Not Now

Sunset, Veterans Day 2014

I was in the mood for a good solid rant on Monday. Why? I suppose because it was Monday. So Monday night I wrote up what I thought was a very nice rant regarding conscription, you know - the draft, selective service. Then when I hit the sack I realized that Tuesday was Veterans Day. The rant seemed inappropriate for that day.

So I said, "Not now..."

Then Tuesday afternoon found me driving home, thinking that I needn't work on a post for Wednesday. I'd just post my draft rant.

Then as I was unlocking the sally port to Chez Sarge I saw that sunset in the opening photo. Again I said to myself (regarding the rant), "Not now..."

While Monday and Tuesday sort of dragged and my lack of sleep made everything somewhat surreal, I thought back to the weekend. As I mentioned Saturday, if the ground dried out sufficiently, I would cut the grass on Sunday. Mister Weedwhacker decided to take a pass until later in the season. One more good trimming and we should be good for winter. Mister Mower, while not exactly cooperative, did manage to start and I chased him round the estate until 'lo and behold, the grass was cut. Time for a brew (or two).

This having an adult beverage as part of the grass cutting ritual is a new thing. While I have been known to quaff an ale on a hot summer's day, post mowing, doing it every time is a new habit. It gives me the chance to just sit back and enjoy nature for 30 minutes or so. While sipping a cold one.

Last Sunday's Ale Selections

I decided to go Smuttynose this Sunday last (sounds odd when I put like that, doesn't it?)

To the right is a Shoals Pale Ale, smooth with a nice touch of hoppiness, which my kid brother The Musician would not like at all. The smooth yes, but he has this anti-hoppiness thing going on which puzzles me. Are we not of the same parentage? Ah well, to each his own.

No, I haven't mentioned the ale on the left yet, patience I'm getting there. I'm getting old and set in my ways. I like to pace myself.

Bouncy House IPA

Yup, Bouncy House. I kid you not.

It's named for exactly what you think...

An inflatable amusement device. Or (as we call it round here) The Nuke's Bane. For when we were in Germany she managed to get a green stick fracture of one of her fingers at some event on base in one of these inflatable things. She claims that The WSO trampled her. Anything is possible. The WSO, like me, tends to be a bit "enthusiastic" when it comes to play time. All rambunctious she is.

Any way, the Bouncy House IPA is absolutely delightful, very smooth, incredible flavor with just the right amount of bite from the hops. I think even The Musician would like it. Let's have a closer look at that label, shall we?

The Horror!

I was reminded of that episode in Germany with the bouncy house when I first beheld the label on this excellent IPA.

The fellow on his back with the look of sheer terror on his face? Yup, he's playing the part of The Nuke. The lovely lady who appears to be fully airborne is portraying The WSO. She's going to demonstrate that gravity is about to do it's thing. And he knows it. The look on his face is priceless. (She seems to not have a care in the world...)

The folks up at the Smuttynose Brewing Company have an excellent sense of humor.

And a lot of talent when it comes to beverages brewed with hops and barley.

A lot of talent.

Will you get to see that draft rant any time soon?

Probably...

But not now.

Not when I'm surrounded with such splendor...

The colors are awesome this time of year.

The Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is one of my favorites.

The sky was full of these slowly drifting pink clouds Sunday at sunset. 

I could have had another ale, but I restrained myself.

Hhmm, I thought I got all those leaves up Sunday?
Oh yeah, the trees have a lot left. A lot.