let's try this again

Hey there, i am back to trying to blog about my life and happenings after two years away. i didnt have much to say then, maybe there will be more to say now. or, maybe not...

whats in the news? today i passed my Certified Beer Server exam at Cicerone.org, and the next step is Certified Cicerone. The Cicerone program is to beer what the Sommelier program is to wine. I got my Sommelier certificate a couple of years ago, but just now got around to getting my Cicerone Beer Server. I have to start studying for my Certified level test that takes place on April 11 in Seattle.
I am interested in brewing a beer for an event we have at mortons next month, but i am a little nervous. I should really take advantage of the opportunity as the VP of Wine and Spirits as well as the Beverage Manager for Morton's has given my brewing/beer their stamp of approval and have encouraged me to brew for the restaurants' special occasions. As far as i know, this kind of opportunity isn't extended to anyone else.

Me and Peggy and the boys went to Coos Bay after xmas to see my sisters and my mom and the family there. We had such a good time! it is always good to see my sisters and my mom, and visiting with Gary and Diane, plus Aaron and Dan (who we had not seen in five or more years) is always so nice too. We saw 30 different species of birds on the trip including 6 bald eagles. Duncan was able to assist a pine siskin who had hit the window a little too hard = he had learned some skills at the Audubon Society Vet 101 camp he had taken recently. Thanks Duncan! Archie always has a great time with Karis; they dress up and play and have a wild time. All six of the cousins seem to really enjoy each others company. Its just what i always wanted.

I am still at Morton's, which is changing a little this winter. we were bought by the Landry group of restaurants and as i have no idea at all what the future holds for my job as i know it, i am holding out hope that it remains relatively the same. Peg is still at AMC, the boys are at CSS.

Two years ago we didnt have chickens, now we do. We got them late last summer and they were just tiny little things, a week old and could perch on my toe. Now they are much larger but not yet full grown. It seems that i am always making improvements on the coop and the run i built for them, and i always think "OK, this is the last dollar i spend on this coop." Segue into >>> i used to use the argument that brewing beer at home is cheaper than buying beer at freddies. I will strive to remember my words when the chickens start laying eggs. "raising chickens is cheaper than buying eggs." but, it isnt, it cant be. if i have spent $200 on housing the chickens and other paraphernalia, i cant think i will make up my money too quickly. Just guessing? it could take 800 eggs from these chickens to make up for the money i spent on their house and initial setup, which could be 2-3 years of eggs. But, i know its true, its not all about the eggs. These chickens are really a lot of fun. i love to watch them run around and strut and hide and dig around and peck and take dustbaths. And peggy loves it far more than i do.

The kids are wonderful, raising them is the most fun i have, next to being married, which i love more than anything.

Thats it for now. more in less than two years....