Jolly Beer

This is my sister showing off a pint of Nightwatch from the Jolly Roger last night.


In continuing our exploration of Northwest Microbrews with my friend from Utah we went the the Jolly Roger. This little pub in Ballard is next to Marine Time Brewery and always has lots of seasonal and special brews on tap. Along with the Nightwatch my sister is sporting above we consumed quite a bit of Jolly (their winter brew). Now not only does the beer taste excellent it is 9% so pace yourself. I don't know how much longer they will have it on tap so check it out for your self soon.

Beer

One of my good friends is in town for a couple days. Since we are both beer fans, and he has moved out of the microbeer-rich Northwest, we headed to Scuddlebutt for lunch. We had intended to take a brewery tour but all the locals (except Redhook, which we have already been toured a few times) don't offer any in the afternoon.

So on to Scuttlebutt...The food and service were excellent and the beer was even better. We both tackled a sampler (though I was driving and didn't finish mine). While all the beers offered were very good a few rose to the top. The extremely smooth Amber and an off pace Red were my two favorites. I am excited to head back soon and get a second tasting.

When we got home however it was nap time. All the food was deep fried and very filling. In my book that ='s nap time.

If you are near the Port of Everett check them out.

Sports

I have moved most if not all of my future sports chatter to this site.

This is a poor photograph, but my wife and I love this painting my parents bought for us. It is a water color looking in at Deception Pass.

My wife's home made Christmas present from me. (The holder not the earings.)

Christmas Morning Stockings.

Christmas Eve Service

For the first time in 20 years I attended a different Christmas Eve service, being the first Christmas my wife and I have spent together.

We decided to stay on this side of the state. But back to the point.....

After the service my mother-in-law and I were discussing the differences between the service tonight and the service I grew up attending.

The United Church of Christ I attended tonight was a very nice service. It opened with Joy to the World and slowed down through scriptures, music, and poems until the lighting of the Christ Candle and a peaceful walkout to Silent Night. My mother-in-law has been attending that church through many pastors since she was in high school and says the service has always been structured in the same basic format.

I contrast that with the United Methodist Church I grew up at. Again through many pastors the Christmas Eve service has not changed. The service usually opens with the Choir and slowly builds up through music, scripture, and the lighting of the Christ candle. At midnight a senior in the bell choir "rings in Christmas" with a large bass bell. After the 12th ring, Carol of the Bells starts from all around and builds up to Joy to the World. Everyone then leaves in excitement for the coming King.

What makes this so interesting is two fold. First the services are almost opposites. One builds up and one slows to a calm peace. Second is how in both of our cases the services never really change. The readings are standard and while the musics varies from year to year it is the same songs at the same times in the service.

If you have the time let me know about your Christmas Eve or holiday service of choice.

Merry Christmas all........

Our first Christmas tree together. 

My wife's little villiage above our fire. Plus Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty from when I was little. Can you pick them out? 

NBA rejects EA empire

Looks like the NBA video game market won't be monoplized like the NFL market. After disturbing news last week that Madden will be the only option next year for football fans the NBA has rejected EA's bid to own exclusive rights to the NBA names and players.

Next up is baseball. While baseball video games are not nearly as entertaining as Football or Basketball lets hope we still have options.