I survived my first few shifts at Loveland Aleworks!
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked in breweries before, but Friday was absolutely insane! There were two different events going on in Loveland so the place was beyond packed from the time I got there until after we closed. Considering that was my first real shift, I felt like I was drowning just a bit, but now that I’ve got the glassware down I think it’ll go smoothly from now on. Saturday was more my pace (still really busy, but much, much lower decibel) and it was nice to be able to get to know people behind and in front of the bar.
I started feeling slightly under the weather Sunday morning, so after church I got a little binge-y. I needed comfort food.
I wish I’d gone for this. It would’ve been much healthier. Think even more orange and out of a box. Sometimes Kraft mac ‘n cheese is what’s called for.
It got worse from there.
Ohhhh, it was so bad! I’ve decided it’s time to get back on track.
I actually did this “diet” a few years back after getting interested in the Mediterranean diet. The only thing it was lacking was thick, rare steaks. The Sonoma diet incorporates that in. In general it’s just a reminder to focus on veggies, proteins and whole grains instead of Ben and Jerry’s and processed Yellow 9 from a box. Plus, it allows for a glass of wine here and there, which I’m fairly certain I will substitute out for a beer. Modifications to suit my life.
I started the day off right with a hot boiled egg and coffee…
…plus a slice of my homemade spent grain/whole wheat bread slathered in peanut butter. And more coffee.
In other news:
My pairing suggestions were featured on Ask a Cicerone again, which was very pleasant! It’s always nice to see the influx of new readers after these come out.
And now I’m off to curl up in a ball, feel sorry for my under-the-weather self and study my photography and web design books. Happy Monday!
What are your go-to foods when you’re feeling under the weather?
There’s still snow in spots on the ground outside as I type, and the promise of more snow hangs in the air just over the mountains out the back window. I might actually be blessed enough to have a white Christmas!
I brought a few pre-Christmas gifts with me. 
Ora and I spent months working on this thing, and it turned out perfectly!
So happy and proud!
I even got my quote published in the book next to my favorite piece! I’m officially a published editor and author. Awesome.
The second day I was here, my mumsie and I met up with our best friends from way back when I was in elementary school at the 
Exquisite caramel cappuccino for my bestie Michelle. Unsweetened jasmine tea for the virus-ridden me.
Grilled cheese (quite sad compared to anything from 
Chicken gnocchi soup for me.
Michelle and her mom split the key lime pie. I was dying to try their chocolate ravioli or toffee brownie, but was too full to even attempt it. Luckily I have plenty of time to head back for another go.
Of course I couldn’t get through more than a few days without visiting a brewery. 
Clean and spacious with a high stack of board games. I could see myself settling in here for a few hours playing “Fact or Crap” while the snow falls outside.
My pops, brother and I split a flight of everything. I got the last sip in attempts not to infect them both.
We got these ten brews, plus a taster from the cask.
My favorite of them all was the Russian Imperial Stout. Thick and dark as motor oil and full of sweet dried fruits and rich chocolate. A perfect winter warmer at 9.5%ABV. I didn’t have a single beer here that I didn’t like! I’ll be going back for some more tasters and a tour during my stay this week. I have quite a few tours on the schedule, actually, so keep an eye out for those recaps!
Merry Christmas Eve!