What happened today.
1. High Maintenance Buddy and I both got a trimming this morning, I at the barbershop and Buddy at the dog grooming shop. I was witty and informed and charmed my barber; Buddy bit his groomer on the face. There are many among you who might have expected this to be reversed.
2. Since haircuts are much less time-consuming that dog cuts, I spent some time gathering all the goodies for my Thanksgiving dinner at various food outlets and (don’t tell Lew; you know how he gets) the PLCB store in Collegeville, which is a good one.
3. After doing some work in mid-afternoon and watching the first quarter and a half of the Villanova v. Delaware game on the tube, I set up to tape the rest of the game for later, locked Buddy in his crate and headed off to Sly Fox Phoenixville for the Dale Van Wieren sanctification.
Four words for you: Don’t. Miss. This. Beer.
Seriously, it is marvelous and the De Dolle yeast which is at its heart is a virtual treasure chest of rich, spicy delights. Here’s a hint: either warm your glass extensively in your hands or, probably better yet, order something else and a Dale’s 10K, drink the first and let the latter warm up naturally. As it comes closer to room temperature, this Biere de Garde just gets more and more complex and interesting. I brought home a growler for tomorrow night’s Eagles game and I’ll take it out of the fridge a good hour or two before kickoff (okay, I might just pour a glass for breakfast, thinking it will be an excellent complement to the complex omelet I have in mind, but that doesn’t count).
4. Before any of us had tasted a drop of Dale’s 10K, The O’Reilly engaged me in a conversation:
“What if this beer is really, really good? Should we brew it again?
“Certainly. Why wouldn’t you?”
“Should we still call it Dale’s 10K?”
“ummm, yeah, why not?”
I wish to amend that latter at this time as I was struck with an inspiration.
Why not call it DALE’S Belgian PALE ALE?
And then, just for the fun of it, release it in cans?
5. I came home, returned a phone call from my niece, set up dinner and opened a bottle of Victory Helios, a beer about which I was still trying to make up my mind. Guided by wisdom offered from an unexpected source (“I Like it,” quoth The O’Reilly) and have bottles in the fridge, I figured the moment of decision was at hand. He was right.
6. Before turned on the TV to play the tape of the football game, I decided to check my email. Not a good idea. Topping the list was one from an old college pal with header “Villanova Beats Delaware.” Old college pals are not nearly so charming in real life as they appear in movies.
7. I guess I’ll watch the health care debate.
I haven’t been reading you for long Jack so I can’t speak to how you summed up #1, but it was hilarious just the same. And I see you watched the health care debate. Were you having trouble sleeping?