Homemade wine update #4

Ive been playing around with Inkscape to make labels for my wine.  Made two diffrent ones.  One for the bottle that I am going to cellar for a year to see what it does and then one for the rest of the bottles.  A quick trip to Staples for some appropriate sized shipping labels (which are WAY over priced by the way) and here is the finished product.

All labeled up

Warning for the back.

Wine Update #3

Over the holiday weekend I decided to bottle up my homemade wine since the gravity hadn't moved in several days.  Ended up with a little over a case of 375ml bottles.  It turned out better then I was expecting for just using Reliance table grapes and wild yeast that was on the grapes.  It kind of reminds me of a dry rose, boozy with a bit of grape flavor.  Its not going to win any awards but it is definitely drinkable which is all I could ask for.  It will be interesting to see how it develops over the coming months in the bottle. 

Im going to give it a go next year to see if I can improve on it, definitely some things I would do differently.

New Pellet Grill!

Well I stumbled into a deal that I could not pass up.  Got this new WiFi enabled Green Mountain Grill for basically half price.  I didn't need another grill, don't really have a place for it but I just couldn't pass it up, so over the weekend I christened it with a little standing rib roast.  Food porn below.

Heating Up

Baby Roast Smoking Away

Rested and Ready to Eat!

Turned out pretty damn good, not too smokey but it is only my first attempt at a smoked roast so I will have to work on the technique.

Its Here Its Here!

Well after a 5 month wait my new Subaru is finally here!  Picked it up last weekend and have just over 300 miles on the clock so far.  I'm still getting through the 1000 mile break in so I haven't really opened it up but it is plenty quick without getting on it.  The ride is definitely firm but not harsh by any means.  The seats are really pretty comfy for a sports bucket and there heated which has been nice since it has turn off quite cold recently.  Wholly balls can it CORNER!  Subaru really does know what there doing when it comes to all-wheel drive systems, its like its on rails.  The fuel mileage is just over 22mpg combined city and highway which inst much worse then my old forester at 25, it is a 300hp motor so I cant complain to much.  I'm quite pleased with it so far and it was definitely worth the wait.

My pickup got new shoes

After nearly 50000 miles on the old BFG All Terrains it was finally time for new tires for my pickup.  Since getting my commuter Subaru I don't drive the pickup much and when I do it is usually on gravel and dirt roads so I decided to go with a mud terrain tire.  Picked the Nitto Trail Grappler because it comes in what I think is the perfect size for my stock height pickup, 285/75R18.  That and everybody and there dog around here as Toyo MT and I just have to be different!  The only down side is the the price of 18" tires, $330 apiece.  Ford didn't do us any favors by going to such large wheels, seriously thought about going down to 17" wheels which is as small as I could go and fit over the brakes.  Anyway I am happy with them so far they ride decent and aren't any more noisy then the All Terrains were.  Every thing I have read about them is they ware pretty well too so well see.

Sporting new shoes!

Ready for my closeup.

Winter beard

So every winter I grow a beard and then in the spring shave it off.  Well this last spring I decided to get creative and this is the result.  Feel free to laugh at me.

This year I am taking a picture every day from October to March and will be making a animated gif.  Should be amusing  to see the final result.

Wine Update #2

First racking of my wine this weekend.  Had a little sample too.  The flavor is better then I was expecting.  Not overly dry but not to sweet either kind of reminded me of a rose.  It will be interesting to see what it is like in a month or two.

Siphoning out

Into the pot wile I clean the carboy

Pewfay Porter

It was brew day at my buddies house Saturday.  In honer of another friend of ours from the days of Everquest who is affectionately nicknamed Poopface we decided to brew a porter and call it the Pewfay Porter.

Boiling away

My ugly mug stirring the pot and I'm sporting my EQ shaman shirt!

Must get every drop

Chillin time and Poopface feet!

Into the carboy

Initial sampling was meet with approval by Poopface himself so we shall see how it turns out.

Wine Update 1

Well I transferred the wine from the bucket to the carboy over the weekend, forgot to take pictures of the process but took a couple post.

Bubblin away.

Looks like apple cider at this point.

Did get an impromptu taste wile siphoning. Didn't taste to bad, still pretty sweet with a hint of alcohol.  Once secondary fermentation is done I'll rack it, let it settle and rack again to clear it up.

Homemade Wine

So with an over abundance of grapes from the 3 vines at home I decided to try making some wine.

Two hours later.

Now the waiting.

Decided to go old school and not add any additional sugar or yeast, what was on the grapes is all she gets.  Should be interesting how it turns out, if it turns out.  Updates to follow.

My favorite anime of the year

 

I just got done re-watching Watamote and wholly shit it just gets funnier every time.  For those of you that haven't seen it, its a show about a very socially awkward high-school girl and the lengths she goes to to be popular.  I think what makes it so good is that even though it is taken to the extreme in the show everyone can relate at least to an extent that feeling of trying to fit in.  Anyway for you that might have missed it I recommend it highly.  On a side note I wanted to give a shout out to my favorite anime vender, Roberts Anime Corner Store.  They have hands down the best customer service out there.  Questions, comments, concerns they are always quick to respond to emails.  The weekly newsletter that Roberts puts out is great as well, keeps you up to date with what is going on with releases and industry news.  So if your looking for anime, manga or other goodies you should definitely check them out.

County Fair

Another fair and frontier days over and done with.  Much fried foods were consumed, the scale reflects it today.  Back on the wagon for me.  In other news the photos I entered this year were winners!  Took a first place and a reserve class champion.

Here is a link to my 500px site, I dont update it too often but I try to put my better shots up.

My 500px

Breakfast in Walla Walla

This is why Bacon and Eggs has the best breakfasts in Walla Walla.  Home made hashbrowns, toasted sour dough, caramelized onions, cheese spread, roasted Spanish peppers, shaved ham topped with eggs.  Simply fantastic.  These ladies know how to cook!

Is it just me or do DJ's talking over the beginnings of songs piss you off.  Just a thought.

 

Side Mirrors

How to adjust your side mirrors, probably the best article I have read from Car and Driver in a wile.  Took alittle geting used to but now I wouldn't go back.

Adjusting Mirrors for Blind Spots

New Shoes!

My new shoes arrived yesterday!  LL Bean Kahtadin's.  Start breaking them in today, should look even better with age.

Girls Und Panzer

I have recently discovered Girls Und Panzer.  How I managed to miss it during its original simulcast is beyond me but what a great show.  Great story, likable characters, lovely animation and tank battles! How can you not like it.  Anyways if you have not seen it I encourage you to check it out.

Girls und Panzer at Cruncyroll

Intro

So I have started this blog as a place to vent, give opinions, thoughts and random musing of an ordinary average guys life.  If people actually read it or find it interesting great if not that's fine too.