, I am going crazy. First, Panthers football. Need I say more? I think I do... See, I am a fan. Not a nutter, but a real solid fan. So, I am obviously disappointed in the performances by a large number of players over the past few weeks. I'm glad we have a bye week this upcoming weekend. Things need to get back in line. All that being said: I'm not really calling for Jake's or Fox's head. I mean, Orton threw 4 interceptions last week. Rough - but no one says anything. Every still jumps on Jake. Fox, yes - he does need to change things a bit. Where was the run on Monday night? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see Jake throwing and making some awesome field-length plays... but still. Double Trouble could use some ground time. Anyway... I'm ready for Week 5.
Those that are interested in fixing up old houses and the like, I found a fun blog: designspongeonline.com. Just take a look and poke around. Good times.
Also, Fall is Here. The nights and mornings are starting to get chilly, and there's some talk of frost in the mountain counties. That's pretty dern awesome, if I do say so myself. Here's why: a) Pants. I love wearing them. b) Thanksgiving is coming up. And that means Christmas is coming up. My favorite time of year is the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. yay. c) End of Quarter/End of Year reviews are coming up. That's exciting to me because....
I've almost been here a full year. Well, 10 months, but still... the next few months are going to fly by (End of Quarter, implementing new systems, massive amounts of projects on my desk. This is a fast time). A full year isn't that long in the grand scheme of things - but after 2008, I'm taking this as a small milestone.
Update on the house - nothing much has changed. I'm still all packed up in my office, but I've picked 2 options for paints! I've got some samples that I'm going to throw up on the wall tonight (hopefully). I really want to be painting this weekend, so I'd better decide soon! Yeah, that's as far as I've gotten.
As for Jon - he's kickin' butt and takin' names at the brewery. Things are going really well for him. This is coupled with the fact that the Brewery itself is doing EXTREMELY well. Have you all seen the AT&T Commercial that's set around a brewery? Sales Guy says: "Man, you sure can Brew it!" Brewer says: "Yeah, but can you sell it?" Then you see the 'More bars in more places' stuff, and the Brewer turns around in a chair, all nervous: "We're going to need to expand!" I'm not saying that the commercial was the E! True Hollywood story of Olde Meck, but it is dern close.
So go get some Olde Meck beer! Their Meck-toberfest is selling around the city! Also, Total Wine will be carrying growlers at some point in the near future. Support Local Business! If you don't live in the area (sad), then plan to stop by if you come through town.
Okay - that's enough from me. Have a great rest of the week, and I'll be back sooooon!
So - big news coming on Saturday. Be patient with me?
In the meantime, I am going crazy. First, Panthers football. Need I say more? I think I do... See, I am a fan. Not a nutter, but a real solid fan. So, I am obviously disappointed in the performances by a large number of players over the past few weeks. I'm glad we have a bye week this upcoming weekend. Things need to get back in line. All that being said: I'm not really calling for Jake's or Fox's head. I mean, Orton threw 4 interceptions last week. Rough - but no one says anything. Every still jumps on Jake. Fox, yes - he does need to change things a bit. Where was the run on Monday night? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see Jake throwing and making some awesome field-length plays... but still. Double Trouble could use some ground time. Anyway... I'm ready for Week 5.
Those that are interested in fixing up old houses and the like, I found a fun blog: designspongeonline.com. Just take a look and poke around. Good times.
Also, Fall is Here. The nights and mornings are starting to get chilly, and there's some talk of frost in the mountain counties. That's pretty dern awesome, if I do say so myself. Here's why: a) Pants. I love wearing them. b) Thanksgiving is coming up. And that means Christmas is coming up. My favorite time of year is the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. yay. c) End of Quarter/End of Year reviews are coming up. That's exciting to me because....
I've almost been here a full year. Well, 10 months, but still... the next few months are going to fly by (End of Quarter, implementing new systems, massive amounts of projects on my desk. This is a fast time). A full year isn't that long in the grand scheme of things - but after 2008, I'm taking this as a small milestone.
Update on the house - nothing much has changed. I'm still all packed up in my office, but I've picked 2 options for paints! I've got some samples that I'm going to throw up on the wall tonight (hopefully). I really want to be painting this weekend, so I'd better decide soon! Yeah, that's as far as I've gotten.
As for Jon - he's kickin' butt and takin' names at the brewery. Things are going really well for him. This is coupled with the fact that the Brewery itself is doing EXTREMELY well. Have you all seen the AT&T Commercial that's set around a brewery? Sales Guy says: "Man, you sure can Brew it!" Brewer says: "Yeah, but can you sell it?" Then you see the 'More bars in more places' stuff, and the Brewer turns around in a chair, all nervous: "We're going to need to expand!" I'm not saying that the commercial was the E! True Hollywood story of Olde Meck, but it is dern close.
So go get some Olde Meck beer! Their Meck-toberfest is selling around the city! Also, Total Wine will be carrying growlers at some point in the near future. Support Local Business! If you don't live in the area (sad), then plan to stop by if you come through town.
Okay - that's enough from me. Have a great rest of the week, and I'll be back sooooon!
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