It’s Been Awhile

It’s been a while since my last post – who am I kidding, it’s been almost three years!
And what…you’re expecting me to say a lot has happened in my absence. In reality it has but, not for the best of this good ole boy.

I finally found work and it’s not what I would prefer to end my career. But, it was a job with a corporate juggernaut that just paid the bills without any enjoyment in life. It was actually short lived – I’ve moved on.

However, my hiatus in 30 plus months have lead to some serious debauchery.

Greg revisited the valley from Vienna, Austria and he finally got to savor the wine from Virginia’s Godfather…Linden Vineyard. We also revisited the Green Fairy in Middleburg, Va. per his request and like all those I taken there – good times were had.

My son and I have found a yearly outing in Lake Harmony, Pa. and this event is known as Cigarfest hosted by Cigar International. Two years under our belts and a lifetime of trips will be made. Every cigar lover has to go at least once in their life to this most enjoyable weekend. Hey Shortie, strap on some balls and go with us!

A few weeks later, I ended up in Pittsburgh visiting one of my closest friends who is like a brother, JD. The amount of bourbon I transported to his crib was close to illegal (cue the Smokey and The Bandit music). Heinz Field was hosting an artist that I haven’t seen since ‘96 and I was hoping he was still legit after all these years.

Holy Crap…Garth Brooks is the MAN! Still the best concert I’ve ever seen!

He took me to The Strip and we savored all its wonderful food and beverage offerings. My favorite highlights: Leaf & Bean, The Church Brew Works and the Pa. Libations Store. Fun Times! I almost forgot the Atomic Pepperoni Roll, so good!

Visiting Virginia Vineyards has reached 194 and counting. But I haven’t found anything worthy of my words.

The Va. Brewery count in now past 130 and I haven’t even visited the Richmond area at this point. That issue will be rectified soon.

I have a proclivity for Octoberfest beer and I try my best to taste as many as I can. I tasted 45 in 2018 and 57 different ones in 2019.

Bourbon has become a big part of my balanced diet of late. And by God, that brown water is quite a treat. God Bless the distilled spirits from the Bluegrass state! My son is pushing me to try more Scotch and I’m beginning to see why.

I was asked recently what have been my greatest hits during my time of silence? And I would have to say….

Well first thing…the Nationals won the World Series! I waited 33 years for the return of baseball to the nations capital and only had to wait 14 years to watch a parade on Pennsylvania Ave. I still can’t believe it!

Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst, Va.
This microclimate location is producing some serious Pinot Noir in Virginia! Their Chardonnay is quite good too.

Harpers Ferry Brewing in Purcellville, Va.
When you make a beer called Sell The Team taking shots at D. Snyder it makes me an instant fan.