Happy New Year

Hello everyone, it has been a few (okay more than a few) days since my last post, but it is the holidays, and it is good to take a break every now and again. I realize that you have been patiently waiting with bated breath for the next post so here it is.

One of the things that I knew already, but revisited over the break was that beer is appropriate in so many places. You might be thinking that it is only appropriate at certain times, but this simply is not true. Beer is as great at a family gathering during the holidays as it is on at the beach on a sunny summer day. After brewing my first beer, and having my parents visit over christmas, I realized that after talking about the beer and the process of creating the beer, it was a great experience to be able to share the results. Together my dad and I also brewed another batch, so we were able to go through the process together, and when it is ready, we will be able to discuss the outcome and what worked and didn't work.

Another time I found over the past few days that beer can be appropriate, is to mark specific, special days. On New Years day, my girlfriend, our dog, and I went to the mountains east of San Diego to an abandoned fire lookout. It was cold and windy, but the view was fantastic. While we were up there, we sat and talked about goals and expectations for the new year and commemorated it with the Pale Ale that I brewed. I can't really think of a better way to start off the new year.
Beer brings people together and brings people closer, beer is a great way to mark momentous occasions, and it is great for a cozy winter day. It can be used to make decisions, and set goals; however, I would recommend decisions be made with a little less beer (sometimes).

I hope that your holiday were wonderful and that the new year brings you new friends and new adventures.

Cheers!