Friday, November 6, 2009

Flu Things

I am so sick of being sick with this bloody swine flu. I have been out of work all week and I am still coughing and draining a wee bit. I am still tired and still feel lethargic about it all. It has been a royal pain in the buttocks. I was lucky to have one of my staff send me a link so I could access my email account at work and get some stuff done. I did catch up on my viewing of dvds, some painting, and some reading. I missed out on a play at the Guthrie Theatre, celebrating my friend's 40th birthday, playing bagpipes, drinking scotch, and making .... At least, I am still alive so far.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Halloween Black Beer Things

Went into an ale house to get some beer,
the publican says, " we serve no red coats here".
Went to the Blue Nile on Halloween Eve on Friday, to taste Al's wonderful selection of stouts and porters. I was not disappointed. I dressed as a doctor and put on a troll mask. When I arrived I passed out candy bars to the patrons and no one recognized me till I demasked. Great fun and I received a a pint of Great Northern Porter for my effort. James, Brent, Doug, Colleen (later), Katherine (later), Thom, Andrew and Dan (his friend)were there. It was a good night. After the Blue Nile, K and I went to james & Marthas for a Halloween party where we met Eddie and Eileen. It was a splendid evening.

Here is the list for the beers at the Blue Nile. I was able to try some of all of these beers. They are listed in order of their ratings from the Center of Porter and Stout, Mpls. Chapter. [Three stars *** indicates the best beer, two ** indicate great but with some reservations, and one star * okay.

Sinebrychoff Porter ***+, Darkness 2009 ***+, Bells Expedition Stout ***+, Lion Stout***, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout*** (This is a sipping beer).

Flat Earth Black Helicopter**, Summit Great Northern Porter**, Nogne-O Porter **, Surly Darkness 2008 ** (Sweet), Surly Bender**, Troubador Obscura**, Bell's Rye Stout**, Founder's Breakfast Stout**

Tyranena The Deil Made Me Do It *, Southern Tier Oat, Imperial Oatmeal Stout*.

These are great beers and it was ery sad that I became sick this weekend on Saturday and couln't get back there to try a few more sips of my favorites.