A Time for Everything

It’s a snow day here in Portland, Oregon. We got somewhere between six and nine inches of snow last night. Maybe even more, but given how bad I am at estimating sizes of things1, I won’t try harder to be sure.

It’s not the first snow day we’ve had, but somehow it feels more like a snow day than any other. Maybe it’s how damn much snow is out there, or maybe it’s how quiet it is inside. I’m not sure. Nor am I sure if I care to figure out the “why” rather than just experience things as they are. In this case, it’s a snow day kind of day. I have tea. I have an urge to write. My tea is in a new, fabulous mug from the fantastic Deb Cooperman, and it’s encouraging my tea-ing and writing.… Continue reading →

Korean Lemon Tea

Sometimes, friendship arrives in the form of serendipity. And sometimes, that serendipity tastes of lemon.

A close up of a woman's hands slicing a lemon.

Long-time readers of this blog may recall that I spent a big chunk of time exchanging conversation in English for learning piano. I did a shit job of learning or retaining piano, I have to be honest. I know that was frustrating for Grace. But I also know we had a great time baking and eating and celebrating together.

It was a great way to make a friend, and swap cultural conversations. And generally be happy. And, back in those days, make new recipes for the challenge.

I miss Grace. And I never did learn how to make those ribs. A damn shame, because they were a delight. I wonder how she’s doing, as we’ve lost touch1.… Continue reading →

You Know My Heart

The internet is an amazing place. It’s brought me a number of wonderful things, not the least of which is new friends. Some of whom I have never (and may never) met. This cocktail is named for the words of one of those new friends, Yoda. “You Know My Heart” are her words to me once, in reference to this cocktail and other things in life.

Yoda has given me a lot of good advice in the time I’ve known her, and we’ve shared several laughs. She trusted me to edit important writing for her. We may never have met, but we’re texting or messaging each other at least twice a week. She’s fantastic.

This cocktail also could have been called, “Don’t Summer in Montana,” in reference to my friend Nicky repeatedly picking a horse, Summer in Montana, who had a tendency for awhile to forget how to win races.… Continue reading →

Giveaway Round Two: This Time, It’s My Homebrew

I enjoyed the last homebrew and homecooking giveaway so much that I not only raved about it the next day (and forgot to take pictures!), I immediately decided that, someday, I’d do it again.

Well, folks. Someday is upon us. Because, finally, I have an idea I want to share.

I’m currently brewing an amber ale with coffee in it, mostly because my friend Nancy and I wanted to do a coffee beer at about the same time. The more I thought about it, the more I realized, I also want to host a ton of brunches this summer. And a beer that we’re aiming to make akin to iced coffee? That should be fairly caffeinated? Clearly, this is FATE!

Thus, I’ve asked Nancy to hold her calendar for us.… Continue reading →

Bramble Rye is Memories. Those Made and Those to be Made.

The Session, a.k.a. Beer Blogging Friday, is an opportunity once a month for beer bloggers from around the world to get together and write from their own unique perspective on a single topic. This was supposed to be up last Friday, but I missed. You can have it today. The host this month, for #84 is Oliver J Grey and he asked for “alternative beer reviews.” This is mine. Even if you don’t love beer, you may enjoy this review.

I have never had a chocolate covered raspberry. I feel they must exist, somewhere. But I’ve never had one. And, frankly, I’m fine with this. I adore chocolate, but raspberries are generally not my thing.

Blackberries, on the other hand, I will eat like the world is ending.… Continue reading →