Sláinte!

Irish-ness

I can’t technically prove it, but I have been told by relatives above me on both parents’ sides that we have Irish blood.  I don’t know the quantity or ratio of Irish:to the rest of the mixture, but I can testify for certain that the blood that bubbles Irish packs quite a whallop in terms of dominance over the vast majority.  In other words, if we were dealing with paint, instead of blood, where the Irish blood is green, and (for illustrative purposes) the remainder of it is white, the tiniest, most minute droplet of green in this unknown abyss of white of would bring the entire volume to a nice shade of bright kelly green.

Here’s a list of nonscientific reasons why I’m Irish.

• I am extremely fond of Irish Stout
• Most of my favorite musicians tend to be from Ireland.  To name a few…
  • Damien Rice
  • Dropkick Murphys
  • The Frames
  • The Pogues
  • Van Morrison
  • U2
• While I am unable to do it well, I am often struck with an uncontrollable urge to speak with an Irish accent
• After God’s promise to Noah, I always think about pots of gold & leprechauns when I see a rainbow
• I have a strong affinity for a Full Irish Breakfast (minus black pudding and lamb’s liver)

A cure for cabin fever

Nicole and I had a great time today on our first outing since last Thursday.  Nicole said, “well, looks like the snow’s here to stay for now, let’s take advantage of its benefits.”  We were thankful that Matea’s video skills are improving.  Check out her work

Nolan is doing much better

He is running and playing like most 2 1/2 year-old boys. Here, he is pictured playing in the fire truck playground jungle gym at Jaquith Park in Newberg.

We were there as participants in the Veritas School Barbeque and Information Fair.

Toward the end of the evening, Nolan demonstrated his speed by sprinting away while our backs were turned. After we issued an APB, one of Matea’s classmate’s parents found him about 50 yards and across a parking lot from where he had begun his sprint.

I’m a Homebrewer.., and I play one on TV

It’s true, I’m a homebrewer. Here’s proof:

• I have an online Homebrew log.
• I’m known on ‘.TV’ as a homebrewer.
• I have a bumper sticker that reads, “I’d Rather Be Homebrewing” (thanks Brian & Deana)
• I know how to measure specific gravity and calculate alcohol by volume (& weight)
• I’d be embarrassed to be seen drinking Budweiser or Miller Beer (sorry Dad), but proudly display my affinity for Guinness and Bridgeport IPA.
• I’ve shown up at parties with Nalgene bottles filled with my creations.
• I have a refrigerator in my garage that is primarily devoted to chilling 5 gal kegs of homebrew.

My Flickr Profile Widget

I actually have posted more than 500 pictures. The number above represents those that I keep available to everyone. Most of my pictures are kept private and shared with friends and family to protect the subjects of my photos who are children.

If your Flickr account isn’t currently listed in my list of contacts and you think it should be, just let me know and I’ll add you.