Silent Ride Home

We finally decided to fix the Muffler, replace the battery, and get transmission/oil change on the Previa (Yoda) today. Actually, we decided last week after realizing my parents weren’t as keen on selling the Vanogan (Dub) as we were. Anyway, after printing some coupons, we made an appointment, and just picked it up after only 3 hours of work. The drive home was silent.

I should explain that the Previa has a deafening, well, embarasing whistle that results from holes in the interior baffle in the muffler. Its something quite common among Previas, but mine is no longer among them. I sped up and slowed down over and over on the drive home, and it accelerates better, and it sounds like a normal car. Its so nice.

Rooftop Brew

I bought the domain www.rooftopbrew.com on Monday night. I’m still figuring it out, but eventually this place will be Rooftop. I realize this is bad timing to change the name to Rooftop, given the sniper on the loose in VA and MD. I’m not sure what changes are going to hapen yet, or even if I’ll have a separate site, which would ultimately be more work.

5 Reasons I’m not a Vegetarian…

I’m having fun with lists today. First on the order: 5 Reasons I’m not a Vegetarian

No. Reason: Prepared:
1 Bratwurst Boiled in Stout, Grilled, served on bun
2 Flank Steak Marinated in Red wine, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice.
3 Pastrami Cream Cheese & Bagel, Cherry Coke, Tim’s Jalapeno Chips.
4 Prosciutto plain, with cantaloupe, or in pasta
5 Lamb Curry, Vindaloo, or Rack thereof.

Hoptoberfest

This weekend was Hoptoberfest, which is the American Hop Museum’s annual fund raiser/celebration. It was my first time to go, and it was a blast. Its hard to beat great beer, company, and a chance to meet the people who grow one of your favorite plants.

Several local breweries were at the event, and I was able to sample some fine beers. I think my favorite of the pack was Snipes Mountain’s Harvest Ale, which was a heavy hop ale featuring Amarillo hops. I also enjoyed the Ice Harbor IPA and Grant’s Fresh Hop ales.

Tasting note: If you’re drinking Highly hopped ales, don’t try anything with subtle flavors unless you’ve had time to cleanse your palate. :)

Rack of Heaven

Last night we celebrated my Mother-in-Law’s Birthday by dining at the Birchfield Manor in Yakima. It was a wonderful evening; the company and food were great. I ordered rack of lamb, because I’ve never had it made in such a fashion. I usually get it in curries & vindaloo. It was devine. Michelle, and most female friends I know don’t eat lamb for some reason. Fools.

Lisa, I thought you loved me Get in my belly!

What Makes a Man start a fire…

I’ve been listening to the Minutemen’s What Makes a Man Start Fires album in the car for the last couple days, and fell in love with it. I’ve loved Double Nickels on the Dime since I first heard it, but only liked Start Fires, and sorta liked Three Way Tie … For Last Place.

These guys were important to the Alternative/Grunge scene of the nineties, and prove that not all the music from the 80’s sucked. I whole heartedly recommend a listen.

Grass available

Grass 5, the open-source GIS software, is available for MacOS X. I’m tempted to try installing it again, but it requires installing a number of components, like a database server and x-windows clients. I went through the process last fall, but realized I didn’t know enough about Unix or databases to continue.

I know enough about Unix now, but still haven’t done any database stuff. I suppose reading is a good place to start, and some clever people have created an installer CD for OS X. And now there’s a book available, though its $119. Its still cheaper than buying a PC and ArcView GIS…maybe.

New Map

I’ve finished with the Lunchtime Disc Golf Course map I started last week. Well, I’m still in final_draft v.1 phase, but its getting close. Take a look. Its also available in PDF. Fletcher finished a game 5 under par on his first try at the course.

Bridgeport has a Hop Harvest ale that’s casked with fresh hops. Amazingly, its only 11 IBUs, but its delicious. If you’re in town, give it a try.

Andrew Visits

Andrew came down to visit us while he still had his company car. He works weekends now, and is staying until early Saturday morning, when he’ll roll off the couch and drive to work up in Enumclaw.

He got here last night, and we sat around and dreamt, reflected, and all the other stuff you do with old friends. Sadly, my co-worker requested these days off 4 months ago, so I’m stuck working. Or am I…